The way men talk..

This rings true, from Bob Mandel...

...I remember George HW Bush almost never spoke of his combat record, and he certainly was a true hero. Bob Dole spoke little of his service record, and he too, was certainly a hero. Yet, John Kerry can't give you the time of day without mentioning his Vietnam service. He spent a large part of his acceptance speech highlighting his Vietnam service. He has made it a focal point of his campaign. When he reflects on his service, it always revolves around him. He bought a movie camera and filmed not just his crew, but re-enacted battle scenes.

One thing I always hear veterans speak of is their buddies who didn't come home. They always talk, almost exclusively, about what others did. I don't believe I've ever heard Kerry talk of those he served with who never came home. When he has a story about another crew member, it is how he (Kerry of course) saved the man's life...

I grew up around men who served in WWII. One was on the USS Phoenix at Pearl Harbor. One was a Japanese prisoner in the Philippines. My Uncle was a naval officer in WWII and Korea. But I can't remember hearing any war stories, or any tales of daring-do. No doubt I could have asked for them, but somehow one just didn't.

I have no interest in picking-apart Mr Kerry's Vietnam service, but I have to say that the way that he blabs about it does not impress me. Especially compared to how this guy writes...

Posted by John Weidner at August 6, 2004 12:35 PM