Both are tales from long ago and both are related to Vietnam, but the documentary evidence in the two cases is like night and day. In the Swift Boat case, practically every new piece of documentary evidence indicates that Kerry’s accusers are lying. Conversely, in the National Guard case, practically every new piece of documentary evidence provides additional confirmation that the charges against Bush are true.

Kevin Drum: 09-09-2004

In a democracy, the commander in chief works for you. You hire him when you elect him. You watch him do the job. If he makes good decisions and serves your interests, you rehire him. If he doesn’t, you fire him by voting for his opponent in the next election.

Not every country works this way. In some countries, the commander in chief builds a propaganda apparatus that equates him with the military and the nation. If you object that he’s making bad decisions and disserving the national interest, you’re accused of weakening the nation, undermining its security, sabotaging the commander in chief, and serving a foreign power?the very charges Miller leveled tonight against Bush’s critics.

Are you prepared to become one of those countries?

Slate: 09-02-2004

…the danger is that we’ll get hit again — that we’ll be hit in a way that will be devastating from the standpoint of the United States.

Cheney on Kerry win: 09-07-2004

Most of the troops – 85 percent – died after President Bush declared major combat operations over on May 1, 2003. Nearly 15 percent died after the United States turned over sovereignty to Iraq’s new leaders this June. The deadliest month was this April, as insurgents stepped up their attacks. Nearly as many American troops died that month as had in the initial invasion.

NYTimes: 09-09-2004

The Wildlife Action Fund is posting a cartoon series at defenderbear.org to defeat George W. Bush and to elect John Kerry. It’s fun and good stuff. Check it out.

I was stunned when I heard the news. Me and my family wish the Clinton family for a quick recovery.

Over 300 total dead. My prayers go out to the families who’ve been hurt by the terror attack on Russian school.

I’m not sure how many in my audience actually watched the Republican convention. I had a tough enough time just sitting there without my veins popping. Never have I seen so many supposed leaders sprout so many falsehoods and outright lies to spread hate and division. Never have I seen so many supposed leaders fear an involved American public to as not offer one fact or offer one solid program to back up what they say, so as to avoid scrutiny.

They fear an involved public. Their story: You’re not safe, let us handle it, and if you think we’re wrong, or even question us, you’re the enemy.

Why do you think it is that the higher the turnout, the worst it is for Bush? Think! Think! Think!

They are running a campaign against John Kerry, and not for security.

They are running a campaign against John Kerry, and not for justice.

They are running a campaign against John Kerry, and not for liberty.

They are running a campaign against John Kerry, and not for the future.

They are running a campaign against John Kerry, not for the American dream.

Each of these points can be backed up by Bush policies and their results since 9/11.

Wouldn’t you want to support a candidate with plans for the future, that trusts the American people with more sustenance than what a five syllable sound bite can provide?

My job tonight is an easy one: to present to you one of this nation’s authentic heroes, one of this party’s best-known and greatest leaders ? and a good friend.

He was once a lieutenant governor ? but he didn’t stay in that office 16 years, like someone else I know. It just took two years before the people of Massachusetts moved him into the United States Senate in 1984.

In his 16 years in the Senate, John Kerry has fought against government waste and worked hard to bring some accountability to Washington.

Early in his Senate career in 1986, John signed on to the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Deficit Reduction Bill, and he fought for balanced budgets before it was considered politically correct for Democrats to do so.

John has worked to strengthen our military, reform public education, boost the economy and protect the environment. Business Week magazine named him one of the top pro-technology legislators and made him a member of its “Digital Dozen.”

John was re-elected in 1990 and again in 1996 ? when he defeated popular Republican Governor William Weld in the most closely watched Senate race in the country.

John is a graduate of Yale University and was a gunboat officer in the Navy. He received a Silver Star, Bronze Star and three awards of the Purple Heart for combat duty in Vietnam. He later co-founded the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Zell Miller introducing John Kerry at a 2001 party dinner.

Yep, that’s the same Zell Miller who gave that lie filled speech the other night.