His defenders attack those who have not been warriors. Supposedly, we cannot understand the situation and therefore have no right to speak out.
War is a horrible circumstance.
Yet, the Geneva Conventions make clear that there are legitimate rules of engagement and there are war crimes. By these rules, formulated by soldiers, Bob Kerrey may not be a war hero but, in fact, a war criminal. Many classmates and neighbors fought in Vietnam. Some, including my cousin, even died there. War criminals always feel justified by circumstances.