Lifetime of Service And Strength

A big theme of the convention and of Kerry's entire campaign, really, is John Kerry's record of service both in the military and the Senate; that he is a leader and a fighter both in and out of combat and he will do whatever it takes to make us safer.   The not so subtle point, of course, is that John Kerry is not only fit to be Commander In Chief but he would also make a BETTER one than George W. Bush.  Since we're dealing with a political campaign, I imagine it would be easy for one to think that ALL this is is a campaign theme and that if it sticks, it would be due more to constant repetition rather than anything else.  Well, I had the pleasure to attend the Veterans Caucus Delegates' Meeting and I have to say that seeing John Kerry's "band of brothers," the actual men he commanded in Vietnam, close up singing America The Beautiful and, with hand over heart, pledging allegiance to the flag, tears in their eyes, I truly believe them when they say that "if John Kerry were to call on us today, he'd have a full boat."  These guys are not just props used by the campaign and what they are saying is more than a catchy slogan.  They said they'd go to hell for him again and I believe it.

James Carville, General Wesley Clark and Former Senator Max Cleland, all Vietnam Veterans, also attended and spoke.  Here's a highlight from the General:

"[The Republicans] would have you believe that they are the party that's best qualified to keep this country safe and secure and I'm here to say, it's not so.  That flag behind the band of brothers on stage, that flag is our flag.  We served under that flag.  We got up and stood reveille formation, we stood taps.  We fought under that flag, we've seen men die for that flag, we've seen brave men and women be buried under that flag.  And no John Ashcroft or Tom DeLay or Dick Cheney can take that away from us!"

Go, Wes.