Rolling Thunder hits the White House .......Motorcycles that is

[2Design]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/05/30/bush.motorcyclists.ap/index.html

The Rolling Thunder Motorcyclist group back Bush on getting Elected.

I am always surprized at how any group can back Bush but especially one who cares about Veterans......shocked

[Spinzonner]

1. Exhaust Fumes

[Ready4Change]

2. If I had to guess...

They aren't so much for Bush as against Kerry.

From what I gather, many in the Rolling Thunder crowd are Vietnam vets with REAL problems about Jane Fonda. Kerry's anti-military stances after his own return from 'Nam, and the right wings recent attempts (valid or not) to link Kerry with Fonda will resonate strongly, and negatively, with them.

IMO, if they looked deep into the matter they'd come to a different conclusion. Unfortunately, they react so vehemently at any mention of Hanoi Jane that they can be easily misled. Just my opinion there.

[truthisfreedom]

maybe Kerry should take a ride with them and make his case.

[Tripper11]

4. My brother in law is a Viet Nam vet....

and what you describe Ready4Change is exactly how he and some of his vet buddies put it to me when I was visiting a month or so ago.
They're not too hip for Bush, but are ardently opposed to Kerry because of his post war activities and Jane Fonda.

[still_one]

11. yeah if it wasn't for people like Kerry there would have been more deaths

in viet nam.

Anyone who has seen McNammera, "Fog of War" realizes this. In 1995 he met with the head of the North Viet Name commander, who told McNamara they would have fought to the last man.

I have seen it during viet nam, and I will see it again, they will not be satisfied until we have lost enough young people.

screw them!

If they are so gung ho, why don't they volunter through private enterprise to go to Iraq?

F**King IDIOTS!

[He loved Big Brother]

38. So they're mad at the ones who turned out to be correct?

[crossroads]

7. That is probably true!

They can't see thru Bushit and propaganda!
:shrug:

[2Design]

16. They think Kerry is linked to Jane Fonda???? I thought that story

was debunked.... a photo they faked......

It was a bad war. Like this one.
Kerry being against was a good thing. It helped the movement to end it. He went - he fought - he returned - he fought against.

Fonda was on the enemy side with radio broadcast.....totally different type of against it...She was working for the enemy.

it is too bad if they think kerry and hanoi jane are in the same category.....

why does the rw media machine become so successful in imparting these BS messages. The flip flop thing. Why does that stick to kerry when it is Bush who flip flops. Everything the BushCo does....-they say others do. - then people believe the others do it - and don't even look to see it is Bush co....

Thanks for you explanation. I thought that was gone.
It is amazing. BushCo torture people but that passes and no one remembers. BushCo tell lies and everyone believes them. How do we get rid of these illegimate people in our House, The WH House, the people's house.

[Mace]

48. You're right

http://www.snopes.com/photos/politics/kerry2.asp

[leesa]

25. Yah, heaven forbid anyone should protest unjust war

Bunch of shallow idiots.

[Kinkistyle]

29. Buncha HYPOCRITES! They supported Bush over AL GORE too.

Al Gore, another Vietnam Vet, Kerry DECORATED Vietnam Vet. And who do they support over these two heroes? A no good, drunk draft-dodger chickenhawk. Plus biker "gangs" cause such a great deal of noise pollution that I wish I could set off an EMP bomb everytime one of them rolls thru my town.

[Seabiscuit]

53. Kerry & Fonda

were heroic in their anti-war activities during Vietnam. I was in Paris when Jane Fonda returned from Hanoi and she received a hero's welcome not only with the French, but also with Americans like myself currently living in France - the turnout for her speech there in a huge auditorium was unbelievable.

She did nothing worse than what Sean Penn did when he visited Baghdad prior to Bushit's imperialist invasion - so why aren't the neocons calling him "Baghdad Sean". Simple. He wasn't a woman. They couldn't come up with a lable which reminded people of "Tokyo Rose".

It was only the Nixon crowd that labled Fonda "Hanoi Jane", and the current neo-con smear of Kerry equating him with "Hanoi Jane" puts them at Nixon's level - and look what happened to Nixon. Only idiots and those born to late and schooled too poorly in history don't remember that and can't see through that lameness.

Remember, the neocon agenda is all about "dumbing down" America with homilies, smears, and lies, and there are plenty of dumbed-down Americans for them to appeal to, such as this dumb biker club, but so what - put 'em all together and they couldn't elect God to the White House, much less Chimpy the Chump.

[Malva Zebrina]

3. Nancy Sinatra on the back of this rolling thunder motorcycle

Reminds me of Hitler's brown shirts. Especially the way that Bush is looking so out of place, formal and scripted, as if he never heard of them , but is willing to take in anyone, and let them roar and make noise to support him and his fascism.

The woman on the back of the cycle is Nancy Sinatra--daughter of Frank Sinatra.

[crossroads]

5. God! Thought she'd be too damn old to get on a bike by now!

:puke:

[Philostopher]

8. Maybe she's had collagen injections

somewhere besides her face.

[Jon8503]

10. Rolling Thunder

Being a Vietnam veteran, I do not see how any veteran could
support this administration however guess we do have freedom
of choice.

This can't be typical of most veterans, does anyone know of
any polls of veterans groups?

[crossroads]

15. CNN just announced a memo found about cutting Veterans benefits!?

...memo dealing with across the board budget cuts starting in 2005 for VA (Vets - 1 billion, head start, and several other entitlement programs)!... heard the tail end of the report... Bush wouldn't take questions from reporters on the issue on the WH lawn! ???
:shrug:

[PaDUer]

22. There was a thread about this

on DU a couple of days ago.

[0007]

27. I know what ya mean, but these guys are freepers

with a membership of less than a thousand. 7000 is streaching it!!

No biggy

[Seabiscuit]

55. "God! Thought she'd be too damn old to get on a bike by now!"

She'll always need "training wheels".

[otohara]

21. Nancy Sinatra Give $$$$ To Dems

why would she be with the group of Bush worshipers? Are you sure that's her?

[Malva Zebrina]

23. this is the caption that went with the picture

"U.S. President George W. Bush (news - web sites) shakes hands with Artie Muller, President of Rolling Thunder, Inc. at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 30, 2004. Nancy Sinatra is seated behind Muller. Rolling Thunder, whose major function is to educate the public about prisoner of war and missing in action issues, of Americans from all past wars. Every year thousands of supporters of Rolling Thunder participapte in the annual ride for freedom. REUTERS/Mannie Garcia "

[stepnw1f]

6. Is This True Of Most Vets?

I'm hearing different.

[ElectroPrincess]

12. No but the enlightened ones are not verbal

Like all other groups, it's always the squeaky wheel that gets all the attention. When I was active duty we were expected to be apolitical. The right wing extremists are not the majority, but they love to posture while they hate.

My older brother who served 67'-69' in the 101st Airborne in Vietnam still hates Jane Fonda, albeit with the cutbacks in Vets medical benefits, he hates George Bush even more than Hanoi Jane. It's all about being a realist. With the Vet cuts, I'm hoping that an increased number of Republican vets choose to stay home come election day.

The right wing republicans never have *owned* the loyalty of the military and are losing increasing numbers each day they extend too few troops to Iraq without the proper equipment. Many of these people come from rural or economically middle and working class families, but they're far from stupid.

Some of the best, or quick to the forefront of my mind, of honorable democratic combat vets are Charlie Rangel and George McGovern.

Don't let the "Right Wing Noise Machine" convince you of this lie: The Military is not owned by the Republicans. These men and women come from *all* walks of life.

[stepnw1f]

32. Thank You ElectroPrincess...

I was just wondering too, if there may be a comprehensive study research done on this political epidemic within the military. Any suggestion of good articles or books to read on this very subject? Anyone...?

[saigon68]

39. IT GOES DEEPER THAN THAT

A LOT OF RIGHT WING MOTORCYCLE TYPES ARE RACISTS

THEY HATE THE BLACKMAN--

but they love certain OREO BLACKS LIKE RICE/// COLON BOWEL

[atreides1]

9. So

Basically they oppose Kerry because of his stance against the Vietnam War after he returned and they don't like Jane Fonda.

And to them this is a good reason to fuck the rest of us veterans. Someone needs to tell these boys to grow the fuck up. I guess it must be the fact that the largest things that they have ever had between their legs are the motorcycles they ride, you know Clenis envy. :D

They all must be independently wealthy and don't have to worry about VA benefits, the ones that their fearless leader plans to cut should he get re-selected.

So in conclusion Rolling Thunder hates Kerry more then they give a damn about fellow veterans, one reason for me not to be to keen on this group, speaking as a veteran of course!

[ElectroPrincess]

13. Perspective

Wait ... back the bike up atr1. :)

Many of these folks are afraid to speak out. The majority of Vietnam Vets are realists and are not motivated solely by "hyped emotions." Please don't stereotype them as such. If you do, nothing would make the right wing fringe more happy to use you as an example. Don't play into the generalizaions ... don't play into the right wing's lies.

[saigon68]

41. Most of them are Wannabee Veterans

And not very bright either.

Kind of like Lynndie the Perky Princess of Abu Ghraib

[DemoTex]

44. They like the colors (yellow background with green/yellow stripes)

It looks great on their helmets, but few actually served. Poseurs, mostly. My apologies to the real Viet Vets in the RT organization (?), but you - too - know the problem in the hood ranks. Police it or become more marginalized.

[oasis]

14. Bush is their kinda guy, light on intellect, heavy on macho-ego.

[2Design]

17. adding another link

Rolling thunder needs to understand how government is making veterans homeless....

link to another du link
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x591390

[oneighty]

18. Vietnam wannabees!

I been seeing so many wannabe Vietnam warriors over the years that I am skeptical of all that make that claim.

Step one biker boys; whip out your DD 214s, prove your service to God and country, if you can.

180

[ElectroPrincess]

19. Excellent point

That's an excellent point! = Let me see your DD214 Mr. Vietnam Combat Veteran?

I served after Vietnam, but I fowarded a copy of my DD214 so I could become a full member of Veterans for Peace. There are also assoiciate memberships.

Check it out :-)

http://www.veteransforpeace.org

*I know = What a cheap segway to promote my FAV organization. <blush>

[leftbend]

24. I wonder about that too

I've been told by some fellow veterans that go on the "run to the wall" that that some of the organizers of the event aren't veterans. Now I think I see why. Also they mislead you to think the annual Memorial Day run to the wall participants are all members of rolling thunder. Not true, most are going just to honor their fallen comrades. I know several people from Oregon (real Vietnam Veterans) that went this year and they certainly were not Bush supporters.

[Piperay]

35. EXACTLY

what I was thinking, like some of those who hang out at the Viet Nam Wall with big stories and then it turned out they weren't veterans at all. I wish someone would research their members I bet that very few of them were even in Viet Nam.

[oneighty]

37. The story is told in

'Stolen Valor' How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of its Heroes and its History. By; B.G. Burkett and Glenna Whitley.

The phony Vietnam war veterans exposed.

There are many many and they are everywhere.

A good read.

180

[playahata1]

42. Also check out hackworth.com and Soldiers for the Truth

Phony veterans are exposed there.

[DemoTex]

46. The proof is in the pudding or ...

In this case, the DD 214. I've got mine close by. Wonder where W's is? The real DD-214, I mean. Pre-scrub. There is a copy somewhere.

[Democat]

20. These guys are bought and paid for by the right wing

The best reason they can give for supporting Bush is because they don't want to change presidents during a war?

Well the "war on terror" will be going on for decades, so I guess Bush will be the president for the rest of his life?

What a pathetic reason to endorse Bush, who has been bad for veterans and bad for the troops.

[indypaul]

26. Typical.

A few of them will "drink the kool-aid" kiss a little
behind then shoot off their mouthes. Don't believe
for one minute that a majority of veterans are buying
what this chicken-hawk outfit is selling. Am only a
Korean Vet (52-53) but in talking with others the
overall position is NOT favorable to anyone that
would resort to tactics such as those used against
John McCain and Max Cleland. Anytime you hear a
"vet" speaking in favor of W remind them of those
tactics and caution them that they are very likely
to use them again. It was low-life Ralph Reed that
organized the campaign in Georgia against Cleland and
W has now made him his manager in southeastern region
of the U.S. So don't think for one minute that the
slime does not originate in the White House and we
know it runs downhill from there.

[psychopomp]

33. That's correct

I, too, am unable to comprehend why some veterans do not seem to realize the two-faced slimeballs they are dealing with--case in point, Ralph Reed.

[saigon68]

43. They are after Kerry in Wisconsin

Last Friday in Green Bay, some Wannabee Vets and our Congressman (A re-puke Warmonger and coward ) and some other draft dodgers got together and trashed Kerry.

It was pathetic to watch them on TV make fun of his Silver Star and Purple Hearts. They said he didn't earn them. They really needed an Ass Kicking ---the scum. They were sounding just like that little FUCKER Ralph Reed.

[guajira]

28. I Heard the leader interviewed, sounded like a Rush Ditto-head

He connected Iraq and 9-11 just like any right-winger who never reads, but just listens to Rush & Hannity!

[minkyboodle]

31. saw an interview with one of their guys

honestly their name choice kind of clues you in to where they are gonna stand on most issues IMO.

[VolcanoJen]

30. Saw one of their leaders being interviewed by Paula Zahn yesterday...

... during the WWII Memorial dedication. I hate to say this about any veteran, or biker, but damn, he just came off as incredibly stupid, and completely uninformed. He channeled Kerry's brain and pronounced that Kerry wouldn't have done anything if the terrorists had attacked us on 9/11, and then he said he likes Bush because it's better to fight the terrorists in their own countries.

Had a crazy look in his eye, and a strained voice. I just thought he was a horrible representation of a Bush voter... then again... they pretty much all are.

[saigon68]

40. Low Classed Slime Balls many of whom aren't Veterans

Imagine Charles Graner 35 years from noww---THAT'S WHAT A LOT OF THESE IDIOTS ARE.

IMAGINE LYNNDIE ON THE BACK OF A MOTOR CYCLE


this is their creed


THE USA COULD HAVE WON IN VIET-NAM

IF HANOI JANE FONDA WOULD HAVE BEEN HUNG IN PUBLIC FOR TREASON

IF WE COULD HAVE KILLED ABOUT 10 MILLION MORE SLOPES & GOOKS

IF THE PRESS WOULDN’T HAVE LOST THE WAR

IF THE HIPPIES WOULD HAVE BEEN JAILED, WHIPPED AND KILLED

[Hotler]

34. True bikers are rare, Harley riders are a dime a dozen.

I wonder haow many trailered their bikes there.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

36. Wonder how many don't know which end of the wrench to turn

too.

What a bunch of asswipes.

[struggle4progress]

45. Oh wow! Look at this!

"Other bikers who rode up the driveway included White House budget director Josh Bolton, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson and Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi, and various Rolling Thunder leaders."

That's so impressive! A bunch of *'s appointees drive up the WH driveway on motorbikes to endorse him for President in '04! Incredible! How does he do it?

[Mace]

47. Hope is not lost

I can't imagine why a group such as the Rolling Thunder would endorse that draft dodging political cowboy Bush.

What has Bush done to support the Vietnam memorial services, etc..

Unlike Kerry who spent memorial day remembering those who had fallen in that terrible war. Kerry actually cares because he was a veteran.

I saw on the Rolling Thunder message boards with angry voices, furious and embarrassed at this endorsement of this asshat.

http://www.rollingthunder1.com/pow-mia-forum.htm

They seem upset.

[Kukesa]

49. Thanks, Mace.

I went to your link and read the posts; I feel a little better after having done so.

[DaveSZ]

51. Yeah thanks Mace

I enjoyed reading those posts.

I have a pair of uncles who were in Vietnam, and am close to.

I'm afraid to get into a political discussion with them though because I don't know how they feel about Kerry's involvement to end the war.

I talked to my grandfather though, a WWII vet, and he's solidly for Kerry.

I should sign him up for vets for Kerry.

[rumguy]

50. Wow - they are pissed about this

and they are making excellent points...

fascinating - thanks for posting this....

[DaveSZ]

52. I think Kerry should pick Clark as his running mate

Then he could really chip into *'s vet voting bloc.

Plus, I like Clark.

:)

[DaveSZ]

54. Links to info about Bush's proposed cuts for veteran's benefits:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/executive/2004-05-27-bush-budget-cuts_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA

The vet vote

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/05/28/fri/index.html

[Ksec]

56. mistaken patriotism . A blown chance to hold respect and legitimacy

They have blown any legitimacy they once had with this bonehead move.

I believe RT is more ignorant than anything else. Clearly they havent taken the time to educate themselves to what is happening . I also believe this event was planned months ago. The organizers should not be paid.