Let's be clear. There was nothing dishonorable about opposing the war in Vietnam or any other war. But Kerry became the front man for Vietnam Veterans Against the War. With his New England wealth and Yale degree, he leant considerable prestige to that otherwise less-than-savory organization. And he used that influence not just to urge an early end to the war, but to defame and libel the other 2.7 million men who served in Vietnam.
His April 1971 testimony reveals a true modern liberal, impatient with the old benevolent view of America. "We rationalized destroying villages in order to save them," Kerry declared repeating the cliche (of doubtful authenticity) originated by reporter Peter Arnett. "We saw American lose her sense of morality as she accepted very coolly a My Lai and refused to give up the image of American soldiers who hand out chocolate bars and chewing gum. We learned the meaning of free fire zones, shooting anything that moves, and we watched while America placed a cheapness on the lives of Orientals."
Kerry has never repudiated that testimony (the more lurid parts accused Americans of cutting off limbs, randomly shooting at civilians, razing villages in a fashion reminiscent of Genghis Khan and more). That is John Kerry's America. It is a land of racists; a nation that can "coolly" accept war crimes; a nation that has long since ceased to hand out candy bars.
Kerry's allies in the Democratic Party and in the press are today presenting an identical image of American soldiers to the world. They have reveled in images from Abu Ghraib and highlighted accusations of harsh treatment at Guantanamo. They've wildly exaggerated threats to civil liberties at home, while indulging in open speculation about the Bush administration's vulgar motives for taking the nation to war. As for the good American force is doing for the world and for us, you won't hear of it from the Democrats.
John Kerry played a leading role in curdling this country's self-image and, in a long senate career, he has rarely voted to defend the country. His salute is insulting.