Veterans, not "survivors"

On Memorial Day, we remember our nation's fallen. God Bless them.

I notice in the news stories commemorating the fallen and highlighting some of the veterans that reporters often refer to veterans as "survivors" of such and such a battle or action. (For example the NBC report today on the WWII Memorial by reporter Sandra Endo, talked with a 'survivor' of the Battle of the Bulge. Outside of describing a very specific instance where most other people died or a medical discussion about PTSD (where the language is trauma victims and survivors), this is wrong.

No one will dispute the randomness of life or death on a military battlefield, for that matter the randomness of a military career. But a veteran, (this veteran anyway), likes to think that he'd played some small role in the successful outcome of something. Veterans more than mere survivors, they are warriors. They have been there, done that. By choice. By luck. They are Veterans, not victims. To call them mere "survivors" cheapens their sacrifice and experience.

A letter to Congressman Paul Broun,

I am disappointed that you did not respond to my note last week (submitted through your Congressional website) regarding your sponsorship of HR5821.

You must understand that up until now I was fully supportive of your work. I voted for you last year because of your veteran's perspective and my resentment of the other candidate's sense of entitlement to the seat. Your sponsorship of HR5821 has caused me to reconsider. This bill does not even pass the four-part test you set.

1) Is it Moral / Right?
2) Is it Constitutional?
3) Is it Necessary?
4) Is it Affordable?

Your previous statements about limited government had me encouraged that the party could get back to its true conservative roots. Now, not so much.

In fact, on the military blogs, people were recently discussing how the Republican party is losing the military vote. You may be surprised to find yourself mentioned.

I have included a link for your consideration. http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/030038.html

As before, I urge you to pull your sponsorship for HR5821. It is bad legislation. Recognize the mistake it was and let's move onto important work.