American Legion Declares War on Protestors -- Media Next?

[brettdale]

American Legion Declares War on Protestors -- Media Next?

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

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, even though they are protected by the Bill of Rights.

"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.

[Frances]

1. This group speaks for some of those who came back alive

(They don't speak for my vet husband!). Cindy speaks as the mother of one who did NOT come back alive.

[Fenris]

2. Again, someone please explain to me how it "demoralizes" soldiers...

When someone suggests maybe they shouldn't be dying.

[Theres-a]

3. Anyone else get the feeling

Mr. Cadmus probably doesn't speak for all 2.7 million members?

[Raster]

8. Absolutely. It's time for members of the Legion that don't support this

immoral war to stand and be counted. Don't let the attack dogs set the terms. You can support the warrior and not the war. And quite frankly, the Vets should be pissed. bushco* has pretty much spit in their face. I dare ANYONE to take a good, long, hard, comprehensive look at bushco and their policies relating to Vets, their healthcare and their benefits. It is disgraceful. Military people, past and present, are starting to realize the only thing real about bushco* is the dis-ingenuousness. They'll tell you what you want to hear, just to keep you towing their line. bushco* doesn't give a shit about the Vets or the Military. They're just a means to an end. It's time for EVERYONE to stand up and be counted.

[MaggieSwanson]

4. My Grandpa won't be very pleased to hear that...

A proud veteran of WW2, he's been very supportive of my protests, he stood up for me after I was arrested for an act of civil disobedience at a * rally, and he's given me his encouragement to try to make it to the DC protest.

He and Grandma eat dinner once a month at the local Legion hall...he won't stand for any shit from any of them. I'd hate it if anyone gave him any.

[XOKCowboy]

20. My Dad was a WW2 vet...

He passed away 2 years ago and was adamantly against this administration and this hideous war. Same with VietNam and it was the reason he quit the American Legion. He'd go to the Legion Hall if someone was putting on a dinner or something but wanted no part of their politics.

I miss hearing his views on the world situation now. He'd be mighty pissed that Bush won reelection and the way he's bringing the country to it's knees. I'd love to hear his views on this AL leader dissing political dissent. He knew the true value of freedom and I'm glad he taught me lots of those lesson.

Miss ya Pop!

[whistle]

5. The American Legionnaires are a bunch of drunks are they not?

...Every American Legion hall I've ever seen sells cheap booze, is filled with smoke and has lots of gambling and pool playing going on.

"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,". Okay, they should be standing against Donald Rumsfeld based on that statement.

[Arkana]

6. And we're supposed to be scared?

I'm fairly sure that many of the Vietnam, Korea, and WWII vets probably feel a bit differently. Just because the commander is a Freepazoid doesn't mean its members are.

Hell, I know some Legion guys who are vehemently opposed to the war.

[GoneOffShore]

7. Maybe someone should send him the pic

that is posted here.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4450730
Guess he didn't get the 'no bullshit' memo.

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

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

[mitchtv]

12. welcome to DU Billy Clinton

enjoy your stay; first Post, wow

[Theres-a]

13. WTF?

[Libby2]

10. They don't speak for my vet husband either.

Who the hell does he think he is?
Bush?

[wli]

11. so Bushler's going to sponsor vigilantes to shoot Democrats? n/t

[knight_of_the_star]

14. The new SA

Except I wouldn't be surprised if most of the brownshirts give Bush the finger instead of SIEG HEIL!

[Pushed To The Left]

15. My dad is in the Legion

and he can't stand the Bush Administration!

[UTUSN]

16. Well, Consider the Source

I was in a VFW Post BAR (it's all about the drinking), and an American Legion WW II dude (old, fat, White) said, "All Mexicans are queer."

So, are his opinions better than anybody's?

[newswolf56]

17. This is frightening for two reasons:

(1)-The Legion wouldn't be doing this without huge backing from on high, both within the government and the oligarchy itself.

(2)-This is not the first time there's been an effort to use the Legion as stormtroopers: Google "gen. smedley butler" for the story of how the oligarchy schemed a fascist coup against FDR (and how it was thwarted at the last minute). This time we may not be so lucky.

[rockribbedliberal]

18. Not to mention flagrantly unconstitutional.

The right to assemble peacefully is guaranteed by the First Amendment. There's no clause that says, "Except in wartime, when all those with grievances must write their Congressman instead lest their plaints demoralize our troops."

[newyawker99]

24. Hi rockribbedliberal!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[oasis]

19. Those who would take away my 1st amendment rights are my enemies. I don't

give a shit what they fought for in the past.

[Mr_Spock]

21. Fucking bunch of facist morons

What the fuck is wrong with these people anyway?

[durutti]

22. "...the Fascisti are to Italy what the... Legion is to the United States

So said Commander-in-Chief Alvin Owsley at their 1923 convention.

[Cleita]

23. Well, it looks like they have been infiltrated with the

Koolaid drinkers. Screw their fatwa, as far as I am concerned. I am really getting concerned with the war culture in this country. War for war's sake isn't cool.

It would make more sense if the military base economy was alive and well, but it isn't. They are closing the bases as I speak. So these geezers of former wars really need to open their eyes to what is really happening.