Veterans' voice critical in political discourse

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., thanked The American Legion for advocating for veterans and encouraged veterans to get more involved in the national discourse during his appearance as part of the commander’s call on Feb. 28 at the Washington Conference.

“Our freedoms are rare, are precious, and are fragile. And we cannot take it for granted,” Bacon said. “We can’t let hate and divide in our country undermine what we have. Our children, our children’s children deserve to have what we enjoy and love so much.”

Bacon said veterans’ emphasis on faith and country over political party were necessary.

“Today, too many in America see right and left. … this is undermining the greatest country in the world,” he said.

Bacon said he sees four big issues facing the U.S.

“We have a rising China … (that) wants to replace us as the world’s superpower,” Bacon said, also mentioning Russia, Iran and North Korea. “We’re going to have to have leadership that inspires alliances and allies, to defend our values.

“We have a $32 trillion deficit. And if we do nothing, Social Security is going to go insolvent, Medicare is going to go insolvent. It’s unacceptable,” Bacon added.

“We have an education issue we have to get our arms around. … our youth and education and developing life skills is a challenge our country has to face as well.”

And there’s the political divide. “We have to work together to solve these other issues. Veterans see themselves as people of faith and Americans first, and we’re going to have to have that spirit in our country.”