Livefrmtx wrote “Bush served in the National Guard, and was, in addition, a qualified fighter pilot (a dangerous job under the best of circumstances). To disrespect his service in the National Guard is the same as disrespecting ALL National Guard vets, whether or not they served in a combat zone. "

Livefrmtx makes a very cogent and intelligent point here when he said “disrespect his service in the National Guard is the same as disrespecting ALL National Guard vets”
I served as a regular Air Force member but attached to a very under staffed activated Air National unit. A very few and very rare case during the VIETNAM WAR. They SERVED alongside us regulars with their F100 Super Sabers out of central Vietnam. I had the utmost respect for them as pilots and human beings. Gee now I blew the cover of where my moniker came from. Yes at least Bush, though not in war, served in some capacity. I respect that. I disagree with him on economics I do not and shall not denigrate his service in the TANG. Texas Air National Guard.

Let’s build on “ Livefrmtx ‘s “wisdom. Likewise when you disrespect Kerry for his service in Vietnam you disrespect all the Vets who served there. When you make up lies about Kerry’s service or his motivation for serving you disrespect nervy vet who served. When you lie and say that he got medals for nothing and lie and say that medals were easy to get, you denigrate all of us who got them. YOU DO NOT APPLY FOR a Purple HEART, you are given one along with written orders for each wound suffered from hostile enemy action. You cannot refuse to accept them. You can choose not to wear them. Though you are technically violating an order in uniform protocol; at least as I remember that part of the rules.