Re: Kerry's non-insult/muffed joke.

[Dhalgren]

I think that the Republicans are protesting too much. I think that they are a little over sensitive regarding the "quality" of THEIR military. Since the invasion of Iraq the quality and number of recruits of the military has gone down, way down, and everyone knows it. Hell, the military has given up even trying to set quotas for enlistments - any quota set is a joke from the start.

Also something everyone knows: If you are smart and have any opportunities at all, you either do not join the current military or you get out as soon as you can. As the Vice-Dictator would say, "It's a no-brainer". How many smart kids with opportunities do you know who are joining the military? That's why the Republicans are so sensitive about this issue, because it is true. They have degraded the military to the point where they are actively recruiting gang-bangers, skinheads, high-school drop-outs and others who should never be allowed in the military - and everyone knows it.

So, Kerry certainly did not mean his statement to be taken as an insult to the military, but it could only be taken as an insult, because there is truth to it....

[Old and In the Way]

1. Indeed. Republicans really don't want an honest discussion about the

state of our military preparedness. This is SOP faux outrage that they hope will buy them a point in the polls. Not going to happen.

[feduppuke]

2. How many smart kids with opportunities do you know who are joining the military?

You mean besides the Tillman brothers? I think Sen. Kerry himself had plenty of opportunities, but opted to go into the Navy. There are a lot of us who went to college and decided to serve our country. It had nothing to do with our ability to navigate through the educational system, we were just people who wanted to serve our country (and I include Sen. Kerry in that category).

Senator Kerry almost certainly misspoke, and never would have meant his comment to come out how it sounded. That said, how important is his one statement in the grand scheme?

[John Gauger]

5. The Tillmans joined in 2002.

That was before Iraq. They both said that they would never join today. They knew that it was a bad idea to do so.

[Dhalgren]

7. I am talking about the military since 2003. And I stand by my statements

nt

[thingfisher]

3. They have degraded the military

to the point where they are actively recruiting gang-bangers, skinheads, high-school drop-outs and others who should never be allowed in the military - and everyone knows it.

Maybe these are exactly the kind of recruits that the army wants! unthinking, violent, individuals who really get off on inflicting pain and suffering. They do not have a coherent political ideology to support, so maybe this is just the opportunity for legalized violence such people may crave.

Just a dark thought....

[lapfog_1]

4. Out military would be so much better if we went back to the

draft. Or simply went to a universal service (military or otherwise). Something like what Israel requires.

[in_cog_ni_to]

6. The repukes just need an excuse to take attention away from all

the soldiers DYING IN IRAQ!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

8. I live in one of the most Bush loving areas anywhere, N.Dallas suburbs. Among those

shrub lovers making hundreds of thousands per year, I know virtually no one who is a reservist, or has any children in the service.

Military service is best admired as an abstract concept for these people, rather than up close.

[immoderate]

9. Nevertheless, they don't give a shit about defending the military.

They just saw a way to take a shot at Kerry. They are grasping at straws. But if Kerry keeps on attacking, they may be sorry they did.

--IMM