Split Personalities

It is interesting to compare Kerry's statments.

Within the CSM article cited below, it was important for Kerry to convey that his anti-war activities were not motivated by his desire for a political career. "Educated at Yale University and the Boston College Law School, Kerry says he has been 'intrigued' with the political process and the way government works since high school days. But it was not until 1970 that he gave the possibility of a political career much thought.

"Kerry makes clear there was no political motive behind his antiwar activism, including testimony before a congressional committee. His goal then was 'to try to influence the process much as Ralph Nader and others were doing' in behalf of various causes."

But no longer a senator-elect, now as a would-be presidential candidate, Kerry looks for longevity. The Boston Globe shares his views and then comments on them. Both are worth reading.

"A campaign flier, titled 'A Message from John Kerry,' began: 'Ever since I worked as a young volunteer in John Kennedy's presidential campaign, I have been deeply committed to participation in politics and political issues . . . Back then, I joined the struggle for voting rights in the South.'

"But Kerry's involvement with the JFK campaign of 1960 was minimal. Today, he acknowledges he may only have participated in a single literature drop in Concord, N.H., while boarding at St. Paul's School.

"Moreover, his role in the struggle to register black voters in Mississippi was confined to the Yale campus in New Haven, Conn. Kerry's accounts over the years of his involvement have sometimes left the impression -- and resulted in press reports -- that the young Yalie was actually down South, with the freedom riders. He wasn't.

"I remember we saw the buses off ..."

Kerry never gave politics much thought; politics was his defining characteristic. I think DSM IV has a name for what Kerry does. If it doesn't, it should.