Triple amputee and Vietnam hero Max Cleland sat in his wheelchair in the broiling hot Texas sun waiting for George W. Bush to do the right thing. In his hand was a letter signed by 9 US Senators, all war heroes, entreating the President to specifically ask the swift (sieve) boat vets to cease their campaign of smear and smut.

This was no “stunt,” but a valid appeal against an unprecedented campaign of character assassination designed to distract the American people from the real issues. George W. Bush hid, as he always has, whether from military duty in Vietnam or from discussing his record of a failing economy, environmental desecration, rape of the middle class, social unrest, and of course IraqNam. Never has a President done so badly and fooled so many so easily.

A transcript of Kerry’s 1971 testimony proves that the attack ads are misleading: Kerry relates only hearsay recollections; he blames the nature of war and the country and not the soldiers for any atrocities; he decries search and destroy tactics and free fire zones; and he opposes continuation of an unwinnable and morally questionable war. It never was about "honor;" it has always been about truth and realistic and intelligent policy.

Another truth is if there had been more like John Kerry, there would be fewer names engraved on the Vietnam Wall. If attempting to stop the needless slaughter of American lives is “treason,” then cowardice and hypocrisy are virtues and genocide is charity.

Tragically, many Vietnam veterans were treated despicably after returning from Vietnam. Those shameful events rather than John Kerry are the likely cause of their pain. America and not John Kerry owes them much more than an apology.

However, if a veteran simply cannot vote for John Kerry, then that decision should be respected. But for a veteran (or member of the middle class) to emotionally vote for someone like Bush with his resume of cowardice and dossier of veteran bashing policies, that is to administer a truly "self-inflicted wound."

Sir:From 1948-1996 our country has had 16 veterans of WWI,WWII,or the Cold War who ran for
President.Of these 16 veterans no one has ever questioned their military service or their medals.
Since 1996 we have had 4 Vietnam veterans,from both parties,whose service records have been questioned. Wonder what the difference is?
Thanks
Dan Smith

More like Kerry? He didn't do anything he is a coward!!!The Manchurian canditate -He hides behind his medals that he didn't even deserve-HE LIES about everything-He is wishywashy and can't make up his mind in what he believes-Even though supposely there were no weapons of mass destruction found-We were able to put a "hitler" out of power-men and women who are over there fighting for out country want to be there-others should stop being selfish and back up what there family and friends that are serving believe in!!!! IF CLINTON HAD TAKEN CARE OF THIS TO BEGIN WITH THERE WOULD OF NEVER HAVE BEEN A 9/11===MY BIGGEST FEAR IS SEEING KERRY IN THE WHITE HOUSE HAVING DINNER WITH SADDAM AND BIN LADEN-THATS HOW DEMOCRATS COPE WITH PROBLEMS LETS TALK ABOUT IT-YEAH AND WHILE YOUR TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WENT WRONG THERE PLANNING THERE NEXT ATTACK!!! GIVE ME A BREAK ALREADY!!

Need I remind you that under Clinton the bombers of the first World Trade Center attack are sitting in jail. And it did not take three years. Bush and this current administration has yet to even find and put on trial those connected with 911. And as everyone except Bush and his blind followers, know Saddam was not the one that made 911 happen. But the underachiving Bush figured he was an easier target to get than Bin Laden.

Clinton did not go after the big dog on that-How do you know we are not looking for osama still? They can't tell you everything!!! Kerry doesn't believe in the death penalty-whats he going to do let everyone out or just spend tax payers money letting them sit in prison