Open Letter to Bill O'Reilly about Swift Boat Veterans

Fox News is downplaying the Swift Boat Veterans story about John Kerry's Vietnam experience, I think out of a concern that Kerry won't appear on the network if they hammer him on this issue - a financial decision in my view. However, it could be that they want to entice him on and THEN will hammer him on this stuff. Better for them that way, but bad for their viewers who should be treated to constant questions of the Kerry campaign from Fox about this story.

Hi Bill,

I read your talking points memo online today, http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,128812,00.html, and am a little astounded by your callous disregard for the feelings of Vietnam Vets and your minimizing a very clear window into John Kerry's character. I'm "amazed" that you don't see that Kerry's attempted portrayal of himself as a war hero now, despite the compelling evidence presented by the Swift Boat veterans that he is lying about his service, is a very clear and damning reflection on Kerry's honesty and integrity.

Most Americans will NOT vote for a person they do not trust or respect. I (and probably the Swift Boat veterans themselves) would have been willing to let the Vietnam issue lie with regard to Kerry if he hadn't attempted a clearly cynical and low political trick to run on his war experience now after condemning it along with every soldier who ever served in Vietnam back in 1971, and as recently as 1993. Kerry's attempt to run away from his record at the expense of the truth, and to ascend to the highest office in the land on the backs of the soldiers, sailors, and marines that he betrayed is despicable no matter how long ago the betrayal occured. This is the second time he is using the men he betrayed in this fashion; maybe Massachusetts voters didn't care about Vietnam Vets in 1971, but most Americans always have and still do, even more so today as this traitor is running for President and Commander in Chief. You (and Fox) should report the truth, that most of America's military and much of America feels this way.

Obviously, his plans for Iraq/foreign policy, the economy, the budget, taxes, etc. are very important as well. Kerry doesn't have a clue in these areas either, but even if he did I will NEVER vote for a man who weaseled his way out of danger only to then accuse 2 million Americans (including my father, a career Army officer and 3-tour Vietnam Veteran) of being murderers, rapists, and sadists. I vote for integrity, honesty, and realistic pragmatism, in that order, and Kerry does not belong on the same stage as George Bush in any of those areas.

Kerry made his Vietnam service an issue and therefore you and Fox should not be minimizing that issue. I've long been convinced of Kerry's low character due to his 1971 betrayal of Vietnam Vets and his 20 years as a liberal in congress, the Swift Boat veterans have only added depth to my disgust for the junior Senator from Massachusetts. But there are many, especially younger Americans who may be fooled by Kerry's "I'm a War Hero" campaign strategy and need to be educated. They will need to make an informed choice on who will protect them better from terrorism - a man who cuts, runs, and lies, or a man who will do the right thing no matter how hard or personally costly.

How fair and balanced is it that you and Fox News are not aggressively investigating and following up on the Swift Boat story, in prime time, and daily? You have joined the liberal media in your treatment of this story, and I'd like to know why. Should this continue I will have to find a media outlet that will remain 'fair and balanced'.

Regards,

Doug Hillgren
Harpers Ferry, WV

End of letter.

Probably won't do any good, but I have a feeling from reading the Swift Boat forum that a LOT of folks are sending Bill letters like this.

Adios MF,

Doug