<sigh>

Talking politics can be a slippery slope, but here goes...

Mr. Kerry, let me say up front, I have not volunteered to go to Iraq. However, I know two people who did go -- both college graduates.

One was my roommate in college; a career Army officer who has been published several times in the Army's Infantry journals on innovative tactics and training tools. He's the kind of officer you hope we have plenty of in the service.

The other was a good friend from high school. He was an active duty Marine officer after graduation and commissioning. He was activated out of the reserves and left a high paying job in financial planning to serve when his country called.

Both of these men served their full tours in the combat zone. (Although, to be fair to you, they were not -- by God's grace -- wounded even once to my knowledge. ) They were both very much in harm's way. My former roommate was interviewed by the Army about his experiences in the Battle for Fallujah.

Your "gaffe" was exposed on the very same day a young friend of mine volunteered for duty in the combat zone. He did not need to volunteer. He has a very cushy job using his business degree in worthwhile service. He could stay home and drink beer and chase girls. But he volunteered to go where he was needed because he feels the call to serve.

These three men, only examples of the many men and women in our country's service, deserve more for their sacrifice than you using them for political theater by insulting their intelligence. Sure, politicians on both sides are guilty of this, but as a combat wounded vet -- a former Naval officer -- you should know better.

When I first heard the news story about your statement, the local radio host was very clear that you were adamantly refusing to apologize for your statement. I was not shocked, however, when I later heard you had apologized on the Don Imus radio program. Wiffle. Waffle. Vote for the $80M, before you vote against it.

I also heard you said you would never insult the men and women in our armed forces. Gee, my father, a Vietnam Vet himself, has a very clear memory of you telling Congress -- while wearing OD green utilities, no less -- about all those "atrocities" being committed by American servicemen in Vietnam. He was pretty insulted at being lumped in with a few very bad folks, and he doesn't recall ever getting an apology.

Leadership is not about taking cheap shots depending upon which audience you happen to be standing in front of. Anyone who speaks in front of people will make mistakes, but you shouldn't need to apologize about something like this. You might want to talk to your colleague and fellow vet, John McCain, about leadership and principles. I hope to have the honor of voting for him again.

Now, flame on if you must, dear readers. I may or may not read your comments... And I will try not to be too political in the future.