John Kerry flip-flops
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Contents |
Introduction
A recurring theme in John Kerry's predidential campaign has been addressing the accusations made by the that he stands on both sides of issues. This is expressed by accusing him of "flip-flopping", a colloquial expression referring to the continental American word for a thin, flat, backless rubber sandal that is held on the foot by a V-shaped strap that passes between the toes and around either side of the foot, and is attached to the sole at three points. In Hawaii flip-flops may also be called "slippers". Use of the term by the conservative Republican echo machine was driven by the decision to contrast the complexity of John Kerry's nuanced policy positions with the simplistic and seemingly unchanging bumper sticker length policy positions of George W. Bush.
Attacked Stances
Funding for The Military
Kerry has been accused of voting against supporting troops in Iraq because of his vote for authorizing Bush to take military action followed by his vote against an $87 billion spending package to pay for hazard pay, health benefits for troops and families, and body armor among other military expenses.
His War Record
Kerry's war record has been a subject of debate and rhetoric due largely to Kerry's actions upon returning home from Vietnam. Kerry won several medals during the Vietnam War but joined the peace movement upon returning home. This is difficult to square with the conservative populist imagery of the unthinking patriotism ascribed to veterans by those who count on their votes but know too few of them. The accusation of flip-flopping comes from his trying to gain political capital as a war hero while trying to disregard his anti-war protests. Oliver North made the outrageous claim that Kerry's anti-war statements directly resulted in additional torture of captives [1]. North's own nefarious and illegal "missiles for hostages" deal with the radical Shi'a Islamist government of Iran which was revealed in the Iran-Contragate Scandal no doubt encouraged that government to undertake further state sponsored support for terrorism.
Taxes
Kerry has been accused of supporting both tax cuts and increasing spending.
Quotes by Republicans
On Iraq, Senator Kerry has disagreed with many of his fellow Democrats. But Senator Kerry's liveliest disagreement is with himself. His back-and-forth reflects a habit of indecision, and sends a message of confusion. And it is all part of a pattern. He has, in the last several years, been for the No Child Left Behind Act and against it. He has spoken in favor of the North American Free Trade Agreement and against it. He is for the Patriot Act and against it. Senator Kerry says he sees two Americas. It makes the whole thing mutual - America sees two John Kerrys.
- Dick Cheney, at the Republican National Convention
Quotes by Kerry
On Troops Overseas
If it requires more troops . . . that's what you have to do.
- April 18, 2004
I will have significant, enormous reduction in the level of troops.
- August 1, 2004
On Funding 2003 Invasion of Iraq
We should increase [funding for the war] in Iraq by whatever number of billions of dollars it takes to win.
- August 31, 2003
$200 billion [for Iraq] that we're not investing in education and health care, and job creation here at home. . . . That's the wrong choice.
- September 8, 2004
Kerry Rebuttals
On his vote against the $87 billian spending bill
And I might add, that vote for the $87 billion, which was was a vote to change our policy and get other nations involved and get other people on the ground and take the target off of American troops by sharing the responsibility, it was also a vote that took place long after they already committed the troops, long after they should have had the equipment that they needed.
- March 15, 2004
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