Senator Tom Harkin takes the gloves off (where have I heard that before?):
Vice President Dick Cheney’s questioning of John Kerry’s war record and his ability to protect America is “cowardly,” Sen. Tom Harkin said Monday.
“It just outrages me that someone who got five deferments during Vietnam and said he had ‘other priorities’ at that time would say that,” said the Iowa Democrat, a former Navy fighter pilot.
Allow me to co-sign the Naval Aviator’s sentiments. Nothing chafes my ass more than some self-righteous cowardly little chickenhawk, furiously beating his own chest while questioning the patriotism or qualifications of a veteran who gave while said chickenhawk had “other priorities.” That said, do I believe that you have to be a veteran to be president or vice president? Absolutely not.
But, pardon my French, I don’t want to fucking hear someone who took five deferments while American men and women were dying in one of the nasty wars in American history getting self-righteous and arrogant about his own qualifications to lead over that of a veteran who didn’t have “other priorities.”
As many bones as I have to pick with liberals over taxation, social tinkering and “racial” classifications, its conservatives and the “patriotism” issue that really get under my skin the most. Its infuriating to no end to see the same bunch of cowards who called Clinton a draft-dodger (but never served themselves) or compare disabled veterans like Max Cleland to Saddam Hussein, refer to Skipped Out On Drills Bush and Fucking Five Deferment Cheney as revered uber-patriots over actual combat veterans. Its Newspeak 2004, big government conservative style.
And no, that last paragraph is not an endorsement of Kerry’s, Clinton’s or Cleland’s policies, nor does it constitute a vote for Kerry in November. Its a condemnation of cowards who demonize those who gave more than their share, while ignoring their own shameful records of deferments and leisurely Guard service. For the record, Michael Badnarik has my vote.
I owe neither of the collectivist big government parties my undying love. Nor will I sign some shameful un-American loyalty oath. I am not a goose-stepping, big government sellout or apologist. I will vote my conscience. I am a libertarian.