excerpt from www.veteransforclark2004.us
As veterans we have served our country in defense of a way of life that Americans cherish. Over the past three years we have seen much of that being threatened. We have seen our economy virtually destroyed, our educational system raped along with hard fought for environmental laws being systematically repealed. We have a justice department that is ripping up our constitutional rights in the name of Homeland Security and we have a President who has wrapped himself in the flag and used the tragedy of 9/11 to implement military conquest in lieu of diplomacy and engagement. And finally we have seen our sons and daughters and brothers and sisters on active duty put in harms way, many to return in the dark, and many more returning with lifelong wounds that will require care in Veterans Hospitals around the country. Care that has been cruelly cut by this administration.
We believe that fellow retiree, General Wesley Clark has this ability to change all that. Clark is also a Southern Democrat, has an unbeatable record on national security, progressive on social issues (pro-choice, supports affirmative action), brilliant academic background and accomplished professional career. He's highly articulate, and has a telegenic persona (as evidenced by his frequent appearances as a national security consultant on CNN during the Iraqi War).
Career highlights:
General Wesley K. Clark is one of the nation's most distinguished retired military officers. During his thirty four years of service in the United States Army, he held numerous staff and command positions, rising to the rank of 4-star general and NATO Supreme Allied Commander.
From 1997 through May of 2000, General Clark was NATO Supreme Allied Commander and Commander in Chief of the United States European Command. In this position, General Clark commanded Operation Allied Force, NATO's first major combat action, which saved 1.5 million Albanians from ethnic cleansing in Kosovo.
From 1996 to 1997 General Clark served as Commander in Chief of the United States Southern Command, Panama, where he was responsible for the direction of U.S. military activities in Latin America and the Caribbean.
From 1994 to 1996, he served as Director for Strategic Plans and Policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff with responsibilities for worldwide U.S. military strategic planning.
General Clark is a 1966 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he graduated first in his class. He holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University where he was a Rhodes Scholar.
General Clark is a recipient of numerous U.S. and foreign military awards, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He has received honorary Knighthoods from the British and Dutch governments and was made a commander of the French Legion of Honor. In August 2000, General Clark was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
