The American Spectator

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p> SWIFT TRUTHS br> Re: Mark Hyman's Continued Unfitness for Command : /p>

Mark Hyman's excellent column demonstrates the standard Democratic response to any scandal, which is to attack the accuser, claim victory and then continue to act indignantly whenever the issue is raised. In the case of John Kerry, the suspicious nature of his first Purple Heart award is compounded by the fact that he was apparently wounded three times during a four-month tour, yet never required any convalescence. His immediate return to duty following each incident would strongly indicate that his injuries were extremely slight, and that Kerry was exaggerating them in order to claim decorations for which he was not eligible. His supporters continue to claim that he was slandered, but their proof is, as Mr. Hyman points out, substantially less than compelling. Unfortunately, so long as Sen. Kerry continues to withhold his records, the issue will not be settled to the satisfaction of his supporters, who will continue to slander those who have firsthand experience with Kerry's leadership and found it wanting, however, any officer who refuses to provide proof of his right to wear his awards would be suspect, and there is a means of addressing the problem.

p>Under the Stolen Valor Act of 2005, it is a federal crime to falsely represent oneself, "verbally or in writing, to have been awarded any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the armed forces of the United States, or any of the service medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces, or the ribbon, button, or rosette of any such badge, decoration or medal, or any colorable imitation thereof shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both." This bill passed in the Senate by Unanimous Consent, which would presumably include Sen. Kerry's. If Kerry's first Purple Heart is in doubt, he has an obligation under the law to provide proof of his right to wear it. If he chooses not to, then he can be compelled by a formal complaint. br> -- Mike Harris br> MAJ, US Army /p>

John Kerry is a narcissist. He wanted to get his ticket "punched" as fast as possible while in Nam. As an officer, he had great leeway in creating paperwork to do such.

When one seriously ponders how a group of fellow swifties come together to denounce a fellow sailor, doesn't he conclude Kerry is a true phony, a liar, a con artist.

I wouldn't walk my dog on the same path this jerk took!

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