American Legion Declares War on Protestors -- Media Next?

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001020671

The American Legion, which has 2.7 million members, has declared war on antiwar protestors, and the media could be next. Speaking at its national convention in Honolulu, the group's national commander called for an end to all “public protests” and “media events” against the war, constitutional protections be damned.

"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu.

The delegates voted to use whatever means necessary to "ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism."

Cadmus added: "It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to protect would be used against their successors today as they battle terrorists bent on our destruction.”

[NoodleBoy]

1. wow

This is what we come to after decades of "culture war" rhetoric.

that last line is classic irony.

[Name removed]

149. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[lynne]

162. WRONG - American Legion members must -

- have been in service during years in which the US was involved in a military conflict. Those who fought in foreign wars are members as well as those who served stateside during war years.

The great majority are vets of foreign wars based on the membership of our local post where my spouse is a member.

[Oerdin]

173. I been offered membership in both the AL and VFW twice.

Once for Kosovo and once for Iraq. Shit like this makes me happy I never took them up on it.

[JRob]

237. mind boogling... suppressing freedom to protect freedom?! What idiots.

[getmeouttahere]

2. I hope they won't be calling me for support...

they can kiss my white ass!!! And I'm a veteran!

[okieinpain]

6. that's what I was wondering. what is he going to do about those in

his 2.7 million strong army that do not support bush. is he going to purge them from the group.

[atreides1]

8. I was a member

When I saw that they were supporting Bush, I let my membership lapse.

And I will not give any money to this Nazi like organization that has now promised to force the American people to march in lockstep.

Let them do what they have to do, I can still hit center of mass at 300 meters with an M-16.

[geomon666]

42. Wanna be friends?

:toast:

[Cha]

147. :)

:)

[MisterP]

52. too much "Red Dawn" turns your brain into cheese

just so ya know

[atreides1]

60. Too Much

Rodney King Club, makes you timid.

[pinniped]

153. I knew something like this was gonna happen when TNN/Spike...

kept showing Red Dawn over and over the past week until now.

[saigon68]

101. So Can I

HERE IS MY VETERAN'S ORGANIZATION





WE call legion punks, "THE HATS", for the cute little hats they wear.

MOST OF THEM WERE REMFS ANYWAY.

THE REST ARE IDIOTS ---LET THEM VOLUNTEER THEIR OWN KIDS FOR IRAQ-NAM </RANT>

[Eloriel]

168. Now that's the Vet organization for me!!

:loveya:

My generation, my brothers.

[Lilith Velkor]

191. Thank you for your service

I am of course, referring to VVAW, to which my uncle also belongs.

:hi: :patriot:

[ptolle]

229. from the day

As it might have been in the day. Right on brother RVN 1966-67,Helped organize the charter chapter for my state . I would think that the legion and the VFW would be avoiding controversy that might affect membership. Judging by my local chapters for both, and from the pictures of the chimpmeisters speech they are largely WW2 Korean vets, getting older and probably dieing off faster than they can replace members.

[tabasco]

108. I quit 'em a long time ago ...

when they got all political with the flag burning issue.

Haven't given 'em a penny since.

[fudge stripe cookays]

172. Now would be a good time to write and let them know why....

So they can begin seeing the consequences of this incredibly STUPID MOVE.

FSC

[GoreDean2008]

232. Pro-War Demonstrators Receiving Some Favors from Bush?

This war is totally indefensible at this moment, yet you still see some pro-war demonstrators countering honest and courageous Americans like Cindy Sheehan. I just watched a pro-war demonstrator lady counterattacking Ms. Sheehan on CNN. She looked like a very well-to-do lady whose face definitely showed that she is not suffering from her son/daughter serving in Iraq. If her child is in Iraq, he or she must be in the HQ or in some other safe area, not in a combat zone. It's also conceivable that she made a deal with BushCo so that her child gets an easier, safer assignment in return for her pro-war demonstration in the U.S. Who knows? What would be her hidden motive to support this indefensible war at this moment?

[Gabi Hayes]

245. ever try one of these?

[kskiska]

19. New Group? "You Don't Speak for Me, American Legion."

[mom cat]

87. The vote could NOT have been unanomous if Mr Moyer was allowed

to vote....Must have used Diebold!

[othermeans]

111. The early years of the American Legion were filled with support of fascism

Alvin Owsley 1923 Commander in Chief of the American Legion:

"If ever needed the American Legion stands ready to protect our country's institutions and ideals as the Fascisti dealt with the destructionists who menaced Italy."

Asked whether that meant taking over the government, he replied:

"Exactly that. The American Legion is fighting every element that threatens our democratic government-soviets, anarchists, I.W.W., revolutionary socialists and every other Red ... Do not forget that the Fascisti are to Italy what the American Legion is to the United States."

In the 1930s several of its leaders, including its original bankroller Irenee Du Pont, plotted a fascist coup against the Government of Franklin D. Roosevelt called the Business Plot.

Owsley also invited Mussolini to speak at almost every yearly convention of the Legion during his time at it's helm.

What was that old saying about those who cannot remember the lessons of history.....

[leveymg]

233. Sounds like the VFW wants another 1919 Red Scare

so its members can again be enlisted as auxillaries of the Justice Department. After a series of still-unsolved bomb attacks in 1919 blamed on foreign anarchists and communists, Attorney General Palmer mobilized hundreds of thousands of VFW members, and an even more militant group, the American Protective League (APL), into a vigilante army. These vigilantes had their own guns so they were given stacks of blank federal warrants to fill out as they saw fit.

Based on information provided by military intelligence and local Red Squads, the armed VFW and APL gangs busted up union halls, killing several persons, and generally terrorized immigrant neighborhoods, as they rounded up thousands of Left-wingers and suspected "terrorists".

After summary deportation hearings, thousands of non-citizen Left-wing leaders and those simply unfortunate enough to have been caught up in the drag net were marched onto tramp steamers and sent off to destinations, such as Russia, where many were soon rearrested and died.

Is this the future past the VFW would now like to repeat?

[RaleighNCDUer]

239. Interesting -- I never knew that,

but somehow, I always knew that.

[AtomicKitten]

137. Sounds solid.

Seriously, we must stand against this opposition to the First Amendment. I found this disgusting, outrageous. Who the hell do these a-holes think they are?

[malmapus]

121. They'll never get my money again

Have to admit I had stopped going to meetings / functions, but still kept my membership.

No more.

[Imagevision]

243. Deeclares war on protestors? - what happened to free speech?

http://downingstreetmemo.com/

[kurtyboy]

145. I got an invitationfrom the Legion in the mail three week ago

And I don't even think I'm eligible. I get some VA benefits, but did not serve during any conflicts that I am aware of. (1981-87--Washington Air National Gaurd, went to every drill...) They said in the letter that their records indicated I had served during an eligible period, and would I consider joining.

I guess I could have sent them the money, but they are mostly rabid right wingers in my area, so I joined Vietnam Veterans Against War instead. You don't have to be a Vietnam Vet to join (just a vet)--and they need the money more than the Legion.

I am a member of the Veteran's Caucus in my state Democratic Central Committee, as well as a voting member of the committee. We are planning to expand awareness of Veteran's issues--especially mental health for returning vets--over the next year. If you are a vet, consider following the VVAW and other peace-oriented groups before hanging out with the American Legion.

[ooglymoogly]

194. these are veterans who can afford to cruise off to hawaii

for a conference at $250-$1000 a night...repugs who are also, one would assume veterans...claiming the rank and file are going to follow them...yuh...this is just another p.r. stunt by the repugs taking over an organization whose members many of whom do not support them but cannot fight back.

[leetrisck]

3. A lot of these people are military and veterans

you nut case.

[sallyseven]

7. They are also full of beans

The WWII guys worked over th Vietnam Vets when they cam back. The American Legion people are all war. Their war now they have to let the Vietnam people in so that they have enough members. They are basically as a group not nice but individually not bad.

[patdem]

89. I saw a Korean vet on a train complaining about viet nam vets...it is a

zero sum game...he complained that viet nam vets were just trying to scam the system....this was a New England to Fla train ..and he was asked what he did..he was a Korean disabled vet..had a bad back...lol..yet the Viet Nam vets were scaming the system..like there is only so much money to go around..and he wanted to make sure he got his!

[oneighty]

99. American Legion

membership does not require that a member served in combat or a war zone. Only the Veterans of Foreign Wars require that members served in an active war zone or occupation in some cases.

Gen Smedely Butler "Everybody knows the American Legion ain't nothing but a bunch of strike breakers." Paraphrased. I have exact quote if anybody is interested.

180

[Oerdin]

177. I do think the VFW is a better organization the AL.

I've never really looked at them in depth. If they speak out against the AL then I just might join their little drinking club.

[saigon68]

106. THEY FUCKED US OVER WHEN WE GOT BACK

FUCK THEM

[Amsterdam Hooligan]

188. You Go Brother....

They called us.......LOSERS.......

[geomon666]

4. Aren't these guys veterans that haven't gone overseas?

I can't wait for the Veterans for Peace/American Legion clash.

[zulchzulu]

5. Bring it...

Let's see who loves America and who loves PNAC. Let's see who loves the freedom of expression and who loves treasonous war profiteers.

[Cha]

148. Yeah,

"BRING IT"!

[short bus president]

9. The American Legion, huh?

You mean that Veterans-only Rotary Club? The Former-Military Moose Lodge? Watch out war opponents! The Loyal Order of Water Buffalo has just declared war on YOU! Grand Poobah Cadmus is MAD! :eyes:

[lonestarnot]

150. OMG the short bus! LOL

[ClintonTyree]

210. It seems what remains of the "greatest generation"............

has turned into a bunch of old, cranky, whiners that have their priorities a little mixed up. It's PATRIOTIC to protest against an immoral, illegal war guys and gals! I know, I know, you fought in "the big one", and there will never be another generation as great as you, ever again. :eyes:
The Legion took a dump on the Viet Nam Vets, then they sucked up to them when the Legions numbers started tanking and they couldn't afford to send assholes like this on all of those nice cruises anymore.
Guess what? Who gives a flying crap what you say? You hold no more sway that any other "focus group". Give a rest. :grr:

[B3Nut]

234. My paternal grandfather was WWII...

...and he HATED the Chimp and his illegal war. He passed on last March. He hated Bush Sr. too, always called him "needle-nose". :lmao:

One of a kind, he was...had lots of WW2 and Korea stories. And he despised Rumsfeld, thought very little of his abilities.

Todd in Beerbratistan

[Seabiscuit]

241. Not all WWII vets are AL - type Shrub supporters

I see WWII vets at every peace/antiwar rally I've attended going all the way back to 1965. Here in San Diego, there are lots of them at every anti-Bush, anti-Iraq war, pro-Cindy rally/vigil I've been to.

[Kikosexy2]

10. Gee..

I thought protestors were encouraging nothing but peace, truth and the American way of life...encouraging terrorism???....what's that adage--violence only begets violence..

[unhappycamper]

11. It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to

protect could be taken away by anti-freedom, anti-American nutcakes.

Note to Cadmus: My two trips to RVN and the First Amendment give me the fucking right to say any damn thing I want.

Bring them home - NOW!

[Lisa]

12. wouldn't it also be tragic if "the freedoms our veterans fought" ...

"... so valiantly to protect" were taken away from the American people?


I should note that the vast majority of veterans I know can recognize irony when they see it.

p.s. Unhappycamper and I posted nearly simultaneously! Evidently there are ex-military people here who do not feel that the freedom to speak out should be taken away from either veterans who disagree, or from civilians.

[driver8]

55. It reminds me of the line in "Full Metal Jacket"...

A camera crew is interviewing a bunch of the guys and one of them says (I am paraphrasing):

"I guess we're over here fighting for freedom. The only problem is, they want to take our freedom away and give it to the 'gookers'."

That is how I feel right now. Everyone is yelling, "freedom is on the march, democracy is on the march!!"

Try and exercise your freedom of speech in this country and speak out against the president...the freepers' (like we really give a shit) heads explode if anyone dare speak out against the boy king and his war.

[howmad1]

67. How about that classic line.....

...."fighting for freedom is like fucking for virginity". Bet the Merkin Legion loves that idea. }(

[KansDem]

88. Actually, I think it's "Killing for Peace is like Fucking for Virginity"

Point taken, however we're all "fighting for freedom" in one way or another. If anything, I've learned you can't take anything for granted since 2000.

[Pachamama]

155. Update that line to "Spreading Democracy is like fucking for virginity"

:applause:

[tmooses]

197. It also reminds me of some dialogue from "Easy Rider" eons ago

but still with relevance.

George: You know, this used to be a helluva good country. I can't understand what's gone wrong with it.
Billy: Huh. Man, everybody got chicken, that's what happened, man. Hey, we can't even get into like, uh, second-rate hotel, I mean, a second-rate motel. You dig? They think we're gonna cut their throat or something, man. They're scared, man.
George: Oh, they're not scared of you. They're scared of what you represent to 'em.
Billy: Hey man. All we represent to them, man, is somebody needs a haircut.
George: Oh no. What you represent to them is freedom.
Billy: What the hell's wrong with freedom, man? That's what it's all about.
George: Oh yeah, that's right, that's what it's all about, all right. But talkin' about it and bein' it - that's two different things. I mean, it's real hard to be free when you are bought and sold in the marketplace. 'Course, don't ever tell anybody that they're not free 'cause then they're gonna get real busy killin' and maimin' to prove to you that they are. Oh yeah, they're gonna talk to you, and talk to you, and talk to you about individual freedom, but they see a free individual, it's gonna scare 'em.
Billy: Mmmm, well, that don't make 'em runnin' scared.
George: No, it makes 'em dangerous.

[alarimer]

13. The hell with that nonsense

What is the point of free speech if no one actually uses it? I thought fascism died out after WWII. The American Legion can go to hell.

[Lorien]

14. What message is more heartening to a soldier in Iraq

than knowing that millions of us are trying to bring them home as swiftly as possible?

And who the hell is "encouraging terrorists"? WE'RE the ones who want to FIND bin Laden!

[EC]

220. You're right,

Whenever a repuge starts at me for being anti-war and starts harping about Vietnam, I tell them about all the soldiers I knew (guys & women I went to school with, were friends with and the guys & women they were there with) would write me,(I wrote so many letters then I must have been sending them out daily) and ask me when they could come home, and was I still working on getting them back...Most aren't as gong-ho as they'd like to believe...And they do feel better knowing you are working to get them home...

[triguy46]

15. Oh, this makes sense.

The old farts vote for * while he laughs and cuts funding for veterans. "Greatest Generation" my ass.

We would be so much more American if we could stop all but correct thought and comment. It's hell when the Constitution gets in the way, might as well can it.

[triguy46]

23. I was a bartender in an American Legion Hall

back in the 70's. Even then they were over the hill drunks, coming in every night to refight WWII. It was inspiring, watching them bellow and shout, then stand up and fall down, (no kidding, saw it more than onee.) Then once a month there was a "Stag" in which there was an open casino upstairs, porno movies downstairs. Thats the Murrican Way by god. Protecting our rights, our women and keeping us free.

[Megahurtz]

63. Yep, That Generation has been REALLY brainwashed.

And it 'aint World War II anymore either!:think:

[emrenz]

16. We're endangering troops???????

What a crock. The thought that by protesting the war somehow empowers the terrorists is ridiculous. That gets repeated so often in the hopes that if we believe we're somehow causing the deaths of these soldiers we'll stop speaking out.

Let's have a reality check. The protesting is not killing soldiers, the unjust war is killing soldiers.

[Skittles]

94. YOU KNOW IT EMRENZ

WELCOME TO THE DU :hi:

[Mad_Dem_X]

161. One thing I cannot understand

The whole "protesting hurts our troops" thing. We don't want them fighting an illegal and unnecessary war - how is holding a demonstration "not supporting them"?????

[Don Claybrook]

17. Or what?

So this halfwit has called for an end to protest. What does said halfwit intend to do about it when he is generally ignored by almost anyone inclined to protest?

OK, who has an email address for the National Commander of the Geriatric Fascists?

[RubyDuby in GA]

28. tah-dah

http://www.legion.org/?content=contact_us&con=NatlCmdr

[Don Claybrook]

33. Thank you.

I think I'll write a little missive to them.

[RubyDuby in GA]

36. I did too

"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu.

Good grief! You just don't get it, do you? How can one individual be so completely wrong? Ignorant remarks, such as this one, are the reason my father, who served his country proudly in the Air Force, refuses to join your ranks.

People who are protesing the war in Iraq are not out there calling our troops "baby-killers", etc. They are calling George W. Bush that! They are protesting having our men and women who chose to serve America in the armed forces sent to another country to fight and die for a damned lie! They are protesting watching our military be used to further pad the bank accounts of the filthy rich who are making a killing (pun intended) off this war by supposedly supplying our forces.

Blind loyalty to a commander in chief that is a blantant liar is not noble. It's the worst kind of folly and you should be ashamed of yourself.

Standing up firmly against you because I love my country,
Rubyduby in GA

[jahyarain]

46. done

[karlrschneider]

61. Hey thankss! Just sent them a little love note.

:evilgrin:

[seejanerun]

250. I did too but it's useless

Does anyone else think that humans can develop in two ways: those who are critical thinkers and those who want to be told what to do. I don't think the two kinds can understand each other. How else can we account for this sort of thing?

[converted_democrat]

93. Done

[SlowDownFast]

118. done.

Dear Sirs:

I didn't realize that the American Legion was now a fascist organization.

When did that happen?

(You will recieve no more support from me unless Mr. Cadmus is expelled and a public apology is issued.)

link:

Sincerely
****

[shanti]

133. hee hee

i wrote them a juicy little number :evilgrin:

[geckosfeet]

224. Thanks. I went through a shitload of posts to find that !! n/t

My dear sirs,

I find the remarks that Mr.Cadmus made in Honolulu extremely offensive. To suggest that by opposing the massive blunders that George Bush has committed in Iraq that I or anyone else is supporting terrorism is shortsighted and divisive.

I have a great deal of respect for our armed services. I see them being misled and used and wasted for no good purpose. I want them home.

Blind loyalty to a man like George Bush who is a demonstrated liar is not noble. In fact, his administration harbors several traitors who outed a CIA agent working for our country.

Standing up firmly against you because I love my country and I hate what George Bush has done to it.

[fudge stripe cookays]

175. Thanks Don!

Geriatric Fascists. Perfect. I'm going to have to purloin that phrase, if you don't mind.

I just sent them an e-mail, and used it. It was too good not to!

FSC

[jody]

18. That from a group which made Benito Mussolini an honorary member. n/t

[redwitch]

100. You are kidding right?

Good God. Well, he did make the trains run on time...

[jody]

134. No, that is a fact although they recanted after unfavorable publicity.

See "EASTERWOOD, WILLIAM EDWARD, JR"

[donkeyotay]

20. "...whatever means necessary ..."

May I make a suggestion to avoid f*n up as badly as the CIC did?

Start by asking if this is a winnable proposition: to "ensure the united backing of the American people..."

I do not support the American love-it-or-leave-it Legion or the president's policies. I think he should be impeached for lying to the American people and the congress. I am not now united with you, and do not anticipate ever becoming united with you through force and intimidation. However, I am not your enemy, and my speech and opinions are not a threat to this great nation. The greatest threat to this nation are the people calling for blind obedience to an administration that is at best incompetent and at worst corrupt.

Edit: spelling and the Am Legion were the love it or leave it folks during Vietnam, not the love it or shove it... basically the same.

[RamboLiberal]

21. Bring It On Legion!

I hope you lose members from this.

And we're not afraid of your empty threats! F'ing Bushbots!

[FreeStateDemocrat]

104. They are literally a dying organization, post in my town about to downsize

[OKthatsIT]

143. ROFLOL...that was good.

If 60% of USA wants us out of Iraq...that means 6 out of 10 family members are likely to object to his opinion, too

[July]

22. Methinks Karl or Karen has put in a call.

Since Cindy's getting more traction than they expected, they're trying something new to change the discussion.

[IA_Seth]

24. Yikes

Didn't I just read about an attempted or proposed coup during the 1930's that involved the American Legion?

My grandfather was always active in the Legion, so it is hard for me to disrespect them as he was a very honorable man, but what the hell kind of announcement is this?!

[RamboLiberal]

32. You talkin' about the one Smedley Butler stopped

by testifying against. Thom Hartmann was talking about it today, and it was a segment on a show called Weird USA on Monday on History Channel. I had heard about it before, but didn't realize it was good old Smedley who stopped it - read about him if you don't know who he is.

Coup was by Wall Streeters, didn't know about Amer Legion involvement, but I'll have to check that out.

When I saw the History Channel bit on Monday, I thought, the f'ers finally accomplished their goal of trying to overthrow FDR's New Deal by getting their puppet (Bush) in the WH.

[IA_Seth]

35. Yeah thats the one...

Maybe I am mistaken - wouldnt be the first by any means - but I thought that part of the "army" they planned on threatening FDR with was the American Legion.

What a sad state of affairs we have here in this country. People blinded by the desire to feel like they are conforming and supporting a worthless shadow of what we used to have in office.

[jody]

43. Correct, the Legion was the U.S. version of Mussolini's Black Shirts.

I believe DuPont agreed to supply arms for about 50 thousand veterans from WWI to march on Washington. Butler was to be the leader but those who plotted the coup underestimated his integrity and patriotism.

[RamboLiberal]

45. Was this what drove Sinclair Lewis to Write

It Can't Happen Here? I have to get back to reading that book. Got it as a Buzzflash premium.

[jody]

54. Don't know but worth reading is "The Plot to Seize the White House" by

Jules Archer. It's out of print and commands premium prices if you can find a copy. Some libraries have copies.

I have a copy and recommend reading because it shows how a few wealthy families are determined to create a corporate state in the U.S.

[othermeans]

124. Some literature people believe it was either Huey Long or an

evangelist named Gerald Winrod ("The Jayhawk Nazi") who served as the model for President Berzelius "Buzz" Windrip in the book.

Winrod was kind of a Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell Reverend Phelps character all rolled into one.

BTW I'm reading Sinclair's book I, Candidate for Governor and How I got Licked . Kind of a primer for dirty tricks Rove might have read.

[Pachamama]

157. Just got my copy of the book...I'm reading it now....scary....

IT CAN HAPPEN HERE! IT IS HAPPENING HERE NOW! :scary:

[kestrel91316]

227. I just finished reading "It Can't Happen Here" and BOY,

it sounds SO MUCH like what Bush and Company have been up to. It's uncanny, and extremely disturbing.

[DBoon]

64. Smedley was a great guy!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smedley_Butler

His words:
I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism. I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902–1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916. I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested.

[jody]

71. Butler's book "War Is A Racket" is available on many internet sites.

I believe it's a must read for liberals and progressives. We need someone like him today to take the political fight back to the neocons that are hell bent on establishing a corporate state in the U.S. and using our military power to rule the world.

[othermeans]

113. "I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism"

I spent 33 years and four months in active military service and during that period I spent most of my time as a high class muscle man for Big Business, for Wall Street and the bankers.

In short,I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism . I helped make Mexico and especially Tampico safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in.

I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. I helped purify Nicaragua for the International Banking House of Brown Brothers in 1902–1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for the American sugar interests in 1916.

I helped make Honduras right for the American fruit companies in 1903. In China in 1927 I helped see to it that Standard Oil went on its way unmolested.

In 1931 he publicly recounted a story about Benito Mussolini in which Mussolini struck a child with his automobile and refused to stop. This story caused international outrage, and Butler was arrested and court-martialed at the insistance of Secretary of State Henry L. Stimson. Butler was ordered to apologize to Mussolini, since the relations between Italy and the United States were friendly at the time. Butler refused, deciding instead to retire on October 1, 1931.

Damn two-time medal of honor winners. I think his decorations were all given to him by mistake.

[jody]

120. Decorations by mistake? I hope you meant that as sarcasm. n/t

[othermeans]

127. Well of course you know the John Kerry reference for his decorations?

[jody]

129. Yes indeed. Of course * decorations were truly heroic. n/t

[ptolle]

231. liberty league

I believe you may be thinking about the action proposed by an organization called the American Liberty league.I've got my gripes with and about the legion, but I don't think they were involved in that proposed coup.Matter of fact, IIRC the liberty league was largely comprised of conservative democrats who thought FDR was going too far.

[Zhade]

247. "conservative democrats who thought FDR was going too far."

Ah, progenitors of the DLC!

:evilgrin:

[VegasWolf]

25. Welcome to the new Vietnam, same as the old Vietnam! The

establishment tried its best to quaff protest back then too! Tempers
flaring, noses snorting, the right believes they are right.

[RubyDuby in GA]

26. I guess I'm on a tear b/c I just watched The Fog of War

but I felt compelled to write this idiot. I know he'll never see it, but I feel better:

"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu.

Good grief! You just don't get it, do you? How can one individual be so completely wrong? Ignorant remarks, such as this one, are the reason my father, who served his country proudly in the Air Force, refuses to join your ranks.

People who are protesing the war in Iraq are not out there calling our troops "baby-killers", etc. They are calling George W. Bush that! They are protesting having our men and women who chose to serve America in the armed forces sent to another country to fight and die for a damned lie! They are protesting watching our military be used to further pad the bank accounts of the filthy rich who are making a killing (pun intended) off this war by supposedly supplying our forces.

Blind loyalty to a commander in chief that is a blantant liar is not noble. It's the worst kind of folly and you should be ashamed of yourself.

Standing up firmly against you because I love my country,
Rubyduby in GA

[Redstone]

27. Those assholes sure haven't changed in the last

40years, have they? Ignorant old dinosaurs then, and still ignorant old dinosaurs now.

Redstone

[0007]

29. The American Legion isn't speaking for this Korean vet.

And they can kiss my ass. Fuck 'em.

[mmonk]

30. So much for all those who have died

in the last 200+ years defending those rights.

[Aunt Anti-bush]

31. I'll be tearing up their request for donations.

That is just beyond my comprehension. Acting as if "anti-war" means "anti-troops" is total bullsh*t!

What makes it worse is that a lot of the crowd that says protesting the war is abandoning or demoralizing our troops are usually those who do absolutely NOTHING for our troops. I have family there and I support them in more ways than one.

[hippywife]

125. Don't tear them up.

If they are in a postage paid envelope, write them a nice note telling them why you aren't sending money. Hell, do it anyway even if you have to spend .37 to mail it. They need to know exactly why.

[Aunt Anti-bush]

146. That is even better!

I will do that instead. Thanks. :)

[symbolman]

151. If it has a Postage Paid print on it

tape it to a brick and send it back..

a good old trick that's tried and true :)

[liberaliraqvet26]

34. I didn't know how right wing they really are...

check out their site, it borders fascism
http://www.legion.org/

I don't think the VFW is this bad.

[Rainscents]

186. They are very right wing!

[movonne]

37. I thought it was the Constitutional protection is what they were

fighting for....

[CatholicEdHead]

38. "Let's not repeat the mistakes of our past," Cadmus advised."

What mistakes? Do they still want Vietnam going on and on and on even today?

Blind faith in all policies is beyond foolish.

[VegasWolf]

56. Well said!! Time for rational people to think!

:toast:

[Khaotic]

39. Continues to proliferate

This is complete BULLSHIT.

I served from '93 to '98 active, and from '98 to '03 reserve.

Told my unit commander I wasn't reenlisting. He asked why, along w/ most in my unit. I said I have nothing negative to say about my unit, the reserve center, the Naval Reserve, or the Navy.

They asked me what they could do to keep me in.

I said, "Get a new Secretary of Defense."

They had no answer, and I haven't been back.

I thought about looking into the American Legion, but no more.

They can kiss my Liberal, Progressive, Democrat, working class, red, white and blue ASS!!!!!!!

This American believes in the RIGHT to desent and to bring injustice to light.

To ignore that is to do something 100 times worse than to burn the flag, instead you turn your back on everything it represents.

When will these sheeple understand that it's the FREEDOMS that the flag represents, NOT the fabric it's made out of.

They have no mind, they are lost.

Sad ... American continues its decent into the blind patriotic abiss.

[libnnc]

40. I think I hear a whirring sound...

It's my dad spinning in his grave. Boy would he be pissed. That's not his American Legion. No way. :nuke:

J. H. Enloe
USN Korea
1932-1977

[soup]

69. a growing rumble

My father, a Navy vet of WWII, and a member of the American Legion, stood beside me protesting VietNam.

There is no doubt in my mind that if he were alive today, he'd be speaking out.

[alfredo]

41. Any means necessary?

"The delegates voted to use whatever means necessary to 'ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism.'"

So if an American legion member kills a protester, wouldn't that make the organization liable? Civil rights charges?

[iconoclastic cat]

44. I emailed them about it.

Sorry to threadjack, but my post is here: My letter to the American Legion (re: War on Protestors)

[CatholicEdHead]

47. They view every protestor as a Jane Fonda

That is how much they are stereotyping.

http://www.legion.org/?section=pub_relations&subsection=pr_listreleases&content=pr_press_release&id=303

"“For many of us, the visions of Jane Fonda glibly spouting anti-American messages with the North Vietnamese and protestors denouncing our own forces four decades ago is forever etched in our memories,” Cadmus said. “We must never let that happen again. "

[giant_robot]

48. Hey Cadmus! Say hello to my little friend!

Especially from this veteran to you!

[DrZeeLit]

49. Helllloooooo.... can they say.... First Amendment??????

Whatever means necessary to ensure the united backing...??????
So, are we all going to be sent to the stocks until we relent?
Tortured? Zapped with electricity? Starved until we sign the loyalty oath?
Oh, yeah.

Who are these guys and what the heck did they think they were once fighting for?

It used to be that they were all very old codgers, drinking beer in smoke-filled bars, down at the legion hall.

But who are they now? Vietnam vets? Sheesh, you'd think they "got it" back then.

I'd say... LOOK AT THE NAMES ON THAT WALL AND TELL ME... WHAT DID THEY DIE FOR?

Can you say... ABSOLUTELY NOTHING? Well, you must.
And that's the same way it will be 20 years from now.
A lot of names on a wall. And all dead for NO REASON.

Do you think any of these guys actually FOUGHT in a war? in a war zone? saw dead bodies or killed anyone?

I can't believe anyone who lived through a war, in direct combat, could sanction this war.

They make me sick.

[MisterP]

50. 5 cups AL, 3 tbsp Minutemen makes 1 Iron Heel, serves one (Bush)

[6000eliot]

51. Oh, good.

Another Vietnam parallel.

[AndyTiedye]

53. Is This the Newest Strain of Legionnaire's Disease?

This seems like a new strain of Legionnaire's Disease that causes foaming at the mouth.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

57. Yadda, yadda, yadda....

Oh, look! He makes noise!

[daleo]

58. Try this one, Mr Cadmus.

"It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to protect would be taken away from their successors today as they resist a government bent on global domination.”

[jaysunb]

59. Nobody at our Post thinks this way

but we're all Black and fortunately the national outfit doesn't pay us any attention, or ask our opinion. As a matter of fact, I'm not even sure we were invited to the convention. :evilgrin:

[delen]

62. So this must mean

That the American Legion also supports the "Islamist" government our soldiers died for in Iraq-or haven't they thought that far yet.

[Rex]

65. So are these idiots actually an army?

Sounds like a bunch of couch warriors.

[Maggie_May]

66. This really pisses me off

these guys should know better we need to get our guys out of there enough is enough. Bush sent are men a women in the arm forces into Iraq on a lie. That is a good enough reason to bring them home. The United States was wrong to invade Iraq!!! NO WMD was found lets go home!

[David__77]

68. American Legion can be straight to hell... it has a fascist legacy.

In the 30s, American Legion members were on their way to a national convention in the south, and diverted their plans in order to attend a nearby lynching of a Black man, since this was to them all great fun and games.

The American Legion was established as a chauvinist, imperialist and racist organization in order to bolster support for repression at home and wars of aggression abroad. They were fascist barbarians attacking the civil rights fighter Paul Robeson in 1949, resulting in many injuries of anti-fascist activists. They have no standing with me at all, and if they want to fight in the streets, then they will be met with strenuous resistance.

LET ME ADD: I know there are progressives in the American Legion and there are good posts I'm sure, but the legacy and national leadership of the group is reactionary and chauvinist and repressive.

[David__77]

72. Fascist American Legion violence in 1947...and now today?

From Indian magazine "Express":

The Peekskill Post of the American Legion had attacked Robeson at Albany in 1947 and issued a warning against his Peekskill concert in 1948. Now this anger was fanned by War veterans' groups and local radio stations joining issue against the concert. Governor Dewey was asked to intervene to prevent violence. He left it to his subordinates. The militant right considered this a signal to go ahead with "group action". The ground was blocked by legionnaires. The stage was splintered. The audience turned back to anti-Jewish, anti-black, anti-Communist abuses. Robeson had been met at the station and whisked to safety.

But he returned to sing at Peekskill on September 4, 1949. Thousands of Robeson supporters were outnumbered by better organised right-wing forces. In all, 2,500 trade unionists formed a protective ring around Robeson and the audience. Robeson began with "Go Down Moses", closed with "Ol' Man River" and left. Then all hell broke loose. Missiles flew. Cars were smashed. Those trying to escape were booked by the police for driving with broken wind screens or for speeding. About 145 people were injured.

(end quote)

This is the sort of violence and repression the legionnaires want to whip up. But people with a righteous cause will never be silenced by such tactics, and in fact it is they and not we who will in the end suffer ignimony.

[doc03]

70. I'm a veteran and I served so people have

the freedom to protest the actions of our government if they disagree with them. The American Legion is praying for a good war because they are a dieing organization that has been forced to make sons of veterans that never even served in the military members to keep themselves alive. A few years ago I joined the national organization and was sent a letter wanting me to join a local chapter, they wanted to know who my local sponsor was I said as far as I know I didn't know anyone there. I never did join but later I ran into someone that belonged there and he said it was how they keep unwanted people in out. (blacks) I also had the same thing happen when I wanted to join a gun club. The requirement there was you had to be a white Republican. I thought this was interesting in that these NRA assholes don't think there should be any backround checks for buying a gun but to join their club you had to be approved.

[sakabatou]

73. Dear God

It almost seems like a Theocratic Dictatorship that is arising.... :scared:

[Media_Lies_Daily]

75. Just curious, but where were you in December 2000? Think about it.

[sakabatou]

77. I was in middle school

I wasn't really into politics back then. But this American Legion thing seems to be a whole 'nother level.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

74. Cadmus is a flaming idiot. The right to voice one's opinion on ANY....

...subject is one of the many rights our military is supposed to protect.

[Historic NY]

76. What a joke.....they must have spent too much too at the open bar........

I've been honored by my local AL Post for service....I think some of them are just getting soft in the head to buy the BS.

[MichiganVote]

79. Legionnaires Disease

[MichiganVote]

78. Big deal....they did this during Nam' too. Made -0- difference.

[azureblue]

80. What the AL said when Clinton was pres

Dear Mr. President:
The American Legion, a wartime veterans organization of nearly three-million members, urges the immediate withdrawal of American troops participating in "Operation Allied Force.''

The National Executive Committee of The American Legion, meeting in Indianapolis today, adopted Resolution 44, titled "The American Legion's Statement on Yugoslavia.'' This resolution was debated and adopted unanimously.

Mr. President, the United States Armed Forces should never be committed to wartime operations unless the following conditions are fulfilled:

That there be a clear statement by the President of why it is in our vital national interests to be engaged in hostilities;

Guidelines be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy;

That there be support of the mission by the U.S. Congress and the American people; and

That it be made clear that U.S. Forces will be commanded only by U.S. officers whom we acknowledge are superior military leaders.
It is the opinion of The American Legion, which I am sure is shared by the majority of Americans, that three of the above listed conditions have not been met in the current joint operation with NATO ("Operation Allied Force'').

In no case should America commit its Armed Forces in the absence of clearly defined objectives agreed upon by the U.S. Congress in accordance with Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution of the United States.

Sincerely,
Harold L. "Butch'' Miller,
National Commander

[jody]

84. How dare you bring facts into an argument!

:thumbsup:

[durablend]

85. Sounds like a severe case of Alzheimer's

[MoJoWorkin]

181. Oh, the hypocrisy-----

:spank:

How soon their pickled brains forget. Gee, I guess they were aiding the enemy and hurting our troops morale back then. But it was Clinton, so it was justified, right? :sarcasm:

[MODemocrat]

221. So those same conditions don't apply to der Bush?

What a turn-around; and what a one-way street you people are on.
Another article I read at the last paragraph, sounds as if the American Legion are tying 9-11 into the blood shed in Iraq:



See at: http://billmon.org/archives/002107.html

[mermaid]

228. Nice F**king Consistency!!!

Mr. President, the United States Armed Forces should never be committed to wartime operations unless the following conditions are fulfilled:

That there be a clear statement by the President of why it is in our vital national interests to be engaged in hostilities;

(Isn't this all Cindy Sheehan is asking for?!?!)

Guidelines be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy;

(Hmmm...clinton needs an exit strategy, and Bush doesn't?!?!)

That there be support of the mission by the U.S. Congress and the American people;


(And since Iraq is NOT supported by the American people, we must squelch all dissent, to make it appear as if there IS the support of the American people)

Nice fucking consistency, American Legion! How about y'all go fuck yourselves, you right-wing shills?

[newscott]

81. With all due respect, and my dad's a member

Screw them.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

82. Wellllllllll

as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps I have to disagree. For the umpteenth time, protesting the illegality of the 'war' is not the same as not supporting the troops.
Trying to equate this war with the one against Hitler and Tojo is comparing apples and oranges.....

[Roland99]

83. The way I read it, they are going to protest the President. Read this:

"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu.

That's speaking volumes to me. Who has done more to demoralize our troops: by putting them in harm's way to begin with; by not properly armoring them once he did send them; by cutting their benefits when they return home?

Only one person I can think of.

[chaumont58]

86. TBOGG points out that the new commander fought the VietNam...

War in the rear area of West Germany.

snip from TBOGG"

"Cadmus is a United States Army veteran where he served as an Armored Reconnaissance Specialist from 1965 to 1967. He left the Army as a Specialist 5th (E-5). During his time in the Army he was stationed at Fort Knox, Ky. and Munich, Germany."

The Army would have loved a volunteer for VietNam duty along about 1965. Cadmus has learned it is much safer to be a warrior after one turns 50, and safely away from the combat zone.

link to TBOGG:

http://tbogg.blogspot.com/

[Malikshah]

90. Fuck em

They piss away any honor by supporting the regime.

By your actions you will be known.

[dansolo]

91. This guy should look at the oath our soldiers make

I don't know the exact wording, but don't our soldiers make an oath to defend the constitution. This guy is basically saying that the oath that our soldiers make is meaningless.

[atreides1]

96. Here it is

"I do solemnly swear(or affirm)that I will support and defend the
Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States
and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to
regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me
God."

[CatholicEdHead]

114. Note it is Constitution first then the President down the line

which shows the order in case the President is against the Constitution.

[atreides1]

141. Also Note

The military swears allegiance to the Constitution, not the Congress,
not the US Supreme Court, and especially not to the President.

[krkaufman]

92. And what would Mr Cadmus say....??

I gotta wonder what Mr Cadmus would have to say about the German people during World War 2, and whether they should have limited their objections to writing letters to their government?

Mr Cadmus seems to be missing the basic point of differentiating between just/unjust, legal/illegal, necessary/unnecessary war.

The best way to support the troops is to insure that they aren't misused. (But then the Republicans/Conservatives just don't get the whole conservation thing.)

[democrank]

95. Mr. National Commander Cadmus is

a complete and total idiot. Some of the people engaged in public protests are COMBAT VETERANS. What in the name of holy hell have we become?

[Solly Mack]

97. fuck the American Legion

[bpilgrim]

98. BROWNSHIRTS

http://media.globalfreepress.com

peace

[Blue_Tires]

123. i love that sig!!

the comments in the story could have been sprouted by Gen. Ripper or Gen. Turgidson themselves

[DanCa]

102. I can't support these guys any longer oh and what about the band aids

i am withdrawing my monthly five dollars and giving it save china's tigers. A red and blue military I thought I never see the day. Oh btw I guess it's okay for the repukes to wear purple heart band aids.

[Initech]

103. So how is exercising our first amendment right demeaning our troops?

That's pretty fucked up logic if you ask me.

Demeaning our troops would actually be something like, I dont know, using your truck to run over a makeshift memorial (that was made for the some 1900 troops killed in the war) in Crawford, Texas.

[Mythsaje]

105. I'll pass this info to my father

though I think he's a member of AmVets and the VFW rather than the American Legion. Just to make sure, though, I'll make sure he knows to avoid these asshats.

He HATES Bush and this cabal. He still thinks Iraq is better off without Saddam (which it might be--time will tell) but he's on the same page as us just about everywhere else.

[olddad56]

107. interesting paradox...

These old warriors who so gallantly defended our freedom think we should stop exercising the very freedom that they allegedly put their lives on the line for.


When it comes to mind control, Hitler has nothing on Karl Rove.

[theHandpuppet]

109. If I'm not mistaken, isn't this the military oath?

"I, {insert name here}, do solemnly swear, or affirm, that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

In other words, our servicemen and women take an oath to defend The Constitution of the United States which includes the Bill of Rights; ergo, any serviceman or woman who threatens to curtail or suppress the right to free speech and assembly granted us by this same document is, in effect, breaking the very oath he took upon entering the military.

[IndianaGreen]

110. They did this too during the Vietnam War!

American Legion is headquartered in a big Stalinist architecture building in Indianapolis, my home town. During the war in Vietnam, the AL opposed war protesters, including veterans, accusing us of being dirty communists.

They sucked then, they suck now!

[saigon68]

112. YES THEY DID, I REMEMBER THAT

THEY CALLED US "LONG HAIRED KOMMUNISTS"

P. S. THEY STILL "SUCK" TOO.

[paineinthearse]

115. The Bonus March (May-July, 1932)

Generals McArthur and Patton would be proud!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/macarthur/peopleevents/pandeAMEX89.html

The Bonus March (May-July, 1932)

Few images from the Great Depression are more indelible than the rout of the Bonus Marchers. At the time, the sight of the federal government turning on its own citizens -- veterans, no less -- raised doubts about the fate of the republic. It still has the power to shock decades later.

From the start, 1932 promised to be a difficult year for the country, as the Depression deepened and frustrations mounted. In December of 1931, there was a small, communist-led hunger march on Washington; a few weeks later, a Pittsburgh priest led an army of 12,000 jobless men there to agitate for unemployment legislation. In March, a riot at Ford's River Rouge plant in Michigan left four dead and over fifty wounded. Thus, when a band of jobless veterans, led by a former cannery worker named Walter W. Walters, began arriving in the capital in May, tensions were high. Calling themselves the "Bonus Expeditionary Forces," they demanded early payment of a bonus Congress had promised them for their service in World War I.

Army Chief of Staff MacArthur was convinced that the march was a communist conspiracy to undermine the government of the United States, and that "the movement was actually far deeper and more dangerous than an effort to secure funds from a nearly depleted federal treasury." But that was simply not the case. MacArthur's own General Staff intelligence division reported in June that only three of the twenty-six leaders of the Bonus March were communists. And the percentage within the rank and file was likely even smaller; several commanders reported to MacArthur that most of the men seemed to be vehemently anti-Communist, if anything. According to journalist and eyewitness Joseph C. Harsch, "This was not a revolutionary situation. This was a bunch of people in great distress wanting help.... These were simply veterans from World War I who were out of luck, out of money, and wanted to get their bonus -- and they needed the money at that moment."

At first, it seemed as though order might be maintained. Walters, organizing the various encampments along military lines, announced that there would be "no panhandling, no drinking, no radicalism," and that the marchers were simply "going to stay until the veterans' bill is passed." The government also did its part, as Washington Police Superintendent Pelham D. Glassford treated his fellow veterans with considerable respect and care. But by the end of June, the movement had swelled to more than 20,000 tired, hungry and frustrated men. Conflict was inevitable.

The marchers were encouraged when the House of Representatives passed the Patman veterans bill on June 15, despite President Hoover's vow to veto it. But on June 17 the bill was defeated in the Senate, and tempers began to flare on both sides. On July 21, with the Army preparing to step in at any moment, Glassford was ordered to begin evacuating several buildings on Pennsylvania Avenue, using force if necessary. A week later, on the steamy morning of July 28, several Marchers rushed Glassford's police and began throwing bricks. President Hoover ordered the Secretary of War to "surround the affected area and clear it without delay."

Conspicuously led by MacArthur, Army troops (including Major George S. Patton, Jr.) formed infantry cordons and began pushing the veterans out, destroying their makeshift camps as they went. Although no weapons were fired, cavalry advanced with swords drawn, and some blood was shed. By nightfall, hundreds had been injured by gas (including a baby who died), bricks, clubs, bayonets, and sabers.

Next came the most controversial moment in the whole affair -- a moment that directly involved General MacArthur. Secretary of War Hurley twice sent orders to MacArthur indicating that the President, worried that the government reaction might look overly harsh, did not wish the Army to pursue the Bonus Marchers across the bridge into their main encampment on the other side of the Anacostia River. But MacArthur, according to his aide Dwight Eisenhower, "said he was too busy," did not want to be "bothered by people coming down and pretending to bring orders," and sent his men across the bridge anyway, after pausing several hours to allow as many people as possible to evacuate. A fire soon erupted in the camp. While it's not clear which side started the blaze, the sight of the great fire became the signature image of the greatest unrest our nation's capital has ever known.



more......

[saigon68]

159. ANOTHER FINE MILESTONE IN THE HISTORY OF " KAPITALIST AMERIKA"

DISGUSTING

THEY WILL TREAT YOU LIKE A DOG TO FIT THEIR SELFISH AGENDA

[nwliberalkiwi]

116. Cadmus Service Record

He served in the Army from 1965 to 1967. Stationed in Kentucky and Munich, Germany. What a chicken shit, but what do you expect from this piece of shit. The American legion has long been anti-union. They could give a shit about the little guy! Screw the American Fucked-up Legion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[IndianaGreen]

135. The 24th ID Association is an honorable association of veterans

I can't believe an idiot such as Cadmus could have served in the same outfit that includes so many distinguished veterans including Barry McCafferty, Storming Norman, and Ed Rowney.

It also included some lesser individuals such as BG Herron Maples, and the first ever Sergeant Major of the Army (I believe his name was Woodbury), both of whom were implicated in the PX scandal in Vietnam. Maples was a short little prick!

Small planet!

[olddad56]

215. They are all honorable and they all think they are doing the right thing..

It isn't that these people haven't been good citizens or good husbands, or good fathers, or good neighbors. They are just like too many other people. They bought the big lie. They have been sucked into the Orwellian doublespeak of the Corporate Fascist Regime. Up is down and night is day. We are good guys and the innocent people we have killed while illegally invading a foreign and formerly sovereign state are the terrorists. We have to invade these countries to protect our freedom, too much of which we have already allowed to be taken from us. These people mean well, as did the citizens of Germany who fell into Hitler's trap. Patriotism has been replaced by Nationalism and those who buy the lie are patriots. Those who don't are left winged liberal whackos. Well over half of the citizens of these country still believe what they are told to believe by the government controlled corporate media. What is frightening to me is the huge number of young people who have fallen for the big lie.

What frightens me even more is that most people still consider the President of the United States to be above reproach. Their minds can't for a moment conceive of a world where democracy is over and they are living in a fascist state.

We're done on so many levels that all I want to do is hug my kid each day and live as if I might die today. Whew what a rant. Sorry

[powwowdancer]

117. This is why I resigned the legion... phugh

Nazi pigf*ckers, the whole lot of 'em. Their uber right wing politics are just plain evil. I was adjutant for my post and resigned when I read some dimwitted diatribe in the national rag about how stupid we as a nation are for not using the bomb! (And this was before their favorite whipping boy, 9/11!) HQ received a very nasty resignation toot sweet. All I can say is HOORAY for legionnaire's disease!

:dem:
powwowdancer out

[sjdnb]

119. 2.7 million vs about 113 million (54% that think Iraq a Mistake)

Whoopdee doo!

[ramapo]

122. Here we go again...

Boy this is oh so familiar to anybody who lived through the Vietnam era. Are the construction workers next?

[spanone]

126. You'd think that they would care the most about our soldiers.

Ignorance is hard to fight.

[sjdnb]

128. American Legion is about 10% of the Veteran Population

I'd like to know what the other 90% thinks!

[54anickel]

130. Impeccable timing what with Rummy and Shrub out calling anti-war

folks Stalinist and unpatriotic - starting to look like a full court press. Make you wonder who put a quarter into Thomas Cadmus.

[progressivebydesign]

131. Sounds like that guy is one cracker short of a tin!

I really doubt he is speaking for all his members. Just becuase someone is in the American Legion, does not make them a nutty right winger. Hey pal, didn't you get the memo? Our troops are in Iraq to DEFEND our right to protest? I mean, that's what you people have been telling us to defend that debacle.

[shanti]

132. F*^% THAT!!!

this will only make me MORE vociferous! :grr: goddam old farts!

[designforce]

136. Well, WTF - Over---

Seems the AL Commander is not listening to many of his own members. I am not a member, but I know many who are, and they do not support this war or this pres.

As a member of the Vietnam Vets of America, I feel we are are more in tune with reality than the idiot commander of the legion. Guess that is why they didn't want us in their organization back in the day.

So, a single finger salute to the AL Commander and his neocon cronies.

Peace Man, Peace

[BiggJawn]

138. Cadmus must have Kool-Aid stains on his chin.

"It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to protect would be used against their successors today as they battle terrorists bent on our destruction.”

No, you fucking worm, you wanna know what would REALLY be tragic?
If we were to give up those hard-won freedoms merely because some limp-dick with his nose firmly up the Fraud-in-Chief's ass tells us to.

There's nothing that gets my blood boiling as much as some fucking moron mouthing one of the multitudiness variations on a theme of:

"We got men DIEING over there for YOUR freedom of SPEECH! So SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!"

Fuck you, Thom Cadmus.

[olddad56]

139. If I weren't a Vietnam Vet, I'd be more likely to support the war.

The American Legion and the VFW are comprised largely of veterans who experienced some glory and like retired athletes, they want to get together and reminisce about the glory days. They aren't really a very large contingent of veterans. At least not of veterans who were in and got out after their first enlistment was up. They need to feel good about what they were forced to do under the guise of defending our country. If they didn't believe in this war, they might have to question the war they fought in and come to the realization that that war also was quite likely an illegal war.

[atreides1]

142. I joined the VFW

But instead of belonging to a specific group, I decided to become a member at large. It's better for me that way, I have a problem with my inside voice taking over sometimes, and I don't believe in being
PC or keeping my views to myself.

[progressoid]

140. Ha ha ha. Ya, that'll happen.

[thebaghwan]

144. Does this bunch of old fuckers really have any pull at all anymore?

n/t

[FlemingsGhost]

152. Old soldiers never die, they become fascists.

Cowards, all.

[pinniped]

154. WTF are they gonna do about it?

-The delegates voted to use whatever means necessary to "ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism."--

They will force people to back the BS war. Is this creep auditioning for the Comedy Store?

[Nostradamus]

156. Fascist Loonies for Christ

[maxrandb]

158. The Insanity of this Statement Floors Me!

Maybe Mr. Cadmus ought to fight for better "mental health care" for our veterans. This statement alone has got to be one of the most crazy I've heard in my entire life.

"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu.

How the hell do you get your head around that kind of logic? Might as well just say; "we will kill people who speak out to protect their freedoms"

and I'm a active duty Navy Officer with 21 years of service, and these types of statements below piss me off so much, I can't see straight.

- Cadmus added: "It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to protect would be used against their successors today as they battle terrorists bent on our destruction.”

Sure, veterans have sacrificed and fought to preserve our Constitution and our way of life, but so have people like Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, those "pesky" trial lawyers, local police and fire fighters, District Attourney's, sherrifs, activists, and YES!, EVEN PROTESTERS!!

I think those people deserve as much credit for "preserving" our freedoms, as anyone who's ever worn the uniform of our military.

[phillinweird247]

160. Fuck off you old farts and get back to drinking!

so you can't even protest in america anymore?

[slay]

163. They will NEVER stop me from protesting this war

So the fuckers might as well come after me now if they're gonna cause I'm not backing down!!! :mad:

[benito]

164. A straight up semi - rare fuck you

to Mr. Thomas Cadmus.
Go watch 'The Power of Nightmares' and drink a beer.

[Imagevision]

165. moveon.org etc. should do whatever to get millions to protest 9/24/05

A bunch from my group are going but I haven't noticed the attention that New Yorkers and visitor numbers present at Repuke convention.

United we stand and all that... anyone know of any movements going on to encourage 9/24/05 protest?


http://downingstreetmemo.com/

[hobbit709]

166. One time I had a discussion with a legionaire

He was giving me crap about my hair and my attitude. I told him that I spent 3 years, 6 months, 22 days, 7 hours and 25 minutes earning the right to wear my hair any way I wanted to and to say anything I damned well pleased.

[anotherdrew]

167. whatever means necessary - I call on them to immediately renounce violence

that kinda talk has gotten some people killed

[BlueJac]

169. Hide behind the American name

Assholes, you are hiding behind the name American in your legion of fool. They sound like commies instead of Americans......my way or the highway huh??? Oh Yes......either you are with us or you are against us....suck on this!!!!! Let freedumb ring and ring

[RetroLounge]

170. Hey Cadmus, you Dumb Fucktard!

"Cadmus added: "It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to protect would be used against their successors today as they battle terrorists bent on our destruction."

If we don't exercise those rights and freedoms, then I guess those soldiers died in vain, right? WHat good is fighting for freedom if you don't get to use it? So by exercising our rights, we are RESPECTING their contributions to retaining those rights.

Get it Moran?

RL

[longship]

171. The words, "constitutional protections be damned"

pretty much tells the whole story, don't they?

This is an unAmerican, anti-patriotic terrorist organization.

[bookman]

174. Deja Vu - All over again

Shades of Vietnam. The Legion was one of the great anti-protest groups during that quagmire.

When will we ever learn?

[go west young man]

176. There is no war on terror. Just a Republican political ploy

because they have no agenda other than corporate warfare and greed. I seriously doubt most veterans are gonna follow the words of this guy. Its paradoxical to what freedom stands for. Bush is using the military all right and these guys have fallen for it. Terrorists are not capable of really harming the U.S. on any large scale but lets see we have handed the so called enemy 1860 lives so far. What kind of strategy is this? We are fools playing right into Osama Bin Ladens hand. I hope the American legion attempt to stifle protests then the sooner we can shout em down.

[Terran]

178. Wow--"any means necessary"

D'ya suppose they'll be repudiated for saying that, the way the Black Panthers were?

Oh, no I guess not, huh. :eyes:

Amazing, that these people probably call themselves "Americans".

[GOPFighter]

179. My one-finger salute to the legion:

FUCK....
YOU!

This makes me sick to my damn stomach! Those MFers! I'm a veteran and all I can say is I did not serve my country so they can try to deny me my right to protest publically! Thomas Cadmus can kiss my DD-214.

According to their website the American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919. We must all demand Congress revoke this fascist organization's charter NOW!

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Orion The Hunter]

180. Please someone take away their Kool-Aid. eom

[freebrew]

182. Get a clue...Mr. Cadmus

The ONLY war ever fought for freedom in this country was the revolutionary war. All the others were for government imperialism or business interests. So get off that idea that your organization has any more right to these 'Rights' than any other citizen.


And as far as the military, WWII was fought and won by(mostly) civilians that VOLUTEERED to join the military. After the war, the smart ones went home. The military did shit for the protection of the constitution.

[bushisanidiot]

183. Whoever their wacko leader is will probably be thrown out on his ass

The american people are sick and tired of being told to shut up and keep waving the flag while our young men and women are getting slaughtered in a war AWOL Bush started BASED ON A LIE!

AWOL Bush should send Jenna over there to fight.. then maybe he'd get a little backing.. His "base" is even starting to turn on him.. all he has left are the gun-nut wackos who are looking for any excuse possible to shoot brown skinned people.. here or abroad.

[Amsterdam Hooligan]

184. Not This Viet-Nam Vet

Man Fuck Them.....That`s the reason I don`t belong to ANY of those organizations....In the words of Colonel Kurtz(Marlon Brando) in Apocalypse Now....."Errand boys, sent by grocery clerks to collect the bill".......

[classysassy]

185. The Legion

a bunch of old retarded clowns that love mayham,f--- them all.

[PurpleChez]

187. WTF?

One more bunch of pro-murder yahoos who believe that a president (make that REPUBLICAN president) takes on papal infalibility when they declare war. Mustn't question the war the president started, coz we're at war!

[fudge stripe cookays]

189. With this situation, I'm reminded of....

those who attacked the Suffragettes outside the White House in 1917.

"You can't protest President Wilson! There's a war going on!"

Well, they did, and they WON, despite being locked up in a workhouse, beaten, force fed through a tube during a hunger strike, and otherwise abused!

Oh that's right....These are Republicans we're talking about. They don't even think women should be voting; let alone having been able to enter the workforce or do anything besides BREED.

FSC

[despairing optimist]

190. Another outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. Wasn't it cured?

I guess this is the second wave, causing delusions of infallibility and imperial arrogance.

See you guys in the courts and on the streets. Liberty is too precious to entrust to any government, as you so amply demonstrate by your decrees.

[Doctor Panacea]

192. Total shitheads

There are so many posts here that I know nobody will even read mine ... but, anyhoosel ... these people are mostly overweight old drunks with swollen prostates. Nearly all of them are hypocritical fascists. They LOVE for the government to give them a disability check or to provide medical care to THEM, but just let anyone suggest that all Americans should get medical care, and they start sqawking about socialism. I have nothing but contempt for these half-demented old bastards. I have always despised them and their idiotic hats, and I despise them now even more. They were mostly despicable assholes when they were young and were wreaking havoc around the world (including here in the U.S.), and they are even worse now that they are old and can only remember their previous glories.

End of rant.

[Nightwing]

193. Simply an example of what happens.......

...when you drink too much Rethuglican Kool-Aid. I bet they support Pat Robertson too, drunken fools!

[rateyes]

195. What are they freaking going to do?

Are they going to take up arms against their fellow citizens? Are they declaring civil war, or martial law, with them being the "law." What an asshat bunch of BS to say. "Every means necessary to ensure the united backing"---what the hell does that mean?

On edit: Every one of them took an oath to protect and defend the constitution against every enemy, foreign and domestic--are they saying that we are the "enemies" of the constitution--a constitution that has always provided for the right to speech against government, the right to protest, the right to petition for a redress of our grievances. They don't own the constitution. Why do they hate America?

[azmesa207]

196. American Legion Declares war on Protesters

I a member of the Legion
He does not speak for me

[SlavesandBulldozers]

198. "I Did NOT See My Friends Go Face Down In The Muck

so that Some Strumpet, Some Whore, can run around in Crawford and tell the CHIMP WHAT TO DO!"

[jurassicpork]

199. Are these

old farts in tight, moth-eaten uniforms forgetting that even dear Leader recognized (albeit giving lip service) Cindy Sheehan's constitutional right to have her say? Has this Freeper movement taken a life of its own?

God help us if they stop listening to Bush and become even more extreme than him.

JP
http://jurassicpork.blogspot.com/2005/08/meanwhile-on-roarke-farm.html

[Dukkha]

200. BRING IT ON YOU SPINELESS COWARDS!

The American Legion in action:



I recall when intolerant fascists like you tried to stop protesters before. You fat lazy scumbags don't have the guts to come out and face us. I invite you to try and stop me and see what happens to you!

[DirtyDawg]

201. From my observation...

...and having witnessed it first hand with my father and friends...about the only purpose the American Legion serves is as a place for tired old farts to kill their livers and to drive them to an early grave. Regardless of 'dry counties' and 'blue laws' there's always a place where guys can go to drink and to smoke their asses off...then go home and pass out.

I've pretty much stopped trying to discuss anything with them. They just spout the old 'my country right or wrong' line. Of course it hasn't even dawned on them that 'the prez' might just be wrong...hell, they're still buyin' whatever he feeds 'em - laced with a full dose of flag and patriotism - after all, it's just them 'librals, niggers, fags along with the rest of them hate 'Merica firsters', that's raisin' all the ruckus.

In fact I wonder if it will even matter to them when they find out that he's lied all along to get us into this war. They'd just say 'well he must have had a good reason'.

[anotherdrew]

202. text of email to their 'commander'

This is only very slightly changed from a letter they sent to Clinton calling for withdraw from Yugoslavia... (I added some editorial comments in parens () )

=====

Here's a rewrite for you - perhaps you'd like to release it:

Dear Mr. President:

The American Legion, a wartime veterans organization of nearly three-million members, urges the immediate withdrawal of American troops participating in "Operation Iraqi Freedom.''

The National Executive Committee of The American Legion, meeting in Indianapolis today, adopted Resolution XX, titled "The American Legion's Statement on Iraq.'' This resolution was debated and adopted unanimously.

Mr. President, the United States Armed Forces should never be committed to wartime operations unless the following conditions are fulfilled:

* That there be a clear statement by the President of why it is in our vital national interests to be engaged in hostilities; ( bush has offered only CLEAR bullshit, a better way could have been found to rid the world of saddam. Atanyrate the occupation has been so badly bugled by bush's crony capitalism crooks that any hope of the US resolving things is ended. The Iraqi's themselves will have to rebuild their country, after a civil war if need be)

* Guidelines be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy; ( we have NO EXIT STRATEGY and in fact bush may not have intended to ever exit )

* That there be support of the mission by the U.S. Congress and the American people; ( the people have never supported this insane war, 51% yes means 49% vehemently disagree. ) and

* That it be made clear that U.S. Forces will be commanded only by U.S. officers whom we acknowledge are superior military leaders. ( many of our troops in iraq have basicly been commanded by private contractors. )

It is the opinion of The American Legion, which I am sure is shared by the majority of Americans, that three of the above listed conditions have not been met in the current joint operation with the 'coalition of the willing' ("Operation Iraqi freedom'').

In no case should America commit its Armed Forces in the absence of clearly defined objectives agreed upon by the U.S. Congress in accordance with Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution of the United States.

Sincerely,
Harold L. "Butch'' Miller,
National Commander

[Dukkha]

203. Contact The National A.L. here demand Cadmus' resignation

http://www.legion.org/activeduty/?content=help_contact

Email Camdus Directly here:
http://www.legion.org/activeduty/?content=contact_us&con=NatlCmdr

or call his office at [phone]

[namvet73]

204. From two more vets, dead and alive.....

My late WWII veteran father didn't want to have anything to do with them.
I am a Vet who served on cold war and Vietnam assignments. I don't want anything to do with them either.

..!.. Hi diddle diddle, the finger in the middle!

[PurpleChez]

205. I would have thought that REAL veterans like those in the VFW

would be dead-serious about war and would resist the cavalier use of the military by the chickenshit chickenhawks in BushCo. Their blind support of *'s mass murder is disgusting.

[jdadd]

206. Renew?

I've been a dues paying member for 18 years....I've got the request for renewal right here on my desk....Ha!!....not now!!..I never attend meetings or any functions...the only reason I kept sending in my dues was...I felt the american legion was somehow helpful to the veterans in saving things like va healthcare ETC..Think I'll send them a little note this year instead of money....

[kissmygrits]

207. Alzheimer Legion.

Hi guys, let's not take them seriously. Poor befuddled fools are senile and wear diapers. Most have Alzheimer's and have to have a guardian handle their affairs. More than likely they think Bush Daddy Vet. is in office and not DUBYA. They are confused. Just the Beer and medications talking for them. What are they going to do, block a protest with their wheelchairs? 30 minutes in the sun at a protest would stroke most of them out or put them in a pine box, that is if any of them don't get lost on the way to an anti war protest.

[cornermouse]

208. Well, I can see that I won't be buying any more poppies.

"The delegates voted to use whatever means necessary to "ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism."

Whatever means necessary? As in force?

Clearly, Bush's legacy is destruction of the American way of life; the American dream.

[schrodingers_cat]

209. Oh.....my.....should I be scared?!? Put me in a ring with one of those old

hairy-eared, chicken-necked, whiskey-eyed geezers.....this middle-aged woman would love the opportunity to flip that silly little cap off of one of their little sarcoma-ed heads and drag them back to their corner by the ear...

[V Lee]

211. I'm trying to see this from his point of view ...

... but I can't get my head up my ass that far.


>> What’s on Bill’s mind? Political commentary with attitude and more at http://www.BillsBrain.com

[barbtries]

212. legion

that's so unamerican - thomas jefferson is turning in his grave

[TechBear_Seattle]

213. They are calling for the EXACT same fascism they had previously fought

How very, very saddening.

[splat@14]

214. I emailed these jerk offs yesterday over this. They are suppose to

be looking out for veterans not taking political stance. That said, they took a stance against Clinton during the Kosavo (sp?) war sayin he shouldn't commit troops without an exit plan. Looks like they have been bought and paid for.

[KamaAina]

216. Great. That was our big convention this year.

We badly need a new policy to cover situations like this:

NO ALOHA FOR FASCISTS!!!

[uncertainty1999]

217. American LESION n/t

[Mr_Spock]

218. Fucking bunch of fascist morons

These are Americans? I don't think so.

[VPStoltz]

219. I'm sure they have a web site (maybe not). BURY THEM!!!

[mcg]

222. Sounds like a terrorist threat.

"The delegates voted to use whatever means necessary to "ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism."

Creepy, what does 'whatever means necessary' mean?

Translations:
ensure > force
support our troops > submit to the neocons
global war on terrorism > invasion and occupation of Iraq

[Broken_Hero]

223. Ha, whatever.

I bet these people don't even know what day it is...

[mermaid]

225. WTF?!?!?

Cadmus added: "It would be tragic if the freedoms our veterans fought so valiantly to protect would be used against their successors today as they battle terrorists bent on our destruction.”

So, our veterans fought only for freedoms for other soldiers, and not the CITIZENS of this country?? These people will stand up against ordinary citizens right to speak out and dissent, and stand against the First Amendment rights of non-soldier CITIZENS?? And some of the war protestors are, guess what??? VETERANS!!!

This is too much!

WTF?!?!
:wtf:

[Zhade]

226. Hey, here's an idea - fuck off, you fascist assholes.

NT!

[benfranklin1776]

230. Then I guess they will be standing against Bush.

"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples,"

By that standard then they should make the impeachment of Junior their number one priority since he was, after all, the person who endangered the lives of US troops in Iraq by a.) putting them in harm's way by illegally launching his war and b.)once they were in extreme danger he, the penultimate chickenhawk, amplified the danger by exhorting and encouraging attacks on them by petulantly bellowing "Bring it On" to the enemy.

Of course they do not since it is clear from this idiot's diatribe worthy of Benito Mussolini that its leadership stands foursquare on the side of repression."Glorious leader can do no wrong and must be worshipped with unquestioning allegiance," is their credo evidently. Anyone who heartily embraces jackbooted silencing of governmental criticism establishes themselves as the most serious menace to the very constitution and fundamental freedoms they purport to defend. People of Mr. Cadmuses' ilk who embrace the forcible silencing of those who would criticize the government are the pseudopatriotic wolves in hypernationalistic sheep's clothing whose unchecked zeal to enforce blind goose stepping loyalty of people to whatever lunatic course their government herds them will most certainly devour this country's most basic freedoms from within. If Mr. Cadmus wishes to see the true threat to liberty I recommend he get himself a very large mirror.

[The White Tree]

236. Hey I just posted that

Sorry, didn't see yours in all the posts.

Guess great minds think alike.

:toast: to you :patriot:

[benfranklin1776]

248. Indeed sir they do!

But it is a salient point definitely worth repeating. I gladly return your :toast: and wish for a speedy end to this long national nightmare.

[The White Tree]

235. So the American Legion is against President George Bush

After all Mr. Cadmus did say, "The American Legion will stand against anyone..that would..endanger their (our troops) lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples,"

Perhaps he is not aware of the Presidents statement to the terrorists and insurgence in 2003 to, "Bring it on".

Could their be any words that were ever more encouraging to them and endangering to our troops?

[jokerman93]

238. Quaint

n/t

[RaleighNCDUer]

240. "...encouraging terrorists..."

Right. I'm sure the bad guys in Tikrit are keeping a close eye on the op-ed page of the N&O.

[CBHagman]

242. If you need to contact them...

...here's the link.

http://www.legion.org/index.php?content=help_contact

[PurpleChez]

244. The system that these butchers support reminds me

of nothing so much as the over-the-top scene (one of many) from the film version of Pink Floyd's The Wall with the kids rolling down the assembly line and being ground into sausage . No matter how bad things get there remains this core of fundies, thumpers, borderline fascists, and war fetishists who believe that This President, unlike any before him in history, must be obeyed without question. It is disturbing that such infalibility should be conferred upon any president, let alone the most dim-witted in history.

[goforit]

246. This will split this organization!!!

[benfranklin1776]

249. A brilliant and powerful rejoinder to Mr. Cadmuses bleatings

Authored by a true patriot in every sense of the word, a Mr.Sean T. Lewis who is worthy of the highest regard and admiration. :applause: :applause:


http://www.buzzflash.com/contributors/05/08/con05305.html

Despite the Legion's support for European Fascism and Benito Mussolini 70 years ago, I felt that those sympathies of the past were just that: the past -- a dark chapter in the otherwise stalwart history of The American Legion.

Yesterday, you proved me wrong.

That your address to the National Convention this week repeated as fact the lies by which this country was led down the path to war in Iraq is despicable, but of only secondary importance to me. Passage of Resolution #3, and your statement that anti-war demonstrations should be suppressed "by any means necessary" is taken directly from playbooks written by Goebbels, Marcos and Duvalier.

I cannot speak for you, but I enlisted, trained and fought with the ideal and willingness to protect and defend the rights of all Americans, not only the ones who agree with me. First among these rights, enumerated appropriately in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, are the freedoms of Speech, of Assembly, of Association, of Religion and of the Press.

Now The American Legion has taken an official stand against The Constitution of the United States. You should be ashamed.

[dchill]

251. "anyone and any group"

Sounds like a perfect description of Bush & the Neocons to me:

"The American Legion will stand against anyone and any group that would demoralize our troops, or worse, endanger their lives by encouraging terrorists to continue their cowardly attacks against freedom-loving peoples," Thomas Cadmus, national commander, told delegates at the group's national convention in Honolulu.

"To 'ensure the united backing of the American people to support our troops and the global war on terrorism.'" Yes. Bring them home, NOW.

[VP505]

252. national commander, clueless on the bill of rights.

I am wondering what rights and freedom's the national commander and his fellow legionnaire's think they fought for, if it wasn't the absolute right to dissent, and the Bill Of Rights that guarantee's it.
:patriot:

[paineinthearse]

253. Fantastic op-ed in the Niagra Falls Reporter

See http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=103&topic_id=151630&mesg_id=151641