No Questions, Please!

Kerry campaign retracted invitation after soldier’s mother asked a question Friday, October 22, 2004 Several weeks ago, John Kerry came to Canton. He needed help to support his election to become president. A member of his staff contacted a local grieving mother of a Stark County hero who gave his life for what he believed in.

The staff member asked her to come and speak at the rally. This young hero believed in God, truth, freedom and liberty. What more great qualities could an excellent soldier and son have?

After being contacted by phone, this fine, moral mother, having the same standards as her son, found out she was being selected to support John Kerry, as she is a registered Democrat.

She responded that she and her husband would appear at the rally but she would like to ask John Kerry a question. It could be in private or public. If done in private, she would not reveal his answer to the news media. She said she would even sign a statement not to reveal the answer.

The question was: Mr. Kerry, why did you vote against the $87 billion for the equipment for our troops?

The Kerry campaign, after hearing this, told this mother she wasn’t needed.

A few weeks later, President Bush came to Canton asking to meet with the families of the three Stark County fallen heroes. President Bush ex- pressed his sorrow, love and gratitude to these families.

The family I am writing about is the Jesse Buryj family. They are close friends of my wife and me — so close that Peggy and Steve Buryj and we are one military family.

Both families are voting for President Bush for the second time.

Please pray to God and support our troops.

Bob Ackerman,
Sandy Township

Editor’s note: Peggy Buryj corroborated the letter writer’s account.