John Kerry and the Dixie Chicks have a lot in common: they both make stupid statements, then blame the people who are indignant about their remarks. The Dixie Chicks' brouhaha is well known by now. If you haven't heard Kerry's remarks, here's what he said: "You know, education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq." (Michelle Malkin has video here, and has asked us to spread it around.)

The only soldier that I personally know who has fought in Iraq is a cousin through marriage. His family is particularly well off; they have a million dollar home and live in an affluent section of town. His mother is a liberal activist who routinely protests our involvement in the war. His father is also liberal, but less vocal about his political leanings. He is well educated and has had the opportunity to chart whatever course in life he desired. Yet, despite all of this, he volunteered for the military and in addition, volunteered to go to Iraq not once, not twice, but three times. He has so far completed three tours of duty in Iraq, and, although I can't speak for him, I have little doubt he will volunteer to return yet again.

It is with this knowledge that I am offended by John Kerry's remark. Yet John Kerry seems to think I have no right to be offended by his statement. His "apology" is a statement calling critical reaction to his words a "Republican distortion." He further adds: "I'm sick and tired of these despicable Republican attacks that always seem to come from those who never can be found to serve in war, but love to attack those who did." Of course, I have never served in Iraq, but nonetheless, I reserve the right to be offended by his statement. I need no Republican "distortion" of truth to be so offended. His statement says it all, and needs no further filtering by any media. I can make up my own mind, and I have. John Kerry, you need to make a real apology.