Kerry me back: A comment

A reader comments on my recollection of John Kerry at Dartmouth in 1971. His message revisits some old issues that have new salience in light of Kerry’s prospective nomination as Secretary of State by President Obama:

I’m afraid the current administration is unlikely to consider character, judgment, or patriotism as important factors for any political appointment. In an earlier century in Massachusetts, this habitual liar, narcissist, and apologist for the hate-America movement couldn’t win an election for dog catcher. But that was then.

I know of only three people who left Vietnam without medical help and with less than one-half their tour of duty completed. One was my cousin who returned home for his father’s funeral, who died of a heart attack leaving my cousin the sole surviving son. My cousin transferred to the Guard and retired a Master Sergeant after 30 years.

The other two left early under questionable and unusual circumstances. Years later, both of these ran for President of the United States – as Democrats, of course. Only as Democratic candidates would the clouds over their military records be excused, be of no interest to the press; and would an effort to inform America by real combat heroes, including Medal of Honor recipients, be condemned by the press.

Finally – as the French widow of the deceased heir to the catsup empire revealed her empathy for the hate-America crowd, and married the French-looking junior Senator from Massachusetts who by the way served in Vietnam, and who told Tim Russert and a national Meet The Press audience that he would release his military records soon, now more than 2500 days ago and still sealed – our household uses only Hunt’s and Delmonte Catsup. I’m sure it hasn’t made a dent in the 57-varieties’ market share, but slowest catsup in town or not, I owe it out of respect to the 58,000 who would have completed their tour except that their lives ended first.

Jim Snyder, Class Contact
Class 26A-67
Artillery & Missile Officer Candidate School

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