Great compilation, JK Blog Team!

And great work, JK community!

I think that the GlobalVillage video needs to go viral. So let’s do that, OK?

Hey, GlobalVillage—that was terrific!!  This one’s definitely a good one for sending to your email list for motivation.

What a great video by Globalvillage!

And a great roundup from around the blogs, too - thanks!

My all time favorite “GOTV” videos are the “Had Enough” series…of course the one I must choose to nominate is the PA-7 variant…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk8oDFHU2mI

I wish this could be piped into the house of every PA-7 voter - except the diehard Weldonites, of course -  on the morning of Nov. 7.  And again in the evening if they haven’t voted yet!

Thanks for the round up.

It sure makes me happy to see somebody in the thick of it post a diary on Kos saying what we all know about JK’s efforts in the campaign.

Happy Halloween! Don’t forget to vote next week.

I myself can’t wait to get rid of the current Congress. Going back to the 2004 election, this country would have been better off with a President Kerry.

Ever since Bush’s reelection we just kept going up shit creek while he kept saying “stay the course.” And now the American people are finally waking up from Bush’s disastrous policies. They are so angry with Bush and the GOP that the Dems have an excellent chance of capturing both houses of Congress. Now I want every single person who voted for John Kerry in 2004 to join me in saying to the 51% of the country that voted for Bush:

WE TOLD YOU SO.

Fantastic video, GV!!!  I’m sending it to everyone I know right now—every U.S. voter should see it.  Great music, too. :-)

John Kerry advocate for the troops! Why did you say yesterday they are the ones who dropped out and did not get educated. Why compare education with our fighting men and women you should be ashamed of your high and mighty stance and the way you belittle those in harms way. Or I guess your spin doctors will turn this around just like you did to those swift boat people but we all see thru it.

Mike,

John Kerry has nothing to apologize FOR when it comes to his record on supporting the troops and the vets.  On the contrary.  John Kerry has a long history of service to his country while in uniform, and then service to the causes of veterans during his entire tenure in the Senate.

Let me ask you this, Mike—

You demanding an apology from the folks who voted against the funding for traumatically brain injured troops?

You demanding an apology from the administration for underfunding VA hospitals?

You demanding an apology from the administration who lied us into war, lied their way through it, and are now lying about their continued stay the course strategy?

I didn’t think so.

If you heard the whole speech yesterday, you would know the context that the remark was made in, and you would know that Kerry was referring to BUSH.  But likely you heard the short clip from the distortion machine that is the carious and sundry wingnut blogs and the spin room of Tony Snow.

Here’s a tip: Rush Limbaugh and Michelle Malkin are not a source for truth.  About anything.

You want to support the troops, Mike?  Then support the dem vets who are running for Congress.  Support all of the Democrats running, because those are the ones that support the troops.  Stop supporting the Rubberstamp Republican do-nothing-for-the-troops-but-put-them-in-harms-way members of Congress.

No Casey, I’m just echoing John McCain and demanding an apology from Kerry for now.  His comments were disgraceful and he probably commited political suicide but he still needs to apologize before riding into the sunset.

Tom,

Do you really believe that all of the good men and women who are serving in Iraq WANT to be there?  I have no doubt whatsever that they want to serve their country, but those are two vastly different things.

You know what makes me sick, Tom?  People like Michelle Malkin and Rush Limbaugh who have never and will never wear the uniform of their country, but are happy to disparage those who have and those who do.  People like Michelle Malkin and Rush Limbaugh who have no clue what it is to really support the troops beyond a yellow ribbon magnet on their car.

When it comes to support the troops, John Kerry doesn’t have one damn thing to apologize for.

I read: “Statement of John Kerry Responding to Republican Distortions, Pathetic Tony Snow Diversions and Distractions”

Was this really written and/or said by a person who once ran for President of the United States?

I don’t believe it. It’s high-school level. And, I’m being kind.

Proud American,

That is not what Kerry said.

You are misquoting him.  He said that he “cannot overestimate the importance of a great education.”

That sure is some warped way to twist what Kerry said.

No surprise. Just like during the 2004 campaign they have no good arguments against Kerry’s actual positions. They must resort to such distortions to attack him.

This is all over the conservative blogs. It is a shame they are afraid to discuss the real issues rather than nonsense like this.

The statement made by John Kerry is the most condescending and elitist dribble I’ve ever read in my life…liberals always like to talk about the right to descent…except when it applies to them…This guy is supposed to be a US Senator?  Time to look in the mirror Mr. Senator….

Posted by Scott | October 31, 2006 1:11 PM

Uh, Scott?  In case you hadn’t noticed, you are here on John Kerry’s blog, dissenting.  You want to tell me again about all liberals?

Oh, wait—others here are dissenting.  You are descenting, which is good, because your argument stinks to high heaven.

I am insulted by Kerry’s comments yesterday at PCC.  My father dropped out of high school to join the military.  The military helped make him who he was.

So what if he never graduated from High School.  He still managed to graduate from USC and Loyola Law school.  He had a very successful carreer.

Kerry seems to believe that only dumb people join the military.  I know this is truely his belief.  But I want you to know that many people told me my father was one of the smartest men he knew and he was in the military.

Align yourselves with the most elitist, condescending,snob in America and be very embarassed.  Even his hindsight isn’t 20/20.  Kerry’s lies of Vietnam and his continued distortions of the truth are shameful beyond words.  Get a brain to go with your heart and the only turkey you will want in November is the Thanksgiving fowl.

mr.kerry owes the entire armed forces, their families, and retirees an appology which will never be sufficient.  He said at the angelides rally “...and make an effort to be smart…”  He never took his own advice did he?

If Senator Kerry wants to slam the President, he should leave our brave service people out of it.  For those of you who may have forgotten, these are real people with families back home.  We should not be referring to our service people as not “making an effort to be smart.”  It is disappointing no matter how you try to rationalize it.

Your comments during your campaign speech in California has infuriated me.  Four of my family members have or are serving in the military.  Two of us have college degrees and the granson is working while on active duty to obtain his degree.  If that is you and/or your parties beliefs, may god help all of you.  Rex Welch.

That’s the right wing for ya.  They want to talk about words taken out of context, instead of ACTIONS that led to the needless deaths of our troops.  Distract, distract, distract.  John Kerry has a record of supporting troops; anyone who says otherwise is just a liar.

Disrespecting our military is an absolute disgrace.  Anyone who thought this poor attempt of a joke was funny should learn how to appreciate their freedom and how it is provided by real Americans.

There is too much material on Bush and the Republicans to use to mock their administration.  This choice of a topic is absolutely tasteless for a U.S. Senator.

Posted by Pundit | October 31, 2006 1:15 PM

I’m going to make the effort, even though I don’t think you wil comprehend this, being named pundit and all…

First, John Kerry didn’t say that about his fellow troops in VietNam, for the zillionth time.  John Kerry testified before Congress on what was reported to HIM by soldiers during the Winter Soldiers hearings.  Get your facts straight.

And second, you are supposed to vote for funding for a war when it includes tax cuts for the rich?  Really?  I guess I missed that memo.  See, I think you are supposed to help ensure that the burden of a war is borne fully by all citizens, something Bush and the Rubberstampers refuse to do. 

So what your saying is that only the poor and the middle class should have to pay for a war?

MH - thanks so much for your service.  You undoubtedly know how important real leadership is to completing any mission.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a CIC who can provide that leadership.  And it’s sad that, instead of blaming him for his administrations failures, too many people are showing up here to act as Bush apologists.

The fact is, the President is and was wrong on Iraq, and that’s what John Kerry was saying yesterday.  John Kerry did not dis the troops just because some people may wish it so.

This man is an embarrassment to himself, but apparently doesn’t recognize it.  As for the bashing of Michelle Malkin when it comes to truth, I find it hilarious and most delusional that anyone who support mr. kerry knows anything about truth.

The California soeech for Angelides looks like a shot in the collective democrat foot.  Someone needs to gag him.

Bush’s 4 year GPA average at Yale was higher than Kerry’s 4 year GPA.  This was a Freudian FUBAR by Kerry.  This was not a reference to the President.  He shows the same support of the troops today as he did by throwing his medals over the White House fence in the 60’s condemning the military he so proudly served for.  Kerry should take some cues from John McCain on how to live and breathe like a true Veteran Hero.

Fred Thompson -

What should Senator Kerry apologize for?  “I’m sorry Michelle Malkin, who hates me to begin with, took my words out of context?”

Sorry, but it’s not a fair request.

Ripping statements out of context and then using them as an excuse to bash someone just to take the spotlight off of the Republicans and George Bush’s pathetic support for our troops in Iraq is about what I have come to expect from the Right Wing trolls.

Sen. Kerry has nothing to apologize for. This pathetic attempt by the RW trolls to take the emphasis off their embarrassing and tragic lack of support for body armor for our troops, for proper health care for our troops and for a decent plan in Iraq that supports our troops is the real disgrace.

I look forward to hearing from Michelle Malkin and all the other RWers when they press George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld for an apology for the weapons they never secured or tracked properly in Iraq and that an internal audit revealed are unaccounted for in Iraq.  I look forward to an apology for this error that gave ammunition to warring factions in Iraq that they might actually be using to wound or kill our troops.

However, I won’t hold my breath waiting. Obviously the RW trolls would rather complain about some quote they ripped out of context than demand real support for our troops in Iraq and real accountability for all the errors made that continue to threaten our troops and their safety.

How dare you come over here and pretend that you are outraged over some comment that was ripped out of context when our troops are in danger do to the incompetency and arrogance of Republicans who refuse to ask for real change and a real plan in Iraq. That is the real outrage.

Out of context?  All the defense here I see of the anti-millitary remarks are pro-kerry folks translating for the rest of us what he “meant.” 

You apparently think there is a hearing deficit too.  How does that happen when one listens to the words actually being emitted from Kerry’s mouth???  He was addressing students at a school, so wasn’t the context education?  And if one doesn’t apply themselves they get to go to Iraq?  I suppose Pat Tillman, and others who are grads from Princeton and SMU Law School just made no effort to “better themselves” and avoid going to Iraq.

Nice words from a D student!

My god, they’re crawling out of the woodwork today, aren’t they?

Nice piling on, Malkin et al, when you have absolutely nothing positive to say in defense of the true targets of Kerry’s remark - Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and the rest of the manipulative weasels who are in charge of - and fully responsible for - the mess in Iraq.

This is just another straw man argument to distract from the truth.  It’s pathetic.  A week from the election, is this all you’ve got?  Pa-the-tic.

Rich P -

JK’s remarks were about the President, not about people like you.  He’ll be giving a press conference shortly - hope you’ll check it out.

Lisa,

Please, my husband served for 20 years and totally supoerts the troops and Senator Kerry.

You know taking talking points from Michelle Malkin is bad enough but then to bring up Pat Tillman, who was exploited by this administration, is despicable.

Being that I am a Vet, have a college degree and is doing well under the Bush tax cuts and great economy, I truly want to thank Mr. John Kerry-Heinz for completely ruining his chance to ever be president of the US. 
Not too bright…

Say goodbye to that second chance in 2008, Senator. You just blew it for that remark.

A press conference to tell us he “mis-spoke?”  I came in here just to see if I was the only one, as a child of a military family, who was insulted by those remarks.  I don’t think he can repair what he said in that speech.  Context was clear….actually the Jk’ers are working pretty hard to blur the statements.  You mention education to an audience of students and it’s supposed to be a jab at Bush?

As for Iraq, we have a national lesson to grasp:  every culture does not want to live like we do.  I don’t expect Iraq will arise as a shining democracy iin the middle east.  Their idea of success and prosperity is much different than ours and is ingrained thru history.  We can’t change that and it’s unfortunate that some thought we could do so.  At least we have made an effort to help them.  Some wouldn’t bother an attempt at all - is that you>?

Prospector,

Why on earth should John Kerry apologize for criticizing George Bush? Why should be apologize for the right-wing spin machine pretending—when they know better—that he was talking about the troops? George Bush is the one who should apologize for getting nearly 3,000 of our soldiers killed and thousands more injured and disabled. John Kerry has proudly fought *for* our troops every step of the way, and he has nothing to apologize for.

“As for Iraq, we have a national lesson to grasp:
every culture does not want to live like we do. I don’t expect Iraq will arise as a shining democracy in the middle east.”

Oh really? I thought that’s the bill of goods George Bush sold us after he couldn’t find WMDs.

“Their idea of success and prosperity is much different than ours and is ingrained thru history.”

You mean like having electricity for twenty-four hours a day instead of two?

“We can’t change that and it’s unfortunate that some thought we could do so.”

Yes, especially this President and rubberstamp Republican Congress that continues to keep us there.

“At least we have made an effort to help them.”

I’m sure the 655,000 dead Iraqis would be happy to thank us for our efforts—particularly if they were still alive.

“Some wouldn’t bother an attempt at all - is that you?”

Some attempts lead to success, some to disaster. Unfortunately in this instance, we have the latter.

Wow. Look at all the people coming over here to prove that critical thinking skills are in serious shortage on the right!

Whatever your levell of education, folks, what makes the case, or does not make the case is the demonstrated ability to take a statement and analyze in light of what came before it, after it, and how it relates to the behaviors that accompany it.

In this case, John Kerry’s record of support for troops speaks volumes.  The statements made above by people about what a great job the Bush administration is doing in Iraq also speak volumes about how little attention they are paying to reality.

I realize all you folks are gleefully jumping on the bandwagon, and you seriously think you are taking John Kerry out with your remarks, but I think you have given him just the kind of platform he needs to point out the truth.

Let’s all listen to him now and see where we are in an hour, OK? And then let’s see where we are in a week. And then, in 2008.  I think there’s a tremendous opportunity here to wake folks up to the need to get rid of this administration, and all of their dysfunctional and idiotic ideas.

Why is everyone who was disturbed by these comments a right-winger?  I have never served in the right wing, but I have in the Marine Corps.  I am sorry folks, this is just bad.  Maybe Senator Kerry should release the entire transcipt of his statements yesterday, because at this point, it just does not sound the way that people on this site are trying to explain it.

But who knows, maybe this former Marine(with a biochem degree) is just not smart enough to know when he has been insulted.

leisuresuit:

No need for Senator Kerry to apologize or explain. And he was not insulting you. He was insulting the president who continues to put you in harm’s way for a grave mistake in judgement.

tom:
THIS JOHN McCAIN REMARK ABOUT HOW UNINFORMED JOHN KERRY MUST BE TO MAKE COMMENTS ABOUT THE LESS FORTUNATE THAT LOOK TO THE SERVICE AS A WAY OUT OF THEIR SITUATIONS, AND TO GET AN EDUCATION THROUGH THE SERVICE.IS PAIN AND SIMPLE A SLAP IN THE FACE. THIS IS WHERE DICK HEADS LIKE McCAIN NEED TO BE TAKEN TO SCHOOL ON THE SUBJECT OF ENROLLMENT. HOW THE MILITARY INFEST THE POOR NEIGHBORHOODS ,LOOKING TO EXPLOIT THESE KIDS.ALOT OF THE PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY ARE ZOMBIES .ESPECIALLY THIS MILITARY, THEY ARE MANIPULTATED WITH ONE POINT OF VIEW THE RIGHT WING POINT OF VIEW WHICH IS IGNORANT AND CONFRONTATIONAL. THAT IS THE OLD WAY TO REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY.

Posted by tom | October 31, 2006 12:42 PM

Where do you get this information from?  I have been in for 21 years and have yet to receive my indoctrination into the right wing conspiracy.  How do you explain our attitudes during the Clinton era?  Hate to break it to you, idiot, but it really doesn’t matter what party is in power, we do our damn job the same.  It is called professionalism…look into it.  By the way, lose the typical liberal BS of saying that the poor have no choice but to join up or that they are enticed by shady recruiters.  Contary to you liberal opinion, people can make decisions without government influence.  You probably believe that poor minorities turning to crime is the GOPs fault also.

Noisy: that you put “for” in asterisks in your most recent post is telling. It was just for show. Look, I’m a vet and I hate this Glory Hound vs Hound Dog
debate. Obama Barrack correctly analyzed the main problem with baby boomer politics and that is their obsession with who did what during the Viet- Nam War.  The shame of abandoning the Viet- Namese people still overwhelms this nation and continues to erupt like a nasty Saigon boil.  I move no more baby boomers be elected to national public office. And yes, John Kerry should apologize.
That is what leadership requires.

Yes, yes… not all of us poor, downtrodden last resort souls in the military today were privileged to go to Yale, marry into money (twice) or grow up in a liberal enclave.  I mean, who would possibly sign up for the military simply for the love of their country? Obviously, you only sign up for the military because you’re poor and uneducated, right?  Then how does that explain Kerry’s “service” in Vietnam?  Was he poor, hopeless and desperate?  Or was it for personal gain?  Didn’t he brag about saying “This will help me be President someday”?  Kerry’s problem is his disbelief that someone can, will and would, unlike him, sign up for military service for something other than personal gain. 

Shame on you, Mr. Kerry, and may you someday grow to appreciate those who fight day and night to make sure you get to run your worthless mouth.

SrA Stephen D. Gunnell
17th Recon
Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, NV

Fe:  Nice try.  The WMDs were found, although you apparently thought they would be nuclear-tipped ICBMs aimed at the US.  I’m quite sure that buldozers in Syria could unearth more.

The success and prosperity.  Is it your assertion that everyone has a “right” to 24 hour electricity?  If so, why7 don’t they already have it?  Why are the majority of them still living in the 3rd World?  They aren’t being very quick to stand up and support the changes. 

As for making an attempt to help them, we already know Kerry would never have made an attempt.  Better to try and fail than to never try at all…that’s how many kids learn to roller skate, ride a 2-wheel bike, and dive off the high board.

I stand with my initial statement.

Democrafty:

I listened to his words and came to what I think is a reasonable opinion about what he was trying to say.  I suppose if you’re a Kerry supporter, you’d likely take his speech to mean whatever you’d like it to mean to put him in the best light.  This appears to be what you’ve done in this case.

Lisa,

They did have 24 hour/day electricity in Baghdad before the US army arrived.  Just in case they didn’t include that in your freeper briefing manual.

Looks like the VFW is weighing in:
INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 31 /U.S. Newswire/—The National Commander of The American Legion called on Sen. John Kerry to apologize for suggesting that American troops in Iraq are uneducated.

“As a constituent of Senator Kerry’s I am disappointed. As leader of The American Legion, I am outraged,” said National Commander Paul A. Morin. “A generation ago, Sen. Kerry slandered his comrades in Vietnam by saying that they were rapists and murderers. It wasn’t true then and his warped view of today’s heroes isn’t true now.”

While addressing a group of college students at a campaign rally in Pasadena, CA., Monday, Kerry suggested that they receive an education or “if you don’t, you’ll get stuck in Iraq.”

“While The American Legion shares the senator’s appreciation for education, the troops in Iraq represent the most sophisticated, technologically superior military that the world has ever seen,” Morin said. “I think there is a thing or two that they could teach most college professors and campus elitists about the way the world works.

“And while we are on the topic of education, why doesn’t the senator and his comrades in Congress improve the GI Bill so all of today’s military members - reserves and guard included - can achieve the educational aspirations that the senator so highly values?” Morin said. “The senator’s false and outrageous attack was over-the-top and he should apologize now.”

Sounds like Kerry did garble the exact words of the joke. Imagine if every statement Bush garbled was taken as when he really meant.

Kerry, like anyone in public life, has messed up a line from time to time, but in George Bush’s case its entire books. More importantly, Bush not only messes up lines, he messes up on policy, and as a consequence messes up the country.

Some of the media is, not surprisingly, giving plenty of conservative spin to the joke.

Jennifer Loven of AP, who in the past has done real reporting as opposed to just repeating right wing talking points, at least has a more balanced account:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003332739_webkerry31.html

“Fe: Nice try. The WMDs were found, although you apparently thought they would be nuclear-tipped ICBMs aimed at the US. I’m quite sure that buldozers in Syria could unearth more.”

Wow. This is really swallowing AND brewing the Kool-aid. Starting with David Kay who said there were none and the long list of experts who continue to say there were none—that’s why the Administration had to CHANGE its rationale for invading from WMDs in Iraq to instituting “democracy in Iraq”

“The success and prosperity. Is it your assertion that everyone has a “right” to 24 hour electricity?”

Yes. Particularly if you had it before you were invaded.

Imagine YOUR life without it.

“If so, why don’t they already have it?”

Because we are occupying the country and the infrastructure has been destroyed. And its quite arrogant for you to assume that we were the civilizing force in our invasion of Iraq. Its quite opposite the fact.

“Why are the majority of them still living in the 3rd World?”

Who is THEM? What do YOU characterize to be the Third World? Do you think we actually civilized them? Remember, this was at one time (and still is) an oil-based economy—with money coming from US to support the government AND the infrastructure. Iraq was definitely in the 20th century, even before Saddam.

“They aren’t being very quick to stand up and support the changes.”

Yes, I know. I guess its hard to support the changes when you’re afraid of being bombed or shot at by insurgents when you’re trying to function during wartime.

“As for making an attempt to help them, we already know Kerry would never have made an attempt.”

How do you know?

“Better to try and fail than to never try at all…”

Yes—but when failure comes at THAT high a price, do you still want to continue failing?

“that’s how many kids learn to roller skate, ride a 2-wheel bike, and dive off the high board.”

There is quite a difference between falling off a bicycle and getting your leg blown off.

“I stand with my initial statement.”

Continue to do so, dear.

Posted by Lisa | October 31, 2006 2:24 PM

Personally, I am sick and tired of JK now.  The latest is his “apoligy” for his comments about our brave troups.  In context he was talking about young adults getting a good education, not about President Bush.  His rude reply seems to come from his heart.  My friends that are serving over there are volenteers, with degree’s and with out.  All of them brave and intellegent.

So rather than tell the truth and issure a heart felt apoligy he lashes out at his distracters calling them names once again.

Please shut JK up till after the elections, we need him to keep quiet like other “out spoken” Dems are doing now.

Violet said:“They did have 24 hour/day electricity in Baghdad before the US army arrived. Just in case they didn’t include that in your freeper briefing manual. “

Uh, I wouldn’t know as I have never been there.  I was just addressing a comment above.  I find it funny that you call everyone that sees the issues differently from “freepers” and wing-nuts.  I am not offended, as I don’t know what they are.

Sounds like Kerry’s now got a boatload of folks in the media and elsewhere trying to explain his comments.  You know what?  If what he said APPEARED to be an insult to the military and it has been taken that way, he needs to apologize for that APPEARANCE.  And I already thot Kerry knew that jokes were not his strong suit.  I wonder if he knows he cannot un-ring the bell?

Dear All on this Blog,

  It was obvious to anyone of intelligence that Sen. Kerry meant Pres. Bush when he said if you don’t do well in school you get stuck in Iraq.  Bush is the poorly educated person he was referring to, not the troops!  It would never OCCUR to him to insult the troops. He respects them far more than Bush and Co. do!  People calling for him to apologize are either making a foolish mistake by misinterpreting him or are flacks for the GOP hit squads.

Don’t let Sen. Kerry be swift-boated again!  We know his intentions and his deeds are all good and he of all people respects the military.  Not like the Bush Admin. who never served and yet are happy to send our brave eople to die for their rotten, selfish agenda.

Everyone with any interest in the welfare of our nation should speak out against the sickening way the media and the GOP flunkies are twisting Sen.Kerry’s words.  Call your news outlet and complain that their anchors are letting a lie go out.
Sen. kerry was OBVIOUSLY referring to Bush getting us stuck in Iraq. 

Don’t let this trickery stand!  Sen. Kerry is the rightful president of this country, and not only Rep. John Conyers figured that out.  Anyone who did the math and has a logical mind could see that Ohio and elsewhere were fiddled with in 2004, by Blackwell, Diebold, etc., etc., ad nauseum.  Don’t let another travesty occur now.  Stop the lies against Kerry!!!!

Got that October surprise in just under the gun.

ROVE, YOU DID IT AGAIN!!!

Mr. Kerry, shut your mouth before you bring your self-destructive bent to bear on the overall mid-term elections results. It’s enough that you blew the last presidential election in ways to numerous and depressing to count. Please, just shut up.

KERRY WAS SPEAKING ABOUT BUSH, NOT THE TROOPS

(Sorry for shouting but hopefully all those repeating the same line will see this.)

Boooo, John Kerry, Boooooo! He just stated that his comments were directed at Bush and his people. This is how disconnected Kerry is from the military. The military are Bush’s people. They overwhelmingly voted for him (and against Kerry) and support the mission in southwest Asia.  Wow. Total meltdown right before our eyes! This has got to be a Karl Rove October surprise.

Malkin was doing her duty today by trying to make Kerry the lightning rod instead of the overwhelming nationwide antipathy against the war started by a draft-deferring President with a degree he got grandfathered into from Yale and a Presidency that was handed to him by his father’s selected Supreme Court.

DON’T GET IT TWISTED.

I got a good education, and I volunteered to serve in Iraq. I got my Purple Hart by taking a round in my shoulder, not a rice grain in the butt. Kerry is not, nor ever will be my president.

Another Soldier—just remember despite what the wingers are telling you—the statement was not about you or any other soldier in Iraq—it was about the man who sent you there—George W. Bush. 

Thank you for your service.

Prospector,

Do you have a link for your assertion that the military “overwhelmingly voted for” Bush in 2004?

Because I thought it funny back then, that there were no news stories touting that “fact”, and I never did see any poll that actually showed it.

Kind of made me wonder what the numbers did show.

For what it’s worth, I’m a veteran, and I have family in the military, and most if not all of us support John Kerry; and those old enough to vote then, to my knowledge, voted for Kerry in 2004.

Ron Chusid:
KERRY WAS SPEAKING ABOUT BUSH, NOT THE TROOPS…

Look Ron, with all due respect, in context with the rest of his speach and with the text of the speach that he misread, you are wrong, he was talking to college students about getting a good education.

Eileen Fay, Please stop embarrassing us all by saying JK is the rightfull president.  That is just silly at this point and makes us all look like fools

Mark:

Soul searching?

What about trying to force this war DOWN THE COUNTRY’S THROAT with the 16 words based on lies in the State of the Union Speech?

Another thing: Mogadishu is NOT heading us into what will be a prolonged war as this Administration has done.

Try it? I’m trying to END IT.

I have listened to it again and I think that Kerry’s true colors have finally surfaced. He is a disgrace to all veterans and I am very proud that Americans had enough sense not to let this idiot be the leader of the free world. God Bless America and Keep Our Soldiers Safe! Please think before you vote! We do not need a psycho or a person who can even keep her own husband in check! If Hillary cannot even run her own household how is she supposed to run our country? Vote Right!

John F’n Kerry: “You know, education, if you (the audience) make the most of it, if you (the audience) study hard and you (the audience) do your homework, and you (the audience) make an effort to be smart, uh, you (the audience) can do well. If you (the audience) don’t, you (the audience) get stuck in Iraq. (Like the poor, moronic schmucks there now)”

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, yes… I can see it now.  You’re right, someone would have to be a complete tool to think he was referring to anyone but Bush.  I mean, speaking at a college and all… about education… John Kerry sounds eerily like that tool Richard Belzer on Maher’s show…

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen: “Having been in Iraq a few times, and Afghanistan, having met the troops one-on-one with free reign and asking them what they’re doing, they’re saying ‘we’re proud of our mission, we know what we’re doing over here. We don’t want you guys in Washington to lose it over there’. And there is a great sense of determination that what they are doing is making a difference. And yes, it has been an important mission what we’re doing, come on.”
Richard Belzer: “Yeah, come on. Our soldiers now are at-”

Ros-Lehtinen: “Are a volunteer force, a volunteer force.”

Belzer: “Okay, fine. No one questions the nobility and the honor that these men and woman who are serving and what they’re doing. No one questions that. But now they’re targets, they’re not going out. Now they’re just protecting each other and they’re in the middle of a civil war. So it’s really not fair to have these people who volunteered their lives to protect our nation under false pretenses to now be, to have targets-”

Ros-Lehtinen, over loud applause for Belzer: “Ask them. Ask them if it’s fair! Wait a minute, wait a minute. My stepson, wait a minute, my stepson-”

Belzer: “That’s bullsh*t: ask them! They’re not, they don’t read twenty newspapers a day. They’re under the threat of death every minute. They’re not the best people to ask about the war because they’re gonna die any second.”

Ros-Lehtinen: “Wait a minute! You are talking about my stepson, my stepson who just finished last week eight months of duty-”

Belzer over Ros-Lehtenin: “God bless your stepson. Doesn’t mean he’s a brilliant scholar about the war because he’s there. (applause) And God bless him.”

Ros-Lehtinen, quite agitated: “Oh, you are though! You are though? Okay.”

Belzer: “Well I have more time, I’m not there. My life is not under threat.”

Ros-Lehtinen: “Thank you. I’m glad.”

Maher: “I think the point he’s trying to make is that a 19-year-old who is in that army because he probably couldn’t find other employment-”

Ros-Lehtinen: “He’s a college graduate. He’s a Marine officer. He volunteered for the Marines.”

Belzer: “He’s the exception for the rule.”

Ros-Lehtinen: “He’s not the exception for the rule. I’ve been there-”

Belzer: “You think everyone over there is a college graduate? They’re 19 and 20-year-old kids who couldn’t get a job-”

Ros-Lehtinen: “Yeah, you know because you’ve been there and-”

Belzer: “It’s this patronizing thing that people have about if you’re against the war everyone’s lumped together. You know, the soldiers are not scholars, they’re not war experts”

Kerry, you are a disgrace to this nation.  How many times have YOU been over to see our troops?  How many times have YOU put rhetoric aside and THANKED them for their sacrifice?  I’ll tell you how often… never. 

And oddly enough, that’s the same amount of times that you will be President.

Shame on you, Mr. Kerry.

I love the smell of desperation in the morning.  You dear, misguided, conservative Trolls can say what you like but 60% of this country feels that the war in Iraq is a mistake, and while you waste your time with these lame and baseless attacks over a statement twisted out of context, we are mobilizing our base to stop this unnecessary war and really take care of our troops by bringing them HOME where they belong.

Senator Kerry should not apologize. He’s right. His words were describing a dirty not-so-secret, secret that most Americans have gotten wise to: the Chickenhawks cry “Patriotism” but they lure men and women into service with the promise of a good future and great benefits. Then they use them for a political war, keep them in the middle of a civil war without the necessary armor and equipment or even providing them with enough clean water and decent food.  (Thank the no-bid contracts to Halliburton for the food and water situation.) Then the Chickenhaws cut their benefits when they get back; IF they get back!

And these same Chickenhawks have the nerve to oppose an increase the death benefits for families of our brave service men and women who have lost their lives.  You might remember that John Kerry stood up against this outrage. He fought tooth and nail to get these benefits increased and you can THANK him for THIS if you want to do something constructive. 

How many of you actually watch Congress in action? How many have actually sat there and watched votes in the House and Senate and seen that time after time Republicans have voted down benefits for our troops and veterans?  I’ve watched hundreds of Republican LIES exposed right there on C-Span. Support our troops!  Huh!  When they were voting “NO” to every benefit proposed (mostly by Democrats), Senator Kerry was voting “YES” each and every time. And you conservatives always bring up the one vote where he voted against funding, but you neglect to mention he voted for the better bill and the vote was going through without his one “protest” vote anyhow.  Of course not: Republican methods only include deception and a twisting of both facts and statements.
If there is anyone here who is actually a Democrat (which I seriously doubt) then, do your research: don’t listen to the likes of Michelle Malkin.  More Republican lies will not help our country or our troops.

P.S. Something to remember: John Kerry is himself a veteran. He wasn’t drafted: he enlisted.

For the millionth time!  KERRY DID NOT BELITTLE OUR TROOPS!  Not once in his controversial statement did he even mention the military.  If Kerry has anything to apologize for, it’s for misreading his speech which was clearly a joke aimed at Bush. 

This is getting more ridiculous than the childish outrage at the Dixie Chicks.

Mark,
Mogadishu showed the Islamic extremists that our country is weak and that we would do nothing but pull out when the going gets tough. Sounds like Iraq doesn’t it? Let’s just leave and let Iran take control of Iraq. Let’s leave and hope the terrorists don’t use their position to hurt the US. That sounds like a really good idea. I am sure there will be peace in the world when we do that!!! Get a clue!!!

Sam, Vincent and others,

No Kerry intended to speak about Bush. He mangled the line a bit but that doesn’t change what he intended to say.

Let’s just leave and let Iran take control of Iraq. Let’s leave and hope the terrorists don’t use their position to hurt the US. That sounds like a really good idea. I am sure there will be peace in the world when we do that!!! Get a clue!!!

Posted by Scott Wolf | October 31, 2006 3:12 PM

Scott:

What do you think the Shiite majority in Iraqi Parliament IS? Iran HAS taken over Iraq, and this Administration blundered Iraq into THAT.

Thank god Kerry did not get elected President.  After hearing his comments on us supposedly uneducated soldiers I am so glad he is not my commander in chief.  You owe alot of soldiers, families and veterans a huge appoligy.

Mr. Kerry you should think twice about your statements, and I would have more respect for you if you stood behind what you say rather than backing off when there is some heat.  Your comment about education and those that serve in the military was way off base, and as a former officer you should know better than that.  I personally witnessed your comments and they were exactly as stated.  Your comment was clear and clearly discounted the contribution that is made by serving in the military.  Your statement makes it seem as though it is more of a sentence rather than an honor to serve.  I beg to differ, and will let you know that today’s military is a volunteer force that serves loyally, with honor and for the simplest of reasons.  We are proud to be American’s and if we don’t server who will?  The college students you speak so highly of, probably not.  Stick to what you know…politics and leave the security of our nation to those that care and get up every morning to show that we do.

P.S. By the way, I received my Bachelor of Science Magna Cum Laude while serving on Active Duty and I am currently working on my Masters.

Have a nice day.
Gunny

Scott Wolf:
Mark,
Mogadishu showed the Islamic extremists that our country is weak and that we would do nothing but pull out when the going gets tough. Sounds like Iraq doesn’t it? Let’s just leave and let Iran take control of Iraq. Let’s leave and hope the terrorists don’t use their position to hurt the US. That sounds like a really good idea. I am sure there will be peace in the world when we do that!!! Get a clue!!!

Posted by Scott Wolf | October 31, 2006 3:12 PM

What clue am I missing?  You restated my position on Somalia.  Try getting hooked on phonics and actually read what I said before attacking me

That can of whoopass appears to be full of botulism and exploded. 

I am grateful Kerry stepped deeper into it with his statement earlier.  Keep it up, guy - maybe you will sound the death knell for the campaigns of others of your ilk as you have now done for yourself. 

No reason to waste any further time here discussing the noin-funny non-joke non-actions of a non-presidental non-candidate.

You know, I’m sure a few of these guys posting as “soldiers” served, and they should be honored for that, but I would point out that in the past, when soldiers posted here, they gave their rank, unit and branch of service and attached that to their names.  Just a thought for those of you posting here from the military.

Otherwise, I think that a good number of you are wasting your time, and you would be better served making calls on behalf of a candidate that is ACTUALLY running for office.

:)

I am grateful Kerry stepped deeper into it with his statement earlier. Keep it up, guy - maybe you will sound the death knell for the campaigns of others of your ilk as you have now done for yourself.

Lisa:

Thanks for the hint as to WHY you all are here. You don’t care about whether or not the troops intelligence was insulted. You also don’t care that MORE of our troops died in Iraq yesterday and today.

All you care about is whether or not you can dilute the rising disgust the bulk of this nation feels for being bamboozled into electing the under-curious buffoon we have in office right now.

Pay attention. The tide has already turned. Try to do better than the poor unfortunates who drowned in the Gulf states during Katrina last year. By the way, heckuva job you’re doing there, Bushie…

MH: try this…

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-10-03-bush-troops_x.htm

the exit polls reflected the pre-vote sentiment. You need to cruise some of the milblogs regarding the strong desire of current military to “finish the mission”.

For the record, it is my opinion that Bush has correctly identified the islamic extremist threat to the civilized world and is correct in fighting them in the theater of our own choosing. Kerry felt that this threat was on the order of a vice like prostitution! He is unfit for leadership.  This is my opinion. You have yours. Also for the record, I believe Bush is a bumbler, but he is no coward.  Anybody that strapped on an F-102 and scrambled to 40,000 feet is no coward. He avoided Viet Nam, like many did.  He served in a different and necessary capacity. I don’t hold this against him.  Bush fully acknowledged that Kerry’s military service was more honorable than his.  John Kerry is also a bumbler, who is no coward, who is a patriot, but does not have the vision nor the leadership qualities to be president. Back to today, he should have just apologized and dropped it. This will be my last post on this board and likely my last visit to this website.

The American people have showed their love for Kerry and sent him to the showers.  He has to protect himself from Limbaugh? This guy has made a mockery of a decent party and you ignorant little sheep just keep following and standing up to your leaders. You say it is time for a change…I cannot agree more! The two party system should definitely but changed! How does Libertarian and Republicans sound?

Why is it that the democrats can’t offer an alternative to whats going on in Iraq or anywhere else?
If they could come up with a plan, instead of doing nothing but attacking and complaining, I would even vote for them and I am a Republican.
  What happened to the party of FDR and JFK?
  OH, thats right, they were taken over by rich socialist billionaires who aren’t even from this country trying to cram their socialist views down our throat!!
  Kerry used his service to better his political chances. He has no right to use his service like he was some kind of hero!! He met with the Viet Kong for gosh sakes without approval from the US government. He should be in jail for what he did!!! He aided the enemy while Americans were being killed!!
  Want to build a better country? Stop all the stupid games and become united. Democrats and Republicans in Government sit down and find a plan and don’t leave work until they do. I don’t care if it takes three weeks!! Find a plan for Iraq, Protect our border, and Find a plan together on the war on terrorism!! Stop all the childish garbage!!!

The comment by kerry about our fine men and women in uniform is just one more example of his obvious disdain for our military.  Thank god we avoided a disaster in 04.

John Kerry joined the army for the shiny medals. he is a disgrace. We have the smartest, strongest military in the world. I am encouraging my children to join. The freudian slip comes out. He knows he is stupid then by golly the folks joing the military must be stupid also. J fn K is a poser and a loser.

Bill

Right on bro, Bush may not be the best president the country has ever had, but he sees the threat.  kerry can’t see the hand in front of his face.  Hey, Kerry, don’t bad mouth those brave men and women.  Your party may need them to unscew the mess that you created (by your continual undermining) and are about to be handed on a plate.

Mark,

Thank you for your service.  If you are on active duty, I understand your not posting your service information, as there are those who are being restricted from posting/viewing certain websites from Iraq and while on active duty.

I certainly respect the opinions of others (even if they disagree). It is kind of the American way ya know. Unfortunately, too much attention gets paid to the irrelevant in this country.

We should be paying attention to issues like the losses of our freedoms in America.  How about this for example: Currently, Habeus Corpus is under suspension in the United States of America. For more on this, click my name and read the appropriate articles on my blog.

Outside of that, issues such as corruption (these things used to be common ground for R and D voters…aka…if you are corrupt, it’s time to go.)

How about the governments broken response to the Hurricane….point the fingers everywhere you like.

How about fiscal responsibilty…once upon a time, the Republican Party was known as a “small government” Party…but, this administration has grown this government it’s largest in the history of this country.

How about a liveable wage?

How about as voters we begin paying attention to some of the issues facing us as supposed to focusing on a Senator who is not currently running for office?

After it has been stated so many times that Kerry was speaking about Bush, not the troops why do so many keep repeating the same false claim about what Kerry said?

Do they think that if they tell the same lie enough time it becomes true. Perhaps that has been the Bush administration’s strategy, but its not going to trick anyone here.

Mike,

Wrong. All they are doing in Iraq is creating more terrorists. The bulk of the insurgents now fighting the US are people radicalized as a result of the US invasion.

Worldwide al Qaeda has been made stronger by the war due to a tremendous increase in recruitment and due to radicalization of many former moderates.

To all you Bushies:

You know with all the misspeaks, misleading, and lying to the American people that Bush has done, you dare come here and put down a man who served, and asked to go to combat for his country.

My husband who served for 20 years, just a few weeks ago said, what are they doing to our troops. We take a pledge to uphold the constitution, and then the leader of this country abuses that constitution that we hold so dearly.

Two, three, four tours of duty in Iraq and no plan, that is not how you support the troops. It was bad enough when he was in Vietnam for 2 back to back tours of duty, but what he sees the soldiers going through now in Iraq with no plan is ludricous.

What has Bush done for Veterans, well I’ll tell you what he’s done, my husband is no longer allowed to use the VA hospital, 20 years of service and Bush takes that right away from him. Why, because we make more than $27,000. a year, you know lets get real. Go ask Bush and Cheney how much their corporate friends ( Halliburton, KBR, etc.) are making or better yet stealing from not only the citizens of this country but the troops, with profits of billions and no accountability. Watch Iraq for Sale, listen to the people who have been there, listen to the family members who have been destroyed by this administration and their war profiteer buddies.

I’m fedup with those on the right that get their info from the likes of Fox news, Limbaugh, Hannity and the rest of the gang. They have done nothing but divide this country and talk about disgusting, well you know everytime they trash a veteran just because he has a D by his name, they are also trashing millions of others.

I’m sick of it, I’m tired of your lies, I’m tired of the sick propaganda in my mailbox each day during this campaign season. I’m tired of the right trying to silence us, we are AMERICANS too, you do not own the flag or this country, the constitution starts out “we the people of the United States of America”, I do not see were it says we the Republicans.

My husband is tired of being called unpatriotic, and he should not be disparged just because he doesn’t stand lockstep with this administration. That is wrong and you on the right should be ashamed.

Mr. Kerry hasn’t changed a bit since Viet Nam.  He is still putting down the men and women in the Armed Forces.  He needs to get a job with CNN and they can do a lot of destroying together.

“allow to speek freely?!!!!?” what country are you from?

Republicans hold the Senate and the House!....THANKS TO JOHN KERRY!

God Bless America

Posted by TruthbeKnown | October 31, 2006 4:07 PM

Truthbeknown:

Republicans have already lost the House and Senate. Your comments here reveal the REAL SAD TRUTH behind your so-called anxiety over Kerry’s remarks. Its nothing compared to the murder your presdient does in our name every time he utters a word or takes away yet another one of our articles in the Constitution.

The remarks by Kerry are the tempest in the teapot. The blackened kettle is a President who led us into war through lies and the country is on to him.

AND ITS THAT TRUTH YOU CAN’T STAND!!!

Real truth be known.

Fedup,
  That is just not true and I don’t know where you are getting your information from. The VA is for all veterans no matter how much you make. Making 27,000 a year does not stop you from getting benefits. You need to look into that more.
  I have been in for 14 years and I know that even after 14 years I still have to ask questions because I still find that I don’t know all the answers about how the military works.
  Don’t hate the prseident because of your situation because if Clinton our anyone else was in office it would be the same way.
  You also can’t blame Halliburton, it’s not a government conspiracy to try and make US companies rich. Your being fed a line of bull by some shady people.
  Government Civilians are sent over to Iraq instead of military all the time even though they get paid thousands in bonuses when military could do the same job for less. i don’t understand it and it makes me mad.

I am disgusted after hearing Mr. Kerrys’ statement today 10/31/06 re: Military in Iraq are undereducated or uneducated. And you were in the military?
You should give up any political aspiration you have Mr Kerry. You dont belong in politics. By making that statement you have just undermined the effort by Democrats to take back Congress. Taking a phrase from you own mouth, Why don’t you “make an effort to be smart” and don’t speak anymore. Let someone else speak for your party.

Bay Area Fan:

Amen! Tempest in a teapot allright, but let them rant. Republicans are the walking dead and if they continue to use this mis-speak, they are only adding another nail to the coffin.

The desperation is pathetic.

Let them rant: truth will out.  Let’s have the discussion of who has supported the troops. Let’s compare votes in the Senate and see who really supported the troops with deeds not words: JOHN KERRY!

A slip of the tongue won’t erase the voting record: JK is for the troops and he was actually in the Navy, unlike some of the Chickenhawks in Congress who are getting the boot come November 7th!