Letter to the Editor from Bob Rogers

Joe Snyder – Give me a break!

John Kerry spent four months in Vietnam and talks constantly about “fighting” the Vietnam War. Give me a break! In that short period he was awarded a silver star, a bronze star and three purple hearts. He blocked allowing his journal or military records from being made public. Give me a break! Kerry knew anyone receiving three purple hearts in a foreign war was returned stateside. There were three versions of the silver star award, each improved and glowing. The third signed by Secretary of State John Lehman. Mr. Lehman advises he did not write, order to be written, nor sign this accommodation. There have been no witnesses to his first purple heart and in his own journal he reported that nine days after this claimed “injury” he had not yet been shot at. Give me a break!

I spent 11 months in the front lines in Korea with the 1st Marine Division and received four combat campaign stars on my Korean Service Ribbon. People have been reported to have combed shrapnel out of their hair and received a purple. I know of one of these cases in my own unit in Korea. This was this man’s third purple and he was sent stateside immediately. I would think that Mr. Kerry possible wore out more than one comb and brush. Give me a break! In 1986 he told the senate that he had spent Christmas Eve in Cambodia and described it as life changing and seared in his memory. This experience was one more of Kerry’s fantasies. The military has discounted it and there again are no witnesses.

After returning to the U.S. he spent a couple of years protesting the war and even went to France and Germany to aid their protests. He even claimed in congress he was involved in village burning, rape, and killing of non combatants. If true, and I doubt it, as an officer why was it not reported properly before Kerry told this “story” to the congress. He then went into the senate for 20 do nothing years. His attendance in congress and on committees is abhorring and his voting record every bit as bad. He now disclaims some of his votes saying he laid down conditions. If every member of congress were allowed to attach conditions to their votes they would be able to accomplish nothing. A vote is a vote. Give me a break!

President Bush was an outstanding governor in Texas and has presided over the worst four years any president has ever had to contend with. He has worked hard and is in the process of improving our economy, homeland security, and overall welfare for the citizens of this great country. Mr. Kerry asks the question “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” If Mr. Kerry were elected president I would be afraid to hear the answer to that question four years from now. The ability to debate and leave questions unanswered, and tell “war stories” does not make a commander in chief. This is a very important election. Please consider your vote seriously and the ramification of that vote. Cast your vote as if your life depended on it. It may!

Bob Rogers, former U.S. Marine, Korea 1951/1952