Bush has nothing in common with vets

http://heraldnet.com/stories/05/12/02/100let_20051202005.cfm

I am appalled that President Bush and Vice President Cheney, the occupants of the two highest offices of our country, seldom miss an opportunity to be seen with veterans or with active members of the United States military, and often go out of their way to manufacture such "photo-ops." Apparently Bush and Cheney think they can whitewash history by pretending they have something in common with our distinguished veterans and active military personnel, who sacrificed lives and limbs for this great country. But these two both chose to dodge the military draft during the Vietnam War in order for them to stay out of harm's way and to advance their careers.

It disgusts me that Bush and Cheney work to create the impression that they support the troops' and veterans' causes while at the same time slashing funding for these groups. Indeed, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives recently voted "no" on a bill that would have increased our National Guardsmen's monthly salary. Bush and Cheney relish being photographed and seen at veteran's and military events although they both purposefully avoided active military service in a time of war. They talk the talk, but did not walk the walk. They do not, nor ever will, belong to this club.

DAVID MANIER

Thanks for the post- its a timely and well-written piece.

Their lives are "charmed." They don't relate to America. They didn't believe in America the same way folks on this site did.

Maybe we are all "dreamers." I'd rather be with dreamers.

You could have also mentioned that they are both wealthy, elitists born with silver spoons in their mouths who used their families' political and economic connections to avoid serving their country, leaving less priveleged boys to go and die in Vietnam.

I don't believe Kerry thinks now or really ever that the Vietnam conflict was a good thing. Vietnam, now, I am sure he is glad for that country. It is a beautiful country. A true garden spot.