Iowa Veterans Want U.S. Out of Iraq, Turn Toward Democrats

Iowa Veterans Want U.S. Out of Iraq, Turn Toward Democrats
Dan Treul

Posted January 1, 2008 | 08:26 AM (EST)


Iowa veterans have some advice for the presidential contenders: The Republicans should no longer take the military vote for granted, and candidates from both parties should be wary of politicizing the war in Iraq.

Over the past three days, citizen journalists from OffTheBus checked in with more than 30 VFW and American Legion posts around Iowa. They interviewed some of America's most vigilant members of the military about the role foreign policy credentials might play in Thursday's caucuses. The assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto propelled foreign and military policy to the forefront of campaign issues.

While many of the veterans interviewed were reluctant to say who they support, overall themes emerged: disenchantment with the status quo and the American political system with a fervor that could be good for the Democrats.

An uneasiness seems to permeate VFW Post 5256 in Keokuk, Iowa. Harold Price, a disabled Vietnam veteran, said he believes the candidates are "taking it seriously" this election cycle, but that he and many of the veterans at his post are concerned - mostly over the war in Iraq and the healthcare system.

"We don't believe in being in Iraq," said Price. "It's another Vietnam." Although respectful of the fragility of the situation he said "There's just no end to it. I would like to see, and I think the other officers would, a gradual pullout. "Don't keep sending them back to Iraq when it's a lost cause."

Price declined to comment on specific candidates, although his discontent with the current leadership was unmistakable.

Cory McKevitt of Okaboji, Iowa just finished basic training with the Iowa National Guard. He is 18. Not even alive at the time Price was fighting in Vietnam, McKevitt is frustrated - so much so that he's unsure whether or not he'll even vote.

"I want to get this war over - that's my main thing," he said. "We went over there, and did what we had to do, and now we just need to get out."

more...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-treul/iowa-veterans-want-us-o_b_79016.html

for profit and their unions.

U.S. aggression against Iraq, Cuba, Panama, Haiti, Venezuela, Palestine, Lebanon, Somalia, Iran, Korea and the Balkans.

Dude!!!!

Your vote probably won't ever be more important. If you don't know if you'll vote for or against something you're very frustrated about, then heaven help us.

BTW - it's "Okoboji" (see www.okoboji.com)