To tell you the truth, if the veteran's group condemning Kerry had the same stunning video shots that Moore presented in Fahrenheit 911, I'd have been just as outraged. There's quite a difference in compelling visual evidence produced in an entertaining format (Moore happens to be a good comedian in my opinion) and some ad featuring barely literate men mentioning stuff that they feel happened 30 years ago.

It all comes down to motivation to me as to who to believe (and I don't buy every one of Moore's allegations). Moore's primary motivation seems to be either to make the country a better place or to simply be a rich and successful film producer.

The motivation of Viet Nam vets can be a number of things from simply wanting to do what's right, covering up or being embarassed about their own atrocities in Viet Nam after Kerry's admissions there, or financial or power gains as evidenced by the huge bankroll their organization seems to get from Republican power brokers.

Now let's look at the worst of Moore's possible motivations - financial success. Seems to me that if that was his intent he'd be making Arnold Schwartzeneger action flicks instead of documentaries which typically have a lower box office draw. Also he wouldn't always have to go after one side. It would be equally profitable going after both parties. The fact that he seems to stay focused on issues that don't add significantly to his bankroll (compared to conservative causes which can greatly increase a person's worth), he tends to come across to most as genuine.

Now for the veteran's group. It is certainly a possibility that Kerry is lying through his teeth and they are truly concerned about the future under his leadership but, they've had 30 years to fight against the man if that was so compelling an issue to them. He certainly rose to a position of power in the Senate that should've incensed them just as much. What takes away from their credibility is the suddenness it became a problem to them. The most telling thing to me is the amount of money that very rapidly was channeled into this group.

So let's back up from this silly issue and look at the human nature involved. Were this a jury trial we'd have to establish motive, and everything I know about human nature seems to point the finger at the veteran's group. I'm not a big Kerry fan but when you put all the stuff together and see the intense emotions and divisiveness this bulletin board shows after 1 term of Bush, it certainly seems logical that the man needs to be replaced.

I came to those conclusions long before Moore's film ever came out or Kerry's Viet Nam story was ever revealed. I just implore everyone to step back from party rhetoric and make your judgement based on more than the potshots.