Swift Boat Veterans for truth???

A newly formed group called "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" has called upon John Kerry to release all his Vietnam service records, claiming that Senator Kerry is "unfit to be commander-in-chief."

The National Review states that, "The group's organizers explain that the veterans who have signed to date represent the large majority of those who served with Lt. Kerry in Vietnam. Scores of others are expected to join up in the days ahead."

What the National Review fails to note, is that their use of, "served with John Kerry" doesn't actually mean they served with John Kerry, just that they were in Vietnam around the same time. In fact the vast majority of these "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" have never once met Senator Kerry. This is an important distinction.

Matt Gunn has something to say about all this:

1.Their call for Kerry to release his Naval records is a little odd, because, uh, Kerry's already released all his Naval records. The original documents can be downloaded from his web site.

2.. "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" says "We have every commanding officer he ever had in Vietnam." That's just completely false..."Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" also says, "They all signed a letter saying he is unfit to be commander-in-chief." Hmmm... There are 29 pages of officer evaluation reports on Kerry were filled out by Kerry's commanding officers while he served in the Navy. How in the world could "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" read the following descriptions from Kerry's C.O.'s as "unfit"?


October 19, 1967, evaluation from Captain Allen W. Slifer:
A top notch officer in every measurable trait. Intelligent, mature, and rich in educational background and experience, ENS Kerry is one of the finest young officers I have ever met and without question one of the most promising.

September 3, 1968, evaluation from Captain E.W. Harper, Jr.:
LTJG KERRY is an intelligent and competent young naval officer who has performed his duties in an excellent to outstanding manner.

December 18, 1969, evaluation from LCDR George M. Elliott:
In a combat environment often requiring independent, decisive action LTJG Kerry was unsurpassed. He constantly reviewed tactics and lessons learned in river operations and applied his experience at every opportunity. On one occasion while in tactical command of a three boat operation his units were taken under fire from ambush. LTJG Kerry rapidly assessed the situation and ordered his units to turn directly into the ambush. This decision resulted in routing the attackers with several enemy KIA. LTJG Kerry emerges as the acknowledged leader in his peer group. His bearing and appearance are above reproach. He has of his own volition learned the Vietnamese language and is instrumental in the successful Vietnamese training program. During the period of this report LTJG Kerry has been awarded the Silver Star medal, the Bronze Star medal, the Purple Heart medal (2nd and 3rd awards).

There aren't any negative descriptions. None.

3. Perhaps more important than Kerry's C.O. evaluations are the evaluations of the men under his command.

A USA Today article states that, "Interviews with 18 officers and enlisted sailors who served with Kerry in Vietnam mostly portray a young leader with an aggressive command style. Many recall a warm, compassionate officer who cared deeply about his working-class crew. They also remember a warrior who ferried pregnant women and hungry villagers down river for medical care and food.

They recall how he initiated water-balloon fights to break the tension. How he asked his crew to call him "John" on the river and "sir" back at base. And how he listened to their problems in a way that foretold a career in politics.

"His concern for us was overwhelming," says Fred Short, a PCF-94 gunner's mate who would get the shakes when the adrenaline of battle wore off. "He would come around then and put his hand on your shoulder and ask if you're all right," says Short, 56, of North Little Rock "I never had another officer do that."

I once again repeat that, exactly one of the officers that belong to Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, actually served under John Kerry, the rest of them just served in Vietnam around the same time. How they somehow have this "supposed" knowledge that John Kerry is not fit to be Commander in Chief boggles my mind.

I just dont' get it, when is the right going to understand that the more they talk about John Kerry's service in Vietnam, the more comparison's will be drawn to the service the current Commander and Chief gave. Is that what they really want???