Why did Kerry volunteer for Vietnam and Bush opt for the National Guard?
970867
why did kerry throw he medals into the ocean
1133500
Because people don't like to take responsibility for their actions. And also it is an extremely rare quality of character to have to be able to say "I was mistaken." John Kerry has the backbone to say, "I made a mistake". That requires character. Instead of being able to appreciate that these people went on to call him flip-flopper, as if they never made a mistake in their life. But anyways, as I was saying these people don't like the idea that the government is not benevolent and is not looking after them. Because saying that comes with a lot of responsibility. When you say we don't want King George (irony!) as our king, you have to fight a war of independence and draft your own constitution. Now thats an enormous responsibility. The founding fathers weren't afraid of that responsibility so they went ahead and did what they had to do. The people you are talking about lack the intelligence, courage or moral backbone to do that. Instead they dig their heads in the sand and pretend the government is good and will always take care of them. And since there wasn't enough sand in America to cover all their heads, they had to go to Iraq to find more sand. And hence anyone who disturbs that fake sense of stability and peace seems to be an enemy to them. And they start crying "unpatriotic" and etc.\n\nThese people think patriotism is limited to supporting the war and supporting the president. They don't see patriotism in helping the poor and needy who are also fellow Americans. They don't see patriotism in uplifting the downtrodden who are also American. They don't see patriotism is envigorating the economy or creating new jobs for their fellow Americans. They don't see patriotism is protecting their environment although that is the American environment. Their sense of patriotism is myopic indeed.
797211
Flat feet will not exempt you from the military. This is a myth. I am a liberal democrat. I was in Iraq, March 2004 to March 2005. I volunteered throught the Arkansas Army National Guard. The only people that actually volunteered to go to Iraq instead of waiting for a call up, were either a-political or democrat. The others, who were rabid Bush supporters, would not go unless they were told to. Many of these pro-bush types worked in ops, intel, logistics, etc, and never went out on patrols or convoys, yet expected to get badges and medals for 'bravely manning their computers'.. Some even demanded their CIB's, since they were in an imminant danger zone and had been an 11B at one time.
66363
Because National Guard troops are already trained.  Plus, the United States prides itself on a philosophical level for its all-volunteer armed forces.  Further, the reinstitution of the Draft would be extremely unpopular with the American people as well as business and industry that would be losing employees and needing to dust-off the rule-book on how to handle such things as holding job positions for drafted soldiers.  No political party in America wants to remembered be being 'the one that restarted the Draft'.
241332
Thank you for serving in the Marines.\n\nI have not served.  I think boot camp would kill me.\n\nKerry definitely served in combat, and distiguished himself, despite what the ironically named "Swiftboat Veterans for Truth" might say.\n\nAl Gore was opposed to the Vietnam war, but he enlisted in the Army anyway and served as a field reporter.  He was honorably discharged in 1971.\n\nGeorge Bush was in the Texas Air National Guard, but never went overseas.  He also didn't show up for much of his time in the Guard.\n\nDick Cheney supported the Vietnam war and was of draftable age, but got a series of deferrments to avoid the draft.
226352
I like Dave R's answer. \nWhat troubles me is not so much that someone did or did not serve in Vietnam. Most (but not all) of those who have served in war seem to have a healthy reluctance to commit troups again unless the effort is just and with clear objectives, so it can be helpful to have had that experience.\nHowever, presidents can be effective or ineffective regardless of prior service experience. Whether you're a liberal or conservative, you should be able to recognize that presidential success or failure has not been determined by their past military service--or lack of it.\nWhat deeply troubles me is the extent to which partisans use military service as a political weapon. If an opponent had a solid service record, call it into question. If a candidate did not serve, claim that service is irrelevant. \nWhat should be relevant is the truthfulness of the candidate in openly describing his past.\nThen I'd love to see candidates deal with real issues in ways that go beyond sound bites. Unfortunately, this is not what we are getting in this age.
942497
I truly pity the fools that think they have to protect Kerry.  Kerry said what he meant to say in very clear and plain English.  I've seen the transcript of the speech and nothing was taken out of context.  He said what he meant.  And what he said is important because this man is in DC and helps set American policy and laws.  \n\nHowever, most who know about Kerry's military career, know it wasn't really an insult to himself.  He nominated himself for his Purple Hearts.  One of them, was for splinters in his butt.  He did less time than anyone else in Vietnam.  He used his metals to get out of the service time most troops did in country.  Once he returned home, he joined the protesters and tossed his awards away.  Even then, he showed what the thought of his fellow troops and America.\n\nHe's a disgrace.  In fact, he was set to attend many speeches between now and the election.  Many of those candidates have canceled his appearance.  That is a FACT.  So, for those who want to defend him, perhaps you can explain why his own party is turning their backs.  Maybe they're not blind to what was really said.
974588
Kerry has a long standing record of disrespecting the armed forces.  Yes, he served in Vietnam.  He also couldn't wait to testify before congressional fact finding commissions about the "atrocities" committed by our servicemen.  For Kerry the whole exercise was a resume piece and a chance to walk on a high profile stage before congress.  The men he served with didn't like him and he returned the favor.\n\nSince ascending to the senate he hasn't used his position to help the military in any fashion.  Whenever faced with a choice between funding a social program or the armed services he has no qualms with shorting the troops and he is the first to entertain accusations of wrongdoing by our servicemen.\n\nKerry is a picture of elitism.  He went to an Ivy league college, obtained a law degree but never practiced (actually working for a paycheck is well beneath his station), speaks 2 languages and marries well whenever the upgrade provides opportunity.\n\nSo yes, I believe he committed a freudian slip and delivered a heart felt truth instead of the punch line to his joke.
591326
Die for my country?  In a heartbeat.  Die for the president?  Not on your life.  There's a difference.  I love this country, but I hate its current leader and his choices.  That's why I'm waiting till 2008 to join the Guard.
113308
I voted for Kerry\n\nps\n\nWhy in the other question do you say you are the greatest fool.\nYou say challenge at your own risk,\nI do so honorably challenge you.
740673
Are you kidding, he was too much of a candy *** to go to Vietnam. He joined the national guard and didn't even complete his service there.
523569
George W Bush\n\nHe "avoided" Vietnam by joining the National Guard.\n\n\nSo what? He didn't want his son to get killed in Vietnam, what father wouldn't use his influence to potentially save his son's life?\n\nIf you were able to do the same thing for your son, would you?
1066054
When america coerced the un to enter vietnam under the guise of atrocities commited by the north against the south. it was the south who tried to set up a puppet govt. When vietnam won indepenence from france it was only one country.Liberated by the communist regime.The usa could'nt coerce the un to invade iraq they went ahead anyway for some ulterior motive. Certainly not the stated reason In both wars it was absolute banditry they will be deafeted.No matter how strong you cannot break the will of the people
1167674
becasue the rich never fight the rich mans war. the poor kids and middle class kids always fight the wars such as vietnam. even the draft had rich kids finding ways to dodge it. (bush, cheney). that is why i respect john kerry, he was from a privliged background and still chose to go to vietnam. if the rich kids had to go to war, there wouldn't be an iraq and our politicians would think twice before going to war.
635274
WITHOUT QUESTION.  JOHN KERRY IS AN HONORABLE MAN WHO SERVED MERITORIOUSLY IN VIETNAM, WHILE BUSH WENT AWOL AND GOT DRUNK AND DROVE.  JOHN KERRY EARNED EVERYTHING HE EVER ACHIEVED IN LIFE, BUSH WAS HANDED EVERYTHING ON A SILVER PLATTER.
901124
He served 2 tours in vietnam, excuse me.\n\n\nAll slander, no facts. How Kerry got his medals are widely known. Fact is, i didn't want him to be the presidential nominee, but only an misinformed and unappreciative 'person' would slander someone for their service in wartime. And just so you know, medical records are personal.
1073657
We'll leave off with Clinton, he was never well to do , poor, in fact, he was a student who had worked like hell to win those scholarships..find out first how Cheney, older and well off avoided the draft.\n\nCheney wouldn't have done well in Vietnam, if he managed to shoot one friend with a shotgun while duck hunting...imagine the damage he could with friendly fire and an automatic weapon.\n\nSo now, at home, he can micro-manage bushie, and the guns go off far away.