Noriega Releases His Military Records: Let the Swifboating Begin

As promised, Texas State Rep. LTC Rick Noriega has released a complete set of his military records. Anyone can download them from the Noriega campaign website.

We now know what is going on in the Cornyn campaign. They are going through these records with a fine-toothed comb, searching, searching, for anything that they can use to skewer Rick in a television ad that will make the Swiftboaters for Truth smear campaign against John Kerry in 2004 look like a child’s tea party.

Heading this off, the Noriega campaign still wants you to sign this petition to “tell John Cornyn and his cronies that we won't stand for a smear campaign in our great state.” Two thousand have already signed. If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to make your voice heard. Click here to sign Rick’s petition.

Now go ahead, take a look at the records. If you don’t come away impressed, there is something deeply wrong with you. Something akin to being John Cornyn, for instance.

OK, need a taste? Try these on for size:

LT Noriega is an exceptionally dedicated officer. He sets high standards and sees to it that they are obtained and maintained through example.

Comments on Professional Competence (received all 1’s on a
1 to 5 scale, 1 being highest):
Outstanding in dedication to his job and mission.
Unexcelled in loyalty
Integrity is above reproach
Selflessly gave of his time and energies

Officer’s integrity and high moral standards have been significant factors in his success.

LT Noriega has unlimited potential. He should be given every opportunity for further training and upon completion of this command assignment be given an opportunity to serve as a battalion or brigade staff officer. With experience and training, he will soon be able to serve with distinction as a battalion commander.

I could go on and on, but it ALL reads like that. Honest to God, the man is so outstanding it becomes boring to read about it. Reading plaudit after praise, you start to WANT to find a comment like, “Noriega showed up to inspection with scuffed shoes”.

But you just don’t.

How is John Cornyn is going to twist this into an attack? Only time will tell. OK let me give you an example of how this is going to go. What about the comment “Unexcelled in loyalty”? Doesn’t “un” mean “not”? Isn’t that like “unsportsmanlike”? OK, unexcelled could mean that no one excels him, but couldn’t it also mean that he does NOT excel?

Hmm. Yesssssss. The possibilities are ENDlesssss.