gentlemen despite whatever feelings I may or may not have towards that clip he is in fact a serving elected member of the Senate and those who are or aspire to be officers will conduct themselves as such not only in person but on this site.
Ok, since I have already completed my Naval service I am under no such obligation. Kerry changes views more often than I change socks. The term would be "political whore". He will say anything, do any thing that he thinks will help him get elected. Clinton did the exact same thing, only he was a bit more polished about it. In this clip Kerry was just playing to his audience. I disagree with many of the things that President Bush has done, but at least he stands by his descisions. Kerry on the other hand is just a windsock following the breeze of public opinion.
Watching this on CNN as I write this reply. Regardless of party affiliation, it is disappointing to see a senator, naval officer, possible president, belittling our enlisted service members. Even if he didnt mean what he said to be taken that way, he should be aware of his choice of words as a senator and especially so as a former officer since this touches that area.
Skid, Any other time it's uncanny how much I agree with you, but he's on his own this time around. His comments were made personally at a political event, not in the conduct of business at the Capitol. UCMJ/MCM are very clear on what's legal / what's not. Don't get me wrong - it's no effort to mince words and certainly no blank check for a bash-a-thon on the man (whether one believes he's worthy of it or not), but they put it in black/white for a reason, although I do agree that gentlemen (and ladies) should conduct themselves as such. From the MCM: Article 88—Contempt toward officials a. Text. “Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State,Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a courtmartial may direct.” c. Explanation. The official or legislature against whom the words are used must be occupying one of the offices or be one of the legislatures named in Article 88 at the time of the offense. Neither “Congress” nor “legislature” includes its members individually. “Governor” does not include “lieutenant governor.” It is immaterial whether the words are used against the official in an official or private capacity. If not personally contemptuous, adverse criticism of one of the officials or legislatures named in the article in the course of a political discussion, even though emphatically expressed, may not be charged as a violation of the article. Similarly, expressions of opinion made in a purely private conversation should not ordinarily be charged. Giving broad circulation to a written publication containing contemptuous words of the kind made punishable by this article, or the utterance of contemptuous words of this kind in the presence of military subordinates, aggravates the offense. The truth or falsity of the statements is immaterial. Big difference in calling out Congress as a whole (contempt) as a servicemember, but personal comments by a member of Congress are fair game. He's grandstanded on every occasion possible since 2003. Someone should remind Mr. Dukakis, I mean Mr. Mondale, I mean Mr. Kerry, that the election's over. For what it's worth, I've got the same level of education as Mr. Kerry plus better grades (for both degrees). Addendum: FWIW, I don't think his comments were personally directed at the troops - more toward the President; but it would have gone a long way in his follow-up comments today to clear it as a misunderstanding/misinterpretation than to come out so indignantly. Whatever - his choice.
^^ Right on. Calling Sen. Kerry a Douche-Bag would be wrong, and I would never recommend it. What's really on display here is his haughty, look down your nose attitude towards enlisted people and anyone who isn't part of his upper crust, elitist, high society group. Politics aside, it makes me want to vomit. Brett
...a little western Pennsylvania common sense from JIMC5499. I can almost hear Donny Iris playing in the background. but honestly by, "Can you feel the love for the military" I meant that John Kerry is showing his admiration for those in uniform. He's a true hero always standing up for his bretheren, like he did after Vietnam testifying before congress. (check out the smiley face its Kerry talking about the military) :icon_love ...by the way I hope nobody reports me for saying nice things about a senator
My post was a warning after the post I had to delete, the thread remains open and up for discussion with the above quotes in mind.
Not to muddy the issue.... but I don't know why you all think that he only insulted the enlisted troops.... I heard no such distinction. The contempt displayed by the Distinguished Senator from Massachusetts was directed at the Commander in Chief (by his own admission). The comment included all who serve in the military and in particular, those who serve in Iraq.
I wonder if Sen Kerry said something that insulting about ketchup or 57 sauce if his wife would leave him? I'm sure republicans would relish that... (pun intended)
since when does how hard you study have anything to do with serving your country? The last time I checked it was a full voluntary force.
That comment by Sen. Kerry sucked. Anyways figured I'd put some water on this blaze. Thought it was some funny Bush moments. Definitly a good laugh.
I'm with Goober on where the Honorable Mr. Kerry (respecting the position) was directing his criticism. Additionally, his effort to clarify his point, and use the opportunity to dispel fears of it being directed at the troops, were left wanting after the press conference this afternoon. Did anyone who watched the conference hear the press agent ask, "Do you need to go to joke school?" Sounds like there might be two candidates in that room.
I like him a hell of a lot more than what we have got. Afterall, if you are really "for the troops," you wouldnt send them to a war based on lies in the first place. But hey, our strategy in Iraq was never "stay the course" right? =
I always like how the fact that Kerry voted in favor of going into Iraq always seems to get overlooked. Don't even start with the "We were lied to." bit. The Democratic leadership had access to the same information that President Bush had and they still voted in favor of going into Iraq. If this war was based on lies then maybe we need to vote all of them out of office and get some people who aren't so gullible.
Sorry, I wasn't in on it first time around. Kind of a sore subject with me. I'm done with it.......moving on.
Perhaps Senator Kerry was right about us... JSO: Navy Sailor Tied Up Toddlers With Duct Tape While She Worked
That's interesting... she is listed as a Naval Officer in CNN.com's story. http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/11/01/kids.taped.ap/index.html "Vincent was a four-year naval officer at the time and worked at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station. She completed her service and was discharged in August, naval base spokesman Rick Cruz said."
