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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 30-Jul-04
John Kerry vows to strengthen the US military

Web Log - July, 2004

John Kerry vows to strengthen the US military

In his acceptance speech at DNC, Kerry showed the passion that was necessary, proving wrong those who doubted he was capable of it.

Saying that we're a nation at war, he said that he'd increase the size of the military by 40,000, but wouldn't send them to Iraq.

"In these dangerous days there is a right way and a wrong way to be strong," he said. "We need a strong military and we need to lead strong alliances. And then, with confidence and determination, we will be able to tell the terrorists: You will lose and we will win."

This portion of the speech lasted about 20 minutes. The rest of the speech was the usual silly laundry list of promises for everyone of high-paying jobs, high-cost medicare, day care, and everything else he could think of. This is the stuff that politicians like to promise, knowing that it would cost zillions of tax dollars to provide even a fraction of it.

The first part of Kerry's speech was very good, in my opinion, so much so that I actually gave my full attention to it. I believe that his major issue, that George Bush's policies since 9/11 have squandered the respect of the world, is a very powerful one, and it gives him an opportunity to make the vacuous promise that he'll cooperate with other nations and get back respect. He hit exactly the right note, in my opinion, to reassure people that he understands the dangers we're facing and is ready to face them, and he's attacking President Bush's major strength.

What I found missing is any details about how Kerry would handle the Iraq situation, or how he'd handle the Israeli/Palestine situation. This doesn't surprise me because there isn't the slightest difference between Kerry and Bush on these subjects, and if Kerry wins, he'll pursue those problems no differently than Bush would.

That illustrates the problem that Kerry will face in the next few weeks. Other than promising more international cooperation, a promise which most people correctly suspect cannot be fulfilled, he has nothing to say that distinguishes him from Bush. He's rejected the demands from his left wing to name a final date for leaving Iraq, but they haven't let their distress turn to anger because Kerry winning is their highest priority.

There are now two major factors left to decide the election:

The debates will pit the two candidates, and one or the other may make a mistake.
Some major surprise, like a terrorist attack, may turn the election in one direction or another.

(30-Jul-04) Permanent Link
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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 30-Jul-04 John Kerry vows to strengthen the US military

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Generational Dynamics Web Log for 30-Jul-04
John Kerry vows to strengthen the US military