JIM COHEN
Staff Writer
Millions of Americans listened to President Bush’s State of The Union address on Jan. 31 as he asked all of us to support our troops even if we do not support his policies. Bush has reportedly increased defense spending to provide more funds for fighter jets, ships and Army weapons programs. The one proposal left out of that report is the Pentagon’s plan to cut-out 600,000 Veterans from the veterans Administration health insurance program. The plan also seeks to double and even triple the health insurance premiums paid by veterans. This would save billions of dollars from the department’s budget.
As our nation’s finest men and women volunteer to do some of the most difficult work under the most stressful circumstances, it seems to me our priorities at home directly contradict what Bush said in his speech. A clear pattern has emerged:
Veterans have been made into real-life targets even though they have put their country ahead of themselves and sacrificed their flesh in the name of American freedom. I hope people would ask the simple question, “Why is this happening?” A pattern is revealed.
Sen. John McCain (R — Ariz.) became a frontrunner in the 2000 Republican presidential primaries only to see his veteran credentials smashed along with his presidential hopes in South Carolina’s Primary vote. McCain served in the Vietnam War and was held as a prisoner of war and experienced the horrible tragedy of torture.
Fortunately, he was able to make it home. There were Republicans who did not want to see McCain win the nomination, so, they began spreading rumors that he was “unfit” for the job because he had become “crazy” when he was tortured as a prisoner of war. These supporters were spreading lies yet then-presidential-candidate Mr. Bush never condemned those statements. Even though he fought for his country, his service was questioned and immorally brutalized.
In 2002, Sen. Max Cleland (D — Ga.), a triple-amputee Vietnam veteran, was up for re-election. His opponent, Saxby Chambliss, remained quiet while he allowed some of his supporters to spread rumors that Cleland lied about losing his appendages on the battlefields of Vietnam. Senator Cleland had experienced the horrors of war and sacrificed both of his legs and one of his arms to defend his country. Even though he fought for his country, his service was questioned and immorally brutalized.
In 2004, Sen. John Kerry (D — Mass.) was “Swift Boated” by a group of supporters of Bush’s re-election who took every measure to discredit Kerry’s acknowledged military accomplishments and bravery during the Vietnam War. Kerry earned a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and three Purple Hearts for his heroism.
Kerry was shot for his country and wounded in battle (still having shrapnel in his body to this day) and risked his life to save a fellow brother in arms. The attacks on Kerry became so horrible, dozens of delegates at the Republican National Convention wore super-sized Purple Hearts to mock Kerry’s service and awards.
Currently, “hawkish” Representative Jack Murtha (D — Penn.), a Korean and Vietnam War veteran, has received similar mistreatment because he said he believes the president’s plan to rebuild Iraq has failed and our troops should be redeployed. Even though he fought for his country, his service was questioned and immorally brutalized.
It seems to me the deafening silence of our leaders has been fierce while veterans of yesterday and veterans of today are attacked for political and monetary gain. If we can’t treat our veterans with the respect and dignity they deserve by honoring their service and making sure they receive all the benefits they have been promised then what do we stand for as Americans? I will stand with any one of these fine veterans because they have earned my respect.
02-09-2006