The Unauthorized Randy “Duke” Cunningham Page

Thu, July 26, 2001 7:20 am 

I find it interesting how you undermine his achievments in the vietnam war, Duke Cunningham shot down 7 vietnamese aircraft (including the notorious col. Tomb who had shot down close to 12 american aircraft) making him the first american ace of the war. He did his duty as a sailor, he followed orders (whether he agreed with them or not) and he lost many friends over the skies of vietnam.Also., he didnt just drop bombs on innocent civilians, he
flew mainly as an escort, which protects the strike force from enemy aircraft and other threats. In air combat the guy is a genious, and that quote about the F-14's performance. Anyways I dont like your page, and I am pro democrat,

James

Dear James,

I understand what you are saying. Years ago I rented a video about the Top Gun program and it had interviews with Mr. Cunningham. At the time, and as a flight aficionado, I thought "Wow. There is a true American hero. Someone on the order of a Yeager whom young people can look up to."

Perhaps the slams on Mr. Cunningham's younger days as a pilot contained in this site are unjust and unnecessary. After all, he did serve his country to the best of his considerable abilities as a pilot. He defended this country in a questionable conflict the best that he could, which appears to be better than most.

However, the current, RECENT facts remain...and continue to be reveled. The singular fact that he served in the military with distinction does not credit Mr. Cunningham with carte blanche on all that he is and all that he does. Quite frankly, I feel that he has gotten enough mileage out of his military service already.

Sadly (truly) it appears that perhaps Mr. Cunningham is culpable in several violations of ethics as a Congressman, if not outright breaking of the law. Should we all just turn a blind eye based on his war record of 30+ years ago. Should he not be held accountable to the same standards we all are everyday? Let me put it to you this way: Should he not be held to the standards that he himself fought to protect and ensure for future generations? If lawfulness, due process and the privilege to live in a society where people live lawfully can be violated by the very same people who have fought to protect those values, then this country is built on sand. Remember, we have already witnessed this with his son, and sons and daughters of other ranked and "privileged" representatives.

I, for one, think that Mr. Cunningham should be investigated to the fullest extent of the law. To not do so means that all that he himself worked for means nothing. When a law applies to one, it applies to all. If not, and if we cannot find the truth, what is our hope of justice?