Sykes' Field Of Dishonor

Young Meg wrote at Cog Dis about her experience at this past weekends Field of Honor, an event to honor the World War II vets. Unfortunately, one man ruined the event:

So, when Charlie Sykes, who, to his credit, helped raise a lot of money for the program, came up to speak, I didn't really think much of it. I clapped, out of respect and gratitude for his help. Mr. Sykes started his speech out by reading a letter that was very kind, and very thoughtful. I liked it, and when he explained that the person who wrote it wasn't able to attend the night's events, I thought it was because it was someone currently serving. Instead, it turned out it was written by Paul Ryan. Normally, this wouldn't have offended me, as he is a member of congress from our state. However, this was different. Mitt Romney had just announced Ryan as his VP nominee earlier that day, and Sykes thought this was an appropriate time to start his campaigning for him. He just couldn't wait.

Needless to say, I was offended and incredibly angry that Charlie Sykes decided that this was the time to campaign for his hero. Scott Walker also spoke at the opening event, and he didn't say anything political. He kept his words short and sweet. How come Sykes couldn't have done the same? Doesn't he have any respect for that fact that not everyone believes in his backwards conservative ideology? And what does Paul Ryan know (or care) about veteran's issues? He wants to take away Medicare, first of all. That effects all the veterans sitting in those seats! He's the guy whose budget plan would strip billions away from veteran's services. Housing, education, jobs, medical care and the VA - money gone. The poverty rate among our returning veterans, and especially veterans of the Vietnam War (you know, that war Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan's running mate, fought like hell to avoid serving in?) is incredibly high. You know how Republicans say that all those who use welfare are just lazy, disgusting people? Yeah, not even. It's a large percentage of veterans who utilize those services. VETERANS! Republicans use 'em for their wars, then dump 'em when they get home. Slapping a "I support the troops" bumper sticker on your SUV isn't enough. Support the funding of veterans programs and vote for politicians who will make sure they are taken care of when they come home.

Sadly, this isn't uncommon. Republicans seem to have an affinity of using veterans as political pawns.

Thank You, Veterans

All gave some, some gave all.

We at Whallah! thank all of our vets, including our own xoff, for their service.

Words Of A Veteran

Today is the official observation of Veteran's Day. What better day than this to share the words of a veteran as he shares his views of the Iraq War.

They elected a new Democratic Congress last year, with a clear mandate to end the war. But the new Congress is as chicken-hearted as the president is bull-headed.

The author is Bill Christofferson, aka xoff, and you can read the rest here. I would give the words of a veteran more credence than those who have not, like most, if not all, of our local right-wing media.

And thank you, Bill, for your service. And thank you to all others who have served.

h/t Pundit Nation

Lock 'em up, Stevo

Can't wait to hear McBride's defense of US Attorney Steven Biskupic, who took time out from prosecuting Democrats to put a Vietnam era veteran behind bars for seeking benefits from the Veterans Administration.

Her rap on Georgia Thompson was that sometimes an aggressive prosecutor like Stevie B. will overreach and put an innocent person away, but, hey, that's what makes this country great.

Michael Leon has the story.