Obama Repudiates Anti Military Boomers

Today while campaigning in West Virginia, Barack Obama called out Democrats who had shunned Vietnam War veterans when they returned home from the war:

One of the saddest episodes in our history was the degree to which returning vets from Vietnam were shunned, demonized and neglected by some because they served in an unpopular war. Too many of those who opposed the war in Vietnam chose to blame not only the leaders who ordered the mission, but the young men who simply answered their country’s call. Four decades later, the sting of that injustice is a wound that has never fully healed, and one that should never be repeated. (Link)

It's not the first time Obama has challenged a contingent in his party, and I hope it's not the last time either.  A little self reflection is never a bad thing, and this kind of statement by Obama is a clear, welcome repudiation of the Karl Rove style of slice and dice campaigning.