Six weeks ago, I wrote this:
Sen. Kerry is the kind of officer that enlisted men loathe -- working the system for his own benefit instead of theirs, advancing his own interests with no loyalty to those underneath him....I'd be curious to see what his former subordinates really think of him. They're probably too classy to denounce their former commanding officer in public, but it would be great to get them into a bar and see what they say after a few drinks.Now we know: they don't think he should be the commander-in-chief.
UPDATE: Read this essay for a first-hand look at why Kerry doesn't measure up.
36 years ago, these same commanders had high praises for Kerry, noting on records his exemplary traits. Scroll down to his fitness reports (PDF):
http://www.johnkerry.com/about/military_records.html
Military commanders are not in the habit of lying on forms. I contend that they were truthful then, and lying now to promote Bush as Republicans. You propose that Kerry had no loyalty to those under him without proof. Please find out what those comrades say about him now. All (17) except one are 100% behind Kerry and still agree with the opinion of their superiors in 1967 that Kerry "exhibited all of the traits desired of an officer."
Wrong, Mandy. However, I'm glad to see Democrats wander in from Google, bearing talking points.
So far, the score:
253 swift boat veterans signed a letter saying Kerry should not be commander-in-chief; and
14 veterans think he should. Some of them are on the Kerry campaign payroll, or at least they get expense accounts.
Who am I going to believe? Hmm....