As I work to help the Navy train their air crews to use the advanced airborne warning and control systems, I am struck by Mr. Kerry's "joke" to the students of Pasadena College. These gentlemen that I work with each have, at the minimum, a bachelor’s degree. Most have or are working toward their master’s degree and many have multiple degrees. Guess what Mr. Kerry; these degrees didn't come from a box of Cracker Jacks. The degrees are not in telecommunications being awarded to members of the USC football team. These naval officers are some of the best and brightest in the world.

Now, I'll give Mr. Kerry the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it was a botched joke at the expense of the president. Too Bad! Though the Bush administration may need to make further adjustments in their Iraq strategy, their policies didn't force those words out of his mouth. If his apology is to be accepted, he will need to take full responsibility for his words and not attempt to blame anyone else.

These are my two cents on this subject. If you would like to read what I would have liked to write, see www.commonsenserants.blogspot.com. My brother Rory has a way with words.

If you feel the need to comment, you know where to put it.

C