[Stingy Jack]

I suppose anyone who has been following the news knows about the status of this video already knows this. But, I will state what has been brought to light anyway:

1. Nobody on this video was actually with Kerry during the rescue that won him the Purple Heart. They were on boats in the vicinity of Kerry's boat, but not even on Kerry's boat.

2. The only person who has any credibility about what he is saying is the doctor who said: "I nursed the wound that got Kerry the Purple Heart." He's the only one on the video that interacted with Kerry personally. But even this guy was not on the boat.

3. There is controversy as to whether or not the troops were actually under fire when Kerry pulled that guy out of the water. But the fact that another soldier won a Purple Heart for his efforts during the same conflict proves that they had to have been under fire at some time.

4. The guy that Kerry pulled out of the water vouches for his heroism, and stands by him.

5. The soldiers that were on the boat with Kerry at the time are standing by him.

6. This video was put together by veterans who are pissed off that Kerry protested the Vietnam War after he served his time. What the fuck is that all about? Kerry HAD to serve, and he did. When he had done his time, he practiced his freedom of speech and stood up for what he disagreed with! It's a fundamental American right, and the vets are pissed because they didn't like what he had to say. Kerry protested, and he had every right to do so. I can't stand it when people say I'm anti-American for speaking out against the decisions that America makes that I disagree with. In my eyes, speaking your mind is NOT anti-American, if we say that America = freedom. Making someone be quiet and stand up for whatever America decides to do IS anti-American.

Basically, the Republicans are worried that they're going to lose this vote (as they should be), and are using any underhanded tactics they can to smear Kerry. True, this video was not supported by the Bush campaign, but they sure did nothing to say that they do not endorse what it claims.