I've seen this a number of times now and am reminded of the turmoil all of us went through during the Viet Nam war.   Those who served during that time were particularly impacted with all sort of feelings related to the issue.   I believe that history has shown that we shouldn't have been there in the first place and some questionable incidents did occur.  It is also an undeniable fact that the majority of U.S. service members served honorably and with great distinction in a difficult war.  I spent a relatively short and insignificant period of service there but felt the full impact of emotions and post service reactions to the public opinions being expressed at the time and shared many of the bad feelings about those involved in the protest. 

 

I believe that Kerry reacted to what he knew at the time and stood against what he believed was wrong.   To compare John Kerry, or even associate his name with Jane Fonda, is pure garbage.   Kerry did his service, regardless if it was for political reasons or what (so did many successful politicians throughout our history).   It is interesting that this information is being used at a time when we once again have our troops involved in an action which is costing hundreds of American lives and was initiated by a leader who reportedly avoided having to serve in combat when it was his turn.   Even his service to avoid combat is being seen as questionable to the point of him potentially being AWOL from his military responsibilities while others less fortunate were forced to serve and be killed so he could continue his political ambitions.  I would not even begin to degrade the service of our wonderful military personnel in Iraq today by saying anything against that action.  They are all 100% great Americans and deserve our full support.   To question our political leadership and seek change is not anti veteran, it is what I served 34 years in Law Enforcement and 27 years of combined active and reserve service in our military for.

 

There is a lot to consider for all of us while this stuff is thrown back and forth.   We need to all carefully evaluate the current facts and decide if a change is needed.   Look at the condition of our country now and what is going on militarily and economically.    I, for one, believe we need that now and the only reasonable change I see is John Kerry for President.

 

Attached is an interesting article that addresses the Kerry issue during the time it was taking place. 

 

Jim Fields

 

Attachment: Boston Globe Article dtd 1971