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"Don't nickel and dime the men and women you placed in harm's way," said Paul A. Morin, national commander of The American Legion, to those Members of Congress responsible for funding the Global War on Terror.
Earlier this year, Cmdr. Morin wrote to the congressional leadership asking for timely passage of the President's Emergency Defense Supplemental Appropriations to fully fund the on-going cost to fight the Global War on Terror.
"Wake up!" warned Morin. "Our troops have their hands full fighting for their lives and don't have time for the kind of 'political gamesmanship' that the Commander in Chief and the military leadership are having to endure."
Turning to the spoiled terrorist plot to attack Ft. Dix, NJ, Cmdr. Morin said, "Is there any doubt in anyone's mind that the threat is real? Will blood shed on American soil be the only proof that terrorism is real?"
The American Legion adopted Resolution 169 mandating full support for the Commander in Chief, the Congress, the military leadership, and, most importantly, the service members. "The Global War on Terror is not about partisan politics, it is about the survival of freedom," Morin explained.
"By turning away from real threats to democracy anywhere in the world there is a direct threat to freedom everywhere."
"To the leadership of Congress, my message is very simple: pass the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to fund the war through the end of the fiscal year," he said. "Take it to the floor of Congress for a public debate, then vote on America's role in the Global War on Terror."
"Those ready to surrender should speak up, vote and stand by their decision," Morin added. "Those who are willing to win this conflict can do the same so that ‘We the people’ can have the final say."
Founded in 1919, the 2.7 million-member American Legion is the nation’s preeminent service organization for veterans of the U.S. armed forces, including active duty, National Guard and Reserves, and their families.
Comments (6)
I am a member of the American Legion and you do NOT speak for me. The war against Saddam was won years ago. We are now in the middle of a civil war that has nothing to do with terrorism. Support the troops, BRING THEM HOME! I would greatly appreciate it if the leadership of the legion would get out of politics now!!! Work on helping our returning warriors that have been so absymally used by the present administration. Benefit cuts, 6 month Backlogs at the VA, Walter Reed, Body Armor - Wake up LEGION your leaders are selling you out to the President.
Posted by Bernard Goulet Jr. | 05/09/07 5:05 PM |
CommanderMorin,
I am proud to call you Commander because you speak for the majority of Legionnaires. It is about time that Congress get the politics out of this and support the war that they voted to support. People need to start looking at the bigger picture and understand the importance of this area of the world in the history of the world. Pleas keep up the good work.
Posted by Steve Ebersole | 05/09/07 5:23 PM |
I'm writing from Baghdad, where I see the progress we and the Iraqis are making. It would truly be devastating for our country and the Iraqis if we lost our resolve now. We want to stay and finish the job.
Thank you for your efforts on our behalf back home, it makes it easier to do the work here.
V/r,
LT Nichols
jason.nichols@iraq.centcom.mil
Posted by LT Jason Nichols | 05/10/07 1:16 AM |
Iraq Vets Slam Administration
for "Fascist" Language
NEW YORK - Iraq veterans today blasted the Administration for its recent rhetoric on the war in Iraq. Republican Senior Advisor to VoteVets.org, Sam Schultz, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, released the following statement:
"I am a proud Republican, who ran for my party's nomination for Congress in Indiana, because I believe in traditional values.
I also believe we need to be vigilant in defending America. That is why I feel I must speak out about the Administration's recent contention that the war in Iraq is part of the fight against "Islamic fascism."
First, we are not fighting an enemy that fits the definition of fascist, nor does Iraq resemble anything close to Hitler's Germany or Mussolini's Italy. Second,I do not believe the war in Iraq has furthered our war against radical Islamism. I can attest to the fact that after my time in Iraq, when I served in Afghanistan, we did not have enough people on the ground there to secure the border with Pakistan, and as a result, many terrorists slipped through our grasp, most likely including Osama bin Laden.
Because we have so many troops committed in Iraq, not only have we failed to bring those who did us harm on 9/11 to justice, but Iran has continued to pursue a nuclear program. Our preoccupation with Iraq, and this administration's unwillingness to devise a victory plan for that war, has reduced us to a paper tiger in the eyes of the Iranians. They do not fear military action against them, because they know we are too overextended to wage an effective battle with them.
The only way to combat the threat of Islamic radicalism around the world, and protect America, is to draw up a plan for victory in Iraq, which will allow for our troops to redeploy from the region as quickly and safely as possible. This will show Muslims there that we are dedicated to providing them the very things they want - a flourishing, free, and independent nation. Then, and only then, can we recommit our forces to an all-out manhunt for the head of Osama bin Laden, and offer a real deterrent towards the further development of a nuclear Iran. (end)
Visit Votevets.org the fastest growing veterans organization in America. Where the leadership has not sold out to Big Oil and Big Pharma.
Posted by Natally Roxman | 05/10/07 9:20 AM |
"Our elected reps" are using our troops as a bargaining chip. We have long supported our troops and will continue to do so. However, I agree that our military successfully accomplished it's goal when they successfully captured Hussein. That was a long time ago. It is the responsibility of our politicians to continue the fight, not our troops. Bring them home.
Posted by Tomar | 05/10/07 3:08 PM |
Wake up America, your politicans are selling you out. Cut funding and someone dies. Call you military murderers and they won't fight for you.
I'm woke in hell a few years back; finding elected officials calling the commander in chief the l word. It took me only 30 minutes to realize that congress and the house were selling America down the drain.
I have defended America and lost my name, my honor and right to bear arms, but with my heart of hearts I cry let the Stars and Stripes fly ever free above those that defend her.
Posted by Johnny | 10/07/07 12:33 AM |