No, those people are patriots as well. In fact, veterans in general are FAR more patriotic than those of us who laze on our couches enjoying the freedoms that THEY fight for. That means that Kerry is right in there with the group of people who I consider the MOST patriotic in our country, even moreso since he VOLUNTEERED to go to 'Nam, VOLUNTEERED for front-line duty rather than being stationed on a ship miles offshore, and VOLUNTEERED to command a boat whose sole duty was to engage the enemy. Because he volunteered for these duties, he was wounded in battle three times and after leaving 'Nam, performed even MORE patriotic duty by protesting an unjust war, helping to force our leaders to bring the boys home. Do I think that vets who did not get wounded qualify as patriots? Absolutely. Do I think that Kerry's service qualifies him as more of a patriot than GWB? Absolutely so. 34 and no. Your assumptions are not my opinions. I never said anything about people who don't enlist being losers. I do believe that we are not as patriotic nor as heroic as those who served, but to qualify as a "loser" during the time in question, one would have to actively avoid going to 'Nam despite supporting the war. Of course they are. Are they as "patriotic" as a veteren, particularly one who volunteers for front line duty in time of war? No, but that does not take away from the heroism necessary to do their jobs.
