As a combat veteran of two tours in Vietnam with twenty-two years of service as a Republican member of the U.S. House and Senate, I endorse President Barack Obama for a second term as our Commander-in-Chief. Candidates publicly praise our service members, veterans and their families, but President Obama supports them in word and deed, anywhere and every time.
As a Vietnam vet, one of the reasons I support President Obama is because he has consistently shown he understands that our commitment to our servicemen and women may begin when they put on their uniform, but that it must never end.
This decision is not easy for any lifelong Republican. In 2008 I voted for Barack Obama, the first time I ever voted for a Democrat, because the Republican Party was drifting toward a dangerous path that put extreme party ideology above national interest. Mitt Romney heads a party remaining on that dangerous path, proving the emptiness of their praise as they abandon our service members, veterans and military families along the way.
What really set me off was Romney's reference to 47% of Americans to be written off -- including any veteran collecting disability like myself, as a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) veteran.
Behind closed doors with his donors, Romney made clear he'd write off half of America -- including service members and veterans -- because, as he said "I'll never convince them they should take personal responsibility for their lives." But there's no greater personal responsibility than to wear your country's uniform and defend the rights we all enjoy as Americans. We don't sow division between "us" versus "them." The Commander-in-Chief sets the bar for all to follow and fight for the entire country. Mitt Romney fails that test. As a veteran I feel written off.
Just as revealing is what Romney actually says publicly. As a former Foreign Service Officer, I find it offensive that Romney, Congressman Paul Ryan and their Republican Party are politicizing the death of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other brave Americans who lost their lives in Libya. Being Commander-in-Chief requires a resolve and steadiness that's immune to politics and fear mongering. Mitt Romney fails that test.
And along with high-profile Republican surrogates, Romney and Ryan are pandering to election-year politics rather than focusing on pending cuts to military spending. Strategy should drive our military priorities, not party purity.
As we all know the military has historically been more in line with Republicans than with the Democrats, but considering that Obama IS the leader who took out Osama Bin Laden, as well as Romney's Keystone Kop approach to dealing with foreign leaders, I would not be at all surprised to see that our President receives far more support from our men and women in uniform than people may expect.
After all, who among US would feel comfortable having Mitt the Twit in charge of our military?
AND, the debt has come down for the fourth time since Obama took office...it was under a trillion for 2012. Not great, but getting there. the GOP will be apoplectic again this AM..the number must be 'cooked.' Can hardly wait for the VP debate. Biden has so much to work with, and Ryan hates being confronted.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, I finally watched Brisol in her bathrobe 'dancing.' I left the sound off, and she basicaly has three moves. She is very inflexible for 22....when she leans back her back barely arches. I'm sure Shawn can ge an arch down neqar the floor, and Bristol barely moves at all. She should be done, so she and her scrawny mother can take Will ow and the boys home and back to school. Ha.
What I've heard from a couple of people, one a republican and another from a democrat, is that Romney will take us into another war. The republican is voting for Obama. The republican friend also says how can you trust someone who lies so much.
ReplyDeleteDid I miss something? What is his name?
ReplyDeleteLol yeah I read it 3 times and still dont know who this guy is.
DeleteFormer US Senator Larry Pressler.
Deletewow. thankyou to former U.S. Senator Pressler for this moving statement of support. i feel the same way, but never could say it so eloquently.
ReplyDeletethanks gryphen, for sharing this.
ditto!
DeleteSen. Pressler rates having his name in the post.
ReplyDeleteAs an Army mom, I could not agree with Sen. Pressler more. I am literally (yes, literally!) terrified at the idea of having Mitt, with his ignorant sabre rattling and inerrant ability to annoy other countries, as our Commander-in-Chief. And my son is equally contemptuous of the Mittster's abilities, or lack thereof, in foreign policy.
ReplyDeleteAs a former Marine under Raygun and Clinton, I'm always surprised when people assume that the military always supports the repigs. In my case nothing could be further from the truth. One must understand, almost all of the people I served with were from poor neighborhoods, they went into the military to get out from under, and they were certainly not going to vote for the repigs. I also know for a fact that they were grateful to have a job and a purpose, as well as a uniform to wear with pride.
ReplyDeleteHe's right on all points, but I agree with the posters who said it's not true that the military generally supports the Republican Party.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama has shown his genuine concern and respect for the military, much more so than the previous administration did in eight years. The perception is because, generally, the commander in chief is usually a republican, showing public support for the commander in chief is one thing, but voting is a private matter, and voters know who has their back.
Who ever thought that Colin Powell would publicly support President Obama?
To those who posted from military backgrounds and families of those who served, you have my utmost respect and gratitude. Your sacrifice and hard work for our country and our freedom is much appreciated.
I agree with Anonymous I and II - Gryphen, you should include this man's name somewhere in the pos, since one has to follow the link or read the comments in order to learn it.
ReplyDelete