For those of you who missed it, CBS 60 Minutes II had a piece last night on Bush's service (or lack there of) during Vietnam. In addition to an interview with the man who "pulled the strings" to allow him entry into a unit that they all knew would never be sent, they've also found new documents that further undercut Bush's claim that he fulfilled all of his obligations.
| The first memo is a direct order to take "an annual physical examination" – a requirement for all pilots.
Another memo refers to a phone call from the lieutenant in which he and his commander "discussed options of how Bush can get out of coming to drill from now through November." And that due to other commitments "he may not have time." On August 1, 1972, Col. Killian grounded Lt. Bush for failure to perform to U.S. Air Force/Texas Air National Guard standards and for failure to take his annual physical as ordered. A year after Lt. Bush's suspension from flying, Killian was asked to write another assessment. Killian's memo, titled 'CYA' reads he is being pressured by higher-ups to give the young pilot a favorable yearly evaluation; to, in effect, sugarcoat his review. He refuses, saying, "I'm having trouble running interference and doing my job." |
Now... personally I don't think this is what this election should be about. But following Bush's repeated refusal to condemn the Swift Boat campaign against Kerry, service in Vietnam is an issue that is fair game for both questions. And given the facts, that can't be good new for Bush.
My question is... the President knows the truth about his record. If, as is almost surely the case, he didn't serve, why on Earth did he allow this to linger as an issue? Did he really think he'd be able to get away with it?
Hmmm... Well... he's been getting away with things all his life, so....
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