91Èȱ¬

"It disgusts me that a bunch of these Republican hacks who've never worn the uniform of our country are willing to lie about those who did."
John Kerry
More disgusting is the fact that you did serve, yet still have defamed and demoralized your fellows in arms for thirty years. You are embarrassed to be a US citizen. I am proud to be one!

Oh, please. This will have no effect on the election. I'm stunned this non-story involving a junior senator's speech to students, who isn't even up for reelection, is getting press at all. If the Republicans want to bring the debate back to Iraq, that's fantastic for the Democrats. Let's compare...a dumb joke in a speech at a school or misleading the country into a devastating quagmire that has killed hundreds of thousands of people, spread terrorism and destroyed the US's credibility in the world. Tough call on which is a bigger motivator for voters...

So everyone makes mistakes. But with John Kerry, his reaction is to cancel several campaign appearances across the country until the whole fiasco blows over. Some brave war veteran he is. More like a typical whimpy, "cut-and-run" liberal Democrat. I'm glad he lost in 2004!

It is surprising Kerry's so-called joke is so insulting to the Bush administration. The Bush administration is responsible for the death and maiming of thousands of American troops and ten of thousands of Iraqi people. It is the Bush administration, who should be apolizing to the American people for it's intelligence mistakes which led to the invasion of another country by mistake.

This is the desperate scrambling of Republicans in disarray. "Feign moral outrage" is one of the instructions in the GOP electioneering manual. If John Kerry flubbing a Bush joke is Republicans' best hope of re-election, then they truly are in for an historic beating at the polls next week.

Three months ago, I wrote that the war in Iraq was wrecking the U.S. Army, and since then the evidence has only mounted, steeply. Faced with repeated failures to meet its recruitment targets, the Army has had to lower its standards dramatically. First it relaxed restrictions against high-school drop-outs. Then it started letting in more applicants who score in the lowest third on the armed forces aptitude test—a group, known as Category IV recruits, who have been kept to exceedingly small numbers, as a matter of firm policy, for the past 20 years. (There is also a Category V—those who score in the lowest 10th percentile. They have always been ineligible for service in the armed forces and, presumably, always will be.)

The bad news is twofold. First, the number of Category IV recruits is starting to skyrocket. Second, a new study compellingly demonstrates that, in all realms of military activity, intelligence does matter. Smarter soldiers and units perform their tasks better; dumber ones do theirs worse.

A few points.

Gary -- you mispelled "wimpy" when making fun of the Democrats. Does your analysis go beyond simple stereotypes? Or, is your poor vocabulary a reflection of a limited intellect?

Second -- This is a non story. Kerry's gaffe is not about politics. It is about misspeaking. If the American public gets down the "support" the troops" road, than we deserve whatever we get.

To Andrew King - how could you say that about Kerry when he's completely right? I can barely count how many Republicans in power are/were members of the armed forces (maybe 10 out of around 250?), let alone have seen combat! (maybe 4? 5?)

All the foolish Republicans that support this or that tactic HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO CLUE about what to do in Iraq. It's like they are playing a real-life video game or a board game of Stratego.

Kerry's comment was dead-on. His failure to stand by it is what's making the noise. The White House is just capitalizing on a fellow Skull'n'Bones member's comments at a crucial time to alter the "undecided" voters. However, anyone still undecided about who to vote for must be living under a rock.

This "story" simply represents the efficiency of the Republican noise machine jumping all over a supposedly "offensive" comment to create a distraction. But if we are talking apologies, how about some Republican apologies for sending troops into a war based on false assumptions? How about some apologies to the families of troops who died or were wounded after "Mission Accomplished!"? How about apologies for sending troops into battle with inadequate armour? How about apologies to troops for failing to look after their families back home who have to rely on food banks? How about apologies to the thousands upon thousands of wounded veterans who get inadequate care? All these self righteous Republicans wrapping themselves in the flag over one man's bungled words. Do you think people will forget your bungled war?

More typical John Kerry. Soon after his Purple Hearts (two of which didn't require medical attention) brought him back from Viet Nam, he was testifying before Congress that American soldiers were ignorant babykillers and war criminals, and praising the Viet Cong.
And, it's sad to see, some people never change. Thank God he lost in 2004.

Shawn John Kerry is not a junior senator and he should know better. It's not the first time he's offended the military. He aroused much anger from the Vietnam Vetrans when he was running for President against Bush. On his return from 3 months duty it Vietnam, he threw away his medals and villified American servicemen on numerous occasions including the war hearings in Washington.

He has also made it known he would like to run again for President. I don't think his offensive statement will endear him to Democrats.

I thik this is quiet funny, good joke about Bush, not many like him anyway.

Most Americans are outraged by Kerry's insensitive and self-revealing statements. Some can try to call it a flubbed Bush joke; most of us see through this deceit - that's why Kerry lost the election. He is the gift that keeps on giving. His feet keep getting in his mouth.

Once again, the democrats have shot themselves in the foot again. I dont beelive Kerry meant to offend the troops, but he did and the fact he refuses to apologise has made this a story, and it will be a story untill he does apologise.

Of course, the democrats and bush haters wont be swayed, like the above comments but, the conservative base of america that dosnt normally term out for mid-term elections will do so now.

It highlights the fact that the democrats would paralyse the US government at a critical time what with Iran, Iraq and North Korea and make it out to be a laughing stock.

All the democrats talk about is how wrong it was to invade Iraq. Well, we're there now and they dont have a plan. They dont talk about the corrently excellent US economy or the fact gas prices have dropped. They are a single issue party with no plan or policy except to admit defeat and withdraw from Iraq, leaving it to Iran to occupy and making the problem worse.

The actual words by Senator Kerry were "if you dont, you can get stuck in Iraq". Surely people can see the Republican spin machine twisting these words to make it sound like Kerry was talking about the soldiers when he could quite concievably have been talking about Bush i do indeed believe that to be the case. Bush didnt do his homework etc so therefore, he ends up with the Iraq situation is what Kerry meant.

Of the people I speak with in the military that have served in Iraq many continually question why they are there. I have huge respect to anyone serving their country and I am constantly humbled in their presence but I still believe it is possible to support the individuals within the forces but question and criticize the people leading them. The two things are not mutually exclusive. Unfortunately the GOP seems to believe the public are only interested in 10 word politics and not able to understand and debate the real issues. The GOP should understand the relationship between a countries’ flawed preemptive military action and a decrease in that countries popularity; that in itself is not a reason to change your policies just an unavoidable consequence.

Thanks Mr. Heinz 57 man of money and privelege John Kerry for showing your true colours. Am I thankful you are not the President.

P.S. While it used to be acceptable in the U.S. to disagree with the positions of a current President, it used to be off limits to vilify a sitting President as a matter of respect.
Obviously your personal attacks on the President (jealousy maybe?) have interposed a significant blemish in the status and reputation of your lineage.

I too am a Vietnam Veteran.
I also served in combat and lost friends for a stupid politically inspired war.
interesting that this website and CBS and indeed all the other media has chosen to exerpt what Kerry said out of context.
If you had heard the sentence he uttered before you would have understood it was Bush he was talking about.
Having said that, John Kerry - I reluctantly voted for you in the primary.
That's when the election became up to you to lose.
You lost and you are no more helping the Democrats or your country at this time anymore than Bush is helping the Repubs.
PLEASE SHUT UP!
Arty- RVN 66-67 USMC

This how the right wings hikack elections. The boggie might not work this time. John Kerry is a great war hero, Bush was cowred who fled from the Vietnam war.

Can we say Freudian slip? As a soldier who has served in Iraq for fifteen months (ironically, I'm also from Massachusetts), I don't particularly care whether or not the remark was made in jest. I am still offended.

If I were to make a comment that offends someone, whether or not I meant it to be funny is immaterial. I would apologize, because it's the right thing to do. I think Senator Kerry's lack of apology speaks volumes.

If someone wants to make a broad and sweeping statement about soldiers being ignorant, they can come look at my office wall at my diplomas. I'd be more than happy to introduce them to several soldiers who have doctorates, masters and undergrad degrees.

I am deeply peeved. Mr. Kerry, you're a disgrace and should be ashamed.

V/R,
A. F. Latham
CPT, AR
Commanding

I think John Kerry should be forgiven - but when Ted Kennedy was asked about Barak Obama running for office, and he said, "You mean Osama?" - that is when you consider resignation. Besides Fox News, no one else touched that story - it was too real.

It's a tragic comment on the state of politics in the US, when a slightly insensitive joke can alter peoples perceptions of who is winning/losing the race. It's a ridiculous game of finger-pointing and popularity, and everybody who takes a side based on anything less than rational analysis of positions on issues is contributing to it.

I don't think Kerry was rude. Americans are known by their overeaction to everything. With all my due respect his speech depends on each convenient interpretation. I am sure he did not call the military unneducated. My interpretation is: if you do not study hard one of the ways is to go to the Army and once you are in the Army chances are to go to war, for sure. Once you're there what are your chances of coming back home alive?What is your prize? A flag? A name on a square plate? Be sure that our lives worth much more than going to war defending Bush`s economic interests.

Should I join this bandwagon of Bush-haters? Gosh, if I don’t, I’ll be considered a part of the Radical-Conservative-Right wing-Christian-Taleban (RCRCT) movement! Oh dear!!! Such fun to see the democrats shooting themselves in the foot, once again! That’s right Y’ALL, us republicans luuuv guns and we’ll keep fightin’ for that right to bear arms and as long as Kerry keeps it up, we’ll shoot his other foot! What? Republicans are allowed free speech too right?!!? Sense the sarcasm?!?! If not, daft!!! That’s right, I’m from New York City, and conservative I am…talk about swimming upstream. Funny how every bumbling effort Bush makes, is microscopically ripped apart, and how a “botched joke� by angel Kerry is defended worldwide. Nevertheless, I’d like to thank the Senator for his bad and tactless joke that isn’t funny, but I’m laughing anyways ‘cause sometimes it’s just plain fun to see him fumble the football in the last quarter…I luuuuv Ummerika!

I'm so tired of ALL the spin doctors. Kerry's comment was "insensitive" and NOT politically correct, but it is at least partially true, and the people screaming the loudest KNOW it is partially true. Kerry didn't call those in the military stupid. What he did say is that a lot of those in the military would not be there if they had other options, if they had used the intelligence they have to perform better in school. Those who can't see the difference, or don't understand that reality, are short a few brain cells themselves. Or, they're just opportunistic political hacks.

"It disgusts me that a bunch of these Republican hacks who've never worn the uniform of our country are willing to lie about those who did."
John Kerry

So true about these "chicken" hawks!!!

The outraged republicans do not seem to remember George Bush's "funny" video in which he searched the oval office for weapons of mass destruction...while soldiers and civilians were dying by the thousands. The hypocrisy is astounding. That it will no doubt influence many voters who are too lazy or ignorant to think for themselves is depressing.

Kerry was not saying the troops were uneducated. He was NOT making reference to the troops, rather his jab about being uneducated was directed at President Bush. Kerry was saying Bush did not educate himself about Iraq, about that country's stormy sectarian history, and Bush wound up getting stuck in Iraq. If the entire transcript of what he said is read, that is crystal clear.

This is the Republican's modus operandi. Things aren't going well for them, so they lie, lie, and lie some more. The GOP would have combed through just about anything to rip something wildly out of context as a last ditch effort.

Shame on the 91Èȱ¬ for reporting this as Kerry commenting on the troops when Kerry was clearly talking about the president.

Except he's right-- you don't see the army and the navy recruiting in Harvard Yard. They come for the poor, the working class first, the poor kids who can't afford to pay $30,000 a year to get a higher education. Poor bastard (Kerry) can't win.

Jean M Dyson wrote: Shawn John Kerry is not a junior senator and he should know better.

Actually, Jean, Kerry is the junior senator in Massachusetts. Kennedy is the senior senator. And he made a bad joke...that's it! The hypocritical mock outrage coming from the desperate Republicans is an even worse joke...only theirs is actually funny! Cheney and Bush respect the military so much they silver-spooned out of it while Kerry volunteered.

Being a former Brit now living in the US , the build up to the election has been dirtier than anything I ever saw in the UK. You never hear how good a candidate is , just how bad his opponent is. Kerry should not have said what he did about the military but then again Kerry is Kerry and he doesnt very often think before he speaks.

Kerry served his country well in the military. Bush ducked out of his service by using his wealthy background to let the poor serve instead. Kerry made a joke about soldiers, Bush started a war that killed a thousand soldiers while cutting the benefits of those who survived.

Which of the two is truly anti-military?

Penny wrote: Most Americans are outraged by Kerry's insensitive and self-revealing statements.

You're confused, Penny. Far more Americans are outraged by Bush's massive failures than Kerry's silly joke. I haven't spoken to a single person who is "outraged" by Kerry's comments, so please speak for yourself and keep "most Americans" out of it. Nice attempt at making a big issue out of nothing, though.

By this weekend, Rove will have John Kerry marrying Willie Horton in an all-leather ceremony presided over by Osama Bin Laden. Kerry's joke on Bush was on target, he is ignorant of Middle East history; and even as it's been deliberately miscontrued it's painfully true, most soldiers in the armed forces are there because they had no other options. Rich kids like Bush and the others running this disastrous war exercised those other options to stay out of war. If they had experienced it, they would have taken Colin Powell's advice and the Iraq war would never have happened.

It happens every election.The neocons write scripts for Kerry (Bush's cousin)
to create the illusion of the left- right paradine. The fraudulant voting machines are in place and if the people don't resist we are all doomed.

Kerry's lack of self-control, judgement and contrition makes him unfit for any public office.

Why can't he say, "I am sorry; I didn't mean it"?

Give me a break..first Danish cartoons, then Mullah in Sydney and now Perry..Who cares?

Nice try but no cigar - turning the tsunami of corrupt Republicans on trial, scandal after scandal! Voters got the message loud and clear - a tide of Republican felons indicted across the nation, GOP reeks of corruption, our sons died for Bush’s lies. And the breakthrough message for Republicans is: the voters are not in a joking mood.

It is a measure of how badly the Republicans are doing, and how afraid they are, that they seize upon this, as though Kerry's criticism (of Bush and his tactics, NOT our troops) were an actual issue. The GOP cannot win this election fairly, and they know it.

If the GOP steals enough seats to retain control of Congress in this election, you can say farewell to the idea that was once America. It is already impossible to make a public statement or offer any dissent without being pummeled into an apology by this administration.

It is a measure of how badly the Republicans are doing, and how afraid they are, that they seize upon this, as though Kerry's criticism (of Bush and his tactics, NOT our troops) were an actual issue. The GOP cannot win this election fairly, and they know it.

If the GOP steals enough seats to retain control of Congress in this election, you can say farewell to the idea that was once America. It is already impossible to make a public statement or offer any dissent without being pummeled into an apology by this administration.

I'm stunned by some of the commentary in response to the article on Kerry's latest incident of foot-in-mouth disease. Any fair minded person who has watched or listened to Kerry's remarks can only come away with the understanding that Kerry implied only the uneducated end up in the military. That is quite a put down.

As the Washington Post - no standard bearer of the Republicans - pointed out this morning, Kerry seems stuck in a Viet Nam ear time warp of his own making, which is also his undoing. Kerry's latest slip of the lip also enunciates quite clearly what the left wing in America really thinks of the US Armed Forces, and why it is that the American voters do not trust the left to govern.

No one can deny that Kerry is a great asset to -- the Republicans. in fact i'm waiting for the 911 "conspiracy theorists" to accuse him of being a Republican plant to ensure Bush's success.
Australia had its own John kerry in the last elections, his name was Mark Latham. He guaranteed John Howard's massive vistory.
Perhaps there is a hidden cabal of powerful elitists who plant these stooges to achieve their political aims?- now where'd i leave that 991 conspiracy book?

Bush owes the troops and the country an apology for his refusal to accept that he made a major mistake in invading Iraq, and invading unprepared. He put our troops and our country in harms way. Bush has misled the country, lied to the country, and has broken the law. He only maintains what little support he has because Republicans control Congress, but hopefully not after next week. Democrats have supported our troops and have worked to minimize the damage Bush and Republicans are doing to our country. Whenever Democrats point out the faults of Bush and Republicans, the attacks and rhetoric come out full force, as we have seen after Kerry's comments. Kerry served our country. The ones criticizing Kerry have not. Kerry has explained what he said to make it more clear that he was criticizing Bush and not the troops, but the Republicans and Bush continue the rhetoric. So who is owed an apology from whom? Bush owes Kerry an apology, and he owes Gore an apology too, for stealing two elections. Bush and Republicans owe the American public an apology for mismanaging our country for the last six years. The only apology needed from the Democrats, is that they did not work hard enough to fight against and expose Bush's and Republicans' lies. When Democrats have tried to reach out, they only get the door slammed in their face. Democrats need to stand up and stop getting pushed around by Republican bullies, and not apologize for it.

I don't have any problem understanding what John Kerry said and I applaud him and his refusal to apologise to the Reich Wing Neo-con Republicans. No one in this country owes them anything other than scorn and disgust. Bush has the troops in Iraq, just like Hitler has his in Stalingrad. Both leaders would rather see their own troops slaughtered than admit a mistake and withdraw. All those out there that think this adventure of bush's is about freedom and the USA should "Stay the Course" should enlist so the Guard and troops can come home, or go find Bin Laden. I heard that Saddam had upwards of a million man army to keep a lid on Iraq. That means a lot of chickenhawks and Republicans need to sign up now because our forces are a far cry from that number.

By the way, as much as it hurts to hear, Kerry's controversial words during Vietnam were all, over time, proven to be true. He spoke a dirty, ugly truth about what was happening in Vietnam, which had to be done. I'm getting tired of revisionists who feel Kerry is anti-military as opposed to anti-pointless-war, which is a completely different thing all together.

what the hell is wrong with kerry`s comment???
or do u really think smart people are in the military,and if they are,they certainly are not on foot patrol to sort out mr bush`s mess.
it´s the underprivileged intellectually and socially that are in iraq.dont beat around the bush.call a spade a spade.

Kerry might have botched a joke.

The Republicans have botched a war, leaving nearly 3000 American soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis already dead for no good purpose, and with no obvious way out.

I know which would worry me most!

Kerry is not a war hero. He had enlisted man making movies of Him most of the 3 months he was in veitnam. After three purple hearts your sent home. His last 2
were self inficted (Boat accidents)no doctor saw him.HA HA
He ask to be sent home. He was all about his hero JKF but chickened out after being under fire his on first run up river. Got turned around (lost(running),then said he was chasing the enemy but when he first got there he was a lot of fun.

kerry made a mistake. but, his mistake didnot cost us any lifes. come on mr.President grow up please

Sadly I completely agree with him. If you polled Airmen under 25 on my base, the vast majority would say the reason they are in the Air Force is because they screwed up high school or college. If the patriotic types are offended, I'm sorry, but maybe they should ask themselves why they're wasting their lives in an organization surrounded by people that skate by doing the bare minimum for 20 years exclusively in order to get a good pension and low quality (but free) health care.

Astounding. It's a clear that the Republicans have mastered some despicable art better than the Democrats, because they're already getting more mileage out of this Kerry snafu than it deserves.

Meanwhile, even if Kerry did mean to comment on the education level of the troops (which, by the way, is more what's implied than intelligence, in what he said), so what? Forget, for a second, that recruitment standards have indeed dipped.

It's generally the poor we force to fight our battles. Have you seen our public schools lately? When Bush said "no child left behind," I didn't know he meant he'd be shipping them all to the Gulf.

Worse and even more evident, however, is that fact that anyone with good sense would rather be called dumb than dead. So Kerry insults their intelligence. Boo hoo. But moral outrage?

Try this on for size...

Bush and cronies have... (a) cheated them out of body and vehicle armor (b) sent them into battle under false pretenses (c) refused to let them come home or finish their stints in the military and (d) drastically cut the benefits not only of soldiers currently serving but of those who served in past wars.

In the process, they've thoroughly upset the already delicate balance in the Middle East, dramatically decreased our security as Americans around the world, sent petroleum prices rocketing without any attempt to solve the long-term energy crisis at home, and used the whole thing as a pretext for literally stuffing their own pockets with piles of cash.

How long did you want to stand for this? Haven't we had enough? The crying shame of it all is that the press is actually giving the Republican's misplaced accusations a voice by not reporting this as the minor issue it is.

"Rick Haberman wrote:

A few points.

Gary -- you mispelled "wimpy" when making fun of the Democrats. Does your analysis go beyond simple stereotypes? Or, is your poor vocabulary a reflection of a limited intellect?

Second -- This is a non story. Kerry's gaffe is not about politics. It is about misspeaking. If the American public gets down the "support" the troops" road, than we deserve whatever we get."

Gee, Rick. Are you the pot or the kettle in this case?

Arrogance knows no party, but misplaced condescension seems a trait of many democrats, not just Sen. Kerry.

Rick Haberman. . . Gary may have misspelled "wimpy," but your spelling and grammar ain't so hot either.
" If the American public gets down the "support" the troops" road, than we deserve whatever we get. "

Just what does that mean?

If the American public gets down >> You mean if we dance?

than we deserve whatever we get. >> What is the OTHER Choice?
"THAN" is a conjuction: (used after some adverbs and adjectives expressing choice or diversity, such as other, otherwise, to introduce an alternative or denote a difference in kind, place, style, identity, etc.): I had no choice other than that. You won't find such freedom anywhere else than in this country.*

OK. . . so what's your point?

Are you saying that if Americans don't dance to the "Support Our Troops" tune, we will soon be dancing to another tune. . . the one being sung from atop the minarets each day, at prayer time?

Here's the proper use of the word, "THAN:"

I would rather dance to the "support our troops" tune

THAN

dance to the call to prayer tune.

Wake up Rick. It's easy to see that you hate our country. But, that is your right. Just remember that the troops, you don't want to support, are out there putting their lives on the line so YOU can exercise your RIGHT to hate America, as well as your right to butcher our language.

*Dictionary.com

The US media, including the British media, just follow King George W. Bush's ridicule of any individual that speaks out against this illegal US regime. I am amazed at the anti-Kerry coverage I am reading on blogs, news media sources, newspapers and magazines. It's really a chirade.

Rather than attacking Bush and his cronies for what they are, the media prefers to attack and demoralize Bush's opponents, even when they speak the truth. If it's not Kerry, it's Senator Murtha, etc......
Disgusting!!!!

Rick Haberman, don't even try to sweep this incident under the rug. John Kerry's "gaffe" is definitely an important and serious political issue. His hesitation to apologise for his comments--even if done in mistake--reflect his decades-long disdain for the US Military, something quite inappropriate for a one-time (and possibly future) presidential candidate. Democrats need to open their eyes and be realistic about the way he handled this incident and hesitated to correct himself, because national security and the military will still be a major political issue in 2008. We've already got a guy in office that won't admit to his mistakes, but he won't be running for president again. Do we need to elect another one who hesitates to admit when he's done wrong? Please, I hope not.

Kerry's words speak for themselves. It's sad that so many of his supporters have to do yoga-like contortions to explain them favorably. Yes, he did insult the troops. He did mean what he said (since he's said similarly vile things before), he just didn't mean to be caught on video saying it. He is an elitist (like many of his supporter/commentators here) If you disagree with them you must be a (1) hick, (2) redneck, (3) religious fanatic, (4) homophobe (5) knuckle-dragging war-monger or (6) just plain stupid. (And liberals claim to be 'tolerant' people). No room for reasoned debate there. [cf Rick Haberman's insipid spell-check, Grammatik & Thesaurus contribution above]. If Kerry was refering to George Bush, it would still be inappropriate, since Bush actually had a higher GPA than smarty-pants Kerry (and an MBA from Harvard). No, Shawn, he is not 'just a junior Senator', he is the once and future Democratic Presidential nominee. I am a Captain in the U.S. Army. I have two Bachelors degrees (Biology & Philosophy), a law degree and a Master of Laws degree. I may not be smart, but I was smart enough not to vote for John Kerry.

So when are the media going to pounce on all the idiotic remarks that have come out of the Bush administration over the last few years? These include:

* "Mission accomplished"
* "Bring it on"
* "The insurgency is in its last throes"
* "(Iraq) is just a footnote"

Are these not infinitely more insulting to all the troops and civilians who have given their lives for this disaster of a war, for this president who has mastered the game of low expectations? As an American citizen, I feel that it is about time that we start having high expectations of our leaders, and hold them to account for all of their fatal blunders.

Looks like Kerry had a Mel Gibson moment! I find it amusing that he was once ashamed of his military service in Vietnam during that era, yet he played it up for all it was worth in 2004. Now he's back attacking the military in an effort to win Democratic votes.

Something stinks (and not in Denmark)

One thing this election will show is how many people in this country would now describe themselves as human beings first and Americans second. And vice versa. We'll see if humanity has moved up in the rankings since the last two. Gerrymandering and usurpation aside, of course. (I'm sure the Supremes are champing at the bit to weigh in again...if they are needed.)

This administration may be stuck in Iraq but we are stuck with this administration for 2 more years. I believe they have more aces up their sleeves because they aren't taking any chances:

"Bush Moves Toward Martial Law"

Frank Morales

October 26, 2006

"In a stealth maneuver, President Bush has signed into law a provision
which, according to Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), will actually
encourage the President to declare federal martial law (1). It does so by revising the Insurrection Act, a set of laws that limits the President's ability to deploy troops within the United States. The Insurrection Act (10 U.S.C.331 -335) has historically, along with the Posse Comitatus Act (18 U.S.C.1385), helped to enforce strict prohibitions on military involvement in domestic law enforcement. With one cloaked swipe of his pen, Bush is seeking to undo those prohibitions.

Public Law 109-364, or the "John Warner Defense Authorization Act of 2007" (H.R.5122) (2), which was signed by the commander in chief on October 17th, 2006, in a private Oval Office ceremony, allows the President to declare a "public emergency" and station troops anywhere in America and take control of state-based National Guard units without the consent of the governor or local authorities, in order to "suppress public disorder."

President Bush seized this unprecedented power on the very same day that he signed the equally odious Military Commissions Act of 2006. In a sense, the two laws complement one another. One allows for torture and detention abroad, while the other seeks to enforce acquiescence at home, preparing to order the military onto the streets of America. Remember, the term for putting an area under military law enforcement control is precise; the term is "martial law.""

"Tell somebody what's happening in the USA"
Rickie Lee Jones

The USA is currently the biggest banana republic in human history.

Republican this Democrat that...
So many people have jumped the "point-the-finger" band wagon. It's imperative that one cast themselves out of their party's box and look at the whole view for a minute. Now most of us are adults here, so let’s start by realizing reality. What Kerry told those students was wrong. The serious things Bush has made into a joke are also wrong. It's our job to pick someone that shares the standards that each of us individually believe in. But most importantly, it’s our job to elect one who will also do well for this country.
In case you don't know politicians lie, whether they are Democrat or Republican.

Lets face it, the average grunt on the battlefield is not a Yale scholar. JK's comments are not far from the truth although he's a bit of an idiot for saying it.
As for George Bush, well he's an embarassment to the American people -he lacks dignity and class in his response.
" plenty smart, plenty brave" is not exactly an appropriate response from the so called leader of the freeworld.

Condescension? I know we all love the Presidents bluff manner but does intelligence equal disdain now? Sure he made a bad joke and should appologise but how does this translate to condescension? Is it a crime to be intelligent in this country now? A shame that would be considering our fine academic traditions and top rated universities.

@56

" (1) hick, (2) redneck, (3) religious fanatic, (4) homophobe (5) knuckle-dragging war-monger or (6) just plain stupid."

Um, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 are the same thing. The war monger thing is obvious condsidering only 30% of this huge country agree with this plan of death.

"(And liberals claim to be 'tolerant' people)"

We are very tolerant. Against gays, abortion, free speech, civil liberties and most everything else, untill you start killing people.

From the US troops in Iraq with love and appreciation!!!

"Help us Jon carry-
we R stuck hear in Irak!"
Wink, Wink!!

Photo ABC News---

If he was really trying to insult Bush he would have said:

"You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't your daddy will buy you the presidency or your wife will try to."

OF COURSE the Republicans are harping on John Kerry's flub. They desperately need to do everything possible to distract the American public from the horrible truth:

George W. Bush has caused the death of more Iraqis than Saddam Hussein, and he's responsible for the deaths of more Americans than Osama bin Laden.

John Kerry was referring to George W. Bush; as he was in the military himself, I highly doubt Kerry would disparage his own. That said, I was on Kerry's e-mail list from 2004 until this morning…I've had enough of his "George Bush This and the Republicans That" tour. Every e-mail, every speech since he lost in '04 has been the same song, different record, and I neither like nor trust the administration currently in office, but Americans need solutions to their foreign and domestic problems, not endless finger pointing and lead-balloon soundbites. Bring on 2008, when we can unload Kerry in the primary, and – the best part – elect a new president. Two birds with one stone.

This is just another example of how easy it is to sway the American people. Educated, informed people would never have allowed someone like Bush in office. Informed and educated people would not fall for spin after spin after spin. I'm actually surprised America isn't dizzy with all the spinning of the past six years.

Yes, I'm insulting Americans and I am one. I didn't fall for a war without meaning, well, I suppose it has some meaning for Bush & Co., mainly green.

Kerry speaks the truth. I personally don't think politicians should speak at all, but this one did and he is being attacked for saying what most informed people already know.

The wealthy citizens of America are allowed further education. Middle Class and Lower Middle Class will spend years and years repaying loans IF they manage to get education loans at all. Often this means having your child disown you so that they fall under the umbrella of need for an education and can qualify for loans. The military offers up a big fat education for FREE, well, not exactly free, but it is a possibility at a lower cost, IF you survive serving your time. There is a BIG bonus if you pay for your own four years of education and then enlist. Well, not really a big bonus, but $100,000 to start off as an officer is mighty tempting to a young person in their 20s. And with four years behind you there isn't the need to worry about further education or trying to write a term paper with your arms blown off.

I'm just an ignorant American who did not spin with the spin, who won't fall for it and who really does not appreciate paying taxes so another human being can die in Iraq.

Perhaps the Democrats would be on safer ground with statistics involving the armed forces. After all, Bush's deluded policies have led to the deaths of more American citizens (the soldiers he's supposed to be so proud of) than the hijackers managed with the twin towers.

Of course for many Americans that'll be more significant than the systematic murder of more Iraqi civilians than even Saddam managed at his worst.

Bush is evidently also proud of Abu Ghraib, Guantanamo and all the secret gulags created "in the name of freedom" around the world. Kerry was foolish to make such a crack, he could have done so much more damage to Bush with the simple facts.

The Republicans and their allies in the news media are trying to keep this alive as a distraction, though I suspect in the long run Kerry's gaffe will play against them, and not against the Democrats. Anything that reminds the public of the quagmire in Iraq cannot be good for the GOPs chances next week.

Take a look at the astounding front page of FoxNews right now; it's a real lesson in propaganda:

(1) GOP Says Kerry, Dems
'Stuck' on 'Blame America'
Republican leaders charge Kerry, Dems prefer bashing America, blaming Bush than defeating terrorists; say apology falls short

(2) Military in Bid to Free Kidnapped GI
Abducted soldier's ID confirmed as Ahmed Qusai al-Taayie, snatched visiting Iraqi wife; 'ongoing dialogue' to win release [...[

(3) Iran Missile Tests Rattle Gulf
Tehran stages show of force, test fires missiles capable of
nuke warheads, hitting Israel, U.S. forces in region

(Photo)

Iran's Military Maneuvers
Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards tested dozens of missiles during drills in a central desert area of Iran.

I find it incredibly hipocritical that draft dodging republicans, like Mr. Bush, are criticizing the comments of a decorated war veteran, Mr. Kerry, and asking him to forgive our troops. Did they ever apologize for neglecting to properly equip, plan for, or even pay the troops? Priorities Gentlemen.

Eric King: "While it used to be acceptable in the U.S. to disagree with the positions of a current President, it used to be off limits to vilify a sitting President as a matter of respect."

Thank God some people finally have the guts to break this "rule". Among all the bizarre aspects of American "democracy", I have always considered this one the most ridiculous. Why should I show inherent respect to someone who I didn´t vote for, who obviously lacks any intellectual depth (but we already knew this in 1999), and who has done nothing to improve the lives of me or anyone I personally know, and rather has been busy shredding the US Constitution, which I, incidentally, DO respect? Even those Republicans out there who don´t accept that Bush "stole" the first election (never mind the second), have to admit that he was appointed to his first term by the Supreme Court, in what was surely the most questionable circumstances in our nation´s entire history. But this is not about Bush. I have respect for people, due to their personal record, achievements or character. I do not respect people for the position they hold. This very idea goes against the principles of democracy -- to respect a leader simply because he is the leader is a practice far more suited to heriditary monarchies or dictatorships. And I wonder where the respect for Clinton was, when he was attacked and then impeached because of his personal life? I assume Eric and the other Republicans here supported this? Respect Bush because he is president?? I have more respect for his dog.

It´s pathetic how much coverage this is getting. Kerry isn´t running for anything, and it is extremely unlikely he will ever be a presidential candidate again. What does it matter what he says? The Republicans are grasping at straws.
I believe he did mean Bush in his comment (and as had been said, his response that troops are "plenty brave, plenty smart" is hardly indicative of his mastery of English grammar, nevermind anything else), but if he meant the troops, everyone knows he´s right. The vast majority are uneducated, and from poor backgrounds. I am tired of people claiming, "some have advanced degrees". Having one myself, I know it is not necessarily a measure of intelligence. But anyone who chooses to join a volunteer military is agreeing to follow orders unquestionably, to kill people who have never personally harmed you, and to possibly be killed yourself in the process. In my opinion this shows that you lack both intelligence, and more importantly, a conscience. (I am sure this won´t be published, as noone will admit/agree to this, in Europe any more than America.)
What is more interesting about this, is how education is actually looked down on in America. It´s true. Remember when Kerry ran for president, and the Republicans referred to the fact that he could speak French as if it were an act of treason? None of the politicians, or even celebrities or talking heads advertise their academic qualifications. What a difference in (at least Continental) Europe. In Austria where I live, few people would dare campaign without having at least having an M.A. if not PhD to put before their name (the populist far-right is the only exception). As someone well-educated and proud of it, I hate to vote for someone who is, on paper, less qualified to do the job than I am. Sadly, in America, I have no choice.

to be or not to be(tantamount to being a republican; no there, there.

John Kerry blew it. Intially said he would'nt apologise for his words but after two days and much prodding from his own party he did. Obviously many democrats believed what he said was offensive too.

It's interesting reading all these comments and the "spin" that goes on.Thankfully we live in a country where it's allowed. I'm a Brit living in this great country and wonder at times if Americans realize how very fortunate they are.

Pres.Bush is villified as a "warmonger" - he's in good company, the same things were said of Winston Churchill too yet he was in 1999 voted "The man of the Century". Winston said "To be a conservative (Republican) at 20 was heartless, but being a liberal at 40 idiocy".

>>Pres.Bush is villified as a "warmonger" - he's in good company, the same things were said of Winston Churchill too yet he was in 1999 voted "The man of the Century". Winston said "To be a conservative (Republican) at 20 was heartless, but being a liberal at 40 idiocy".>> Jean M Dyson.

Sir Winston also said, when speaking of using poisonous gas against an Arab and Kurdish uprising in Iraq back in the 1920s, "I am strongly in favour of using poison gas against uncivilised tribes". Since Sir Winston said it, you must think it was okay for Saddam to do it.

Bush is a war-monger and liar. Kerry was not speaking about the troops, it was Bush he was eluding to. High-level adminstration officials support the war to profit from it. Right-wing chickenhawks support the war because they love using the troops as a soap-box to preen, strut, and talk-tough.

Here is another quote, from a close administration advisor, Henry Kissinger: "Military men are dumb, stupid animals to be used as pawns for foreign policy."

Where is the right-wing's outrage over this comment? Oh that's right...they only get made over manufactured comments maligning the troops, not actual comments that come from their side...

What suprises me most is the number of people saying they agree with Kerry's remarks.

I went to Yale and have many friends who joined the military upon graduating. It is not quite like michael moore portrayed it, and in fact the US army is the most accurate representation (race, social-economic, education level) of the US population as a whole.

One would think that those people who think they are "smarter" than the average citizen should perhaps realize a little more quickly when they have made a HUGE mistake.

James you're spinning. Kerry was eluding to the troops I watched the
video too. Even the liberal media are reporting it at such, and many liberals are distancing themselves from Kerry. Guess they're cutting and running - par for the course.

Jean,

The fact that most media is reporting what was an obvious attempt to blast Bush as blasting the troops (and raised nary a peep about one of Bush's top advisor's, Henry Kissinger, explicit anti-troop comments) just goes to show the media is not liberal.

BTW, many conservatives have dismissed criticisms of Kerry's comment as well for being a mischaracterization. Just because some liberals distance themselves from Kerry does not mean you are right, just as simply citing Sir Winston does not make a position the correct one. The chickenhawk squadron loves to gainfully employ use of text-book logical fallacies, I see.

M. Fernandez wrote: He is an elitist (like many of his supporter/commentators here) If you disagree with them you must be a (1) hick, (2) redneck, (3) religious fanatic, (4) homophobe (5) knuckle-dragging war-monger or (6) just plain stupid.

Yes, if you still support Bush you ARE one or all of these things. There is no way around that. You should be ashamed as a serviceperson that you support a silver-spooned elitist aristocrat like Bush who has never struggled a day in his life and has SO much respect for the military that he dodged the draft, sends the troops off to war without proper equipment, cuts their benefits when they return limbless and stubbornly decides to "stay the course" that is so clearly a disaster - all based on lies, of course. John Kerry, yes the junior senator from MA, just made a dumb joke. Nice selective outrage there, M.

WHAT MEGAPHONE?
"Recent polling suggests that the issue of corruption is beginning to stick. A CNN poll last month found that "half of all Americans believe most members of Congress are corrupt" and that "more than a third think their own representative is crooked." (WAPO 11/2) in: ‘https://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/110206L.shtml

James
I wonder if you have lived through a war? Carried a gasmask to school, spent endless, sleepless nights in an air raid shelter suffered food shortages, lost relatives, friends and neighbours?
I have had that experience and I'm no lover of wars.
I have referenced Winston Churchill because he like George Bush was wartime leader. We Brits were steered successfully to victory by him and with help from our American and commonwealth friends and allies.
Unfortunately in all wars mistakes happen - as is life. Hopefully we learn from them, but cutting and running would be a mistake. Insulting the military is repulsive to me from which ever quarter is comes.

My son is currently serving with the Texas National Guard in Iraq. He is serving by choice even though he has had a fully paid college tuition plan since he was 10 years old. I am proud that he has chosen to serve honorably and contribute to keeping our country free of his own accord. John Kerry's comments were the first thing I heard on the radio Tuesday while I was driving out of DFW airport after putting my son on a plane to Iraq after 2 weeks of well deserved R&R. I will never, ever vote for a Democrat candidate again as long as I live.

The response of those soldiers in that famous picture says it all. Kerry consistently insults the troops. The problem is that he doesn't even realize he's doing it.

It took the GOP many years to get the Congress and any one who thinks they will not vote as they have is nuts. I do not think the Dem. will sweep the board. And I am a Dem. It will go the other way just about as slow as it took to get to a GOP Congress. I have been voting since the 50's and I would bet my life on change but a slow one. And we all knew what Kerry was talking about

SNAFU? You mean Clanger, don't you Katty? Snafu is a ilitary acronym meaning Situation Normal All F*cked Up, NOT a verbal aberration. Tut tut, what a silly attempt at jargon! Almost pulled a kerry...

It's hard to believe that so many American people could possibly even comtemplate comparing a botched joke with the botched occupation of Iraq where over 600,000 people now do not even have the luxury of listening to or telling a botched joke because they are dead.