Rep. Charles Rangel (D–NY) doesn’t believe that the military is a “decent” career choice. In fact, he believes the only people who join the military are those too poor or too uneducated to have better options.
This is highly insulting to the men and women who have decided that defending their nation is not only a “decent” career choice, but a noble calling that most men and women don’t have the heart, the courage, nor the conviction to undertake.
The Left-o-sphere and at least one of my progressive readers doesn’t think what Rep. Charlie said was “insulting” to our troops. To them I would say, “How about we let those whom Rep. Charlie was talking about decide for themselves if they are offended or insulted?”
The American Legion, for one, has decided that Rep. Charlie owes them an apology:
“Our military is the most skilled, best-trained all-volunteer force on the planet,†said National Commander Paul A. Morin. “Like that recently espoused by Sen. John Kerry, Congressman Rangel’s view of our troops couldn’t be further from the truth and is possibly skewed by his political opposition to the war in Iraq.†[...]
[...] “These brave men and women lay it on the line every day for each and every one of us, for which I am very grateful,†Morin said. “Their selfless commitment for the betterment of our world from radical extremists is beyond commendable. It’s time for members of Congress to stop insulting our troops.
“While The American Legion shares the congressman’s appreciation for education, the troops in Iraq represent the most sophisticated, technologically superior military that the world has ever seen,†Morin said. “I call on Congressman Rangel to not only apologize to our troops but to also fight for pay increases and make significant improvements to the current GI Bill - reserves and guard included, as he prepares for a party chairmanship in the 110th Congress.â€
Hoohah, Sir!
_________
Remember when Sen. John Kerry said he wouldn’t apologize to Veterans and active duty soldiers for implying that Soldiers are stupid (it might not be what he meant, but it’s indisputably what he said)? The Liberal blogosphere agreed with Sen. Kerry, and told veterans and active duty troops that since Kerry didn’t mean to offend them, they had no grounds for feeling insulted.
When Kerry finally did issue his faux-pology, it was roundly rejected by Veterans and active duty troops as the insincere tripe that it was.
As a veteran who left a prestigious private college after my sophomore year to go fight in Operation Desert Storm — and a veteran who has since parlayed his military experience and background into a very lucrative and gratifying career (read: decent) — I demand and expect a sincere apology from Rep. Rangel.
I won’t be holding my breath though.
For those who haven’t served, please don’t condescend to me and tell me that what Rep. Rangel and Sen. Kerry said wasn’t “insulting”. They were talking about me and my brothers (literally and figuratively). I’ll weigh and judge their words and their intent on my own. You might not have been offended…but that’s because they weren’t talking about you.
As a career civil servant, I’m here to tell you that it does not matter what Kerry or Rangel intended (despite my personal belief that each of them meant every word of what they said). In the government, as these guys ought to know, it’s perception that’s important, not reality. Therefore, if anybody perceives an insult (and it need not be the intended target of the insult), then it was an insult. Period.
You, other veterans and active and reserve military personnel are entitled to your apology.
Left by DHammett on November 28th, 2006 at 12:42 pm