The NEW Vietnam conflict

Are John Kerry's actions relating to Vietnam helping or hurting him? There is no question he served in some important battles in Vietnam. However, not all those battles happened exactly as he told them. His actions after the war left questions about his commitment to defending America unanswered.\nBy putting a veteran on the ticket, Democrats hoped to gain more credibility on defense issues and the ability to directly challenge the president regarding the war on terrorism. To a party with limited influence and credibility on defense policy, John Kerry seemed like a dream come true.\nThey should have done their homework. Indications that there might be a problem with Kerry's commitment to defending America surfaced when Kerry was part of a demonstration in which many veterans threw their medals over a barricade to "give them back" in protest of the nation's Vietnam policy. Kerry later denied that he threw his medals over. According to www.swiftvets.com, Kerry said he only threw his ribbons over and that he threw over others' medals.\nThe issue would continue bringing to light long-simmering tensions between Kerry and many veterans. The majority of the conflict stems from Kerry's June 1971 testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In his testimony, he accused his fellow veterans of war crimes, which included the killing of women and children. Evidence of these allegations has not been forthcoming, yet Kerry has refused to apologize to ANY veterans for his statements. He would continue this unapologetic sentiment during his career in the Senate (where he denounced U.S. action in Central America, the Soviet Union and the current Iraq crisis).\nSince 1971, it seems that John Kerry has opposed many foreign policy or national security measures. Kerry proposed HUGE cuts in intelligence spending, such as his 1995 bill that would've cut $1.5 billion from the intelligence budget (Talon News). Even fellow liberals like Ted Kennedy wouldn't support these bills.\nAfter having said all this, Kerry's position on the current situation shows exactly what kind of person he is. He has gladly ridden the wave of anti-Bush ads made by www.moveon.org and others. He has embraced Michael Moore's liberal gravy train. However, when the conservative crowd strikes back he can't handle its criticism.\nThe main problem is that these ads are costing Kerry lots of support in a short amount of time. For less than $1 million, Swift Boat Veterans for Truth has accomplished more than left-leaning groups have with millions more. They have cost Kerry support among veterans and others. Liberal groups have outspent conservative groups 25-1 with their effectiveness being roughly equal.\nWhat is Kerry's reaction to all of this? He files a complaint with the Federal Election Commission. In his complaint he alleges illegal collaboration between the Bush campaign and Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. The evidence for this is being disputed but the FEC seems unlikely to take action. Kerry has called on Bush to specifically denounce the Swift Boat ad. Why should he? Kerry's silence as liberal groups slander the president make any direct action from Bush unlikely.\nThis situation goes beyond someone who betrayed his fellow soldiers by calling them war criminals. It even goes beyond someone unable to take what they dish out. It shows a consummate politician who is willing to say things to gain support and use enforcement agencies when the tide turns against him. Conservatives have long opposed Kerry and what he did after Vietnam. That is why the Swift Boat Veterans made their ad. As a wise president once said about a coming conflict "This is not a challenge we asked for, but it's one we accept"