Lt. Col. Bill Burkett, Texas National Guard, retired, caused a firestorm in September, 2004, when he was involved in a 60 Minutes segment which dealt with President Bush’s service in the National Guard. While CBS ultimately retracted their story, the basic truth of the revelations is unchallenged. Peabody Award winner Mary Mapes, who produced the segment of 60 Minutes and was fired after CBS apologized for it, maintains the authenticity of the documents and claims that the attacks against her were orchestrated by a right-wing Internet smear campaign. She wrote a book, Truth and Duty: The Press, the President, and the Privilege of Power about the scandal. Lt. Col. Burkett has been attacked and maligned for his involvement in this episode. In my eyes, Lt. Col. Burkett served his country honorably and in this instance tried to do the right thing, at great personal cost. He is a true ‘local hero’ in a time sorely lacking many. This OpEd piece is in response to my request that he write about why he did what he did. Below is his reply. Joan Brunwasser
Why did I do what I did… First let me say what I did and didn't do. I did finally decide to share these documents which were passed to me along with other archives with those that could enter them within an ongoing debate concerning a resume that was obviously fudged, had absolute gaps and unanswered questions big enough to drive a truck through. The President could have honestly answered those questions, but chose not to after obviously fabricating a media message within his autobiography that was false. He wisely decided to stop lying, so he went silent.
I did not falsify or fabricate these documents in any way, nor the backgrounds given concerning them.
I saw no meaningful purpose in sharing them until the summer of 2004 because I felt the Vietnam debate was counterproductive to the nation. But once the issue became integrity and truthfulness, the documents took on a different level of importance, and I relinquished them.
There were lots of strange things and facts that no one wants to report because they undermine the theories that have been launched. For example, at least one major media person who was at the front of exposing my identity withheld key and critical information in his possession that would have proven my credibility. Not only the Republicans, but the Democrats were working this story and not from a factual perspective on either side. And the talking points on the memos that ended up while the piece was playing came from a leak within the CBS team and their consultants.
It was contentious and lost its credibility no sooner than it was released because the same people fighting this issue were part of the multi million dollar Swift Boat campaign.
What did it cost me? Most everything except my integrity and my spirit.
None of that was for sale and therefore could not be eroded by anyone other than me.
For 28 years I served in uniform; took an oath that said I would protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic; and placed America first.
I don't think that's any different calling than any stockholder of this country must take.
What must we all do?
Our educators have done us a disservice over the past 25 years. Most of our citizens under the age of 35 have never read the Declaration of Independence which defines WHY we became a free and sovereign nation and what sets America apart.
I believe that less than 10% of all Americans under the age of 35 have ever read the Constitution of the United States and understand the "VALUES" of America.
That's why they could invent, substitute and otherwise overlay CONSTITUTIONAL AMERICAN VALUES with more sectarian ones through the last seven Presidential campaigns.
So I have no doubt that once these two basic steps are taken by Every American, we will find a renewed soberness and intensity within this land.
How do you change the mindset of putting myself first - the selfish mindset - with "selfless mindsets" or putting the nation first?
' A good name is more desirable than riches! God will give you double for your trouble; I am living proof of this! Both of these promises come from the Bible.
Thank-you for standing up and telling the truth! George, The false prophet, and others don't realize, that when they stand one day, before the God that is a consuming fire, that as they shake in their shoes, and then humbly bow before him, that, judgement day will come, as swiftly for them, as the end of a well written, enjoyable book ending.
Did you notice a couple days ago, when everyone was upset over 'Dubai Port' Dealings, that DWB slipped in a new bribe to the Religious Right preachers? They will be getting more money for their faith based, 'Feed a drunk ' and other useless programs to appease their greedy selves, so they will look the other way, and cover his wrongdoing with their lies.
May God bless each of us, and protect each of us, that stands up for what's right! We have the favor of righteous wise men, even though the blind are following the heathern preachers, that are chasing the Almighty dollar. We will never have the favor of the ignorant, until they wake up! Then it will be too late! Pray that Bush gets some more steel toed boots, to kick more of their bottoms! That is our only hope! Pray for it!
by (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 41 comments)
on Sunday, March 12, 2006 at 11:32:20 PM
My thanks, as well, both for serving our country and attempting to shed some light onto the shady character of the liar in the oval office. I also read Mary Mapes wonderful book, and instictively knew that Mr. Rather would NOT throw his career away over unfounded allegations.
This nation was founded and nurtured on protest and whistleblowers. Your sacrifices are appreciated and will be remembered, long after others are burning in a dark place. Thanks again.
by
Brenda Walters (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 59 comments)
on Monday, March 13, 2006 at 1:25:53 AM
You typify , for me, the American spirit that lives on despite the decades of the subversion of our constitution by a corrupted system that lends itself wholeheartedly to subverting the intent of our founders.
It is not George Walker Bush, or Bill Frist, or Rush Limbaugh that makes our nation great, it is not Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld or Tom DeLay that assures me of the ultimate triumph of our great democratic institution. It is people like you, Colonel, that give me hope for our future.
by
ardee D. (6 articles, 4 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 2377 comments)
on Monday, March 13, 2006 at 7:22:21 AM
3 comments
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