Clipmarks | Veterans Clips

Milwaukee Has A Birthday Party For Harley-Davidson

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:23:04 GMT

clipped by: BartendingBear
clipper's remarks: I'm no fan of Harley, but this weekend the whole city is Harley crazy.

Clip Source: www.jsonline.com

It has been more than a century in the making, and today everything comes together for Harley-Davidson Inc.’s 105th anniversary party.

tens of thousands of Harley riders have rolled into Milwaukee for events that range from a biker parade on Wisconsin Ave. to the Bruce Springsteen concert at Veterans Park.

Harley’s 100th anniversary bash in 2003 attracted more than 200,000 people. It’s hard to say whether this four-day event is attracting as many bikers, yet Milwaukee-area hotels are sold out and thousands of motorcyclists are staying at campgrounds.

Parade

9 a.m. from 35th St. and Wisconsin Ave. to Summerfest grounds. 7,500 bikes.

House of Harley-Davidson, a motorcycle dealership at S. 60th St. and W. Layton Ave., has barricaded about four city blocks of Layton for a motorcycle party.

Two dozen bands, including Daughtry, Peter Frampton, Buddy Guy.

Springsteen

concert:

8:30 p.m. Veterans Park. 60,000-plus singing “Thunder Road.”

Tags: harley, davidson

"Enough!" - excerpt from the Obama speech

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:19:19 GMT

clipped by: masbury
clipper's remarks: This country is more decent, more generous, more compassionate ...
Bravo! How true.

Clip Source: sage

This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement, finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work.

This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he's worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news.

We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes.

Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land -- enough!

Because next week, in Minnesota, the same party that brought you two terms of George Bush and Dick Cheney will ask this country for a third. And we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight

Tags: obama

McCain once again shows he doesn't have the interests of the American people at heart.

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:16:05 GMT

clipped by: arnaz
clipper's remarks: What a stud...

Clip Source: thinkprogress.org

Sen. McCain has consistently voted against expansion of VA funding. So if he says the VA’s not working, it’s in part because he hasn’t funded it properly. … A lot of vets groups are going to push back against the card because it may be on the path toward privatization. So we’ve got to really make the VA as strong as it can be, and that should be our priority.

Voted AGAINST providing $430 million to the VA for outpatient care “and treatment for veterans,” one of only 13 senators to do so.

Voted AGAINST increasing VA funding by $1.5 billion by closing corporate loopholes.

Voted AGAINST increasing VA funding by $1.8 billion by ending “abusive tax loopholes.

McCain can try to convince veterans groups that he opposes privatization, but considering his disdain for government-sponsored health care, it’s no surprise he wants to put veterans health into the hands of private business.

IAVA Director: If McCain Thinks The VA Isn’t Working, ‘It’s In Part Because He Hasn’t Funded It’»

Tags: elections 08, mccain, veterans

Get To Know Tim Pawlenty

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:24:37 GMT

clipped by: n2sooners
clipper's remarks: Speculation is that he's the man for McCain. Looks to be a solid but not very exciting pick. He does have more experience that Obama, and would be the only candidate in the race that isn't a US senator and who has executive experience.

From what I can tell, this guy would help more than hurt McCain, but I don't think he would have a major impact either way right away. Looks like he would be a safe pick that could put Minnesota into play, but not an exciting pick like Alaska's Sarah Palin or Oklahoma's Dr. No Tom Coburn or even Joe Lieberman (not that I think he would be a good pick, but he would be exciting).

Clip Source: www.redstate.com

Governor Pawlenty grew up in South St. Paul, Minnesota. The only child in his family to graduate from college, he attended the University of Minnesota (B.A., J.D.) and practiced law in the private sector. His public service career includes serving as a city councilmember and ten-year member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, including four years as House Majority Leader.

As Governor, he has balanced Minnesota's budget three times without raising taxes

accomplishments include

new benefits for veterans and members of the military

a property tax cap

eliminating the marriage penalty and cutting taxes

toughening the state's education standards

reforming the way teachers are paid through a nation-leading performance pay plan

free-market health care reforms that increase accountability and provide tax credits to encourage the use of health savings accounts

a plan to Americanize our energy sources by generating 25% of the state's electricity from renewable sources by 2025

Tags: mccain, pawlenty, minnesota, politics

veterans Against War

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:40:52 GMT

clipped by: klippety
clipper's remarks: Delivering those messages is one of the clear signs that not all soldiers are going to that war at all cost and for an indefinite time. And no war against Iran

Clip Source: www.commondreams.org

Published on Thursday, August 28, 2008 by Rocky Mountain News (Colorado)

3,000 Vets, War Protesters Hand-Deliver Their Message

DNEVER - "Follow Us. Welcome to Denver," read the electronic sign on the police vehicle.

Members of Iraq Veterans Against The War (IVAW) march in downtown Denver, leading several thousands activists towards The Pepsi Center. While some feared police would attempt to stop the march, officers surprised the group by escorting the protesters through city streets, redirecting traffic and pedestrians along the way. (Photo: Rocky Mountain News)

And with that conciliatory gesture, an unpermitted march for peace was allowed to proceed Wednesday afternoon through downtown Denver streets - peacefully.

It was easily the largest demonstration in a week filled with them.

See video of the march here and here.

After about an hourlong standoff with police at the end of the march, contact was made with an Obama aide. Mission accomplished.

Remarks of Two OEF and OIF Veterans, DNC 2008, and Success!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:15:45 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: Go to the link to read the transcript.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: jimstaro

Thu Aug 28

In case you missed these powerful words from Two of our Countries Dedicated Veterans of the Current Occupation Theaters.

Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan can be Proud of these two, your brother and sister Veterans, as can the Families of All who are Serving and have Served, for You All are the Only Ones Sacrificing as this Country refuses to understand that Sacrifice!

The 'Honorable Cause' is the protection of your brother's and sister's as they protect you, in any conflict theater this nation sends those that serve it, wrong or right!

This Country must Now make it Right for All of You, it has Shirked It's Full Responsibility for far too long, from Korea to the Present Day, that must End!!

Remarks of Two OEF and OIF Veterans, DNC 2008, and Success!

[Video]

This Was Just Sent To Me (0.00 / 0)

"A Picture Speaks A Thousand Words"

A Soldier and Child

Tags: iraq, afghanistan, occupation

Vets on the Ground at the DNC and "Operation First Casualty"

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:44:48 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: The rest of this story and links will follow.

Three comments by the troops.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Neil Riley

Wed Aug 27

It's good to see Veterans are in Denver bringing attention back to the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The AP doesn't really go into much detail but they offer some analysis:

The Iraq veterans in Denver say they want to keep the war and veterans' issues in the public spotlight. They are doing that by soliciting donations at fundraisers for vets running for Congress, marching in demonstrations and throwing a concert Wednesday, headlined by Rage Against the Machine, for 8,000 people.
........
The public's welcoming of this generation of veterans had led to a different approach by young veterans who challenge the system, said Don Goldstein, a professor of public and international affairs at the University of Pittsburgh. Also, he said, the Internet has made communication easier.
"They are quieter, more organized now than ever before," Goldstein said.

[Video]

Tags: dnc, iraq, afghanistan

PTSD and the war

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:55:18 GMT

clipped by: prkkwalker
clipper's remarks: homework

Clip Source: www.iava.org

Instead of screening returning troops through a face-toface interview with a mental health professional, the DOD relies on an ineffective system of paperwork to conduct mental health evaluations.

Effective treatment is also scarce for veterans who have left the military.

According to the American Psychological Association, there are “significant barriers to receiving mental health care in the Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) system.”

Pelosi's Shameful Record of Voting Against Military

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:32:37 GMT

clipped by: merrie
clipper's remarks: Despite the calls for improved military absentee voting procedures by the people affected most, not a single Democrat crossed the aisle to co-sponsor a bill introduced by Rep. Roy Blunt that would have created a clearer path to having absentee military ballots counted in the 2008 election and beyond.

Democrats, led by Speaker Pelosi, ultimately killed efforts to improve GI suffrage instead of working to extend the most basic democratic right to the men and women serving our country overseas. America is not fooled by Pelosi's empty words.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Charles Henry wrote in the July issue of the U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings: 'While virtually everyone involved...seems to agree that military people deserve at least equal opportunity when it comes to having their votes counted, indications are that in November 2008, many thousands of service members who try to vote will do so in vain.' (Washington Post, 7/24/08)

Clip Source: blog.nrcc.org

Last night, Speaker Nancy Pelosi took the podium and shamelessly pandered to members and veterans of America's military with empty lines intended to trick the American people into believing that the Democrat-controlled Congress might have accomplished something worthwhile over the course of the last two years. Unsurprisingly, Pelosi's words rang hollow, which is to be expected from the leader of the most unpopular Congress in the nation's history. Her tepid support for the military in last night's speech can't hide the Democrat majority's shameful record of voting against military members and veterans.

Though Pelosi would like veterans to think that, despite her previous record, she is now a great supporter of the American military, she refused to support a June 2008 bill that would have made overseas absentee voting easier for military members. According to a report in the Washington Post:

Tags: pelosi, u.s.troops, absentee voting, roy blunt's bill

Open Letter to Senator John McCain

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:29:40 GMT

clipped by: cptenaud
clipper's remarks: Let's talk about another POW: Floyd James Thompson. Outside of the military, and even inside, I doubt there are few that have ever heard of him. (Read this book for a full history) He was the longest held POW in US History, just 10 days short of 9 years in captivity during the Vietnam War. He was a pilot and shot down just like you, Senator McCain. Why has the general public never heard of him and his sacrifice on behalf of the nation though? I guess its because he never used his experience for personal gain or notoriety. His story is much sadder actually. After his release, his marriage fell apart, he developed a drinking problem, and eventually suffered a massive heart attack. He represented the plight of so many POW's, he suffered silently, forgotten by a country trying to heal the still open wounds from the Vietnam War.

Clip Source: www.vetvoice.com

by: Neil Riley

Tue Aug 26

To the Senior Senator from Arizona:

Apparently you don't read the diaries on Vetvoice. It's OK and I'm not at all surprised. You haven't been listening to the needs and concerns of this country's veterans for sometime now. I am writing you in response to your extremely troubling appearance last night on Jay Leno's program. When questioned on the number of homes you own (or really your wife), you dodged the question and again played the POW card. In case you missed some of the analysis of your answer on MSNBC, here it is:

[Video]

What does that have to do with the question at hand? You are running for President of the United States, you are expected to be accountable to the people of this country. Of course I and every other citizen respects your sacrifice as well as every other former POW, but you have voluntarily undertaken this campaign. We the people are allowed, and even expected, to question some of your basic qualifications and financial background.

Tags: the, pow, card

Vets, military families: McCain has been 'AWOL' on needs

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:19:44 GMT

clipped by: tabsey

Clip Source: www.michaelmoore.com

Democratic veterans praised Republican John McCain’s Vietnam service today, but said he’s been “AWOL” when it comes to boosting funding for vets’ medical care and the GI Bill.

“Senator McCain had honorably served as a POW and was courageous and was steadfast and he kept faith with his fellow POWs,” retired Air Force Col. Dick Klass told the DNC Veterans and Military Families Caucus.

“He has not kept faith with American’s veterans,”

It was Barack Obama, vets and military family members said, who had fought to repair the scandalously decrepit facilities at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and pushed legislation to help an estimated 200,000 homeless vets.

Now, Democratic vets, say it’s the non-veteran Obama – not the revered war hero McCain – whom they can trust to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress and combat brain injuries and military families strained by the pressure of four or five combat tours in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Billionaire Finances Obama Attack Ads

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:12:13 GMT

clipped by: Andrew Farrell
clipper's remarks: Swift Boat Veterans for Truth all over again?

Clip Source: www.nytimes.com

WASHINGTON — The conservative group running advertisements that highlight Senator Barack Obama’s association with the 1960s radical William Ayers is being financed by a Texas billionaire who has raised money for Senator John McCain and who also helped finance the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth campaign against Senator John Kerry in 2004.

The billionaire, Harold Simmons, donated nearly $2.9 million on Aug. 12 to the American Issues Project, the group running the advertisements, papers it has filed with the Federal Election Commission show.

In 2004, Mr. Simmons donated $2 million to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, whose advertisements against Mr. Kerry included one that, with allegations since discredited, impugned his military service as a Swift boat captain during the Vietnam War.

Support the Troops - McCain-style

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:04:54 GMT

clipped by: lap322
clipper's remarks: Completely disgusting, but hardly surprising. He's thrown vets under the bus more than a few times.

Clip Source: www.marketwatch.com

Army Times: McCain Suggests Rationing Veterans Health Care. "Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain appeared Tuesday to suggest rationing of veterans' health care may be needed so combat veterans can receive the care they deserve." [Army Times, 7/23/08]

McCain Voted At Least 27 Times Against Veteran's Benefits.

McCain Has Voted At Least 15 Times To Prioritize Tax Cuts And Tax Loopholes For America's Wealthiest Over Funding For U.S. Veterans.

McCain Opposed GI Bill, Then Tried to Take Credit. "The Bush administration, and Sen. John McCain for that matter, initially opposed passage of the legislation, which was supported overwhelmingly by both Democrats and Republicans... McCain, campaigning last week, used language suggesting he supported the bill. In fact, McCain did not even cast a vote on the final measure. For Bush and McCain to try to claim credit now for a bipartisan effort they both opposed is a plain attempt to hoodwink the American voter." [Las Vegas Sun, 7/3/08]

Tags: john mccain, veterans, benefits, soldiers, troops, wounded

Tensions Boiling Over Between Obama-Clinton Camps

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:32:17 GMT

clipped by: merrie
clipper's remarks: to Obama’s victory, it is up to Obama to accommodate them.

In fact, some senior veterans of Clinton’s presidential campaign do believe this.

“He has not fully reconciled,” said one political operative close to the Clintons, “and he has not demonstrated that he accepts the Clintons and the Clinton wing of the party.”

While the Clintons have a relatively easy job in Denver — to deliver gracious speeches and accept what are likely to be loud cheers from their supporters — it is “Obama who has the heavy lifting” this week, this aide said.

This is because large numbers of Clinton backers — 30 percent in a recent ABC/Washington Post poll — are still not backing Obama over McCain.

The peevishness on both sides and the volume of behind-the-scenes catcalls are noteworthy because both the Clinton and Obama teams had resolved in pre-convention talks that it was overwhelmingly in the interests of both sides to get along.

Clip Source: www.politico.com

As Democrats arrived here Sunday for a convention intended to promote party unity, mistrust and resentments continued to boil among top associates of presumptive nominee Barack Obama and his defeated rival, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

One flashpoint is the assigned speech topic for former president Bill Clinton, who is scheduled to speak Wednesday night, when the convention theme is “Securing America’s Future.”

The former president is disappointed, associates said, because he is eager to speak about the economy and more broadly about Democratic ideas

This is an especially sore point for Bill Clinton, people close to him say, because among many grievances he has about the campaign Obama waged against his wife is a belief that the candidate poor-mouthed the political and policy successes of his two terms.

A prominent Obama backer said some of Clinton’s lieutentants negotiating with the Obama team are “bitter enders” who presume that, rather than the Clintons reconciling themselves

Tags: bill clinton's political and policy successes, hillary supporters are “bitter enders”

residential counselors

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:29:46 GMT

clipped by: duranco

Clip Source: www.herald-mail.com

Welcome Home Program Residential Facilitators needed for new program in Hagerstown to provide services to veterans with substance abuse issues. AA in related field or 2 years related exp. preferred, valid driver's license and safe driving record req. Knowledge of recovery-based psychosocial rehabilitation concepts and Evidenced Based Practice service models a plus. Evening /weekend hours.

Residential Counselors

Send resume to: wsihr@waystationinc.org or fax: 301-620-2925. EOE