Veterans Become Pro-War Candidates

[Terri]

By JULIE CARR SMYTH
Associated Press
February 27, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Scott Radcliffe believes two tours of duty in Iraq gave him the stuff to serve in Congress. As a platoon commander, he helped spearhead economic development, built citizen coalitions and made many tough decisions, often amid enemy fire.

''I would be putting all I learned in that pressure-filled environment into practice. So it really cuts through metal,'' said Radcliffe, 28, who seeks to unseat a newly elected Republican in northwest Ohio.

He's among the dozen or so Republicans from across the country helping each other campaign under the banner of Iraq Veterans for Congress, cross-promoting each other and directing donors to a shared Web site. It's a response to the anti-war veterans whose campaigns drew attention in 2006, among them Patrick Murphy of Philadelphia, the lone Iraq war vet serving in Congress.

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[Melissa47]

I think this is great! No one wants to be in a war, but it is SO important, now that we ARE in it, to WIN and not retreat!! I would love if you noted their website for donations... OH, especially, needs more Republicans.
And, being a military wife, do believe that the military can count as experience for a lot of things. I'm sure they are just as qualified at Teddy Kennedy~

[FlaJim]

It's unfortunate that more Republican vets can't be persuaded to run for office but it's the same problem that the GOP faces in general: most quality Republicans don't look at public office as a viable career choice and Democrats do.

Neither Slick Willy nor John Kerry, for example, have ever received a paycheck from other than government except for 2 or 3 years each.

In contrast, look at the pay cuts and personal sacrifices that most GOP public officials accept.

[elmerck1]

Boy, I am glad to hear that Vets are getting into politics. We need some new blood in congress and these brave men and women will do a super job in the congress. I will support each one of them. Just let me know who is running in my state, and I will support them.

[besolasmanos]

Scott Radcliffe definately has my vote, as he is a true veteran, and not a wannabe soldier. Back in the early '70's I served with vets that became veterans of war, and vets that became veterans of our military for personal benefit. Knew them well, first for feed, and last for for need. Vets know what I'm talking about, Kerry, and Murtha, are prime examples.

[Cynical Pete]

Another war hero, a great American Patriot running for a congressional seat is Duncan Duane Hunter, son of Congressman Duncan Lee Hunter. As a Lt. in the Marines Duane D. Hunter was deployed in Iraq in 2003, then in 2004 then he was deployed in Afghanistan serving his and our country. He later reached the rank of Captain. His father was also a Marine hero.
We are praying for this highly adept American to keep his father's seat in the 52nd Congressional District and it really looks good.

[schillerbjr]

GOD BLESS these veterans for standing up for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan!!

[Dr.VinniGoombatz]

It’s interesting how yet again we see the “war hero” politicized, and yet to a man these individuals eventually turn on their brethren for their owe gain, and it doesn’t seem to mater which party this individual turns. Take our current Commander in Chief for instance. Even to this day my younger brethren in Iraqi have a big political target painted on their backs placed there by President Bush, say what, you ask? Well, did not President Bush label the Iranians as part of the “Axis of Evil”, and aren’t we now sitting around playing Patti-cake with the UN while Iranian trained troops that are killing our best?

President Reagan had a solution; BTW Reagan didn’t run on any kind of “war hero” status, to the situation. I believe the Libs went crazy with Reagan’s notion of “plausible deniability”, but it did what was necessary to keep the troops alive and used them for what they were trained rather than political fodder.

I, even though I also am a “war hero” returned from the skies of Vietnam, will NOT support ANYONE because they are a “war hero”; not President Bush, not Senator McCain, not anybody until I have verifiable data to convince me that this so called “war hero” will use my younger brethren in the manner of President Reagan and/or General George Patton to get the complete job done with losing only the minimum of those that are better served in civilian endeavors for the benefit of these United States of America.

[besolasmanos]

From what I have seen, that "target painted on their backs...", had been painted long before President Bush called a spade, a spade. America is not playing "patti-cake", as it appears to be doing, for America is not fighting this war. Our troops, my brothers, and brothers of all who honorable served this nation are standing up, and fighting this war, as those denying the Axis of Evil cower. The troops are America, while those of denial are not! The canvas of America was painted with a united population with all carrying the paint bucket, and the tools of the trade. The troops of America, unselfishly protecting this nation with the colors of a republic. Strong, vibrant colors that have been watered down, and mixed in various combinations to create colors felt most appropriate to various individuals. The patti-cake individuals, "mixing, and a mixing, as fast as they can." Self-loving individuals, factions, proudly painting America into a corner, and providing the perfect target. With the possibility of a Clinton, or Obama, mixing the colors of this nation, I will reject that, and proudly cast my vote for McCain.

As an American, a 'nam vet, and a person who knows of the turmoil a pow faces, I can honestly say McCain carried, carries, the colors of this nation along with the tools. Most Americans, probably, will not understand that statement, has they have never had similar target painted on their backs. Aircrew members, as pow's, are prize possessions of their captors, and with any pow mental strength, is has important as physical strength. I trust McCains mental capabilities for America, a great deal more then Clinton, or Obama. McCain carried America, and American principles on his back, alone as a pow, during interrogations, limitations, and punishment, those on the left only watch movies about. Sitting in their corners, as they embrace the personal possessions gained according to the blood, sweat, and tears of Americans, America! God Bless this Republic.

[strulove]

I have to agree with Dr. Vinni, but with this caveat:

The United States of America has always been, and exists because it has been and is, a Nation of Warriors.

Do we love war? NO!
Do we seek it out? NO!
Do we long for it? NO!
De we "enjoy" it? NO!
Do we fight wars of conquest? NO!
Do we fight for individual freedom and liberty, and to defeat oppression? You’re damned right we do, for our own as well as for that of our friends and allies, and that is a good thing.

The vocal majority of left-leaning politicians, interest groups and news sources have spent decades attempting to characterize being a Nation of Warriors as something that is bad, detestable and even evil, and something we should endeavor to STOP being as a Nation. Unfortunately, their continuous drone has become imbedded in the vernacular of the contemporary political correctness of the left, as well as resonating with those Rush would characterize as the "New Castrati", and has been an effective deterrent to otherwise Pro-America politicians' desire or ability to stand on their own hind legs and defend our actions of war in foreign nations, and defend the good that results from those actions.

Would I vote for any candidate "just" because they are a veteran or someone has labeled them a "hero” ...NO, I would not. Not any more than I would vote for someone because he or she was a woman or black.

Iraq Veterans for Congress, from my perspective, isn't as much about politicizing the veteran status of its membership as it is announcing that these individuals understand and support the importance of our Nation's tradition of fighting for, and defending, individual freedom and liberty of the oppressed, as they do the sacrifices that are made in doing so, better than I will EVER know, and still proudly standing for doing what is right vs. doing what is politically correct or expedient, or will curry greater praise from the left-wing media.

I am personally very encouraged at the emergence of Iraq Veterans for Congress, and I wish them resounding success. I also believe it is the most promising Pro-American movement I’ve read about for many, many years as it relates to the political future of our United States of America.