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Brace yourselves for 'Impact 2004'

The American Legion Magazine
June, 2004

By National Commander John A. Brieden III




The American Legion is not a partisan organization. It does, however, engage in the legislative process.

We exist to respond to quality-of-life needs of veterans and their families, teach youth the obligations of U.S. citizenship, work for a strong national defense and uphold the Constitution. To do so requires consistent influence in Washington.

To best serve veterans, we must stay connected to elected officials and maintain a vigilant presence on Capitol Hill. From the creation of the GI Bill to veterans benefits to flag protection, our organization has worked with leaders of all parties.

The American Legion does not endorse candidates. We do endorse causes. And the 2004 elections overflow with issues concerning military personnel and veterans: military pay, the disabled veterans tax, the flag amendment, veterans health care, illegal immigration and national security, among others. In these matters, the president and Congress decide America's course. But we decide who will be the president and Congress.

The right to vote is part and parcel of the freedoms for which we fought and for which many died. Veterans, above all, know the privilege of having a say in who governs these United States.

America remains at war. Our votes will determine the future of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the quality of life for those serving. Extended deployments have resulted in hardships for many reservists and Guardsmen.

Just as important, those fighting the war on terror deserve a strong VA health-care system. When they return home, will they face the same obstacles at VA as do the soldiers and sailors of past wars? VA has virtually shut out Category 8 veterans from health-care access, and Congress is unwilling to allow veterans to pay their own way with Medicare. The 1996 legislation opening VA's doors to every U.S. veteran is all but forgotten. Meanwhile, retired military personnel are the only retired government workers not entitled to receive full disability compensation.

More than any press release or congressional testimony, our greatest hope for change is the individual vote. Strength in numbers: that's what The American Legion's Impact 2004 campaign is about. We have an opportunity to impact this year's races by educating veterans and military personnel on the issues that most concern them, helping them to cast informed and responsible ballots.

Don't tell me your vote doesn't make a difference. Fewer than 600 votes decided the 2000 presidential election; that's one one-hundredth of 1 percent.

Legion posts can emphasize the importance of voting by encouraging veterans, military personnel and their families to vote at the polls or by absentee ballot. Host candidate debates. Conduct voter registration drives. Write letters to the editors of local newspapers, sending copies to senators and representatives. These are effective ways to persuade candidates to take pro-military and pro-veteran positions.

Individually and collectively, know that you can make an impact.
_________________
13F20P

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Kinda makes me wonder why FALSE108 felt like lying about that, eh?