Vietnam War Memorial Post 639

It was stated at the general meeting that you would post member opinions in the newsletter or online. What follows is an editorial opinion of Timothy Kelly. I can only hope that after reading this you can see the Pandora's box that was opened. The next time a member has a controversial issue he/she wishes to talk about you will be hard pressed not to print it. As a life long Republican I have to say I agree with your opinion article. I do however think that the interpretation of the Legion bylaws were, at best, loosely interpreted. I am by no means a literary scholar, but even I, and every other member, can help come up with ideas for topics for future newsletters. I would suggest that a box be set up for members to suggest ideas for future articles. We may not be able to put into print what we want to say as well as you, but with your help I am sure the articles would be informative and enjoyable to read. What I meant by opening a Pandora's box was this; open an opinion/editorial section in the news letter. You started us down this road and now must deal with it. Or have the commander, who supported your article in the general meeting, and you print an apology for it.

 

Letter to the Commander and Editor

 

I was saddened to read the cover of this month's newsletter and angered to hear the reasons offered for printing it. I am not bothered by the article it's self but by the fact that it even made it to print. I admit that I know little, if anything, about the by-laws of the American Legion, but I think I know why the Legion wants to keep politics separate. IT CAN ONLY CAUSE PROBLEMS!   Did it ever occur to the people responsible for this article or it's printing that one of the reasons we try to keep politics out of the post is because of the problems that it causes? Did you all stop to think that in this election year feelings and tempers are high? Do you not see that the nation is starting to become divided over this election?

            I first want to comment on the excuses offered for printing the article. The commander stated that the intent of the article was to get people to think and to get involved in this election. Well, I take my hat off to him, it took a big set of stones to look me in the eye and shovel out that line of BS with a straight face. The author of the article then went on the defensive and said that he was only trying to fill space in the newsletter, as no other topics were available and that no one was helping him. To quote Gen. Anthony  McAuliffe, 101 AB, “NUTS”.

            To address the commander I will say this. If you wanted to get me to think about the election then you should have considered printing the issues and not a one sided political opinion. I, as a republican and Bush supporter, don't buy your story. Please don't insult my intelligence by offering up some lame excuse and then bang you gavel to stop a debate that you helped to start!

            In response to the author/editor I say this. I am at the post at least once a week minimum and at no time did I see a note posted or hear members asking if anyone had an idea for the cover of the newsletter. From the few that I have read, I will say you do great work and you should be proud of it. The articles on the, Tomb of the Unknowns, was first rate! But sir, you were way of base this month. If you want ideas then ask for them. Put up a box for members input and or ideas. Not everyone is articulate enough to write a column for the newsletter, but I am willing to bet everyone has at least one good idea for an article. If it was indeed the goal to get us to think about the election and it's ramifications then here are just a few things that could have been covered:

 

The National Debt

Health care

Social Security

Medicaid/Medicare

National Defense

Oh here is a novel idea VETERAN’S ISSUES!

 

            I have heard on many occasions one member refer to another as “Brother”. This is not a term we use lightly, but a symbol of what we are. We all have one thing in common, we are all Veteran’s. As Legion member we should set aside our differences and overlook our religious, ethnic, socioeconomic, political and age differences and remember what we all are, Brother's in arms.

            To the person who suggested that an apology is in order I say this, I apologize for what was printed. I like you feel strongly about my candidate, George Bush, but lets not let this snow ball into a bigger debate and drive a wedge between us. Chalk this up to a learning experience and move on as no good can come from fighting amongst ours selves about it. And remember we are Brother's in Arms.

 

 

Timothy W. Kelly

SGT. , USA 1990-1996