Way to go Al!

A Little background....there was a letter to the editor printed in the News-Herald a week or so ago that tried to set up the whole "democrats are weak on defense/democrats don't support our troops/Democrats are unpatriotic meme again....Well, our own Al LaBelle, a Democrat and one of the most patriotic veterans I have ever known, (if you have any doubts, just take a look at his car) didn't take "kindly" to the letter. His response was printed today....here it is

Policymakers missed action
Editor: Re "Father proud of soldiers, disappointed by Democrats."

As a Vietnam veteran who participated in nine amphibious operations and as a member of the Wood County Democratic Party, I read with astonishment the referenced letter. For me, the welfare of the troops is a priority. In combat, one thing is certain -- Soldiers may find God in a foxhole, but they definitely lose their politics.

People who question the Iraq policy are labeled unpatriotic and demonized with the refrain, "Cut and run." This is from an administration whose policymakers, when faced with the choice of defending this country during the Vietnam conflict, chose student deferments and cushy duty in the Air National Guard defending Alabama.

They now make decisions on war and have no firsthand knowledge about the ramifications of these decisions. Troops are sent into combat with improper armor, equipment and insufficient numbers. Tours of duty are involuntarily extended, leading to extreme mental stress and the potential for atrocities.

The administration is quick to send our family members to fight, but somehow their family members never see action.

Iraq has now become a financially draining diversion while the administration attempts to dismantle Social Security, dismembers environmental regulations, and mismanages Katrina. They deny welfare to the needy like proposing to close 18 VA centers during the current military conflict.

Meanwhile, they give welfare to large corporations and the ultra-rich through no-bid contracts, subsidies and tax cuts. Frankly, the administration is more interested in protecting Paris Hilton's inheritance than protecting the welfare of the individual.

Some follow the administration blindly. It is their right. Others question the administration. It is their right. That is why I went to Vietnam 40 years ago. Too bad the administration's policymakers did not.

AL LABELLE

Thanks for speaking for all of us Al!