State Rep. Al Baldasaro talks about his recent confrontation with a fellow Marine

The Union Leader ^ | March 2, 2007 | Jon Campisi

[Past Your Eyes]

LONDONDERRY – If there's one thing state Rep. Al Baldasaro wants you to know, it's this: He did not "crash" a recent news conference organized by a fellow Marine denouncing the President's decision to send more troops to Iraq.

►Lawmaker has sharp words for group criticizing buildup

Baldasaro said he simply used some lag time between testifying at House committees to pepper the Massachusetts resident with some pointed questions.

The unapologetically outspoken freshman Republican lawmaker made headlines after he accused Marine Cpl. Brian VanRiper of being a "pawn" for a group called Americans Against Escalation in Iraq.

In a one-on-one interview yesterday, Baldasaro, who represents Londonderry and Auburn in the state House of Representatives, touched on everything from his family roots -- his grandfather was once the mayor of Cambridge, Mass. -- to his two-plus decades with the U.S. Marine Corps.

[Past Your Eyes]

Congratulations and thanks to the towns of Londonderry and Auburn for electing such an outstanding man. This is just the kind of person we need more of in our legislature.

[Darkwolf377]

My God, a politician who braves the wounded cries of liberals who suddenly "defend" our soldiers and dares...to TALK to one of them.

If the libs and anti-war people want a dialogue about the war, this is what dialogue is--talking, and not just 30-second sound bites on Sunday morning shows no one who works watches.

You wanna talk? Fine, we'll talk, without asking your permission as to when or where.

[oh8eleven]

"As a Marine coming home, standing here with brothers over there being shot at and protecting the rights of people being raped, killed, murdered --
how do you as a Marine, as a brotherhood, stand here and talk the way you are?" Baldasaro said.
Right on, right on, right on. Semper Fi ...

[metesky]

Marine Cpl. Brian VanRiper

The good corporal of course being privy to all the strategic and tactical decisions made by the brass...

[flynmudd]

I just love when someone stands on principle and confronts the looney left.

[Darkwolf377]

Me too. If only some other Republicans would follow suit. Instead they're of the Bill Frist and Trent Lott Get-Along-Above-All-Considerations crowd.

[Beckwith]

California Young Democrats
South State Director - Region 6
Brian VanRiper
Palomar College Democrats
(951) 236-8644
bvanriper@palomarcollegedems.org

Brian VanRiper is a 24 year old resident of Encinitas. Brian grew up in Boston and moved to San Diego in July of 2003. Brian served in the Marine Corps from July of 2000 to May of 2004. During that time he was enlisted as an infantry machinegunner and served in Iraq with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. After receiving an honorable discharge, Brian volunteered in various capacities for the Democratic party, and became involved in C.Y.D. Today Brian attends Palomar College and is pursuing a marketing degree. Brian surfs religiously, almost everywhere in North County San Diego. His favorite movie is "Red Dawn", and favorite band is "Dropkick Murphy's". Brian is also an avid Red Sox fan and has been known to fly across the country to go to games.

This guy wants to fill Kerry's boots.

[BuffaloJack]

Fresh into the mess carrying a bucket and a mop.
We need more politicians who aren't afraid to confront entrenched leftist dogma.
Good going.
The left never, never, NEVER likes to discuss anything that isn't pre-scripted. It's time for people who can think on their feet.

[Eagles Talon IV]

"Brian surfs religiously, almost everywhere in North County San Diego. His favorite movie is "Red Dawn",...

+ When asked why he opposed the War in Iraq he reportedly said "Yeah, well...ahhhh...like the time I had to spend...you know like fightin' the terrorists...well, like it...ahhhh, took away from my surfin'. I mean it's like all about prorities, ya know what I mean" ?

[Mr.Unique]

And in a move that would make most parents nervous, Joseph made Baldasaro proud when he voluntarily switched details with a fellow Marine, and opted for a tour of Iraq instead of what Baldasaro said would have essentially been a vacation on a base in California.

I didn't realize the Marines had vacation resorts in California...TwentyNine Palms? MCRD? Camp Pendleton? Sign me up for those Slacker's Paradises! </sarcasm>

[swatbuznik]

Um... His favorite movie is "Red Dawn" I haven't seen it in ages, but wasn't that about fighting for America--against communists? Does he see any similarity between Democrats and communists? Does he realize we're slowly being invaded from the inside? Or is he rooting for the commies in the film?

[Past Your Eyes]

Yeah, I remember my USMC vacation on a subtropical island off the coast of South Carolina about 37 years ago. Man, if only I could have that experience again.

/s

[Past Your Eyes]

Great find!! I wonder if the Union Leader is aware of this.

[Beckwith]

I'll send it to them. Thanks for the thought.