American Legion to Congressman Rangel: Apologize Now

U.S. Newswire ^

[Sub-Driver]

American Legion to Congressman Rangel: Apologize Now

11/27/2006 4:55:00 PM

To: National Desk

Contact: Ramona Joyce, 202-263-2982 or 202-445-1161 (cell), or Wade Habshey, 317-630-1253 or 317-966-2716 (cell), both of the American Legion

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The National Commander of The American Legion called on Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) to apologize for suggesting that American troops would not choose to fight in Iraq if they had other employment options.

"Our military is the most skilled, best-trained all-volunteer force on the planet," said National Commander Paul A. Morin. "Like that recently espoused by Sen. John Kerry, Congressman Rangel's view of our troops couldn't be further from the truth and is possibly skewed by his political opposition to the war in Iraq."

According to Rangel, "If a young fellow has an option of having a decent career, or joining the Army to fight in Iraq, you can bet your life that he would not be in Iraq. If there's anyone who believes these youngsters want to fight, as the Pentagon and some generals have said, you can just forget about it. No bright young individual wants to fight just because of a bonus and just because of some educational benefits," Rangel said.

Rangel was responding to a question during an interview yesterday on Fox News Sunday about a recent study by the Heritage Foundation which found that those enlisting in the military tend to be better educated than the general public and that military recruiting seems to be more successful in middle-class and wealthy neighborhoods than in poor ones.

According to the study, 97 percent of military enlistees were high school graduates versus 80 percent of Americans in general.

[Red_Devil 232]

Charles Rangel is untouchable. Charlie Rangel can be caught in bed with a dead boy, and he would still hold his job.

Your statement tells us everything we need to know about his constituency!

[syriacus]

Of course now we know that those claims of pride must have been lies, since Rangel now admits he chose the military because he had no better opportunities and no "decent" career option.

LOL

[Cicero]

That Carter has a compulsion to pound nails because his parents wanted to break him of his nose picking habit and gave him a hammer and pounding bench for Christmas when he was three?

Are you sure this isn't true?

[lormand]

The sheeple of Harlem are his "constituents".

[rocksblues]

May I add, how many American's remember Viet Nam as Nixon's war.

[syriacus]

Kerry/Rangel in '08. Vote for the war heros!

Maybe they can start a "Hate The Military" party.

Imagine how a photo of them together would look on a campaign button.

[sgtbono2002]

Rangel was a High School drop-out who went to war in Korea dn got a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, when he left the military he went to law school. I would guess under the GI Bill. I guess he went in the military because he couldnt find a job as a drop out so his statement is probably true about him. However if he did study under the GI Bill it would appear as though his country paid him back well as he was an assistant US attorney. In 1967 he was elected to the New York State Assembly and he has been sucking on the Government teat ever since, like so many democrat politicians.

[Former MSM Viewer]

"......Charlie Rangel can be caught in bed with a dead boy, and he would still hold his job......"

True, and that speaks volumes about his constituents.

[GrandEagle]

"If a young fellow has an option of having a decent career, or joining the Army to fight in Iraq, you can bet your life that he would not be in Iraq.

Apparently this idiot doesn't know anyone in the military. I suggest he try and meet some. For example, my Friend who just deployed to Iraq - a mechanic by trade, left a great paying job to make squat in the military in Iraq. They are holding his job for him when he gets back.

His comments are so stupid, it is hardly worth noting them except for the incredible insult to the talent and integrity of the men and women who are willingly fighting so he can stand in public and insult them.

But what do you expect from the party of surrender. They were practicing their "new direction" in Iraq early on election night.

[syriacus]

Dems are in power, so we can expect a fall in the stock market and a rise in crime.

Rangel wants to nip juvenile delinquency in the bud by initiating "Midnight Draft-'m-all" programs.

[GrandEagle]

Imagine how a photo of them together would look on a campaign button.

Already taken: Note post #49

[Earthdweller]

"If a young fellow has an option of having a decent career, or joining the Army to fight in Iraq, you can bet your life that he would not be in Iraq."

Is this guy out of touch or what?

Does he have the elitist disease or is he just stupid? Inquiring minds want to know.

[leadpenny]

Hint: I said "Kramer."

[rocksblues]

I saw Rangels statement about going in the Military at 18, wondered whether he was drafted. In the early 1950's the military was his only option as a high school drop out. If he wanted to get out of the Ghetto.

Now a days, if you have some kind of talent or drive you can pull yourself out.

[4yearlurker]

First Rangell puts down the people of Mississippi,now the men & women of our military. What a buffoon! Nice work voters! I'm going to grind the next two years into all the idiot rats that live around me. You voted for it!

[Let's Roll]

Well, Charlie, I know you won't get this but ... you are right, they don't fight for the bonus or the educational benefits.

[John McDonnell]

Would someone tie Charlie Rangel down and make him listen to the march "Comrades of the Legion" by John Philip Sousa, which was dedicated to the American Legion? Here is a 1920 piano transcription of it.

Comrades of the Legion

Sousa's march glorifies loyal courage. What does your raspy, whining voice glorify, Charlie Rangel? Don't you dare treat the American Legion request with disrespect! Don't you dare!

[Red_Devil 232]

Hair straightner? I thought it was Pomade or KY!

[fishergirl]

You are so right! The double standard that is allowed people like Rangel and Jefferson is appalling.

[Jay777]

Hell yeah! I'm spreading this news! I just hope they are not holding their breath for this apology.