• Home
• Legislative Action
• Public Relations
• Commanders Corner
• Legion Home

I do not understand how you (the American Legion) can still show support for Mr. Bush. I am a US Army and Air Guard veteran, my father served overseas in the Army Air Corps during WWII, and now one of my sons is a Marine on his second tour in Iraq. This Administration's failed foreign policies have gotten our great nation into one heck of a mess there. We were outright lied to about why we went into Iraq and now our brave men and women in uniform are suffering the consequences. The American people deserve better than this. Our troops deserve better. Mr. Bush and his ilk should be impeached.

I'm staring at an American Legion membership renewal form next to my computer. I, honestly, can't decide whether I want to continue my association with this organization. As in Kevin's post, I fail to understand why this group is shilling for Bush's current propaganda campaign to escape any personal responsibility for his administration's complete disaster in the Middle East.

I'm proud of my father's service in the Battle of the Bulge. I'm proud of my service in the Republic of Viet Nam (US Army, "67-'68). Please give me a reason to be proud of the Legion.

There are several but the Legion National leadership is hijacked by extremists who abandoned the veterans and military for a political adventure. Their actions appear to be very much like when they supported Mussolini. More later...

Please take your political views somewhere else. You obviously do not have the courage enough to continue your great service to our country by remaining a member of such a fine organization as the American Legion - the same group that's fighting for your rights as a veteran each and every day on Capitol Hill. Easier said that you are proud of your service and your father's service - but harder to live by it by supporting negative causes such as the one you are bringing up here. This is no place to air this out - so you will not get a response from me on this matter anymore. God Bless You

Woody, this is both the time and the place. The Legion has placed veterans in the decidedly unfair position of supporting the troops or the Legion. At this point it is impossible to do both.

Our 89th National Convention kicked off this week, and as the nation’s largest veterans organization, obviously president Bush will be attending the event. I briefly scanned through the legion’s national website and found some interesting remarks on the viewer comment page. There are quite a few members who think that because president Bush will be speaking at our convention, that means we must be part of his entourage of political allies and therefore we are at fault for the current situations in Iraq. There are even members who go as far as to claim that we are a bunch of right wing political cronies and that we do not care about the troops and that they will not renewal their membership because of how they feel about The American Legion.

While I understand the frustration some members may have with the Bush Administration, and I admire their passionate responses to their elected president. I do want to remind everyone that as a not for profit organization chartered by Congress, The American Legion, according to its own Constitution and By-Laws, cannot have a political action committee and therefore cannot support any political parties or individuals. We therefore cannot support any individual’s political agenda. However, one must keep in mind that as a veteran organization, we must stand behind the troops with all of our efforts, and if that means standing behind the decisions made by the commander in chief so we are happy to do so. We at The American Legion believes the political reasons behind the administrations’ actions is of the concerns of every responsible and voting citizen, but we as an organization care much more about the consequences of these decisions that will have an impact on the troops serving this great nation.

I have served in Iraq and watched many of my friends pass away on the battlefield. I felt their blood as if it was mine and to this date I cannot comprehend the lack of their presence. I have no more words for their families except that I know I owe to their death a duty to all my fellow veterans. That is exactly why I am a member of The American Legion, and that I take it upon myself to understand every issue and act with reason. I hope you can share that sense of duty with me and remember how we were all brothers and sisters in arm. Not because of our political or social alliances but because of our oath to a sacrifice and our obligations to all veterans. Please remember that in war we learned to give our complete trust to the friends and soldiers next to us. We learn to believe in destiny. We come to understand what we sacrificed is for a purpose, and we hope for the best.

As for the concerns with The American Legion’s support to our nation’s security and its Commander in Chief, I must ask you to understand that The American Legion’s support goes out to the troops at heart. The American Legion, as a not for profit organization, per our National Constitution and By-laws “shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment.” (Article II Section 2) You must understand that our support for the president is essentially our compassion extended to our troops.

Please remember once again that The American Legion has never had a Political Action Committee (PAC). Our founders were adamantly opposed to such committees and partisan politics because of their strong faith our members would vote their conscience, using their moral sense in electing candidates into office. This brings me to the concerns you had in regards to our seemingly Republican styles. I want to appeal to your intellect and your sense of logic. The American Legion is a membership-based organization, and as such we come in diversities. If you look at The American Legion’s demographics, the organization is actually split between Democrats and Republicans. However, it is ease to pay attention to the opposing view, and I am certain The American Legion receives letters from both party lines accusing of our allegiances to the other. Since the legion is a transnational organization, the political breakdown is by region. I am sure the organization is more Democratic in the Western Region and more Republican in the Central Regions. It reflects the general population of this great nation.

In closing I want to remind everyone that we are all here trying to help all veterans,
don't let your own political views stop you from helping your fellow men and women who had made the sacrifices just as you did for the ideals of this nation

I just joined the Legion. I was Vietnam era and trained Combat Medics stateside. Nothing glamorous or heroic like many other members.
I see a lot of Pres Bush bashing blah blah blah.
As I learned in the Va Tech Corps of Cadets.."you may or may not respect a person but you respect the rank".
Since he is "Commander in Chief", that speaks for itself.
Plus, it is always smart for us to have the President of the greatest military in the world attend our National conventions. He sees who we are up close and personal and the liberal media can meet real service people and discover they are real Americans that deeply care about the country and veterans.
So few people today are actually touched personally by anything military (not counting the bias view thats usually on TV).
As military folks, we respect the rank from squad leader to CIC. We stand together or we stand alone.

Some Guy:

"I do want to remind everyone that as a not for profit organization chartered by Congress, The American Legion, according to its own Constitution and By-Laws, cannot have a political action committee and therefore cannot support any political parties or individuals."

That is true and that is exactly why I am hearings calls to revoke its Congressional charter. That may be the way to go but I hope not. There is no doubt at all that it is partisan.

I am confused by some of these comments. The world's largest veteran's organization is holding a national convention and one of the speakers is the Commander In Chief of the United States Armed Forces. Where is the problem? Would you rather have Martha Stewart speaking? I see these comments as political jabs which are extremely petty. If you wish to stray from "mutual helpfulness" to a "political agenda" then your memebership is of little value anyway.

Daniel Bonham

"If you wish to stray from "mutual helpfulness" to a "political agenda" then your memebership is of little value anyway."

The legion strayed long ago and we did nothing. Perhaps that should change now?

Hal Donahue:

"There are several but the Legion National leadership is hijacked by extremists who abandoned the veterans and military for a political adventure. Their actions appear to be very much like when they supported Mussolini."

and...

"The Legion has placed veterans in the decidedly unfair position of supporting the troops or the Legion. At this point it is impossible to do both."

and...

"The legion strayed long ago and we did nothing. Perhaps that should change now?"

All of this and you offer no names, dates, facts, or figures to back up your arguement. You offer nothing but political rhetoric. As has already been ask of you, please take your political views some place else. Either that or add facts to your diatribe.

Daniel Bonham

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hal-donahue/the-legion-owes-nation-ap_b_41794.html

Not enough? Look at the AL's pres releases for the year. Want more? Remember Bob Dole saying where were the VSO's concerning Walter Reed. Oh no Daniel reality is very clear. No diatribe at all here. The Legion is hijacked plain and simple. I said by every word above. Look and see. You cannot right now support the legion and support our troops. Hell ask the troops or better yet open the membership lists for all to see and the press to interview? How would that be?

Hal,

You certainly are entitled your opinion both here and over in YOUR BLOG at the website you referenced. But just for future reference, quoting yourself does not offer proof of what you are saying. I personally stand behind the Legion 100% and I also stand behind our troops 100%.

How is it you think the Legion should "foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism" and then expect them not to support a Flag burning ammendment? What the Legion stands for is very clear and well stated in their constitution. If you don't like that, why did you join?

URGENT - ATTENTION PLEASE!

What was gained by fighting and winning World War II ?

To answer you courteously, may I respectfully refer the American Legion, both officers and members, to please read and MEMORIZE the inscription on the World War II Victory Medal.
It reads as follows:

****************
Freedom from Fear and Want
& Freedom of Speech and Religion.
***************
So please do not insult me by telling me that all I can talk about is veteran's benefits. As a World War II
Veteran, that attitude is offensive to me. Please do not insist on offending me with your intellectual
vitality deficit disorder.. because it is un-American.

Daniel Bonham
I was referring to the press release that initiated my blog. No excuse for a National Organization that claims to be bipartisan to send out a press release like that.
"I personally stand behind the Legion 100% and I also stand behind our troops 100%."
I am sorry but I can see no way for you to rationally do that. More importantly, I suspect most of the troops do not either.
“How is it you think the Legion should "foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism" and then expect them not to support a Flag burning amendment? What the Legion stands for is very clear and well stated in their constitution. If you don't like that, why did you join? “
Encouraging political debate and openness is “one hundred percent Americanism”. I said nothing about the Flag Amendment. But I heard a LOT more about that amendment than fully funding VA or insufficient armor for the troops or inadequate healthcare for our wounded. Enough said? Support the troops indeed!

Edward F. Tamas

"So please do not insult me by telling me that all I can talk about is veteran's benefits."

No one is saying that but do not claim to support the troops and then not make it you number one priority in what is supposed to be wartime.

Daniel Bonham

You did not answer my suggestion to open the membership lists for all to see and the press to interview? Let the members speak as they like.

Hal,

The membership lists are not under my control to open or not open to the public. Not sure what you want me to say about them.

But I think if you poled the members, you would not like what you heard Hal. I am thinking your liberal political agenda is not how the majority of the membership feels. But that is just a guess of course.

Daniel Bonham

You may well be correct but I would guess that could change with open dialog. My own thoughts are that the legion pretty much reflects the views of the people. What I would like you to say is if you think the lists should be open.

I am what used to be called a moderate if I am now liberal it just shows how far right the Legion has gone.

TO ALL THE LIBERAL MEMBERSHIP

IM SURE THAT THERE ARE MANY MEMBERS OUT THERE OF BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES WHICH REMEMBER THE TREATMENT OF OUR RETURNING VIET NAM SOLDIERS AND SAILORS, "OF WHICH I AM ONE", SPIT ON AND CURSED FOR BEING VETERANS OF WAR. TODAY ALL THE VERERANS ORGANIZATIONS, INCLUDING THE AMERICAN LEGION, PLACE THEIR MAJOR EMPHASIS ON FAIR AN IMPARTIAL TREATMENT OF "ALL" VETERANS. THE AMERICAN LEGION SPEARHEADED THE DEVELOPMEMT OF WHAT IS NOW "VA" WHICH ALSO PLACES EMPHASIS ON CARE AND REHABILITION OF RETURNING "WAR" VETERANS. THROUGH THE LEGION'S EFFORTS IN WASHINGTON, CONGRESS HAS ALSO INCLUDED NON-COMBATANTS AND PEACE TIME VETERANS. TO SLAM-BANG A COMMANDER WITHOUT DOING THE SAME TO THOSE WHO SERVE UNDER HIM IS LIKE TRYING TO TAKE THE "FRIED OUT OF FRIED CHICKEN" AND STLL HAVE FRIED CHICKEN. WHEN THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT GOES BEFORE CONGRESS TO SEEK FURTHER HELP FOR OUR TROOPS "BOTH PAST,PRESENT AND FUTURE" HE IS NOT WEARING A POLITICAL HAT BUT AN "AMERICAN LEGION HAT". SO IF YOU ARE TRYING TO GET YOUR POLITICAL AGENDAS RECOGNIZED BY BASHING THE LEGION LEADERSHIP, THEN YOU ARE BASHING ALL MEMBERS, INCLUDING ME. HE WANTS WHAT WE WANT AND THAT IS MEDICAL CARE AND REHABILITAION OF "ALL" VETERANS. THE LEGION AS BEEN AROUND SINCE WW I AND WE WILL BE AROUND LONG AFTER OUR CURRENT PRESIDENT AND "YOU" SERVING VETERANS OF ALL WARS AND SERCICE CONNECTION.
YOU CAN'T SUPPORT OUR TROUPS WITHOUT SUPPORTING THEIR LEADER NO MATTER WHAT HIS POLITICAL PARTY IS.
"WE CONTINUE TO SERVE"

ROY CLINGENPEEL

I was never spit on but I was refused service at my legion and my VFW. Does that count?

"WHEN THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT GOES BEFORE CONGRESS TO SEEK FURTHER HELP FOR OUR TROOPS "BOTH PAST,PRESENT AND FUTURE" HE IS NOT WEARING A POLITICAL HAT BUT AN "AMERICAN LEGION HAT"."

That is what he wants said but it is simply not true and you should at least be aware of that. BY THE WAY YOUR CAP'S BUTTON IS STUCK.

"HE WANTS WHAT WE WANT AND THAT IS MEDICAL CARE AND REHABILITAION OF "ALL" VETERANS."

Nonsense! Show me.

"THE LEGION AS BEEN AROUND SINCE WW I AND WE WILL BE AROUND LONG AFTER OUR CURRENT PRESIDENT AND "YOU" SERVING VETERANS OF ALL WARS AND SERCICE CONNECTION."

Not true remember the Grand Army of the Republic?

"YOU CAN'T SUPPORT OUR TROUPS WITHOUT SUPPORTING THEIR LEADER NO MATTER WHAT HIS POLITICAL PARTY IS."

This statement is simply treason and you should know it. If you do not call me.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hal-donahue/bush-speaking-to-american_b_61953.html?view=screen

Hal Donahue:

"This statement is simply treason and you should know it. If you do not call me."

Hal,

You keep promoting that liberal rag you blog for as if it is a reliable source of unbiased information. That in itself is comical. Then you accuse a veteran of commiting treason. Are you sure Hal Donahue is not a penn name for Howard Dean? Whoooooooooaaah!

Why is it that all of you on the FAR LEFT claim moderate status? Ashamed of your own political agenda? I will end my discussion with you with this post since you are obviously unwilling to listen to any opinions but your own. Anyone elses is Treason right? How sad. You may want to look up the US law on treason. Your not even close friend!

Hal,

I am sorry that you have chosen to become so bitter and so blind. I am an eight year Army vet and my father served in WWII from 42 to 46. I support the programs and work for change in the organization, not just whining and complaining. I truly wish you the best and hope that your life may get a little brighter.

Sherman,

Last night, I watched news footage of the organization (you support) providing a soapbox to a deserter, who advocates another invasion of a country on the other side of the planet. Enjoy your war.

"In 2004, Hal dropped all business ventures to devote his time to the John Kerry Campaign. He continues to be heavily involved in veterans affairs and electing military veterans and their supporters to political office."

http://www.votevets.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=283&Itemid=80

The reason you believe Bush should not have spoken at the convention is pretty clear now Hal. The internet is a great source of info. I am sure being on the Board of the Fighting DEMS had no bearing on your opinions posted here. I also notice "Nearly 6,000 delegates unanimously re-affirmed The American Legion’s support for the war on terrorism during the organization’s 89th National Convention in Reno, Nevada." That would be a tad over the "Several" you claim have hijacked the Legion.

OPINIONATED NONSENSE is just that --- nonsense!

Of course, we shall always support our troops, but we must not abuse them either.

We must not ignore the immoral, inhumane nonsense root cause or the "war" now raging out of control in the Middle East.

Ken Burns 7-part film series, now mis-titled as "The War" to be launched on 9/23/07 on PBS, is a reprehensible scheme to use the WW II historical archived record of our sacrifice as propaganda.

Who authorized this? That must be investigated and fully exposed.

World War II was morally justified as was the American Revolution. To equate WW II with the nonsense "WAR" that is now raging out of control in the Middle East is wrong.

Starting from 1948 to find the ROOT CAUSE. THEN ask yourself, who are the real Terrorists? Why?

A homeland state for the Jewish people could have, AND SHOULD HAVE been created peacefully. The nation's of the world would have lined up to make it happen.

American Legion please note
Sen. Jack Reed"s response to President Bush.9/13/07.

Hello, I know this is off topic but I was hoping maybe Edward F. Tamas might read this and get in touch with me. I read your brief account on life on the ship Circe during WW II. My dad is in the boat crew photograph on that site. I was just wondering if you might remember him and maybe get in touch with me.

Thanks.