Ex-Swift boat skipper praises Kerry (Local story pic Rich Baker)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04237/366585.stm



For 35 years, Rich Baker seldom talked about Vietnam, Swift boats or John Kerry's ability as a young naval officer.

But now, with Republican partisans challenging Kerry's wartime record, Baker said he feels compelled to strike back.

"Every Swift boat officer gave his all in Vietnam, but Kerry stood above the rest of us," said Baker, 61, of Scott, a former Navy lieutenant and Swift boat commander. "He was number one as far as courageousness and aggressiveness. He set the tone."

<snip>

A registered Democrat, Baker voted for Republican George W. Bush for president in 2000. But this time, Baker said, he is supporting Kerry for two reasons.

For one, Baker said, he considers Kerry better qualified than Bush to be commander in chief.

<snip>

"George Bush has two silver dental fillings in his teeth to show what he did during the Vietnam War," Baker said. "John Kerry has a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts."

[roguevalley]

1. Viet Nam is never going to end but thank god so many vets have so

much integrity. I'm proud of them.

[eleny]

2. Silver fillings vs Silver Star!

Well, okay!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

3. This guy looks like a greyer version of the cop on Law and Order.

Jerry Ohrbach? Can't remember the name.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

7. You remember rightly

I can see a resemblance... like an older uncle

[bluestateguy]

4. I think they have been busy gathering as many Rich Baker's as they can

Good work.

[Old and In the Way]

8. I think it's going to be a story a day between now and Election Day.

:-)

Queing them up....I wonder how that Corsi moron over at FR is feeling now? He was mighty boastful about the damage he was going to do to Kerry. Methinks, he'll be a major reason for insuring Bush's defeat....someone should post a thank you note over there...

[bagnana]

11. Corsi is a foul mouthed bigot

It is scary to think he is a professor. His writing was terrible! He must have a lot of students doing all of his publishing work.

[Old and In the Way]

5. The Swift Boat (SS Bushliars) absorbs another direct hit.

Taking on water faster than the bilge pumps can handle.....

[Feanorcurufinwe]

6. Good story

[sandnsea]

9. Cool

Silver fillings vs. silver star. Very good.

[Cha]

10. Voted for bush 2000! I guess

he's making up for it.. big time, now.