Well, just on the odd chance that anyone is really interested in information rather than inuendo, here are a few facts for you. I am not defending Bush in any way; I have no use for him individually or as President, and I was commanding an artillery battery in Vietnam when he was learning to fly obsolete jets.

Records released by the Bush White House show that he earned 2 retirement points in October 1972 and 4 in November of that year. He apparently earned more points in January, April and May 1973. This is based upon reports carried on CNN.com. A retirement point is earned for each 4 hours spent in a drill status, and may be earned in either a paid or nonpaid basis. A point may not be credited to a person's record unless he or she is either assigned or attached to the unit submitting the records. (BTW, I spent some 22 years in the Army Reserve, and am somewhat knowledgable on retirement points.)

A great deal has been made about the Commanding General of Dannelly Air National Guard Base in Alabama saying he never met Lt. Bush. It is highly unlikely that the general would have ever met a lousy lieutenant; when he "reported to the commanding general," the highest ranking person he most likely saw would have been a sergeant in the administrative office.   Most of the other people he might have casually encountered 31 years ago don't remember him either-and how many of us have memories that are perfect after all these years?

By the way, a former member of the Alabama Guard does say he recalls Bush; the report is in this CNN article.

I personally believe that Bush should be allowed to run on the abysmal record of the last three years, and made to answer for what he has done to this nation, and not be elected or not elected on the basis of something that may or may not have happened over thirty years ago.