INTERVIEW WITH MCCAIN HECKLER ADAM KOKESH.
Kokesh, a passionate Ron Paul supporter, is 26 and a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War. He served in Fallujah in 2004, grew up in Santa Fe, and currently lives in Washington, D.C. He has a website.
At the beginning of McCain's speech, Kokesh held up a sign reading, "McCain Votes Against Vets" and yelled, "Ask him why he votes against vets!" I followed as Kokesh was escorted out of the Excel Center by security, handcuffed by local police, and then briefly questioned while security debated whether or not the Secret Service would get involved. They did not. He was then escorted off the premises and allowed to go free. I interviewed him just outside the security gates, where he was greeted happily by antiwar protesters.
Why were you here in the Twin Cities? And how did you get into the Excel Center?
I was here in Minneapolis for the IVAW convention and thought I’d stick around for this.
Well I’ve been a Ron Paul supporter since the beginning of this campaign. Since before this campaign started, actually, I’ve been a fan of Paul. So I’ve got a lot of friends in the Ron Paul crowd. And he’s got a lot of delegates in there. More than the Republican Party is willing to admit. And the fact that I got into there is proof of that. One of Paul’s alternate delegates got me a guest pass.
Were you surprised to be handcuffed? Or are you just relieved you were not arrested or detained longer?
I was actually expecting to get manhandled much sooner. [During the heckling], someone was grabbing my belt and pulling on me. And then someone pulled the sign out of my hands.
Do you feel your protest was effective?
Well I wasn’t so much trying to interrupt the speech as make the point that McCain has a horrible voting record on veterans. What the Republican Party is doing with their take on the war in Iraq is spinning it in such a way that it’s about victory or defeat. But they can’t face up to the fact that you can’t win an occupation. In an occupation, everybody loses. What we’re calling for is an immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces in Iraq.
Who will you vote for in November?
Bob Barr.
--Dana Goldstein
Feeds: 


COMMENTS (160)
People are funny.
Posted by: Dan | September 4, 2008 10:52 PM
Three cheers for Adam! Google McCain's voting record on veterans and you will see he is right!
Posted by: Brian | September 4, 2008 11:31 PM
adam kokesh is a new breed of old school patriot.
Posted by: Barry Donegan | September 4, 2008 11:40 PM
Adam, you made me very, very proud tonight! Keep the faith, and know that millions were cheering you on.
Posted by: Linda | September 4, 2008 11:43 PM
Iraq Veterans Against the War are puppets of the Vietnam Veterans Against the War from the 60's, the guys who with Jane Fonda's backing told the world that all Vietnam Veterans were Baby Killing War Criminals.
It wasn't good enough to say the war was wrong, or that America was wrong, these hippie freaks had to say that the troops were wrong too.
That Jane Fonda funded smear was a kangaroo court called Winter Soldier, none of under oath and much of it hearsay.
The IVAW doesn't do anything original, it just apes the VVAW events from the 60's, that's why they are just puppets.
The IVAW held it's own Winter Soldier smear last march and labelled the troops in Iraq AND Afghanistan Baby Killing War Criminals, just like their VVAW mentors did.
The VVAW are so despised by veterans that they have to hide under a rock called Veterans For Peace. Someday so will the IVAW when people learn more about them.
In fact, Elvis Kokesh is wearing a VFP shirt more and more. So maybe that time has come.
All I can say about war criminals is that the only ones I know of are VVAW and IVAW members who confessed to war crimes at Winter Soldier in '71 and '08. They should be held accountable and hold their next convention in Fort Levenworth.
Posted by: Raoul | September 4, 2008 11:56 PM
I am a veteran of the air force and served during desert storm.
How can anyone claim to have done anything for veterans when we cannot even get access to affordable health care?
Why don't vets get access to the same insurance as congressman and senators or any other federal government employee for that matter?
Veterans are treated like crap and have been for decades. It is disgusting and John McCain has not done his part and has had plenty of time to make change.
I just hope Obama is not just politics as usual and that he can really bring change to how veterans are treated.
Posted by: Brian Benko | September 4, 2008 11:58 PM
Well done sir! The hecklers did a great job of throwing McCain off his timing, making the crowd interrupt McCain as well, and forcing him to adlib-- which he is terrible at.
Posted by: gfw | September 5, 2008 12:00 AM
so happy to see this story getting coverage. gives me Hope.
Posted by: bearerfriend | September 5, 2008 12:12 AM
Thank you, Mr. Kokesh: first, for your honorable service and, second, for confronting the Republican Party with the truth about how they "Support the Troops" they have used as throwaway pawns to secure those no-bid oil contracts for Exxon, Shell and BP. (Thanks also to Senator Webb of VA who worked tirelessly to get the 21st Century G.I. Bill passed, despite the fierce opposition from Senator McCain, who BTW, didn't bother to show up for the vote.)
Posted by: NamelessGenXer | September 5, 2008 12:14 AM
Kokesh says he does not want to be a Pericles, but more of a Demosthenes. He should be careful for what it is he wishes for and study the classical Greeks a little more before he goes on with those cute, vapid, and mistaken anecdotes.
Posted by: Ari | September 5, 2008 12:14 AM
Very real issue and very honorable courage to make waves in the enemy's pool tonight. I'm proud to call you a truly American Hero. The vets need your voice, you're their hope for improvement of the system.
Posted by: Steve in Ca. | September 5, 2008 12:22 AM
I saw the last 10-15 minutes of McCain's speech, and in the recap the NBC guys said they thought the protest was staged by Code Pink. Unless there was another protest?
Tomorrow it'll be blamed on MoveOn.
Posted by: pk | September 5, 2008 12:24 AM
Censorship: comments on CNN politicalticker closed!
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/04/usa-chant-is-code-to-drown-out-protesters/
Keep up the good work!
Posted by: hagi | September 5, 2008 12:29 AM
Thank you for your service and your continuing courage, ADAM KOKESH and Brian Benko.
Posted by: Evelyn | September 5, 2008 12:30 AM
Kokesh is riveting.
Posted by: John Huckans | September 5, 2008 12:34 AM
I am a Veteran, but regardless of McCain's voting record, I sure as he!! won't stand by to watch Obama(bin laden) get elected!!
Country First
Posted by: patrick | September 5, 2008 12:34 AM
Way to follow the story, Dana.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 5, 2008 12:40 AM
Go Adam! You blew my mind and made a HUGE POINT. Awesome, brother.
Posted by: Cripsy Duck | September 5, 2008 12:47 AM
I never really considered how lop sided our government was - I also am a veteran i like 99% of all the military I know did not volenteer to be heros or to be truthfull to even serve our country we were simple in need of career training and or a job . That said we where ready to preform our oathe of duty should we be called upon and we did . I guess I know wonder why after putting my life on the line in combat zones why I dont receive the same benifits our president recieves ? I faced IEDs I ve seen horrible things happen to fellow soldiers and thier families. Heres an Idea how about the usa retire all serviceman and woman honorably discharged wiht the following benifits -
no taxes forever,
free health insurance just like the politions,
2000.00 retirement benifit kicks in at 60 .
I mean all the polititians speak so highly of us " patriotic and all "
Posted by: Todd in Iowa | September 5, 2008 12:49 AM
During the Vietnam conflict there was a draft, so it would be a little more difficult to criticize those over there. With the exception of the back door draft happening today, those who choose to be there today are willfully killing innocent people and supporting a terrible US regime. A regime that has ransacked individual rights, suspended habeous corpus, and perpetuated the lies that got us there in the first place.
UNTIL THE TRUTH ABOUT WHY OUR GOVERNMENT IS THERE AND THOSE WHO LIED TO GET US THERE ARE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE, EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DEATHS ON 9/11 AND THE LIVES LOST SINCE.
UNTIL WE DEMAND JUSTICE THEIR BLOOD IS ON OUR HANDS.
Posted by: cool hand | September 5, 2008 12:53 AM
Way to go Adam! Seeing that banner unfurled was awesome. I was surprised that the network cameras even showed it. McCain has a horrible record for supporting vets and equipment for troops. See, that costs taxpayer money. No wonder more of the active troops donate money to Obama than to McCain. The Republican stormtroopers shouting "USA USA" looked pathetic.
Posted by: John from Dakota | September 5, 2008 1:04 AM
Hey Todd in Iowa,
Finally the truth, many of the guys who went to the V war, were people who love their country, but thought they could also better there situation in life. The problem was the people who needed work are not the rich people running the country. Therefore, poor White and Black men when to the V war and were killed.
Eat the Rich
Posted by: Razor Willy | September 5, 2008 1:23 AM
Hey Todd in Iowa,
Finally the truth, many of the guys who went to the V war, were people who love their country, but thought they could also better there situation in life. The problem was the people who needed work are not the rich people running the country. Therefore, poor White and Black men when to the V war and were killed.
Eat the Rich
Posted by: Razor Willy | September 5, 2008 1:23 AM
This marine did his country and us fellow veterans proud tonight. They can't shout down the truth forever. It's funny how the people with the 'Support The Troops' magnets are so quick to tell us vets to 'shut up' when we speak from experience.
The Disable American Veteran's scores:
Obama 80%
McCain 20%
If you search for the DAV rankings you'll notice all the 100% and 80% rated are Democrats who vot for vets. McCain was among the four lowest rated, along with Larry Craig. Great company there, John.
Posted by: BlackJack | September 5, 2008 1:40 AM
IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST THE WAR: http://www.IVAW.org
Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) is open to anybody who has served in the military (Active Duty, National Guard, and Reservists) since September 11th, 2001. Military members who are currently serving can be guaranteed confidentiality.
http://ivaw.org/membership
Posted by: Anonymous | September 5, 2008 1:53 AM
Good on you.
Thank you for your service and your courage. It takes just as much courage to wield the weapon of conscience as it does a gun.
Thank you.
Posted by: Steven | September 5, 2008 2:01 AM
Only at GOP will they drown out the plead of a man who fought for his country.
Adams. Welcome Home Brother.
Glad you nmade it back safe!
CMS USAF, 68-88
Vietnam Veteran
DAV.
Posted by: Robert from OK | September 5, 2008 2:03 AM
Once the media gets back to real issues, maybe they'll talk about McCain's atrocious record on veterans' issues.
He got a 20% from the Disabled Vets of America and a D from Iraq and Afghan Vets of America. Here's more from Vets for Common Sense:
http://www.veteransforcommonsense.org/articleid/9559
Posted by: Isabel | September 5, 2008 2:15 AM
As a vet myself , i can tell you that John McCain has been a total disaster on vet issues. Look at the mans voting record. Obama on the other hand has actually been a champion for the vets.There is a reason IRAQ vets are donating 6 to 1 to Obama !
Compare the facts !
Obama proudly gets my vote !
Posted by: James | September 5, 2008 2:58 AM
Thanks for livening things up you two, Adam for the statement and Dana for your guerilla journalism. Adam, if you'd like to do a phone in on KUCI 88.9 FM in Irvine CA (One of the most conservative areas in the nation, the OC) you'd be more than welcome. Now I'm really curious about the other riot grrls, at least I hope they were.
Posted by: Steve Sherlock | September 5, 2008 3:16 AM
I had no idea this was a Paul supporter. I would say doing this is not the way to represent. However, seeing the families of POW/MIA try to talk to McCain, it is clear he is not for veterans.
Way to go Adam!!! You signs came across beautifully on my local fox affiliate.
Posted by: Jane | September 5, 2008 3:17 AM
Cool hand, I place you under arrest for war crimes committed in the course of the the Iraq War and Occupation as well as the Afghan War and Occupation. You're off to Gitmo, son. Cuba's lovely in the autumn and so are the electrodes on your Jesse Jacksons.
Posted by: The Warden | September 5, 2008 3:21 AM
Here's the problem:
"Who will you vote for in November?
Bob Barr"
A vote for Bob Barr is a vote for John McCain. Barr has no chance. If you vote for Barr, you allow the GOP and the McCain campaign to write you off.
If you really feel passionate about re-framing the discussion on the war in Iraq, Obama is your only legitimate choice.
Posted by: superpatriot | September 5, 2008 3:24 AM
Robert from OK... your post made me cry. i'm glad you both made it back safe. good work Adam.
Posted by: cbenj | September 5, 2008 3:28 AM
Regardless of who you support I think heckling during an important political speech on national tv is not only disrespectful and rude it is a strategy of a three-year-old. There are more effective ways to be heard without resorting to childish temper tantrums. There is also a place for protesting and inside the center during the speech was not it. I think Kokesh is a disgrace and severely hurts the very people he is trying to support. I would voice the same to any person who acted this way during Obama's speech.
Posted by: Brooke | September 5, 2008 3:31 AM
Thanks to Adam Kokesh. As a USMC combat vet in Vietnam ('67-'69) I salute you for your patriotism and courage. Patriotism has been co-opted by the right wing to be conformist and blind following of morally wrong policies. True patriots speak out when they see their government going down the wrong path. And despite the revisionist history of some, VVAW is still alive and under no rocks. We support IVAW and join them in the streets in solidarity.
Posted by: DenverCombatVet | September 5, 2008 4:18 AM
I don't think Kokesh was disrespectful. When else could he voice his opinion. The traditional media (MSM) only wants to allow McCain to distort his voting record for Vets. Now, that's disrespectful.
Posted by: Lady C | September 5, 2008 5:46 AM
Hey "Warden",
I don't agree with Cool Hand's ideas of collective guilt and that all soldiesr are resposnsible for the wars their leaders put them into --or that those who were killed on 9/11 in any way deserved to die--
but-- Constitution-- First Amendment-- Freedom of Speech --Remember?
I know it's hard to -- after all, our own President and Vice-President figcan't seem to understand the document they took an oath to "preserve protect and defend" -- so there's a lot of amnesia about rights and liberties going around.
As for war crimes, there is strong evidence and even some self admission that the 2 individuals I have mentioned above may have committed SERIOUS war crimes-- not just exercised their right of free speech.
Now, (to quote Hawkeye Pierce)-- Go wrap yourself in the flag, and go to bed.
And tomorrow, please, read the Constitution.
John C
Posted by: John C | September 5, 2008 6:07 AM
Just so you know, your protest was featured vividly on CNN during John McCain's speech. Both sides of your sign were clearly readable, as well as your t-shirt. Your important protest was featured on camera several times. These clips were also shown again during Larry King Live, although I haven't heard commentary as of yet.
I personally am quite offended that your sign was taken and that you were forced to leave.
Thank you for speaking the truth that was so absent during that convention.
"You Can't Win an Occupation" "McCain Votes Against Vets"
Posted by: John P | September 5, 2008 6:15 AM
Way to go guy. I'm so tired of the right and their lies and crap. JM's voting record for vets and his flip-flop on torture is disgusting and he should be ashamed. But like Bush he waves the flag, praises god and too many people don't look past that. A lot of us learned not to be sheep in the military, I learned in combat in Nam, at places like Khe Sanh and Con Thien in the Marines. I'm proud to call Adam Kokesh a brother Marine. JC Scott PS. A new book is out--by Ken Jordan, with Publish America, "Marines Under Fire, Alpha 1/1 in Vietnam: From Con Thien to Hue to Khe Sanh". I mention this because I'm proud to be mentioned in the book among some of my biggest heros and friends. I receive no financial consideration. It's a good read for those that want to acually "listen" to the guys that were in the shit. But anyway, I for one am proud to have heard of a good Marine still doing his duty.
Posted by: JC Scott | September 5, 2008 6:17 AM
See it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQJWIBj0HB4
Posted by: John P | September 5, 2008 6:18 AM
Here is a thought-provoking matter to ponder over about Gov Palin. In Alaska there is a Statutory Rape law on the books that says that if an 18yr old has sex with a 17yr old it is a felony, and this law is implicit. Though I personally don’t agree with teens having sex because of what can possibly happen, as in the case with Gov Palin’s daughter. However, my argument is not whether an 18yr old should be arrested for having sex with a 17yr old, which I am not all that crazy about, but the law is the law. It can also be argued that Gov Palin has been an irresponsible parent for allowing it to happen, by not taking a stronger stand in educating her daughter about what can happen if she makes the choice to date and have sex, not to mention his age. This has more to do with Gov Palin being an irresponsible elected official, for not upholding the laws that she took an oath to uphold. Gov Palin along with others are treating this only as a personal matter, while totally disregarding its legal implication. I know this has caused personal embarrassment for Gov Palin, and I can sympathize with her for the embarrassment it has caused. Yet Irrespective of your differences with my opinion on this matter, I am sure we can all agree that we need someone in the Whitehouse that would implement the laws that they are entrusted to uphold. Because when we take a closer look at this matter, without any doubt there is a double standard being applied in this case, while many youngsters around the Country are serving jail time for commenting this same offense? After all, isn’t the Republican the ones that are always saying building more prisons, is what this Country needs? How can we allow Gov Palin to govern America, with this type of mentality? I HOPE THIS IS NOT WHAT SHE MEANS WHEN SHE SAYS THAT SHE IS A MAVERICK!
Posted by: CINDY | September 5, 2008 7:15 AM
McCain can't hide from his poor voting record AGAINST vet's rights.
The US Public needs to know this.
Good for this kid for standing up, let's hope more will follow.
Posted by: Paul | September 5, 2008 7:42 AM
The only problem I have with the Armed Forces and veterans' groups is THEIR voting record. If the Repugs were using you and voting against your interests, WHY, for years and years could you be counted on to vote for them (Repugs)?
Posted by: Anonymous | September 5, 2008 7:46 AM
Kokesh is an asshole. He did what he did to get attention and you groupies are giving him what he wanted. Look at McCain's voting record. I am retired Army and would be proud to serve again under John McCain. War is an ugly business -deal with it. I would follow Obama simply out of curiosity and to see what he would flip flop on next. The 70's are over you missed it. It's because of people like John McCain that you have the freedom and choice to voice your opinion, just as I do mine. Grow up kids it's a tough world out there and not everyone is as wiling to role over and play dead as you are. .
Posted by: Harry | September 5, 2008 8:15 AM
Why do leftists such as Kokesh believe that their right to freedonm of speech trumps everyone else's rights? Protesting is fine, it is as American as apple pie, but interupting your opponents by throwing a temper trantrum is wrong. Grow up children.
DrEvil
Posted by: DrEvil | September 5, 2008 8:30 AM
Too bad there wasn't 1 more heckler. McCain showed a flash of anger at the last one and I think that if there was one more he would have shown the true McCain hot-headedness he is known for.
Posted by: Jeff | September 5, 2008 8:43 AM
I agree that voting for Bob Barr is a vote for McCain.
I admire Kokesh for telling the truth. Please Sir, cast your vote for Obama...someone who has a high approval rating with veterans and make a difference! We need all the honest voices in America to stand together!!!
Posted by: Brigitta | September 5, 2008 9:09 AM
P.O.W. or Coward?
Forty years ago John McCain surrendered to the communist Viet Cong. He quit. He gave up. He threw his weapon to the ground and put his hands in the air to save his own skin. He no longer cared about his duty to the American people. As an officer in the US military he was a supreme failure for this despicable act of cowardice.
We can only imagine the people or information that he gave up to survive for so long in a communist prison.
McCain was and still is a gutless coward.
God Bless Ron Paul.
Posted by: David Irving | September 5, 2008 9:14 AM
Bob Barr??! What we need is a debate about whether Barr is a better candidate than Baldwin... Forget these empty suits that the media is parading in front of us.
Posted by: Joe | September 5, 2008 9:14 AM
Thank you for your service Mr. Kokesh. I'm sorry that you have to fight for veterans rights as there should never be a question of funding before, during, or after serving this great country. I hope that you have raised McCain's veteran voting record to enough people that they realize his talk is BS.
Posted by: Mike | September 5, 2008 9:25 AM
A vote for Barr only helps McCain (to the extent that anyone's individual vote matters, which isn't much) in a state with a close election.
If Kokesh lives in Texas or New York or California or New Jersey or Illinois or Utah or about 30 other states, it makes absolutely no difference who he votes for.
Posted by: Pesto | September 5, 2008 9:36 AM
ADAM, you were the only fresh & vital thing in that convention. I was so thrilled that McCain got heckled.
He is poison!
Ron Paul might be wise and good, but let's get realistic. We need to work hard to get Obama elected!!!! At least he will do right by the vets. (and the other hardwrking folks of the USA).
Posted by: Catherine S | September 5, 2008 9:55 AM
War is an ugly business -deal with it. Posted by: Harry
That's why you don't go rushing into it based on half-baked and made up "intelligence."
Way to go Kokesh. I'm a USMC vet too and I'm glad you brought some truth and awareness to the issue. Apparrantly veterans are "static and noise" to John McCain. His voting recordly certainly proves it.
Posted by: Isaac | September 5, 2008 10:00 AM
Thank you for your protest- no truer words had been spoken at this convention than you, "You can't win an occupation".
Thank you for your courage and voice. You were a shining beacon of hope during a hate and fear filled RNC.
Posted by: Military Family Member | September 5, 2008 10:01 AM
What a great sign to hold up. Republicans have been taking this macho stance of "we won't lose this war!" and they don't seem to get it. It isn't a war. It's an occupation. There is no enemy army. We're over there to stabalize and that's it. How can you "win" that?
Posted by: Schmagurty | September 5, 2008 10:07 AM
It has saddened me for a long time that the right has hijacked patriotism to mean blind obedience to the president. That is so antithetical to everything this country should stand for. Thank you, Mr. Kokesh for bringing McCain's hypocrisy to light, even if for only a few minutes. It was in stark contrast to the bullshit he was spewing onstage.
Posted by: Eli | September 5, 2008 10:13 AM
fond this on the net, Pass this on....!
Lets really look at the experience comparison:
Obama:
B.A in political science from Columbia University, with a specialization in international relations
J.D. in Law from Hardvard, graduated magna cum laude; President of the Harvard Law Review
12 years (92-04) teaching constitutional law
7 years State Senator: sponsored more than 800 bills (500,000 people)
4 years Senator for Illinos, a state with 12.8 million people (13,000,000 people)
Palin:
Bachelor's in journalism from University of Idaho
4 years Wasilla City Council (8000 people)
6 years Wasilla mayor (8000 people)
1 year 'Ethics Commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission'
20 months governor of a state with 660,000 people
Do the Republicans really think we're so stupid that we would believe she is more experienced than Obama? Give me a break…
Posted by: Eric Williams | September 5, 2008 10:14 AM
Thank you for covering Adam & giving voice to the struggling vets. Well done.
Posted by: LB | September 5, 2008 10:22 AM
Thank you for speaking up yesterday. My family and I were watching and we were cheering for you!! Honestly, it doesn't matter to me if you are a Republican or a Democrat, you are a fellow American and I will pray for you and your family!!!
Obama '08!!!
Posted by: VOTE_FOR_CHANGE | September 5, 2008 10:32 AM
Thanks and well done!!! To fully understand the web of lies by Republicans, please go via this link to read this:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080904/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_fact_check
Posted by: Cathy | September 5, 2008 10:38 AM
So when a veteran has a legitimate protest it's called "static." If that doesn't say volumes about how the Republicans see this war.
Posted by: andre gasparre | September 5, 2008 10:38 AM
Adam thank you for your service to this country, but your display was not effective at making any point whatsoever. Anyone outside your group saw it as a cry for attention along the lines of running onto a ballfield during a game. Just an annoying distraction. There are more mature ways to get heard.
Republicans have not stooped to infantile tantrums to protest Obama's extreme views and shadey connections in Chicago. There is a time and place for views to be heard, this was not yours.
Posted by: John | September 5, 2008 10:50 AM
Sign clearly seen on ABC. The neo-con announcer apologized that it was shown, "they aren't our cameras." How many times was POW mentioned during the convention? I don't care that he was a POW. How's that going to help the economy or get us out of the mistake in Iraq? McCain had to show that he isn't a war mongering economic dullard - he failed.
Posted by: Robert | September 5, 2008 10:55 AM
Adam, YOU DA MAN!
Thank you for your service in Iraq and now in St Paul.
Posted by: Andrew | September 5, 2008 10:58 AM
The Truth About John McCain...
John McCain likes to illustrate his moral fiber by referring to his five years as a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam. And to demonstrate his commitment to family values, the 71-year- old former US Navy pilot pays warm tribute to his beautiful blonde wife, Cindy, with whom he has four children. But there is another Mrs. McCain who casts a ghostly shadow over the Senator's presidential campaign. She is seldom seen and rarely written about, despite being mother to McCain's three eldest children.
She was the woman McCain dreamed of during his long incarceration and torture in Vietnam's infamous 'Hanoi Hilton' prison and the woman who faithfully stayed at home looking after the children and waiting anxiously for news. But when McCain returned to America in 1973 to a fanfare of publicity and a handshake from Richard Nixon, he discovered his wife had been disfigured in a terrible car crash three years earlier. Her car had skidded on icy roads into a telegraph pole on Christmas Eve, 1969.
Her pelvis and one arm were shattered by the impact and she suffered massive internal injuries.
When Carol was discharged from hospital after six months of life-saving surgery, the prognosis was bleak. In order to save her legs, surgeons had been forced to cut away huge sections of shattered bone, taking with it her tall, willowy figure. She was confined to a wheelchair and was forced to use a catheter. Today, she stands at just 5' 4' in and still walks awkwardly, with a pronounced limp. Her body is held together by screws and metal plates and, at 70, her face is worn by wrinkles that speak of decades of silent suffering.
For nearly 30 years, Carol has maintained a dignified silence about the accident, McCain and their divorce. But last week at the bungalow where she now lives at Virginia Beach, a faded seaside resort 200 miles south of Washington, she told The Mail on Sunday how McCain divorced her in 1980 and married Cindy, 18 years his junior and the heir to an Arizona brewing fortune, just one month later.
My marriage ended because John McCain didn't want to be 40, he wanted to be 25. You know that happens...it just does.'
In 1979 - while still married to Carol - he met Cindy at a cocktail party in Hawaii. Over the next six months he pursued her, flying around the country to see her. Then he began to push to end his marriage. Some of McCain's acquaintances are less forgiving, however. They portray the politician as a self-centered womanizer who effectively abandoned his crippled wife to 'play the field'. They accuse him of finally settling on Cindy, a former rodeo beauty queen, for financial reasons.
Ted Sampley, who fought with US Special Forces in Vietnam and is now a leading campaigner for veterans' rights,
said: 'I have been following John McCain's career for nearly 20 years. I know him personally. There is something wrong with this guy and let me tell you what it is -deceit.'
When he came home and saw that Carol was not the beauty he left behind, he started running around on her almost right away. Everybody around him knew it. Eventually he met Cindy and she was young and beautiful and very wealthy. At that point McCain just dumped Carol for something he thought was better.'
McCain is the classic opportunist. He's always reaching for attention and glory,' he said. After he came home, Carol walked with a limp. So he threw her over for a poster girl with big money from Arizona . And the rest is history.'
Ross Perot, a billionaire Texas businessman, and a former presidential candidate, who paid her medical bills all those years ago, now believes that both Carol McCain and the American people have been taken in by a man who is unusually slick and cruel - even by the standards of modern politics.
Posted by: Not Impressed | September 5, 2008 11:10 AM
All I can say about war criminals is that the only ones I know of are VVAW and IVAW members who confessed to war crimes at Winter Soldier in '71 and '08. They should be held accountable and hold their next convention in Fort Levenworth.
Posted by: Raoul
Among other incidents, you don't mention most of the platoon (with a few notable exceptions) led by William Calley at My Lai. When you say that the only war criminals you know of were in VVAW, are you completely ignorant of a well-documented war crime during the Vietnam War, or are you simply lying?
Posted by: Cyrus | September 5, 2008 11:16 AM
GREAT JOB ADAM!!! I LOVED it.
Posted by: Fatima | September 5, 2008 11:28 AM
Im proud of you for standing up fpr what you believe Mc Cain is a mule head hot tempered Bush favored idiot. Obama is even worse.. He has no experience whats so ever ..More than Palin but then again Palin isn't running for the top spot NO BLACK MAN SHOULD EVER BE PRESIDENT. If he gets elected i will persnoally shoot his black a$$ myself. Im sure most of you Mc cain and Ron Paul lovers agree.
I support Bob Barr with enough votes we can get him in
Posted by: David Hater | September 5, 2008 11:38 AM
WOW! You have veterans making comments like "I know McCaine voting record, but I sure as hell want stand by I see Obama get elected". How stupid. Simply stupid. So let's just keep the country moving forward as it has been for the last 8 years right. Dummy.
Posted by: Mika | September 5, 2008 11:51 AM
What a disgrace! I served 8 years in USMC. I volunteered, I choose to get out, get an education, and find a career. I don't expect or think I'm entitled to any handouts, benefits, or tax breaks. How can anyone who served(I wonder what kind of service he provided?) want to pull out and have it all have been for nothing, and let their friends have died for nothing in the end?
Semper Fi
Posted by: Brian | September 5, 2008 12:07 PM
Sure, just like Ralph Nader had a chance. Come on, I respect and admire the Iraq Veterans against the war. I thank your for your service to the country and I can't imagine the horrors you have seen in war. But please, vote for the guy who has a chance to win the election and the guy who honestly wants to end our occupation in Iraq. Obama!
Posted by: Kelli | September 5, 2008 12:11 PM
T. Boone Pickens invited to join Independent Greens to join Presidential Ticket
For Immediate Release: Contact: Joe Oddo
703-338-0200
2008
www.gailparker.us Gail "for Rail" Parker
www.VoteJoinRun.us 703-585-0512 (c)
T. Boone Pickens invited to join Independent Greens Presidential Ticket
The Independent Greens of Virginia were the first state party in America to endorse and join The Pickens Plan on July 7, 2008. The Pickens Plan calls for building wind, solar power, and rail to cut dependence on foreign oil. Make America safer and more secure.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg withdrew from the Independent Greens presidential ballot line on Thursday. The Indy Greens have contacted T. Boone Pickens through his representatives (Sara Martin of Stratton and Associates, the political consulting firm in Denver, Colorado). The Independent Greens invited him to join their Presidential ticket to promote the Pickens Plan to cut American dependence on foreign oil.
The Independent Greens advocate building high speed, modern, innovative magnetic levitation trains. "We need More Trains, Less Traffic to make America safer and more secure, and save American lives." Gail "for Rail" Parker, the Independent Greens Vice state chair, and U.S. Senate candidate.
"We need fiscally, conservative, and socially responsible government".
This year the Independent Greens have effectively placed five Virginia candidates on the ballot for US Congress, plus put Gail for Rail Parker on the ballot once again for US Senate and an Independent Presidential candidate on the ballot in Virginia.
Election day is November 4, 2008.
Kind Regards,
G. Gail "for Rail" Parker, Vice-Chair Independent Greens of Virginia
U.S. Senate candidate
703-585-0512 (mobile)
ggailparker@aol.com
Joe Oddo, State Coordinator
U.S. House candidate in 11th District
703-338-0200 (mobile)
VoteJoinRun@aol.com
Mr. Oddo is the Independent Green candidate for congress in the 11th District.
Posted by: joe oddo | September 5, 2008 12:15 PM
This comment is to David Hater. How in the hell can you make a comment like the one you just made? How dare you threaten a man based on his race? Goes to show how this country is still the same. We will never be able to move forward with people like you. You are the most ignorant person I have ever come across. I hope you rot in hell you racist!
Posted by: Tiffany | September 5, 2008 12:17 PM
The IVAW doesn't do anything original, it just apes the VVAW events from the 60's, that's why they are just puppets.
You need to go look up "puppet." Copying tactics does not a splinter group make.
Someone explain to me why we can't afford to lose in Iraq, but no one seems to care that we're losing in Afghanistan?
The GOP platform is that McCain will bring home the troops from Iraq with honor. Afghanistan? Hold on, we'll get back to you on that.
The GOP platform is that we'll stay on the offense. But AQ has a presence in 60+ countries, so which one are we going to invade next? Hold on, we'll get back to you on that.
We'll take the fight to our enemies. But we're kinda busy here in Iraq, so hold on while we figure out what the next step is.
If it won't fit on a bumper sticker, it's too complicated for most folks to figure out.
Someone please define "success" again.
And I looked up that army training manual. 3-24 Counterinsurgency. The word "surge" doesn't appear once.
Posted by: Wondering | September 5, 2008 12:19 PM
Thank you Adam! You are proof that some vestige of patriotism and rationalism reside in Americans in spite of the establishment. From one Ron Paul supporter to the next, keep up the good fight.
Posted by: Jake in Salt Lake | September 5, 2008 12:25 PM
So when a veteran has a legitimate protest it's called "static." If that doesn't say volumes about how the Republicans see this war.
He called it static and ground clutter.
Ground clutter. Technically, a term for low altitude non-targets that interfere with a radar signal. But to flyboys, it is a pejorative term for anyone who isn't cool enough to be a flyboy.
McCain, if he still had an synapses that connected, would have told the audience, "Shut up and let this man hold his sign. He went to Iraq to fight for our right to assemble here today, and for our right to respectfully disagree. He's not interrupting our proceedings, so please, salute his service, ignore his petition if you disagree, and let us celebrate this greatest of American rights." The place would have gone nuts, and folks in the middle and on the left would have had to respect the way he handled it.
Instead, he showed that this year the GOP is all about feeding the beast of divide-and-conquer politics.
Posted by: Hookers and Blow | September 5, 2008 12:27 PM
Im proud of you for standing up fpr what you believe Mc Cain is a mule head hot tempered Bush favored idiot. Obama is even worse.. He has no experience whats so ever ..More than Palin but then again Palin isn't running for the top spot NO BLACK MAN SHOULD EVER BE PRESIDENT. If he gets elected i will persnoally shoot his black a$$ myself. Im sure most of you Mc cain and Ron Paul lovers agree.
I support Bob Barr with enough votes we can get him in
Posted by: David Hater | September 5, 2008 11:38 AM
Dear David Hater: Oh dear! You know, I was just getting into cooresponding blog-style, but you remind me that I don't even want to brush up against people like you, even if it is in cyber space. I hope Obama gets elected so that crazies like you no longer have anyone to look down on and that it will force you to have to look at what you a really are, a sniveling, scared, racist who can only spout racial hatred anonomously. I'm logging off an sticking to talking to real people with real ideas. Good luck, Captain Insano.
Posted by: kelli | September 5, 2008 12:28 PM
As a retired psychiatric nurse who worked to care for veterans for years, I am thrilled by what Adam was able to accomplish at the RNC. I have seen what war costs in the lives of the emotionally and psychologically broken men that I have cared for. ALL vets should be honored by being given the same rights as these old Washington fat cats receive. I for one honor the vet and always will. There is a sign over the entrance into the Veteran's hospital: The price of freedom can be seen here. And I believe also in the philosophy when giving benefits to our veterans: For those who have born the battle. GIVE THEM HONOR!
Posted by: Jo Evans | September 5, 2008 12:33 PM
I am an independant, but I registered as a republican to vote for McCain in 2000. I was disappointed that Bush used McCain's former POW status and the fond memories of George H. W.to wrestle the nomination away. Since then, it seems that McCain wants this nomination so much, that he is willing to comprimise everything he once stood for. I don't know if it is a bait and switch, but with choosing Sarah Palin, my mind is made up. I can't vote for him. I had chosen to vote for Obama a while ago. The door wasn't totally shut on McCain, just barely cracked. Now I totally disagree with almost everything Palin stands for. McCain has had cancer 5x's and is 72 y.o. There is a real chance that Palin could be president. She has no foreign policy experience. My husband is in the military. I'll be damned if someone who had not much of an oppinion on Iraq AND no foreign policy experience is going to hold MY husband's life in their hands. Further more, I wish someone would get into office with enough drive and power to amend the constitution to make it unconstitutional to belong to a polical party. People should run on their own merit.
Posted by: Sariel | September 5, 2008 1:19 PM
And for all of the racists and bigots out there. You just need to pool your money together and buy a small island in the middle on some large body of water and move. You do not have exclusive ownership on this country. Your citizenship is no more important than mine. I find it so offensive that although I am a member of the Daughter's of the American Revolution and I am lineally descended from Puritans who came to this country in 1635, you think that you own patriotism. Well guess what, I AM the melting pot of this country. My ancestors were white, black, Hispanic, and Native American. Some were more recent emigrants. Some were Jewish, Christian, Catholic, and Mormon. I am also closely related to Ulysses Grant, and a bit further to FDR and (unfortunately) both the Bush's. You are no more deserving of this country than any of us, including Barack Obama.
Posted by: sariel | September 5, 2008 1:34 PM
adam, u go boy!!! you made many americans proud last night!
Posted by: vets4truth | September 5, 2008 1:40 PM
I think the rukus last night was quite rude. I have family members that are vets and they don't expect handouts. I agree that there needs to be changes for our vets, they deserve to be given good benefits for serving there country, but as McCain said last night, we/you can make a difference by getting involved. Something we are all forgetting is that the DEMOCRATs have been in control of the senate. We can't blame everything on the republicans when the democrats are in the majority. We need to stop and think about that.
Posted by: Donna | September 5, 2008 1:43 PM
"Heckler" Adam showed huge courage, speaking to truth on National T.V. at the RNC convention! Now there's a real hero! It's revolting how McCain uses his POW experience over and over to his advantage, then votes against our deserving vets. The cynicism, contempt and dishonesty of McCalin/Palin is staggering.
Posted by: freespeechmama | September 5, 2008 1:50 PM
Yes, let us not forget that the Democrats have been in control on Congress for a little while now. If they feel that Bush is SO incompetent, then why not impeach him? Even if they won't get the majority necessary to have it go through, it would still be a firm stand. They just want Bush to dig his hole deeper and be there to remind everyone why not to vote Republican. Would people who truly love there country stand by and let it go to hell? Then again, I sure wouldn't want the alternative...Cheney.
Posted by: sariel | September 5, 2008 2:06 PM
"Ground clutter and static"? When the voices of american citizens are considered unimportant, then this country is in far worse shape than anyone can truely imagine. "Ground clutter and static" should be a rallying cry for reform. I watched both conventions and found neither to be to my liking. But that has been the case since I proudly began to vote in 1976. The last honest man in the WH was Carter. The man we need, that has the experience, the strength and intelligence, had to take a backseat to his wife. I'm not a veteran, but I'm proud of them for their sacrifices and never fail to thank them. McCain lives in the past, without a clue to what real people need. I really don't think that Palin ever had to collect empty beer cans to put food on the table for her kids or shop at Dollar General to save money to keep the electricity on. But the same can be said of Obama and Biden. Does any of them really have to choose between which bill gets paid and which day they get to eat? With a population of over 300 million, this is the best we can do? Here's to "Ground clutter and static", may it rise and drown out the lies and false promises.
Posted by: workranger | September 5, 2008 2:09 PM
I don't know Adam from Eve (lol) had to get that in there. But I was glad him and the lady at the bottom on the floor made their point. I will say this. Please don't waste your vote. I know ppl like independents and all but we all know they never have a chance in the election. Not voting for McCain but voting for Bob Barr, etc is just putting McCain one vote into the White House because that vote could have went to Obama. I respect Adam and those like him, but please please don't waste a vote that can put this man McSame in the White House.
Posted by: WIL | September 5, 2008 2:12 PM
Rock on, Kokesh! (But why not vote Obama?)
Posted by: Brett | September 5, 2008 2:16 PM
If a president is selected by a single issue or a single voting record, we will never get a president with any significant votes hence no mandate whatsoever. Occupation is an aggressor's term, assisting Irag to get on her own feet is a strategic position consistent with democratic Freedom loving American principles.
Posted by: IC | September 5, 2008 2:17 PM
Baloney. They could never have gotten an Impeachment passed! Why divert energy and risk the election (big picture focus here. Additionally, Bush has vetoed every piece of important legislation proposed by the dems. Dems couldn't get the troops home under a Republican administration, because the only way would have been to cut off funding to our troops in harm's way. I'm sure many Republicans wish the Dems had done this, so they could be crucifying them right now for not supporting our troops!
Posted by: freespeechmama | September 5, 2008 2:18 PM
@ DAVID HATER
You talk much crap behind that laptop but your racist a$$ will never say that to a black man in his face. What you need to do is get off that computer in the library and get out that trailer park and VOTE OBAMA, because I will like to know what your PRO- WHITE friends Bush, McCain has done for your ignorant A$$?
Posted by: WIL | September 5, 2008 2:25 PM
I agree with you on the ground static etc...That is what freedom of speech is all about. To question things that one may feel is wrong. I felt bad for McCain a little though, because it was his moment. On the other hand, as a public official, you are accountable no matter how inconvenient a time. You have to answer for the decisions that you made.
I think about the Obamas. Thet grew up poor. They, I'm sure, saw their parents struggle. Living in the same household, I am sure they did without as children and teenagers. I am sure that if you are poor enough to be on foodstamps, then your parents ARE having to decide which bill to pay...and for what? To give your children the best life possible and the opportunities and success that you may not have had. I think that both of their parents succeeded in that.
Posted by: sariel | September 5, 2008 2:27 PM
To the guy who put bin laden after Obama's name- you're an idiot. Here is a guy who is a Christian, has the smarts to pick a VP with serious credentials, has the class to tell th media to lay off Palin's family and built his reputation helping the little guys when he could have made a lot of money coming out of Harvard. He has organized and managed one of the most effective campaigns in the history of American Politics and all you can do is mumble bin laden between swigs of beer. Nice.
Posted by: Mark | September 5, 2008 2:30 PM
How sad that a veteran would refer to another vet's comments as "static". Isn't freedom of speech one of the rights "won" by Sen McCain in Vietnam? But I guess it's ok for the brotherhood to call each other names (see the Vietnam vet's foul attack above - Harry Sept 5).
To the naysayers I give the following on behalf of the "other" candidate. Just one example of how to treat vets when they come home as opposed to calling them "static":
Obama Worked With Bond On Proposals Providing Improvements In Health Care For Recovering Soldiers Which Were Passed Into Law, Including Requirements For Post-Deployment Mental Health Screenings And National Study On The Needs Of Iraq War Veterans. H.R. 976, passed by the Senate on August 2, 2007, includes several provisions from bills originally sponsored by Senators Obama and McCaskill. The provisions would improve health care services and health care tracking for service members, and would require post-deployment, face to face mental health screenings for returning service members within 30 days. The bill also adopts other Obama-McCaskill legislation, the HERO Act, which would launch a major national research endeavor into the readjustment needs of returning service members, veterans and their families. The bill also included measures to improve and reform the disability rating process. [Vote 307, H.R. 976, Passed, 68-31, 8/2/07; S. 713, 110th Congress; S. 1271, 110th Congress.
Posted by: Bookbindermom | September 5, 2008 2:31 PM
What was up with belittling community service and organization. I was personally offended by that. I think that a great many things are accomplished that way. Isn't the Red Cross a not for profit? I don't think that they are something to joke about. I didn't recall Guiliani laughing at all the VOLUNTEER STEEL WORKERS trying to dig his city out on 9/11. Was their community service laughable? I think not.
Posted by: sariel | September 5, 2008 2:37 PM
My comments on this are here.
Instead of making himself and his cause look bad, Kokesh should have done something that would actually be effective.
I'm sure those in the BHO and McCain campaigns laugh at how ineffective and dumb RP supporters are.
Posted by: 24AheadDotCom | September 5, 2008 2:48 PM
I am voting for a natural born U.S. citizen. Article II Section 1 of the United States Constitution. Obama Sued in Philadelphia Federal Court on Grounds he is Constitutionally Ineligible for the Presidency.
http://www.americasright.com/2008/08/obama-sued-in-philadelphia-federal.html
Have a nice day
Posted by: St. Lucie | September 5, 2008 2:56 PM
The Malkin minions (not Malkin herself) are linking to this story in the comments.
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/09/05/code-pink-thieves-stole-gop-delegate-badges/
Posted by: Andrea Thorn | September 5, 2008 3:06 PM
Way to go Adam. Expose the Republicans for what they are, LIARS, the Associated Press wrote how many lies Palin spoke in her speech and McCain in his interviews. Republicans can not say anything good about themselves so they try to make thier competetion look bad..so sad. As far as "Obama (Bin Laden)"..(Patrick) is that all you have cant say anything else about Obama can you. Playground name calling is all you can resort to..Oh and by the way why hasnt the Bush campaign found MR. BIN LADEN isnt that why we are at war..fighting the people who hide him...so where is he after all this time...hmmm. Republicans are the same as always looking out for the rich and selling lies to the ignorant who believe them
Posted by: Quanda | September 5, 2008 3:22 PM
david hater is a dumbass. all it would take is one person to report his IP address and the feds would be knocking on his door.
Posted by: cbenj | September 5, 2008 3:36 PM
The Neoconservative's will do anything to retain power, that is obvious in the Georgian conflict and our Marionette Saakashvili. It going to be wonderful when we get a strict Constitutionalist into the presidency. I see some are confused Obama and McCain support basically the same policies. There is very little difference. We need these debates opened up so we can discuss real issues.
Posted by: Vincent | September 5, 2008 3:44 PM
I've been witness to Adam Kokesh's protests before and he's always been able to stir up a reaction and has always been able to make people think and question the status quo. I commend his efforts and those efforts of others who have been the real patriots in the fight against this administration that has obliterated our rights as citizens and that has completely tarnished America's image as a crusader for human rights. Keep doing what you're doing, Adam.
Posted by: Rab | September 5, 2008 4:01 PM
The actions of the traitorous and disrespectable animals that tried to interrupt the RNC convention speaks volumes of the caliber of the disloyal opposition. This style of grandstanding was not evident @ the DNC/Marxist get toegether in Denver. The RNC members have much more class and dignity that the Obama acolytes.
Posted by: C. W. Carman | September 5, 2008 4:04 PM
According to Ron Paul, the Democrats and Republicans gave themselves $18.5M each to finance their conventions. Since those are OUR tax dollars they are spending for THEIR party, I'm not at all upset that a few hecklers made their voices heard. If they want to have a private party, let them pay for it with their own funds.
Posted by: Steve | September 5, 2008 4:13 PM
Bob Barr-ker
Posted by: Fred | September 5, 2008 4:20 PM
All of you Obama supporters need to realize something. We Ron Paul supporters are NOT single issue voters. If we were, we would have rallied around Obama long ago (assuming we believe he'll get us out of Iraq). While the war might be the biggest issue, we're still concerned with monetary policy, our overall foreign policy, gun rights and the free market, all of which Obama scores very low on from a Ron Paul supporter's perspective. We don't think Obama is evil or dumb or anything like that...just wrong. So leave us alone :)
Posted by: Jimmy | September 5, 2008 4:22 PM
Rab writes: I've been witness to Adam Kokesh's protests before and he's always been able to stir up a reaction and has always been able to make people think and question the status quo.
Pure BS. He's preaching to the choir and being counter-productive to his supposed cause.
If any RP fans really wanted to "question the status quo", they would have followed my advice months ago (see my link above). In fact, if several of them had followed my advice McCain probably wouldn't even be the nominee.
They're obviously too dumb to realize what's effective and what isn't, or there's something else involved.
Go fly a blimp.
Posted by: 24AheadDotCom | September 5, 2008 4:25 PM
voting for anyone but obama - will be casting a vote for mccain - you may be voting your conscience - but does your conscience really want mccain in office?
Posted by: obama4pres | September 5, 2008 4:31 PM
My conscience and dislike of socialist policies don't want McCain or Obama in office, if you really want to know.
Posted by: Jimmy | September 5, 2008 4:37 PM
Are y'all looking at the same voting record? Sure he was against some bills, but was for several others that benefitted Vets, that you don't seem to be making note of. Perhaps as a vet himself, he had a good reason. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
If you want to have the same benefits as a Senator, then run for office. Yes, they get more benefits than I believe they should, but I'm not going to ask for the same benefits as a Senator, because I'm not one. I served and got the benefits that were promised, and then some, and believe it or not, the "then some" was partially due to McCain voting FOR some of those bills.
I volunteered in the military to serve my country, not to have it serve me! It wasn't "a job". It was a potential life sacrificing choice, and I chose to make it. If you are a veteran or on active duty, then you chose it too. Whether you did it for a free ride, or not.
Posted by: VetTodd | September 5, 2008 4:49 PM
If you think for ONE MOMENT that Barack Hussein Obama will EVER do ANYTHING FOR OUR MILITARY then you are one terribly brain dead individual.
Posted by: straightshooter | September 5, 2008 4:49 PM
McCain is just another stupid racist honky! White People want to boss everyone and that is why People of the World hate them creatures! SAVE THE PLANET! GET RID OF WHITE PEOPLE!
Posted by: THE GHETTO GURU | September 5, 2008 5:04 PM
Hey straightshooter, you can make your point without a middle name I think.
I wouldn't be surprised if Obama gave more money/benefits to vets even though our economy can't afford to do so right now.
If in charge, I would make the military much more difficult to get into and I would make the pay and benefits much higher, but only after the senseless spending on many other things were under control.
Those are just my thoughts...
Posted by: Jimmy | September 5, 2008 5:05 PM
You are lucky you live in a country that all that happened to you was cuffs, some questions and let go.
You may think it was slick but America views you as nothing more than a rabid disrespectful moron.
You can disagree on McCain on his voting record and his history. I have beefs with him on many subjects but there is nothing patriotic about what you did.
You made not one difference. Sorry, but it's true.
Posted by: E | September 5, 2008 5:27 PM
I was watching on PBS and they cut to his sign about 3 times. That shows that it was effective.
Posted by: Liam M. | September 5, 2008 10:53 PM
Here's a real speech for you ... http://brushfires2008.com/2008/08/25/god-bless-adam-kokesh-a-real-patriot/
Posted by: Fielding J. Hurst | September 5, 2008 11:13 PM
Props
Posted by: E-5 USMC | September 5, 2008 11:20 PM
(linkback) Hero or Jerk? Heckler during McCain speech "Ask him why he votes against vets!" [VOTE] - http://www.thriveorfail.com/7cf20
Posted by: Kevin | September 5, 2008 11:26 PM
This marine did his country and us fellow veterans proud tonight. They can't shout down the truth forever. It's funny how the people with the 'Support The Troops' magnets are so quick to tell us vets to 'shut up' when we speak from experience.
The Disable American Veteran's scores:
Obama 80%
McCain 20%
I don't know where you got the DAV info. It is certainly not from the DAV website or National.DAV member since 1972.
If you search for the DAV rankings you'll notice all the 100% and 80% rated are Democrats who vot for vets. McCain was among the four lowest rated, along with Larry Craig. Great company there, John
Posted by: Sailoron | September 5, 2008 11:56 PM
The above is not what I posted.
Posted by: Sailoron | September 6, 2008 12:23 AM
--NEWSFLASH--
Our army is entirely volunteer. We don't currently conscript. If someone was forced to join the Army, it would be reasonable to complain about the level of veteran benefits. But it is hardly fair to sign on for something specific (including those benefits) and then complain about them as if you didn't have a choice in the matter.
I support our troops in Iraq, and I support our troops at home. But reforming the VA department is a much different animal than bringing our troops home immediately and effectively nullifying the sacrifice of those who have served.
Posted by: Chris | September 6, 2008 1:11 AM
Great article. Thanks for the information.
Posted by: Free Xbox 360 Premium | September 6, 2008 3:36 AM
lol he's voting for bob barr? fuck this idiot, barr is just as bad as McCain - worse actually because McCain is more obvious when he acts like a fascist.
Posted by: joe | September 6, 2008 7:24 AM
great information.. looking forward to your future articles
Posted by: nurse | September 6, 2008 7:32 AM
Who care's about McCain 40 years ago. That RNC wasn't nothing but a big show repeating the same damn stories over and over. Where were the issues at hand? They don't care about the issues thats why they had all those non-funny punchlines to keep the crowd cheering and laughing, but at home people are starving and wondering where their next meal is going to come from. And I'm tired of people saying Palin gave a good speech. She didn't give a good speech. She read a speech that was written for her and again had no issues in it. Community Organizers do more for this country then our own government do. Barack took a $70,000 budget and turned it into a $400,000 and 1 to 13 employees, started a job training program that got people jobs and help get insurance for many families and children that didn't have none in a couple of years. He did all this before he went to law school, while at the same time Sarah left school and enter a beauty pagent and became a sports broadcaster then mayor of a town of 9000 that she left in millions of dollars in debt before leaving office. Tell me this, how a person that was fighting for Alaska to become it's own union and separate from the U.S.A be running for VP and really mean it? She don't know anything thats why they sending her back to Alaska acting like she didn't pack any clothes and have to say goodbye to her son. That's BS, they just trying to teach her stuff on the issues at hand. From this day foward everything she say is not her mind but what was put in there the past few days.
Posted by: WIL | September 6, 2008 9:11 AM
Hell Yeah.
McCain voted against me, over and over again. Obama helped me by voting to boost the GI Bill.
Who would you vote for?
Disabled Vet.
Posted by: George | September 6, 2008 9:36 AM
As a veteran and a female, I have two top issues, in that order.
McCain/Palin insults me deeply.
My fellow veterans deserve so much more than they are getting. No one should be belittled once they have given their limbs, their skin, their very working brains for their country.
We women should also be credited with being intelligent enough to make decisions about our own bodies.
Posted by: Sherry | September 6, 2008 12:37 PM
Freedom of speech is a great idea. Maybe we should allow people to practice it without getting arrested.
Posted by: Sam Thornton | September 6, 2008 2:18 PM
@ Sherry
Nice to read a comment from a female with sense. McCain did the ultimate disrespect when he thought just because she's a woman that woman will forget about their issues and vote base on gender. She's pro-life, pro-gun, pro-killing animals for sport, and she has not thoughts on the soldiers except saying "this war is happening because GOD wants it to happen". WTF please ppl get out and vote.
Posted by: WIL | September 6, 2008 2:22 PM
Doesn't these voters which are voting for the third party candidate realize that they are putting the perosn which they claim to be against McSame back into office.
I know there has been things disliked about the democrats , but it has and never will be like that of McCain , Bush and the republican controlled govenment in the last 7.5 years.
Posted by: Wayne E | September 6, 2008 2:30 PM
St. Lucie...Just like the rest of the Republicans...grasping at straws. That's like saying McCain was a resident of Vietnam because he lived there for 5 years.
Posted by: sariel | September 6, 2008 3:15 PM
patrick,
Sure wouldn't want that kind of attitude having by back.
"Country First"
and you're gonna vote for McCain? Wow, that's an oxyMORON
Posted by: Anonymous | September 6, 2008 3:21 PM
I am not going to drink the smooth-talking Obama kool-aid, how dare all of you say he's the only "legitimate" choice this year. The only honourable choice this year is to stay at home in disgust.
Posted by: Roger Maltz | September 6, 2008 3:23 PM
All anyone has to do is watch PBS's Frontline Bush's war. This holds every reason not to vote republican this year. I was enraged. WE WERE LIED INTO A WAR. WATCH THIS AND YOU WILL FIND ALL THE TESIMONY YOU NEED TO REALIZE THIS. EVERYONE WHO DARED TO SPEAK THE TRUTH WAS REMOVED!!!!
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/bushswar/
Posted by: Anonymous | September 6, 2008 3:26 PM
Funny how Palin speaks about McCain like she's known him for YEARS. My goodness, what if they took the teleprompter away? She wouldn't know what to say about him.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 6, 2008 3:30 PM
As the daughter of a veteran, I have seen my father have to take a day off of work to wait from the time the VA hospital opens in the morning, all day to try to get seen by a physician, only to be turned away at the end at the close of business. Then have to take another day off (as the VA is open only mon-fri) Vets are seen on a first come first serve basis. So if you have anything somewhat urgent, you will be either be lining up in the middle of the night to be seen, go unseen and hope your problem goes away on its own, be out of money because you had to take off of work, or out of money because you are heading for the ER.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 6, 2008 3:40 PM
It was masterful the way Kokesh boiled down the two big points regarding McCain. 1) McCain consistently votes against bills that provide actual benefits to support our vets, and 2) that an occupying military force cannot achieve victory because there's no real enemy country's forces involved. I would like to hear John McCain 1) try to defend his votes on veterans' issues and 2) define victory in Iraq. I don't want empty slogan answers ("Country First", etc), I want substantive answers from McCain relative to the points Kokesh made.
Posted by: Dan - a peacetime veteran | September 6, 2008 3:48 PM
THE GHETTO GURU racism goes both ways. Right now Obama is ahead in the polls and that IS because a whole lot of "white people" have looked past color.
Posted by: sariel | September 6, 2008 4:09 PM
@ St. Lucie
See I respect a person more that can just admit and say "I'M A RACIST ASS" in my face then do all kind of stuff behind my back. I'm saying this because that so call lawsuit is a cover-up for you instead of saying "I'M A RACIST ASS". IT WAS A NATURAL BORN CITIZEN THAT MESSED THIS COUNTRY UP THE PASS 8 YEARS SO I WILL TAKE LEADER OF VOLTRON RIGHT NOW THEN THE DUMMY THATS BEEN IN OFFICE THE PAST 8 YEARS.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 6, 2008 4:13 PM
Exactly!!! Seems to me that Bush was a Governor of one of the biggest states POPULATION and ECONOMY wise, and he and his gang screwed up Washington and this country even more! So much for that arguement. It makes me laugh at how Republicans say that Palin is governor "one of the biggest states". YEAH SQUARE FOOTAGE! Duh. With a population of Houston Texas. I guess they think that Americans are stupid and I guess that they are betting that we don't know our geography. Then again, they screwed up the education system so badly, that unless that question came up on standardized tests, the people DON'T know.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 6, 2008 7:32 PM
If he really wants to keep McCain at bay, a vote for Obama would be more effective. Let's keep him OUT of OFFICE.
Obama/Biden '08!
Posted by: Liz | September 6, 2008 8:06 PM
We'll ignore the
And if it's about voting down the GI Bill, that's not a problem. The GI Bill makes it easier for people to cut and run. The Pentagon saw it as a potential problem, since it would cut off manpower while simultaneously pinching their pockets.
I once read an article about this one veteran complaining that the military wouldn't even pay half of his college fees. The college was George Washington University, and if MSNBC did any research before hand, they would know this college is the most expensive in the entire world and even the new GI Bill does not cover it.
Also... I believe McCain went against Bush on that one.
Posted by: Michael | September 7, 2008 5:16 AM
Where is Adam? He hasn't updated his page and he seems to keep up with it pretty good. Anyone know if he has been detained?
Posted by: Rachel | September 7, 2008 7:24 PM
TO RAOUL,
UNTIL YOUR ASS SERVE IN A WAR DON'T TALK ABOUT SOLDIERS!
I'M A DESERT STORM VETERAN WHO WORKED AT A POW CAMP SITE IN RAFHA WITH 18TH AIRBORNE GROUP.
AND THIS PROTESTOR WAS CORRECT TO DO THIS!
Posted by: PAUL FROM ATLANTA | September 7, 2008 8:50 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VELIG92GDXw
Posted by: Anonymous | September 8, 2008 11:45 AM
Crack Kill's
Brain cells
one by one
Obvious example of that from this interview ..
Vote OBAMA or
Don't vote at all!!!!
Posted by: Suzanne P | September 8, 2008 2:42 PM
Why is Palin from a church that thinks America is going to get destroyed by GOD, but Alaska is going to be saved and going to be a shelter for survivers? I mean she seem to be a real nut. She said the war is happening because GOD want it to happen. Nawwww it's because BUSH and FRIENDS wanted IN ON THE OIL.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 8, 2008 5:10 PM
Yes, Bush's War is amazing watching!!
A must see!!
Vote to save the middle class!!
Vote Democratically!!!!!!
Obama / Biden '08!!
Posted by: Fox News Hound | September 8, 2008 7:22 PM
OBAMA = BETRAYAL
Obama supporters are foolish to think that he will never betray them.
Obama was a close friend of Pastor Wright for TWENTY YEARS.
Obama threw Wright under the bus for personal ambition.
McCain would not betray his country even after 5 years of torture.
You can put lipstick on a traitor, but he's still a traitor.
Posted by: Howard | September 19, 2008 11:19 AM
The best crashing of a convention ever!
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