As a Vietnam veteran, I find the current statements over President Bush’s military service by leading Democratic presidential contenders self-serving and scandalous. Let’s compare his service to that of Al Gore and Bill Clinton.
Gore, who touts his Vietnam veteran status, spent his time near Saigon as a reporter sequestered at headquarters and kept out of harm’s way by a military leadership well aware that he was the son of U.S. Sen. Al Gore Sr.
In contrast, George Bush flew supersonic fighters in the Texas National Guard, an occupation that is inherently dangerous whether or not you are being shot at.
The Clinton story of finessing the draft board and protesting the war has been told many times. I did not agree with the draft dodgers during that era, but I gave them credit for standing up for their beliefs and taking the consequences, neither of which Clinton was willing to do.
