John Kerry’s So Called Botched Joke
By: Matthew Keegan
I do not like to write too much about political stuff as it does little to unify people. I have been blessed with friends and family members who call themselves Democrat, Republican, Independent, even uninvolved or non-aligned. As a Christian, I believe that God ultimately trumps the affairs of this world, therefore the matters of men fade in the presence of the King of Kings.
As many of you may already know, Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts made what he now says was a “botched joke” while stumping for a Democratic candidate in California on Monday. He said:
You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework, you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq.
The firestorm that has erupted since Mr. Kerry made his comments at Pasadena City College is truly understandable. Firstly, the implication that if you aren’t bright enough to go to college, then military service is your only option. Secondly, Iraq is not a fight worth pursuing, but then we already know the senator’s opinion about America’s involvement in that conflict.
Sen. Kerry certainly has a right to say what he wants and where he wants to say it. However, he should also realize that there are consequences to his speech and judging by the reaction from both sides of the political aisle, few are coming to Mr. Kerry’s aid during this time. Indeed, the senator was planning to stump for candidates in several tight races around the country over the next several days — most of those appearances have now been cancelled.
In my opinion, one of the worse things that Mr. Kerry has done since his speech was calling what he said a “botched joke.” This statement raises another question for me — just what was that joke about?
I think we Americans are tired of all of the fancy foot stepping of our politicians and we want some straight answers. Sen. Kerry screwed up by what he said and he is doing nothing to apologize to members of the military and their families. Does he believe what he said? It could be that he really does. If so, he will reap the consequences and likely harm his party’s midterm elections which are looming just days away.
Copyright 2006 – For additional information regarding Matthew C. Keegan, The Article Writer, please visit his blog for wit, quips, and freelance writing tips.