In response to John Dragavon’s letter published Thursday (“Military service: Kerry’s service shouldn’t be an issue”):
Like Mr. Dragavon, I am a Vietnam vet, serving two tours of duty there with the Army. Kerry’s service in Vietnam isn’t the issue as even President Bush stated that we respect Kerry for his service in Vietnam. It’s what he did following his return that disgusts and alienates many Vietnam veterans.
He joined Jane Fonda and the rest of the antiwar crowd, but he went above and beyond normal antiwar activities. He made statements under oath claiming that he and we participated in and witnessed war atrocities. He also said that “atrocities” were the “norm” in Vietnam, saying that we killed innocent civilians and participated in rape and murder on a regular basis. His statements were used by the communist North Vietnamese to demoralize our POWs, such as Sen. John McCain and hundreds of our American brothers and sisters in arms.
Now he has the audacity to request that we elect him to the presidency to lead an American war effort against worldwide terrorists who decapitate innocent civilians?
I have one question to ask my Vietnam veteran brothers and sisters: Would you vote for a man whose photo hangs in the communist “Hall of Victory” in Saigon in appreciation for support to their cause?
Kerry’s actions and statements as a civilian and as a U.S. senator manifest his feelings toward our military. He is not fit for duty as a wartime president.
And a message to my fellow Vietnam vets: Welcome home!
Jeffrey Buckley
Lynnwood
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