That the current presidential campaign is currently battling veterans against veterans is destructive, serving no purpose other than championing so-called “integrity.” If Kerry exaggerated his exploits — as most veterans do — opponents are trying to box him as a Gore whom they also accused of exaggeration, particularly as a veteran who nevertheless, made it clear that his Vietnam tour was non-combative as an army reporter. Moreover, the integrity, too, of the Navy Department is at stake by implying Kerry’s medals were fraudulent. The universal impression is that the Navy is stringent, as opposed to the army, in awards for heroics. It appears to me that the Swift Boat commanders are afflicted with nothing more than jealousy and hatred for one who made a name for himself.

And as far as who first made an issue of the indispensability of commander in chief, it was Bush when he landed on the aircraft. When the 527s and the Boston Globe brought up Bush’s absence from duty, Kerry clearly stated, “I don’t want to go there,” explaining that he chose to serve his country as he saw fit.