What do I learn from this? Do I learn that another act took place and has now come to light? Sure, but it surprises no one and the longer we get away from that time, the more will come to light. No, that's not it.

I learn once again that courage comes in all forms and at various times. Bob Kerrey shows as much courage now as he did in winning the Medal of Honor. For any thinking person, this ought to enhance him as a presidential candidate, though sadly, it probably won't.

Like many, Bob Kerrey grew up in a time of blacks and whites and those of us in our 50's appreciate the feeling. We grew up in a time when the good guys wore white hats. As we came of age it became somewhat clearer that we were pawns on a chessboard and the blacks and whites had turned to all differing shades of gray. We coped with it as best we could then and we have done so since. Bob Kerrey has done the same. No one should be ashamed of the actions that took them places they now wish they had never been if they acted with the courage of their convictions then. Kerrey did this because of the way he grew up and what he was taught. He navigated the "grays" to the best lights he had at the time.

Today he is doing the same through the filter of history and age. I can find nothing but that same courage in him today. We cannot go back but we can always remember and the pain of the memories make us more determined to pass on the history we know.......lest it happen to our children and grandchildren.

You got my vote Bob.

Spaw