NEW YORK (2/18) - News Flash: Microfiche proves George W. Bush was paid for part of his military service stateside during the Viet Nam era. While the debate continues about who was the braver warrior, these important questions are ignored: What is the difference between Democratic presidential frontrunner Senator John Kerry and President Bush on the future of Iraq? Do these men have a viable exit plan? How are they going to prevent future war and terrorism?

The lives of 130,000 troops in Iraq are already on the line. Focusing on military service from 30-plus years ago violates the right of the public to have a real, open and honest discussion about our future policy on Iraq. Whether or not George Bush was AWOL from the National Guard is a sideshow. Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) said in a recent press conference in New York City, "If the metaphor of our nation becomes which candidate had more authentic military service…when we have 130,000 troops in Iraq, shame on the rest of us if we don't challenge it."

Kucinich also said, "Maybe Senator Kerry doesn't have enough of a difference between himself and Bush on…Iraq... If the difference is their service in the Viet Nam era, that's fine, but I think it's a disservice to make the central point of the 2004 for election. It's almost a vanity."

Kerry wants to increase the size of the military, in part so we can continue to occupy Iraq for years. George Bush might top that–his administration may have no other choice other than to reinstate the draft to cover the increased "operations tempo."  Kerry voted for the war when it was popular, and has since criticized Bush mercilessly over the war. Yet their policies on Iraq's future are similar.

By November, voters will demand intelligent plans for America's future, not a choice between a Republican war and a Democrat war. Our next president needs to hone the party platform to: quickly end the Iraqi occupation, reduce defense spending, end aggressive policies, and help the UN do a better job of creating world peace.

History shows that war and terrorism cannot be stopped using military means alone. Dennis Kucinich has a plan to get the UN in Iraq, and the US out. He represents an enlightened approach to defending our country. Kucinich is the only candidate who advocates a cabinet-level Department of Peace. Preventative medicine is widely accepted as an enlightened way to save money and suffering. In the same way, the Department of Peace could keep America secure by turning our current enemies into friends and preventing the birth of future enemies. Senator Kerry and President Bush would be wise to stop talking about the Viet Nam era and start planning for a peaceful future by implementing Dennis Kucinich's new ideas.

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