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VFW endorsements
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fastrock
Lt.Jg.


Joined: 03 Sep 2004
Posts: 122
Location: Union, KY

PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2010 12:02 am    Post subject: VFW endorsements Reply with quote

to vets and friends of vets,
as i read i thought "morons" with the babes boxer endorsement, same with alan greyson but heck he's down 20pts to his opponent. But went ballistic when i saw they endorsed Allen West's incumbent opponent, because 1st – Allen will be a great congressman for We The People and 2nd - I sent his campaign $$$. So I got a dog in this fight and the Vets can't find 2 brain cells to make an informed decision. I couldn’t read anymore so I’m blasting this off as a stress reliever – lucky you.

If you are a vets member, call your post commander and alert him of this. If he panders to you or feeds you crap about how the delegates of the national convention are responsible then chew on his ear until get the delegate’s contact info. Don’t accept any tripe about the post commander not having any say in the national, he’s pouring crap at your feet. Chew the delegates ear also. I just did and he’s backstroking that the VFW shouldn’t even have a PAC, which is crap also because as an org we members have to support those that support us.

The national needs to have HELL rained down on them.

And while you are chewing on the delegate tell him that the national website should have the Commander-in-Chief & Vice Commander-in-Chief’s contact info. At the very least their emails.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/political-endorsements-divide-veterans-and-vfw/
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LewWaters
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Location: Washington State

PostPosted: Thu Oct 14, 2010 4:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For purposes of clarification

VFW Leaders Act on PAC Endorsements
It is clear that the current situation now demands direct action.

October 12, 2010
Comrades,

The angry tone and tenor of the telephone calls and messages being received at national headquarters make it clear that many of our members are not cognizant of the fact that VFW National By-Laws clearly stipulate that the VFW Commander-in-Chief is not authorized to direct or otherwise attempt to introduce his control over the VFW PAC. Furthermore, no membership dues or donations made to the VFW or VFW Foundation are used for the VFW PAC.

As you know, the recent endorsements by the PAC are the subject of much controversy. Unfortunately, many questions have been raised regarding VFW’s involvement in the endorsement process and the integrity of the organization as a whole. Regrettably, many of our members and supporters are disappointed and have misdirected their anger toward the VFW as having lost its purpose.

Comrades, we cannot sit idly by while a great organization is being disparaged and maligned, even unintentionally. It is vitally important that you take a direct role in alleviating this current flood of criticism by reminding members and supporters that:

-- The VFW PAC was created by the VFW members and not by VFW national leaders. 2/3 of the delegates of the 80th VFW National Convention (1979) voted to establish PAC as a standing committee.

-- VFW By-Laws stipulate that VFW leadership does not direct PAC activities and that the VFW convention is the governing body of the organization. As such, it is only the delegates at the convention that can determine the continuation of the PAC.

-- Encourage VFW members to get involved in their VFW Posts and to exercise and further direct their concerns to convention delegates so that there can be an informed debate on the existence of the PAC.

That is a future process. But, as indicated, we also have an immediate necessity on the recent PAC endorsements. VFW’s values and guiding principles aren’t grounded in a desire to participate in partisan policies in political activities. As veterans of foreign wars, we gave substantially more of ourselves than most to ensure the viability and the integrity of our great democratic process. However, our recent endorsement process unintentionally provided favoritism to the incumbents. It is now evident it was unfairly skewed and actually subverted that process.

As determined in the VFW By-Laws, as the national officers, we have specific responsibilities to take definitive action when events can have a detrimental impact on the organization. It is clear to us that the current situation now demands direct action; therefore, we are requesting the chairman and the directors of the Political Action Committee immediately rescind their endorsement actions.

We also want to stress this request means no endorsement for any Congressional candidate.


Richard L. Eubank
Commander-in-Chief

Richard L. DeNoyer
Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief

John E. Hamilton
Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief

http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/VFW-Leaders-Act-on-Pac-Endorsements/
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Leeman
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Joined: 08 Nov 2004
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 2:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Did the VFW-PAC resind their indorsements. ?
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Me#1You#10
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Joined: 06 May 2004
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 3:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Leeman wrote:
Did the VFW-PAC resind their indorsements. ?


Not that I'm aware of. One article stated that VFW-National would be responding on Thursday to VFW-PAC's declination to cease endorsements and withdraw all prior endorsements but Thursday came and went without further response from VFW-National.

This is, undoubtedly, a difficult situation for National but I don't see how they can avoid additional response now that they've apparently drawn a line in the sand.

Some are advocating for VFW-National to withdraw permission for VFW-PAC to use the VFW logo in any of their past or future endorsements. This is, perhaps, a legal issue that may be requiring additional time to formulate a response backed by a court-sanctioned prohibition.

Perhaps of interest, the following from John Lilyea at "This Ain't Hell" blog...

Quote:
Finally, I got my phone call from VFW PAC
October 14th, 2010

I feel so special now after getting my call back from last Thursday. Of, course, I had to call back and leave another message and I had to identify myself as the guy who started it all in the first place (after Bev Perlson sent me the email and Mr Wolf gave me the megaphone). I told Michael H. Wysong, the treasurer of the PAC, that I was his last defender on the internet…that most of you want to quit and join Vets For Peace or something (I kid). I told Mr. Wysong that the Board had two options, either rescind their endorsements or turn their logo and name back to the VFW.

Mr. Wysong said that the board voted 8-3 to rescind no endorsements. He also said that the only endorsements that were considered were Boxer and Klein. They weren’t aware that any other endorsements were disputed by the membership. So there you go, they’re not listening. I disabused him of that notion and told him that they should rescind every endorsement – because if two of them didn’t deserve the honor of being endorsed by the VFW, none of them did.

So, I told Mr. Wysong that if they’re so pigheaded that they’re going to continue endorsements of candidates who have for 10 years done their best to undermine the troops, they can fully expect to be disbanded by the general membership. And that I would be at the Convention to make sure it happens. I might even wear my ‘c’ cap for the first time in public.

So basically, I spent ten minutes pissing in the wind. But I still hold out hope that the Commander will do something other than talk tough.

Posted by Jonn Lilyea in VFW PAC

This Ain't Hell


Last edited by Me#1You#10 on Tue Oct 19, 2010 9:21 pm; edited 1 time in total
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TEWSPilot
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Joined: 26 Aug 2004
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Location: Kansas (Transplanted Texan)

PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 6:46 pm    Post subject: Oooops, there goes another rubber tree plant! Reply with quote

What is most frustrating is how institution after institution created by patriots and Conservatives gets taken over by Leftist parasites and rodents, and we end up having to tear down one of our own to keep the enemy from using it against us. We have got to STOP letting them in the door, or at least stop letting them into positions of influence and control. You never see this sort of "treason" and fifth-column activity taking place within THEIR ranks...and you never will. They are idealogues who jealously guard their "forts" and never let their own guns be used against them.
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Me#1You#10
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 6:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

TEWSPilot wrote:
We have got to STOP letting them in the door, or at least stop letting them into positions of influence and control. You never see this sort of "treason" and fifth-column activity taking place within THEIR ranks...and you never will. They are idealogues who jealously guard their "forts" and never let their own guns be used against them.


I think this reflects a basically passive nature of "conservatism" and the aggressive, pro-active nature of liberalism/progressivism. While there may already be too much water over the socio-cultural-political dam, hopefully the "sleeping giant" has awakened soon enough to reverse course...but I'm not optimistic.
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LewWaters
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 7:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
hopefully the "sleeping giant" has awakened soon enough to reverse course...but I'm not optimistic.


I have to share your lack of optimism. Through a variety of measures, including false history lessons, too many have been lulled into believing what is wrong is actually right.

I dread to think what it will actually take to really turn it around.
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DADESID
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Joined: 07 Jul 2004
Posts: 157

PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 9:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Me#1You#10 wrote:
Leeman wrote:
Did the VFW-PAC resind their indorsements. ?


Not that I'm aware of. One article stated that VFW-National would be responding on Thursday to VFW-PAC's declination to cease endorsements and withdraw all prior endorsements but Thursday came and went without further response from VFW-National.

This is, undoubtedly, a difficult situation for National but I don't see how they can avoid additional response now that they've apparently drawn a line in the sand.

Some are advocating for VFW-National to withdraw permission for VFW-PAC to use the VFW logo in any of their past or future endorsements. This is, perhaps, a legal issue that may be requiring additional time to formulate a response backed by a court-sanctioned prohibition.

Perhaps of interest, the following from John Lilyea at "This Ain't Hell" blog...

Quote:
Finally, I got my phone call from VFW PAC
October 14th, 2010

I feel so special now after getting my call back from last Thursday. Of, course, I had to call back and leave another message and I had to identify myself as the guy who started it all in the first place (after Bev Perlson sent me the email and Mr Wolf gave me the megaphone). I told Michael H. Wysong, the treasurer of the PAC, that I was his last defender on the internet…that most of you want to quit and join Vets For Peace or something (I kid). I told Mr. Wysong that the Board had two options, either rescind their endorsements or turn their logo and name back to the VFW.

Mr. Wysong said that the board voted 8-3 to rescind no endorsements. He also said that the only endorsements that were considered were Boxer and Klein. They weren’t aware that any other endorsements were disputed by the membership. So there you go, they’re not listening. I disabused him of that notion and told him that they should rescind every endorsement – because if two of them didn’t deserve the honor of being endorsed by the VFW, none of them did.

So, I told Mr. Wysong that if they’re so pigheaded that they’re going to continue endorsements of candidates who have for 10 years done their best to undermine the troops, they can fully expect to be disbanded by the general membership. And that I would be at the Convention to make sure it happens. I might even wear my ‘c’ cap for the first time in public.

So basically, I spent ten minutes pissing in the wind. But I still hold out hope that the Commander will do something other than talk tough.

Posted by Jonn Lilyea in VFW PAC

This Ain't Hell


Something needs to be done ASAP. This renegade "PAC" and their endorsements of more than a few despicable individuals has allowed, for example, Harry Reid to claim in his debate that he has VFW's endorsement. Nevermind that VFW says they are not allowed to endorse candidates.

VFW needs to repudiate and sever any relationship with this bunch. They need to do it NOW. If they don't, they will never get another nickel from me. There are plenty of other groups who support vets.
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Me#1You#10
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Joined: 06 May 2004
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 10:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

DADESID wrote:
Nevermind that VFW says they are not allowed to endorse candidates.


A fact that should, now, quickly be raised each and every time a VFW-PAC endorsement is touted minus the "-PAC" qualifier...for either an (R) or a (D) or an (IND).
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BuffaloJack
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy


Joined: 10 Aug 2004
Posts: 1637
Location: Buffalo, New York

PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The VFW can go to Hell.
I inquired about membership about 30 years ago. I was told that Viet Nam wasn't a "declared" war, so I wasn't eligible.
I now belong to a group of other ineligible guys, Swift Boat Veterans.
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Me#1You#10
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PostPosted: Fri Oct 15, 2010 11:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BuffaloJack wrote:
I was told that Viet Nam wasn't a "declared" war, so I wasn't eligible.


Thanks for that information. I had seen that Vietnam era VFW "blacklist" alluded to several times but was unsure of its derivation. Pretty amazing.
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TEWSPilot
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Joined: 26 Aug 2004
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 1:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I can understand why they wouldn't want John Kerry types or VVAW types in the VFW, but honorable Vietnam war veterans? I just fired off an email to David E. Prohaska, Assistant Director, Administrative Operations, asking if that is their current policy. I'll post his answer if he replies. I could have sworn I was allowed to join years ago here in Kansas, but I didn't have time to participate, so I let my membership lapse. The birthplace of the Patriot Guard groups that provides escort for military funerals and protection from the Kooks from Westboro Baptist Church up in Topeka is the American Legion in Mulvane, KS, and I know a lot of them. The whole group are predominantly Vietnam vets, so like you said, who needs the VFW if they don't want US?
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Me#1You#10
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 1:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

TEWSPilot wrote:
I can understand why they wouldn't want John Kerry types or VVAW types in the VFW, but honorable Vietnam war veterans?


Tews, I'm quite certain that isn't the case now nor do I think BJ meant to imply that. At least I certainly didn't.
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Al_Hawaii
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Joined: 07 Aug 2004
Posts: 35
Location: Mililani, HI

PostPosted: Sat Oct 16, 2010 11:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

"I can understand why they wouldn't want John Kerry types or VVAW types in the VFW, but honorable Vietnam war veterans? I just fired off an email to David E. Prohaska, Assistant Director, Administrative Operations, asking if that is their current policy. I'll post his answer if he replies. I could have sworn I was allowed to join years ago here in Kansas, but I didn't have time to participate, so I let my membership lapse. The birthplace of the Patriot Guard groups that provides escort for military funerals and protection from the Kooks from Westboro Baptist Church up in Topeka is the American Legion in Mulvane, KS, and I know a lot of them. The whole group are predominantly Vietnam vets, so like you said, who needs the VFW if they don't want US?"

It is not their policy.

From their web page:

"If you have received a campaign medal for overseas service; have served 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days in Korea; or have ever received hotsile fire or imminent danger pay, then you're eligible to join our ranks."

I have been a member for many years.
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TEWSPilot
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Joined: 26 Aug 2004
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 2:10 am    Post subject: Confirmed Reply with quote

Quote:

From: INFO
To: Bruce Obermeyer
Sent: Sunday, October 17, 2010 7:22 PM
Subject: RE: VFW Membership qualification question

Bruce,

Vietnam veterans receiving the Vietnam Service Medal or the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal have always been eligible for the VFW.


David Prohaska
Assistant Director, Administartive Operations
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
406 W 34th St
Kansas City, MO 64111
p:816.756.3390 x-114
f: 816.968.1149

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