The Republican rhetoric is heavy with talk of support for our troops. Their actions are less than consistent with the rhetoric. There were times, such as following a vote in May 2011, when Republicans were outright disrespectful to the troops they are all too happy to support during speeches to their base and of course, during photo ops.

...

Then it was time for the vote during which the Meachams heard an anemic yes from the Democrats and a very loud and energetic no from the Republican majority. This was followed by self-congratulations including pats on the back. They also saw a couple of Republicans, Rep Ben Quayle and Rep David Schweikert, exchanging high fives.

...

Based on the conversation she overheard, the reason Maria Meacham was escorted to the Service Elevator was to prevent media access to her. It doesn’t take much to figure out why. Stories about Congress arresting the mother of a soldier for being outraged when Republicans high five each other after denying a modest battle pay increase wouldn’t look very good. It certainly would contradict the image that Republicans support our troops.

A couple of hours after Mrs. Meacham was led away, Mr. Meacham was informed he could leave the gallery. He was told that Mrs. Meacham was sent to a detention center a few blocks away. When he arrived at the detention center, he was asked which political group he belonged to. He answered that he was not with any group. Mr. Meacham was then advised that his wife would still be detained for a couple of more hours.

...