I did not comment on the nomination of John Kerry to be Secretary of State because it was pretty obvious that he would sail through the confirmation hearings.  United States Senators are famous for protecting members of the club from both parties.   I wished they would have asked a couple of Vietnam Veterans for their opinion.  I certainly know how this vet feels about it.

I would never dismiss John Kerry’s military service.  He may have exaggerated things to get himself a medal, but anyone who served on those swift boats deserves due credit.  But, unfortunately, there is much more to the story.  John Kerry went on to become the spokesman for the Vietnam Veterans against the War and his actions were beyond despicable.  He testified in front of congress and told bald-faced lies about those who served in Vietnam.  He literally accused us of routinely doing things that would be considered war crimes.  None of it was true.  It was this testimony that launched John Kerry on his political career.  It should have launched him on a one way ticket to someplace else.

In addition, John Kerry tried to negotiate a peace settlement with the Viet Cong while we were still at war.  Negotiating with the enemy during a time of war used to be called treason.  Now it is called training to be Secretary of State under Barack Obama.

It has also been confirmed, by the FBI, that John Kerry attended a meeting of the Vietnam Veterans against the War where the assassination of U.S. Senators opposed to the war was discussed.  Kerry denied attending this meeting, but declassified FBI documents verify his attendance.

None of these issues were even brought up during his confirmation hearing.  Apparently no one, including John McCain thought any of it mattered.  It matters to me.  The nomination of John Kerry is just another in a long list of slaps in the face of every Vietnam Vet.   I hope Senator McCain is proud.

TDM