The following is from Factcheck.org:
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Patriotism Falsely Impugned
Democratic Rep. Grayson wrongly says that his opponent 'refused' Vietnam service; claims he 'doesn't love this country.'
September 22, 2010
Summary
Democratic Rep. Alan Grayson of Florida is falsely accusing his opponent of evading the Vietnam War draft, claiming "he doesn’t love this country."
Republican candidate Daniel Webster didn't "refuse the call to service," as claimed in a vicious TV ad featuring pictures of military graves and the sound of "Taps" being played on a bugle. In fact, the former Florida Senate majority leader was given routine student deferments until he completed his undergraduate degree. He then reported for a military physical and was disqualified for medical reasons.
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I refused service in the Vietnam War. I didn't have any medical deferments. I served (as well as uaifi) in the Peace Corps in the Kingdom of Tonga as an alternative. I still bristle when anyone (Democrat or Republican) might accuse me of being unpatriotic because of my alternative service, - especially those who have never served in the military or Peace Corps. It has nothing to do with "love of country." Sometimes it means that you love your country more than just blindly following. Sometimes, it is more patriotic to say, "hell no, I wont go!"
************************************************** ***
Patriotism Falsely Impugned
Democratic Rep. Grayson wrongly says that his opponent 'refused' Vietnam service; claims he 'doesn't love this country.'
September 22, 2010
Summary
Democratic Rep. Alan Grayson of Florida is falsely accusing his opponent of evading the Vietnam War draft, claiming "he doesn’t love this country."
Republican candidate Daniel Webster didn't "refuse the call to service," as claimed in a vicious TV ad featuring pictures of military graves and the sound of "Taps" being played on a bugle. In fact, the former Florida Senate majority leader was given routine student deferments until he completed his undergraduate degree. He then reported for a military physical and was disqualified for medical reasons.
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I refused service in the Vietnam War. I didn't have any medical deferments. I served (as well as uaifi) in the Peace Corps in the Kingdom of Tonga as an alternative. I still bristle when anyone (Democrat or Republican) might accuse me of being unpatriotic because of my alternative service, - especially those who have never served in the military or Peace Corps. It has nothing to do with "love of country." Sometimes it means that you love your country more than just blindly following. Sometimes, it is more patriotic to say, "hell no, I wont go!"
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