There is a campaign controversy brewing — this one being one of the most phony I’ve seen in a long time. John Kerry evidently stated in 1971 that he, along with many veterans that protested the war, gave back the medals they earned while in combat. But over the past few years, he has denied discarding any of his medals.

This is controversy enough for the media, which is beginning to skewer the democratic nominee at any sniff of a “flip-flop.”

This is crazy on a few different levels. First, when has being against the Vietnam War ever been looked upon as bad? We have all heard the stories of vet’s being spit in the airports as they came home because they happened to be wearing their military uniforms. The media is now treating John Kerry with a “how dare you” attitude because he protested the war when he returned the US. So what?

This also brings me to my frustration with John Kerry — his inability or is it his unwillingness to engage in tough language.

The issue could be solved very quickly and Kerry would get more respect if he addressed the media like this, “At least I went when I was called and I earned those medals. I still remember the sound of a mine blowing my boat and my men out from under me so I’ll do with my medals as I damn well please. President Bush, you didn’t even show up for your physical at that National Guard, so keep your mouth shut on this issue.”