From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram of September 18, 2002  http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/local/4098017.htm

 

 Kirk said he wishes that he had chosen his words more carefully........

Cornyn, the son of a war veteran, said he had talked to many members of the military who said they were "outraged" by Kirk's comments.  "He's kind of created a firestorm by this," Cornyn said.

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Mention the name "Clayton Williams" to the average Texan---he may not remember when, but he remembers what was said.  

Clayton Williams was the 1990 Texas GOP gubernatorial candidate.  He was leading Democrat Ann Richards in the polls, but then he spoke the words that ultimately cost him the governor's race.  

Talking to reporters about the weather, he joked that bad weather is like rape:  "as long as it's inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it."  Williams' comments created a major firestorm.  Nothing else he said throughout the rest of the campaign mattered.  

His attempts to apologize were fruitless.  The remark stuck to him like glue and cost him the election to Richards.

Earlier this year, I predicted at some point in his campaign Kirk would say something, as Clayton Williams did in 1990, that would dog him and ultimately cost him the election.  

I have spoken to many fellow veterans throughout Texas the last few days.  And boy, to say they're mad.....is a major understatement.   Especially the ones who actually served in combat.  They are uniting---against Kirk.  

The "hot talk" these days at American Legion halls and Veterans of Foreign Wars halls is the insulting comments made by Kirk.  His "apology" means nothing to most veterans.  His original comments hurt, run deep, and will get veterans out to the polls in November.

Eric King   

Ward politics is the Devil's key to the soul of the city council.  It is how some council members got themselves in trouble in the past.  It is the bait that will get others in trouble in the future. 4/6/8