"I Was Too Important to Go to Vietnam"

You gotta love this interchange between Mitt Romney and a Vietnam Veteran:

"Governor Romney, it is true, is it not, that you had four deferments from the Vietnam War… You have said before that you support war and the efforts of US military involvement overseas at all costs, yet you made sure you would never go to war yourself. What makes you think that veterans and those currently serving in the military think that you have their best interests at heart when you yourself weren't even interested in sacrificing your time, energy, or life for your nation at a time when it seemed most crucial?"

Romney responded:

"That’s a good question, young man, and I would be happy to answer it. The Vietnam War came at a time in my life when I had other plans. I knew in my heart of hearts that I would one day serve my nation. That I would one day hold an office that would help not only our nation, but also the world. So I did what I could to make sure that I would be around to serve my nation, as well as serving God by teaching very important religious principles to a broader audience overseas. My father did not want me serving, and he convinced me that yes, I was too important to go to Vietnam. I had a greater purpose in life. I wasn't neglecting my nation, but rather preparing myself for a future of service."

An onlooker that seemingly was a Vietnam veteran shouted, "Fuck you, Romney! You wouldn't know service if it bit you on your well-manicured ass." To which Romney responded, "Please don't be testy, my friend. I did what I did for you, and I thank you for your service as well." That same veteran responded, "You only served yourself, you jackass. You could've served your nation even if your draft number wasn't called… but you didn't… you chose to serve yourself instead. Thanks for revealing your true colors."

-- Janek

Romney's dressing-down occurred at a press event in California in June.

Work Cited

Janek, Anna. (2012, 21 August). Mitt Romney: "I was too important to go to Viet Nam." Project NSearch. Read it here.