My letter to the American Legion (re: War on Protestors)

[iconoclastic cat]

As has been discussed all over the internets today, the American Legion is apparently going to go all Minuteman on our asses:

American Legion Declares War on Protestors -- Media Next?

NEW YORK 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.”
(more)

This is what I wrote to Mr. Cadmus:

Dear Mr. Cadmus:
This past Memorial Day, I was thrilled to march with your proud members for a beautiful event at Rosehill Cemetery on Chicago's north side. Those men died for freedom of speech. Everyone's speech. Even if we don't agree with what is spoken.

To hear it said that such speech must be supressed made me question what those men died to protect: was it the right to speak freely, or the right to speak only when nobody is offended.

I am truly saddened by such remarks.

Here is a link to their contact page: http://www.legion.org/?content=help_contact

Here is a discussion at Daily Kos: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/24/165411/706

You know what to dU.

[redacted]

1. OUTRAGEOUS! Thank you IC, nominated

The AL statements in the E&P article are so bizarre I had to read the article a second time.

[iamahaingttta]

2. Fuck the American Legion!

"'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."

Thomas, you ignorant slut! I certainly don't want to demoralize our troops, but I do want to GET THEM THE HELL OUT OF A PLACE THEY SHOULD NOT BE IN THE FIRST PLACE!!! Fuck you Thomas!

"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.'"

United backing of the American people? Are these legionaries fucking idiots? The American people have NEVER been united in ANY issue EVER! And, by any means necessary?

PEOPLE! The fucking American Legion is trying to start a civil war! That's what that sounds like to me! By any means necessary? What, is the fucking American Legion imitating Malcom X now?

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.”

Oh shut the fuck up, would you Thomas. You simply have no idea what you are talking about. That is the least rational bit of non-sense I've ever heard! OUR NATION IS KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE IN ORDER TO STEAL THEIR OIL.

Shut up, Thomas, just SHUT UP!!!!

(FWIW - I have nothing but respect for any military person who would go into harm's way to protect this country! Obviously!)

[bryant69]

3. Well you know protecting America doesn't mean Protecting American Values

Apparently.

Wait a second, does that strike anybody else as contradictory?

Bryant
Check it out--> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[atreides1]

4. I sent one too

Only mine wasn't so nice. I did point out that perhaps Mr. Cadmus
would feel more comfortable standing under either the Swastika or the Hammer and Sickle, considering that he didn't believe in the Constituion or any of the freedoms that are guaranteed by that document.

There was more and none of it was complimentary, but this man in my opinion would sell out this country just to look good.

[matt819]

5. My response

Your remarks today were, frankly, despicable. To encourage the suppression of free speech is not what you and your fellow veterans fought for. To suggest otherwise is to pervert and subvert the meaning of freedom and democracy. That you have such little faith in your member and your fellow Americans to suggest that legitimate protest is threatening is sad. To support a foolhardy war in which more than 1,800 American soldiers have died is truly tragic.

You should be ashamed.

[iconoclastic cat]

7. You know, what pisses me off is that he doen't appear to see the conflict.

How can't he see that what he's saying is anti-American? And how can he justify oppressing me?

I planted flags on the graves of servicemen this year, Mr. Cadmus, and now you hate me for speaking out?

[giant_robot]

6. I said it in LBN, and I'll say it again...

...Mr. Cadmus, say hello to my little friend.



Especially from this veteran to you.

[w8liftinglady]

8. I wasn't as kind as you

QUOTE-My son is active duty Army,in Iraq for the third time.I was highly offended by your comments regarding the anti-war protestors.Do you know what is demoralizing our troops?it's not having the equipment they need,or having to eat crap while the contractors eat the soldiers' food...or seeing your buddy blown up while your commander-in-chief lies to your face and changes his story...or having your service time extended(stop/loss),so that you can blow up more innocent citizens...or seeing a secular government you destroyed become a religious state,where the women have no rights..or getting your leave cancelled 3 times because the Republicans don't want to send their precious children to fight next to you.
You,sir,are unAmerican if you truly believe that the right to protest an injust war should be forbidden.I hope you don't have any kids over there that you worry about 24/7...even if they do make it home,your commander-in-chief has riddled the VA,so they won't get the care they need anyway.

[mmonk]

9. I was thinking of sending one

that began in German. Then I would say my father fought against people who spoke that language and thought like you.

[KerryOn]

10. Fabulous Response!

Short sweet and right on the money!
One of the best responses I have seen.

Kicked and Nominated