But his comments stand on their own merits, not on the quality of his service to his country. Similarly, his service, including the actions that resulted in his Medal of Honor, stand on their own.

The term, "Bird Colonel", is not a pejorative and was not intended that way. But the facts that he was a retired Colonel and a Medal of Honor recipient do not entitle him to a free ride. His comments stand (or fall) on their own.