MBVD: "...being a veteran...NOT a qualification to be President...."

Thursday, July 3, 2008

"...being a veteran...NOT a qualification to be President...."

That quote is part of an email from Vets for Freedom. You can bet that they have been watching the disrespect paid to veteran Senator McCain. And yes, they have lots to say:

As we all prepare to celebrate the 232nd birthday of this great nation, we as veterans have a duty and solemn responsibility to honor all of those who have worn or are currently wearing the uniform of the United States of America. Among the millions who share this common bond, 31 Presidents have had the honor and privilege of serving in our Armed Forces.

Today, as sacred guardians of our constitution, we are shocked that United States Senators and trusted loyal advisors to presidential candidates think that being a veteran and fighting for America is NOT a qualification to be President.

If service to one's country in armed combat is not a qualification to be Commander in Chief, what is?

For several months now we have observed the irresponsible judgment of some of Senator Obama's most trusted and loyal advisors as they have unfairly attacked the notion that a veteran is not qualified to serve as President.

Here are several examples of this poor judgment by Obama's supporters and advisors:

"I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President." – General Wesley Clark, Obama Advisor and Surrogate, June 29, 2008.
"Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous…it's one thing to have been drafted and served, but another thing when you come from generations of military people and that's just how you're steeped, how you've learned, how you've grown up." – Senator Tom Harkin, May 16, 2008.
"... I think that the notion that the members of the Senate who were in the ground forces or who were ashore in Vietnam have a very different view of Vietnam and the cost that you described than John McCain does because he was in isolation essentially for many of those year…So I think ... to some extent his national security experience in that regard is sadly limited…" – Rand Beers, Obama Foreign Policy Advisor, June 30, 2008.
"McCain should calm down"..."on using military service…" – Senator Jim Webb, Obama Supporter, July 1, 2008....

Yes, that is MY emphasis. Now, you all are probably better-versed in the history of the US than I am (you BETTER be!), but it seems that this "being a veteran does not qualify anyone to be President" is a non-starter to me, and apparently to many.

I have long said, that with all our current servicemen and women returning home, I anticipate many of them continuing their service to their country, and stepping into the political arena. Why they would even consider entering the cesspool that is US politics is another question for another day. But the fact is, anyone who has seen combat as they serve their country with honour, has the patriotic credentials. And yes, VFF has something to say about that. It seems the veterans ARE stepping forward and heading in to politics:

Yesterday, Vets for Freedom rolled out the endorsements of 5 more candidates running for the United States Congress, most who have worn the uniform, all who strongly believe in the mission of our organization, as well as our nation's efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Global War on Terror.

Our candidates include extraordinary Americans – patriots such as Tom Manion, who spent 20 years in the United States Marine Corps and who gave his son in service to our country. I encourage you to watch his VIDEO made in honor of his son Travis, who lost his life in Iraq in 2007. Below are all of our candidates – help us support them by visiting their websites.

Tom Manion (PA-08) is a former Colonel in the Marine Corps, successful business executive, and Gold Star Parent whose son was killed in Iraq.

Steve Stivers (OH-15) is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard who was awarded the Bronze Star for actions in OIF.

Jeff Beatty (Senate–MA) is a former member of Delta Force, to FBI Hostage Rescue Team, to CIA's Counter-Terrorism Center.

Mike Rocque (NY-20) is a former officer in the Green Berets and Delta Force.

Allen West (FL-22) is a former LTC who served with distinction in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, earning a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor), and a Valorous Unit Award

Lee Zeldin (NY-1) served in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division and continues to serve as a Captain in the Army Reserves.

Duane Sand (ND-At Large) is a Commander in the Navy who served in Iraq, and aboard 3 nuclear submarines throughout the 1990's

Kent Greenough (TN-04) is a former Marine whose family emulates service to ones country.

Tom Rooney (FL-16) served as an Army JAG for four years before teaching Constitutional and Criminal Law at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Duncan Hunter (CA-52) signed up to serve our country the day after September 11th, and served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan with the United States Marine Corps. He remains in the Marine Reserves.

John Cornyn (Senate–TX) is a first-term Texas Senator who is active in the Senate Armed Services Committee and a strong supporter of veterans and active duty military.

Dean Andal (CA-11) is a strong supporter of the military and veterans, and is a member of the Employer Support Council for the US National Guard.

Mark Ellmore (VA-08) is a Red Star parent whose son is currently deployed overseas in the Air Force.

All of these men have either worn the uniform or understand what is at stake in the Global War on Terrorism, and will fight for victory if elected to Congress. Please visit our website for more information....

And yes, VFF PAC has much more to say. Check them out here, and see how YOU can engage in the political process.

Brat

Cross-posted at Wake Up America and Assoluta Tranquillita

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SOLDIER"S ANGELS NEEDS YOUR HELP!

The Veterans Hospital in Tucson needs our help!!! They have contacted Soldiers' Angels with a list of needs for their patients. Soldiers Angels needs your help in making some of these come true.

Below you will find just a small portion of needs that are immediate. You can also find this list posted on the Soldiers Angels Forum at www.soldiersangelsforum.com you will be able to find lots of great information there for our deployed and vets.

If you are sending a monetary donation please follow the link and indicate the State you are in.

Donate here;
Ttp://soldiersangels.org/index.php?page=veterans-support

COMFORT ITEMS- $350/MO
Dry Skin Cream
Slipper Socks-No skid
Catheter bag covers
Shaving Cream
Hand Lotion
Baby Shampoo
Hand Soap
Roll on/Spray Deodorant
Denture Cleaner
Underwear (men and women (all sizes)
Toothbrushes
Denture Grip
Socks (white)
Talcum Powder
Nail Clippers
Toothpaste
Ladies hand and body lotion
Backpacks
Disposable Razors
Comb/Brushes
Shawls
Shaving Cream/small
Knitted Caps
Travel Alarm Clocks
Ball Caps
Tote Bags
Shower Shoes
Pocket Size Needle and Thread Kit
Heart pillows for cardiac patients
Lap Robes (3x5 or 5x7)

GUEST SERVICES
30 cup coffee makers
Coffee supplies (reg. & decaf)
Music CDs
Stamps
Writing Paper and Envelopes
Prepaid Phone Cards for patients’

RECREATION
Puzzle books
Crossword Puzzles
Pencils
Video tapes & DVDs (movies, educational)
DVD Player

Sports equipment (basketball, tennis rackets &
Tickets for entertainment & sporting events
Balls, badminton set, Frisbees, football)

If you can send just one item that would be great!!! If each person sends one thing we will make a difference! They are also needing those who can volunteer time at the hospital just contact the Voluntary Services Dept. For information.

Mail Items to:

Department of Veterans Affairs Southern Arizona VA Health Care System – Voluntary Services 9-135, 3601 S. Sixth Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85723

PLEASE HELP US HELP THOSE WHO FOUGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM!

My Favorite Speeches and Other Items of Interest

George Bush's March 28, 2007 Discusses Economy, War on Terror During Remarks to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association;http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/03/20070328-2.html
Mitch McConnell's March 15, 2007 Funding For Troops, Not Timelines for Retreat; http://mcconnell.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=270747&start=1
Ronald Reagan's June 12, 1987 Tear Down This Wall Speech; http://www.reaganfoundation.org/reagan/speeches/wall.asp
Vice President Cheney's March 12, 2007 Remarks at the AIPAC 2007 Policy Conference; http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/03/20070312.html

Winston Churchill Quotes

A prisoner of war is a man who tries to kill you and fails, and then asks you not to kill him.
Although personally I am quite content with existing explosives, I feel we must not stand in the path of improvement.
Although prepared for martyrdom, I preferred that it be postponed.
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
Battles are won by slaughter and maneuver. The greater the general, the more he contributes in maneuver, the less he demands in slaughter.
Danger - if you meet it promptly and without flinching - you will reduce the danger by half. Never run away from anything. Never!
I always seem to get inspiration and renewed vitality by contact with this great novel land of yours which sticks up out of the Atlantic.
I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else.
I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.
I like a man who grins when he fights.
I was only the servant of my country and had I, at any moment, failed to express her unflinching resolve to fight and conquer, I should at once have been rightly cast aside.
If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time-a tremendous whack.
In war as in life, it is often necessary when some cherished scheme has failed, to take up the best alternative open, and if so, it is folly not to work for it with all your might.
It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.
Moral of the Work. In war: resolution. In defeat: defiance. In victory: magnanimity. In peace: goodwill.
Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.
Never, never, never give up.
No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism.
One ought never to turn one's back on a threatened danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half. Never run away from anything. Never!
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
The first quality that is needed is audacity.
The nose of the bulldog has been slanted backwards so that he can breathe without letting go.
The truth is incontrovertible, malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end; there it is.
There is no such thing as public opinion. There is only published opinion.
These are not dark days: these are great days - the greatest days our country has ever lived.
They are decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all-powerful to be impotent.
True genius resides in the capacity for evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and conflicting information.
Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.
War is a game that is played with a smile. If you can't smile, grin. If you can't grin, keep out of the way till you can.
War is mainly a catalogue of blunders.
We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.
We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.
When the eagles are silent the parrots begin to jabber.
When you are winning a war almost everything that happens can be claimed to be right and wise.
You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.

Ronald Reagan Quotes

"The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant: It's just that they know so much that isn't so."
Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have.
All the waste in a year from a nuclear power plant can be stored under a desk.
Approximately 80% of our air pollution stems from hydrocarbons released by vegetation, so let's not go overboard in setting and enforcing tough emission standards from man-made sources
Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty.
Double, no triple, our troubles and we'd still be better off than any other people on earth. It is time that we recognized that ours was, in truth, a noble cause.
Facts are stupid things.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.
Governments tend not to solve problems, only to rearrange them.
History teaches that war begins when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.
How can a president not be an actor?
How do you tell a communist? Well, it's someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-Communist? It's someone who understands Marx and Lenin.
I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress.
I will stand on, and continue to use, the figures I have used, because I believe they are correct. Now, I'm not going to deny that you don't now and then slip up on something; no one bats a thousand.
In Israel, free men and women are every day demonstrating the power of courage and faith. Back in 1948 when Israel was founded, pundits claimed the new country could never survive. Today, no one questions that. Israel is a land of stability and democracy in a region of tryanny and unrest.
Let us ask ourselves; "What kind of people do we think we are?".
Man is not free unless government is limited.
My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose - somehow we win out.
No mother would ever willingly sacrifice her sons for territorial gain, for economic advantage, for ideology.
Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.
Our forbearance should never be misunderstood. Our reluctance for conflict should not be misjudged as a failure of will. When action is required to preserve our national security, we will act.
Protecting the rights of even the least individual among us is basically the only excuse the government has for even existing.
Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.
The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas - a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.
The United Sates has much to offer the third world war.
There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.
To paraphrase Winston Churchill, I did not take the oath I have just taken with the intention of presiding over the dissolution of the world's strongest economy.
Today we did what we had to do. They counted on America to be passive. They counted wrong.
We are never defeated unless we give up on God.
We have the duty to protect the life of an unborn child.
We must reject the idea that every time a law's broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.
We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free.
Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.
You know, if I listened to Michael Dukakis long enough, I would be convinced we're in an economic downturn and people are homeless and going without food and medical attention and that we've got to do something about the unemployed.