Editorial: Despicable smears/Exposed for all to see, and reject

[sfecap]

Editorial: Despicable smears/Exposed for all to see, and reject
August 22, 2004

Sen. John McCain said it all, and said it straight: The TV ad smearing Sen. John Kerry's Vietnam War service was "dishonest and dishonorable." Just as important was what else McCain said: "It was the same kind of deal that was pulled on me."

Indeed it was. McCain was referring to vicious lies told about him during the 2000 Republican primaries; they were both false and effective. Now, as then, it is absolutely critical to the workings of this democracy that honorable men and women of all political persuasions step up to expose and discredit these shadowy character assassins.

It's beginning to happen. After weeks of simmering as a "he said, she said" series of attacks and defenses, the sleazy story of a new group calling itself Swift Boat Veterans for Truth is being laid bare for all to see. It's an ugly sight, full of old grudges, changed stories, unfounded insinuations and outright falsehoods.

Nearly all of Kerry's Vietnam crewmates, no matter their politics, have stepped up to defend him as a courageous leader. And now several newspapers have examined two sets of information: Vietnam War documents, and data showing funding and other ties between the newly formed veterans' group and GOP operatives close to President Bush and his political adviser, Karl Rove.

The records plainly point to McCain's conclusion: The accusations are dishonest, dishonorable -- and entirely reminiscent of the lies spread about McCain in 2000.

(more)

http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/4939507.html

[private_ryan]

1. this is working great

it's blowing on chimpy's face. Now MoveOn needs to remind people about Dick's 5 honorable deferements.

[ItsMyParty]

2. Thanks for posting------this one is in Minneapolis, then comes

the big Chicago Tribune article. Does anyone know if there are editorials downing this or big articles in states like: Wisconsin, Iowa, PA, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri and other battleground/close states. Post 'em if you got 'em. Hopefully there will be some in the Sunday editions of papers. I'd be interested if any of the big papers in these states are actually backing these scum liars.

[never cry wolf]

3. Here ya go

http://news.google.com/news?num=100&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&tab=wn&scoring=d&q=rood&btnG=Search+News

[Miss Authoritiva]

7. In the entire list, only one headline stood out for its stupidity, and

guess the source. NewsMax of course!

Kerry Defender Rood Contradicted by Crewmate

NewsMax.com, FL - 40 minutes ago

"In a development that the establishment press is treating like bombshell news, former Swiftboat commander William B. Rood has stepped forward to defend John Kerry...."

Madness, madness, madness -- but at least NewsMax has no delusions that it is part of the establishment press.

Thanks for the link.

[HarveyBriggs]

4. I have to wonder ...

How would we view the photo of Marines raising the American flag on Okinawa's Mount Suribachi, if one of those fellows attempted to run for office against George W. Bush?

The politicization of past military commendations for bravery -- and the consequential disparagement of combat heros -- by a sitting President during a time of war is the most disgraceful thing I have ever witnessed in my entire life.


Harvey Briggs

[tabasco]

5. I'm a 10-year Army vet.

I share your disgust. The Commander In Chief has disgraced his office with his failure to condemn these bald lies. I am utterly disgusted by these scurrilous, cowardly smears.
Bush has nothing else to run on so he will stoop to the lowest form of attack. He cannot raise himself up so he will try to drag his opponent into the gutter with him. Anyone who votes for Bush is voting for liars, cheats, and crooks.

[Moderator]

6. This is a great article

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