GW Bush's Alleged AWOL, 'Vietnam Era Service, & Draft-Dodging

GW Bush's Alleged AWOL, 'Vietnam Era Service', & Draft-Dodging

Most men and women GW Bush's age, including this blogger might regard the Kerry Campaign & DNC AWOL charge as negative political campaigning. Let's recollect the service requirements of the Vietnam War era. The USA had a draft - mlitary conscription - every 18 year old man registered for military service; had a physical; stood for induction; or were defererrd while in school. To avoid frontline duty or to avoid being drafted or to obtain the form of military service desired, one enlisted in the regular armed forces; or joined the National Guard or Reserves. As everyone then knew - the committment was 6 years for everyone. If drafted; 2 years of active duty did it; followed by a progressively laxer reserve four; the last two years being an inactive reserve -virtually a registry. The National Guardmen and the Reservist who were not on active duty did a monthly weekend duty for 6 years with a summertime 6 week stint. In many cases due to constant manpower, the last two years in the Guard were also often a casual muster. Mr. Bush cannot be demerited for that conformity. If he were fishing during a muster; then let's establish the record. No more than that compliance was required of any obligee to military service then. Men and woemn today expect a variety of duties and risks to themselves and their society - few ever serve their nation in actual combat - but face great adversity - unsung. President Reagan was thought to have kaiboshed this cheapshot in his campaign - so did the likes of John Wayne. They referenced the men who kept the homefront or who changed and kept the cities and families the paycheck earners etc as well. Good men and women. Let us not tarnish honor in our lives' service to our country by joining a minctuating contest as to the greater heroism. Our veterans have distinguished themselves by service when called. They returned home, and returned to citizen-civilian status. We owe them memory, thanks and an assist when needed. That 'vet' could have washed floors; driven a tank; or worked a desk. Those who served out of combat and those who did not are not disqualified in their nation's public choices. As to character would the candidate bear the risk of defamation were this not a campaign for public office?