Michael Cash <mikecash@buggerallspammers.com> wrote:
> On Sat, 28 Aug 2004 02:21:32 +0000 (UTC), mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net
> brought down from the Mount tablets inscribed:

>>> He volunteered for the swift boats. Not for combat duty.
>>
>>I see; so he thought these boats were used to ferry VIPs from beach
>>villa to beach party?

> Something like that.

> "They were engaged in coastal patrolling and that's what I thought I
> was going to be doing. Although I wanted to see for myself what was
> going on, I didn't really want to get involved in the war."

>                                John F. Kerry

Finally. 

> "In late 1968, the Swift Boat mission was redefined to root out the
> enemy hiding in the difficult terrain of the canals and rivers of the
> Mekong Delta - much more dangerous service for the unarmored Swift
> Boats. Kerry's voluntary sojourn off the relatively pleasant coast
> would end. Later, when he was ordered into real combat, he strenuously
> objected, according to various Swift officers."

>                                from da book

Sorry, they've taken a bit of a shot in the ol' credibility dpt.

Not to mention, a couple reviews I've read of "da book" mentions him
doing this in 1969, which, as I vaguely recall, would be after "late
1968."

> "Some amongst us further object to what we consider to be Kerry's
> belligerent disrespect for duty and the military. While in Vietnam,
> Kerry was an outspoken critic to the point of being characterized by
> some as a perpetual whiner. He was constantly objecting to the war,
> stating that the U.S. had no business being there and the missions
> were not something that military forces should be engaged in. He
> objected that he had to serve in the canals, repeatedly demanding to
> be transferred back to the much safer duty of coastal patrol."

>                                William Franke

Well, you've solidly confirmed that he was anti-war. As for the rest, 
the attack that got him a silver star, don't seem to jibe with Mr
Franke's evaluation.


>>>>All accounts but yours, it seems.
>>
>>> And of those who served with him.
>>
>>Which of those, please?

> See above, for a few.

Now really, was it that difficult?

Mike