Scrutinize Kerry's war record

"Hero" is not a self-proclaimed attribute to be used for purposes of political posturing and vanity. Real Heroes wear this badge quietly, with decorum and dignity, and are often reluctant to reflect on these experiences.

John Kerry, motivated by self-interest and gain, has personally chosen to make his war record a major centerpiece of his campaign. Should not a claim of such magnitude be open to scrutiny?

The left wing shout loudly from their holier than thou moral balcony, "Who are these Swift Boat people?" and "What right do they have to question what is so obviously so?"

Folks, they have every right! Who has a better right to refute or validate those claims than those he served with? Honorable men, veterans, many of whom are documented and decorated war heroes. Officers and enlisted men, two hundred and fifty in number, have signed a document expressing grave concerns about John Kerry's honesty and integrity, questioning his ability to hold the office of Commander in Chief. Their common objective is presenting the truth to the American people. Collectively they have nothing to gain and much to lose by making this stand.

What makes John Kerry's assertions any more credible than those of his Swift Boat and military counterparts?

Is there any situation, given the testimony of 251 men, in which reasonable minds arrive at the premise that 250 of them are liars? Or would it be logical to conclude that the facts, as presented by John Kerry, are indeed in contention?

Andy Stevens
Anacortes

This is the original uncut article prior publication.  The Newpaper "Letters to the Editior" requires that all articles submitted contain 250 words or less....

 Heroes?  The enduring, irrefutable status of "hero" is not an attribute to be personally applied or sustainable through self attested proclamation for political purposes, posturing and vanity.  Publicly recognized and heralded for their actions and deeds, "true heroes" are, for the most part, quiet and unassuming, generally reluctant to share or reflect on their experiences.  "Real Heroes wear this badge of honor with decorum, dignity and often times a great deal of pain and reverence. 

John Kerry has chosen to make his war record a major centerpiece of his campaign. He has publicly laid claim to the status of hero, distinguishing himself above others, perhaps more deserving than himself, for reasons of personal interest and gain.  Given that, It is only right and reasonable that a claim of such magnitude be open to scrutiny. 

The left wing shout loudly from their holier than thou moral balcony, "Who are these Swift Boat people?" and "What right do they have to question what is so obviously so?"

Folks, they have every right!  Who has a better right to refute or validate those claims than those he served with? These are the men who were there, men who fought the same enemy.  These are men who served with John Kerry.  These are honorable men, many of whom are documented and decorated war heroes, all veterans of our armed forces.  Their ranks include Admirals, Commanders, Captains, soldiers, sailors and marines.  

Officers and enlisted men, two hundred and fifty in number, have signed a document expressing grave concerns about John Kerry's honesty and integrity, questioning his ability to hold the office of Commander in Chief.  Their common objective is presenting the truth to the American people. Collectively they have nothing to gain and much to lose by making this stand.

What makes John Kerry’s assertion that he is a hero, ready to assume the role of "Commander in Chief" any more credible than the claim of 250 of his Swift Boat and military counterparts that he is not?  If you accept John Kerry’s claims as credible, you must also accept the credibility of these 250 good brave men.  If you accept the credibility of these men you must also accept the premise that the facts, as presented by John Kerry, are indeed in contention.