Mary Anne Ruskin – 10/24/04

This page was last updated on October 24, 2004.

Support Kerry, troops; Mary Anne Ruskin; Beaver County Times; October 24, 2004.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“In response to Wednesday’s letter to the editor from Michael Wallace (‘A one-party nation’).

“Again, a letter from someone who thinks it is somehow unpatriotic to support anyone other than the current administration. This writer somehow thought it was wrong to have a bumper sticker supporting John Kerry, along with a ribbon in support of the troops.”

[RWC] Ms. Ruskin appears to buy into the position that criticizing John Kerry with respect to national security is the same as questioning his patriotism. Mr. Wallace did not claim it was “unpatriotic to support anyone other than the current administration.” I think it’s fair to say Mr. Wallace believes it’s inconsistent for people who support our troops to support John Kerry. Given Kerry’s recent and not-so-recent history, I believe it’s inconsistent as well.

“My son was deployed in March of 2003 to Samara, Iraq, as part of the 4th Infantry Division. Samara was, and still is, one of the most dangerous areas in the Sunni Triangle.

“I proudly and patriotically display both a ‘Support My Soldier’ ribbon and a Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker on my car. Some of the soldiers will vote for the incumbent, but many, including my son, will vote for John Kerry.”

[RWC] Ms. Ruskin’s son appears to be in the minority. According to a poll of its readers, the Military Times found active-duty personnel who responded to the poll favored President Bush 72% to 17% for Kerry. The figures for the Guard and Reserve respondents were 73% and 18%, respectively.¹

“My son was in Iraq fighting to give the Iraqis the freedom to voice their opinion in a free society, something I am grateful to be able to do everyday.

“One more thing: Every dollar raised from the purchase of those ribbons goes to support the troops. Everyone should have one on the car.”

[RWC] While I’m sure Ms. Ruskin supports her son, you’ll note she never said she supported his mission. Ms. Ruskin also gave no reason to vote for John Kerry.

I hope Ms. Ruskin’s son returns home safe.

1. Whose Military Vote?; Peter D. Feaver; The Washington Post; October 12, 2004.