I went in the Military by choice. I am proud of my choice and would be a hell of a lot less so If I thought that because of that choice I have given up the right to be a critic of, and not a rubber stamp for my government leaders.

I don't think anyone is saying that you have to be a "rubber stamp" or you can't be a critic of your government, my point was that while you're on duty you need to suppress those thought's in order to keep a neutral environment. It's not only the military that has these rules. Most private companies, corporations even our public schools do not allow partisan political rhetoric, because all it does is cause dissention amongst the employees and (or) students and it's non productive. I can't walk into my work place and start spouting my political views they wouldn't like it, but because they have that rule I'm going to respect it and not whine and pout about it.

In fact, because of my service, because of putting myself voluntarily in harms way for my country, John Kerry and I have both earned the right to say what is is not what ought to be.

You're right, you and Kerry do, but regardless of whether one serves or not if you're a US citizen you have the right to voice your opinion. Just because one may have served a short stint in the military doesn't make them anymore qualified or privileged to speak out on crisis issues than a learned civilian. I was watching a program on C-Span the other day on the presidents and where they ranked concerning military and crisis issues. Number one was Lincoln and two was FDR. Neither served in the military, however they were one and two regarding those issues. (Lincoln did serve in a Militia similar to the national guard for a very short time, but nothing significant)

Because of my service I strongly object to a leader that sends America's sons to war for bogus reasons and would justify deaths in that fraudulent cause by resort to lies and falsehoods. Then to hear Bush have the audacity to tell me that "I can lead, because I am a leader" would make me laugh, if it weren't so sad.

That's fine you disagree with Bush, it's your opinion and everyone has one. Again, just because you served doesn't necessarily make you the grand authority on everything concerning military action.

Yes, Bush is a leader---he is a former cheer leader. You know, a male pom pom girl. Difference being I am a former varsity athlete. We got to date his team mates.

This is a low blow, but I have to admit it's kind of funny. I too, am a former athlete. Played Pop Warner, Jr. High, High School and two years of college football. We had a few male cheerleaders in college and I would have enjoyed seeing you call them "male pom pom girl's". One of them was in the same Frat as I and was about 6'2" 210 and athletic enough to probably be playing football with us, but his Dad wouldn't allow him to play contact sports. Dude got practically any girl he wanted and if you were to make the pom pom girl crack to him you'd probably be eating your teeth.