On 2/28/04 5:10 AM, in article ,
"ArtKramr" wrote:

Yeah a lot of politicians went into the Guard. Like Bush. I guess you disagree
with Powell.

Yes it is easier now, as it is anytime we don't have to fight an all-out war
that requires total mobilization. But talk to LBJ about your complaints re
the guard. In fact, if you do dig him up, kick his ass once for me.

I disagree that Powell would have meant to include the ANG in general and
aircrew members in particular, in such a statement. If he did intend it, I
believe that, like too many Army types, he didn't really understand either
the USAF or the ANG. Given the historical context, which has been provided
repeatedly here and elsewhere and which you cannot understand or choose to
ignore, the Army Guard in the VN war years had a very different character
from that of the Air Guard.

If NOBODY could have avoided serving in some manner during those years, that
would have been better. If only volunteers had been used in SEA it would
have been best -- and an entirely different war, with no significant social
repercussions, and a hell of a lot greater likelihood of either success or a
far earlier peace through diplomatic compromise.

Sorry we didn't have your war to fight in, Art. We did pretty well,
considering the "leadership" we had to work with, in the war we did have. If
their decision was not to send Bush's unit, nor to allow pilots with less
than 500 hours to go to SEA on an individual basis, that's nobody's fault
but the Whitehouse'.

No one complains about Bob Hope's kid going into the CA ANG in 1965, why
bitch about GHWBush's kid going into the TX ANG when the war was, for the
USA, in its winding-down phase? I trust your vision through the Norden was
more clear in 1944 than it is when you read the newspaper today, because you
are off-target.

Perhaps you are reticent to take on Dubya where it matters, which is in his
ability to lead the Nation through some tough times in the proper direction.
But if you want to stick with the patriotic behavior thing, then fine --
stand by for a tidal wave which will wash Kerry right off the platform.


Jack
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