Former Congressman Mac Collins Calls on Congress to Speed Legislation for Our Fallen Soldiers

RedState.org ^ | 04/26/2006 | n/a

[mnwo]

Collins Calls on Congress to Speed Legislation for Our Fallen Soldiers

(Washington, D.C.)-Congressman Mac Collins today called on the Majority Leader and Chairman of the Veterans Affairs committee in the House of Representatives to bring H.R. 5037, “The Respect for Fallen Heroes Act” to the floor for a vote immediately.

The bill would prohibit protesting at military funerals and ensure that the men and women that give their lives for our county are laid to rest with the respect they deserve.

“Congressman Buyer of Indiana has proposed important legislation in the Congress that, if passed, will once and for all put an end to the actions of people who wish to dishonor our armed forces and their families as they are laid to rest. I call on my former colleagues in Congress to act in a bi-partisan fashion to expedite the passage of Congressman Buyer’s legislation.

The bill which is currently held up in the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs requires a discharge petition with 218 signatures to move immediately to the house floor.

No family, after losing a loved one in defense of our great nation, should have to endure the indignity of having picketers mar their final remembrances. Members of Congress must not allow ‘The Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act’ to languish in committee. There should be no delay in making this very important legislation the law”, Collins stated.

[A Balrog of Morgoth]

How narrow is this proposed law? There could be some unintended consequences.

[Prokopton]

There should be a law against protesting and disrupting any funeral. It is especially outrageous when the protest is at the funeral of one of our brave soldiers, but everyone should be able to be laid to rest in peace.

[USMCPOP]

I'm somewhat wary of any legislation, though I understand the cause. I do not know how I would have reacted had anyone protested at my son's funeral. No idea. Being somewhat cynical, I probably would have been perversely amused at the idiocy. But I think of those innocents who would be terribly hurt by that dishonor. You know, normal people.

I resent new laws just on principle. Laws are made because we can't be bothered to pay attention to each other and make sure everyone has a place and a voice in this life. We don't always consider the impact of our actions. I don't mean that we need to be politically correct, but we need to be correct at a human level. But it's getting to the point that we may have to voice our values in print, in a law. I'd prefer we did it with local support and Patriot Guard Riders and whatever else we can manage. Laws don't defend honor, people do. It cannot be institutionalized. Just my take on the situation.

[Prokopton]

I understand your position, I too think there are already too many laws. However, because some people do not believe there are any constraints on their "place and voice" it appears some legal restraints are necessary.
I cannot imagine how it must feel to lose a son, mine is only 13. I know I would not be as charitable as you if someone defiled their funeral with hate protests. I probably would not be a free man now.

Please, let me express to you the great pride I have in your son and his sacrifice. Brave men always live on as encouragement for us to also step up to the challenges of life. I pray for your son and for comfort for you.

Prokopton