Pete,
I agree with you whole-heartedly on the soldier issue....... a Kerry-bashing Democrat, e.g., Zell Miller. In other words, you can be a Democrat and still support the troops so long as you don't vote for Kerry.[/QUOTE]

Dean,

Well Kerry's a darn site better than Kusinich!! So we can count our blessings (if that's still allowed!).

I'm afraid I misunderstood the reference to the soldiers, I didn't realise you were discussing Kerry specifically.

In a head-to-head comparison with military service, I believe Kerry did the more honorable (far more honorable) thing originally. That's a fact. I believe he probably fought to the best of his ability. That's more or less guessing. His later actions are deplorable. That's a fact. Pretending to throw his metals, pandering to the anti-war crowd, this is demagogery at its worst.

His service wouldn't be such an issue, except HE made it one, and no wonder - when it comes to National Defense it's all he's got. After 20 years in Congress all he's got is - a history of gutting the Armed Services. And the intelligence services.

And these facts are there for all the world to see, whether or not he'll fight unfettered doesn't matter, he'll be perceived as weaker than Bush because of these facts.

Bush couldn't say "occupation" for perceived bad connotations (like so much not said), "reconstruction" is either code or the new word, take your pick. We never believed (or shouldn't have believed) the terrorists would roll over because we took out the government. Quite the contrary, it's amazing we've done so well. And anyone who has any knowledge of military actions KNOWS we've done well, VERY well, dispute is useless . True.

I won't say Kerry supporters are un-American. I'll let others do it.

Just kidding! Couldn't resist.

Cons see libs as destroying America. Libs see cons as doing the same thing. Who's right? It'll sound unimaginative, but quite frankly *right now* we need STRENGTH in foreign policy, like we haven't needed since the end of the cold war. We are GOING to take casualties in this war, and war it is. Win through covert ops? Who're these people kidding? Yep, Syria's going to say, "Come on in, shoot our citizens! Have at it!" Not going to happen. Well, it'll happen (it BETTER be happening!) but it's not going to win this fight, it's not going to take the place of ground troops shooting people and being shot at.

We show weakness, perceived or real, and more of our boys will die needlessly. We need to be respected, and strength will EARN it, not loved, love/kindness/softness will not stop these hateful people. Let them whine and complain. We've got a job to do, to protect ourselves.

Stated clearly: I do not believe you or most of your misguided cohorts are neccessarily un-American or anti-soldier by definition. I just believe you are wrong.

Pete