Editor, the News-Herald:

Our democratic process is all about spirited debate and differences of opinion.

The United States has always been a place where you can agree to disagree.

Mr. William Harward’s Letter to the Editor printed on Jul 30, 2004, starts by telling me my opinions are wrong.

Isn’t that a curious viewpoint?

Webster’s Dictionary defines opinion as a belief or judgment based on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.

I have formed opinions based on facts and personal beliefs, but my opinions are wrong.

I don’t get it.

If Mr. Harward had presented any facts to back up his assertions, perhaps his opinions would be taken more seriously.

I will never disparage either Mr. Harward’s or Kerry’s military service.

In fact, I thank them for their service and their sacrifice.

However, it is Kerry’s actions after he got out of the service that is so disturbing.

Kerry appeared before a Senate Select committee less than a year after his discharge and reported that U.S. soldiers had &uot;raped, cut off ears, cut off heads, taped wires from portable telephones to human genitals and turned up the power, cut off limbs, blown up bodies, randomly shot at civilians, razed villages, shot cattle and dogs for fun, poisoned food stocks, and generally ravaged the countryside of South Vietnam.&uot;

These are statements Kerry made on the Senate record that cannot be airbrushed away with time and media spin.

Is that a fair characterization of Vietnam Veterans in general or of Mr. Harward?

I think not.

I personally know William as a man of integrity and principle and think an overwhelming percentage of Vietnam Veterans deserve the same respect for their service and sacrifice to country.

If Kerry saw atrocities committed, what actions did he take to stop or report them?

As a Naval Officer, it was his duty to uphold the constitution of the United States, to obey lawful orders, and to ensure good order and discipline in the force.

Kerry never brought charges against anyone!

Look at Kerry’s voting record leading to the War with Iraq.

In September 2002, Kerry went on record as saying that the US should not rush to War.

Then on 11 Oct 02 Kerry changed his position and voted in support of the war.

Finally, in another chilling reversal, Kerry voted against the $87 Billion Emergency Appropriations Bill to support our deployed and deploying troops.

When asked by the media about his reversal, Kerry stated &uot;I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.&uot;

Will the real John Kerry stand-up?

Why all the personal attacks against Bush and those who support him?

Can’t Kerry and his supporters stick to the facts and run on his record and achievements over the past 20 years?

Draw your own conclusions, form your own opinions, after you look at the facts!

Everett Revell

Suffolk