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General Wesley Clark, USA (ret) released the following statement today in response to Vice President Dick Cheney’s attacks on John Kerry:
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Today, Dick Cheney took the lowest road in politics -- it was a cheap shot unworthy of the office of Vice President. "
The truth is that this administration has over-relied on the military in the war against terror – if we are to win, we must use all the means at our disposal – diplomacy, international law, economic development, law enforcement, and only as a last resort, military force. "
But then, maybe that’s to be expected. Neither George Bush nor Dick Cheney has ever heard a shot fired in anger. Never worried whether he’d ever see his family again or seen the destruction caused by the weapons he’s wielded. The losses of war are permanent. The consequences are unpredictable. That’s why John Kerry has always said force should be a last resort. "
John Kerry understands the risk and sacrifice that American soldiers undertake every day, in a personal way that neither George Bush nor Dick Cheney ever will. John Kerry has the physical courage, tested in combat, to hunt down and kill our enemies. He also has the moral courage and humility to avoid the arrogance, which has doomed this administration. John Kerry will make us safer at home and restore our credibility around the world."
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General Merrill McPeak released the following statement today responding to the attacks Vice President Cheney made today in Dayton, OH: “
Let's get the record straight. No one disputes these facts: John Kerry volunteered for active military service when many others—including President Bush and Vice President Cheney—found a way to avoid it. He came under intense hostile fire, was wounded three times and was decorated for gallantry. Do the President and Vice President really want to have a debate about who is more suited to fight the war in Iraq and the war on terror? Do they really want a debate about which candidate has the toughness to make America stronger?”
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Today, Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) reacted to Vice President Dick Cheney’s comment that Senator John Kerry “doesn’t have deeply held convictions about right and wrong.” Senator Lautenberg issued the following statement:
“John Kerry had enough conviction to sign up for the military during wartime, unlike the Vice President, who had a deep conviction to avoid military service,” said Senator Lautenberg. “Senator Kerry is a veteran who understands war, and knows that the key to success is to rally allies to your cause. President Bush’s arrogant policies in Iraq have not worked. Vice President Cheney should spend less time attacking Senator Kerry and more time trying to fix the Bush Administration’s mess in Iraq.”
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In Dayton, Ohio today, Vice President Cheney discussed John Kerry's pledge to fight a "more sensitive" war on terror:
"Senator Kerry has also said that if he were in charge he would fight a 'more sensitive' war on terror. America has been in too many wars for any of our wishes, but not a one of them was won by being sensitive. President Lincoln and General Grant did not wage sensitive warfare -- nor did President Roosevelt, nor Generals Eisenhower and MacArthur. A 'sensitive war' will not destroy the evil men who killed 3,000 Americans and who seek the chemical, nuclear and biological weapons to kill hundreds of thousands more. The men who beheaded Daniel Pearl and Paul Johnson will not be impressed by our sensitivity. As our opponents see it, the problem isn't the thugs and murderers that we face, but our attitude. Well, the American people know better. They know that we are in a fight to preserve our freedom and our way of life, and that we are on the side of rights and justice in this battle. Those who threaten us and kill innocents around the world do not need to be treated more sensitively. They need to be destroyed."
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