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VETERANS RIGHTS ADVOCATES UNDER ATTACK BY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND MEMBERS [Snip]Article... What vets don't know is how the American Legion, VFW and other groups have advised the DVA and Congress, led us, every step of the way, to the total failure and utter disaster we have now. These groups "played" at helping vets but became a home for political extremists or dimwits addicted more [sic] grandstanding than the hard work required by informed veterans advocacy.

American Legion Critical of Obama for Apologizing to Muslim World for U.S. Actions in Aftermath of 9/11 Monday, June 08, 2009 By Edwin Mora (CNSNews.com) – The nation’s largest veterans’ organization, the American Legion, criticized President Obama for apologizing for to the Muslim world for U.S. behavior in the in aftermath of the 9/11 attacks during his address from Cairo last week. “When the president pronounces, as he did in his conciliatory address in Egypt, that the events of Sept. 11, 2001, in his words, ‘led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals’, he must, in our...

The National Commander of The American Legion is stressing the need for strength as well as conciliation in President Obama’s current campaign to improve relations with Muslim countries. “Although The American Legion does not believe that the United States has anything to apologize for, we appreciate the spirit of President Obama’s call for what he termed a ‘new beginning’ in our relationship with the followers of Islam,” said David K. Rehbein, National Commander of the nation’s largest veterans service organization. “We must demand reciprocity of both spirit and deed,” he said. “When the President pronounces, as he did in his...

“This is not so much a matter of “the people’s right to know” as it is a matter of needlessly endangering the lives of our brave troops — 99% of whom have had no role in any interrogations or allegations of detainee abuse.” See more Obama reversals below Obama - Against the VETS before he was For the VETS!

WASHINGTON – Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano met with the American Legion on Friday to apologize for a right-wing extremism report written by her agency, and the veterans group walked away from the meeting mollified. Napolitano blamed one of her agency's analysts for prematurely sending out the intelligence assessment to law enforcement, according to Craig Roberts, an American Legion member who attended the meeting. The report says veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan could be susceptible to right-wing recruiters or commit lone acts of violence.

The US Homeland Security Department, under fire for saying US forces returning from the Iraq and Afghan wars were potential right-wing extremist recruits, said Wednesday it honors US veterans. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano sought to douse anger among conservatives and veterans groups like the American Legion over a report from her department warning of a rising threat of right-wing extremism. "We are on the lookout for criminal and terrorist activity but we do not -- nor will we ever -- monitor ideology or political beliefs," Napolitano said in a statement amid charges that the department had done just that....

Veterans’ Group Sends Letter of Protest to Homeland Security Department Wednesday, April 15, 2009, By Susan Jones, Senior Editor (CNSNews.com) – The American Legion is among the groups protesting a Homeland Security report – apparently written by a career bureaucrat – that says current economic and political conditions may give rise to right-wing extremists. The report, dated April 7, warns that an extended economic downturn along with the election of the nation’s first black president could make it easier for “rightwing extremists” to recruit new members, although the report offers no evidence that such a thing is actually happening. American...

In response to a newly unclassified Department of Homeland Security report that warns of dangers associated with "right-wing extremists" – and singles out returning war veterans as particular threats – the American Legion has fired off a letter to DHS in protest. "I think it is important for all of us to remember that Americans are not the enemy. The terrorists are," writes David K. Rehbein, national commander of the American Legion, to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. The Legion's letter comes in response to a report titled "Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment,"...

Legion to DHS: Americans are not the enemy! By Marine64 Created Apr 14 2009 - 1:05pm American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein sent Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano a letter of protest concerning a recent report by the Department of Homeland Security which suggested veterans were more likely to commit terrorist acts than nonveterans. The letter is below. Secretary Janet Napolitano Department of Homeland Security U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528 April 13, 2009 Dear Secretary Napolitano, On behalf of the 2.6 million-member American Legion, I am stating my concern about your April 7 report, "Rightwing Extremism:...

The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases. "It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is...

The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases. "It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is...

The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases. "It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American Legion. "He says he is...

American Legion commander “angered” after meeting Obamaposted at 7:00 pm on March 16, 2009 by Ed Morrissey Send to a Friend | Share on Facebook | regular view Apparently, the Obama administration hasn’t backed away from its plans to start offloading costs for wounded veterans to third-party insurance, which will make acquiring such insurance nearly impossible. The commander of the American Legion emerged from a meeting with President Obama “angered” at Obama’s insistence on generating revenue from those who sacrificed for American security: The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization says he is “deeply disappointed and concerned” after a...

WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization says he is "deeply disappointed and concerned" after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and injuries. The Obama administration recently revealed a plan to require private insurance carriers to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in such cases. "It became apparent during our discussion today that the President intends to move forward with this unreasonable plan," said Commander David K. Rehbein of The American...

Apparently, the Obama administration hasn’t backed away from its plans to start offloading costs for wounded veterans to third-party insurance, which will make acquiring such insurance nearly impossible. The commander of the American Legion emerged from a meeting with President Obama “angered” at Obama’s insistence on generating revenue from those who sacrificed for American security: The leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization says he is “deeply disappointed and concerned” after a meeting with President Obama today to discuss a proposal to force private insurance companies to pay for the treatment of military veterans who have suffered service-connected disabilities and...

No time for Medal of Honor and Purple Heart recipients or paralyzed vets? Yeah, honeymoon...over. From This Ain't Hell... According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in President for the first time in 56 years blew off the ball (that’s 14 Inaugurations). Some background on the ball; The American Legion sponsors the ball, which recognizes recipients of Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. It started in 1953 for President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first inauguration. Event co-sponsors include 13 other veterans service organizations, among them the Military Order of the Purple Heart...

Another milestone for our new President: he’s the first President in 56 years to snub the American Legion’s “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball.”

According to TSO who was at the “Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball”, this newly sworn-in President for the first time in 56 years blew off the ball (that’s 14 Inaugurations). Some background on the ball: "The American Legion sponsors the ball, which recognizes recipients of Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. It started in 1953 for President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first inauguration. Event co-sponsors include 13 other veterans service organizations, among them the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Paralyzed Veterans of America." So where was our new President instead of honoring Medal of Honor recipients...

The nation's largest veterans organization released this week a policy bulletin that takes a firm stand against illegal immigration and calls on its members to hold elected officials accountable for implementing and enforcing U.S. immigration law. The 30-page bulletin is officially titled, "The American Legion Policy on Immigration: A Strategy to Address Illegal Immigration in the United States." "The American Legion members have served in the U.S. Armed Forces throughout the world so that Americans can be safe at home," the organization's website explains. "This gives them a unique perspective to the threat that open borders present to their homeland."...

Call for Volunteers – Escambia Veterans Plan for the Final 7 days of the 2008 Presidential Campaign The issues are National Security and rejection of Income Redistribution. Elect a hero instead of an unknown. The following information and daily events schedule is all you need to take some personal action in the closing days of this race. Winning Florida is a must and Northwest Florida is the key. Your active participation in the next 7 days could be a deciding factor in McCain/Palin winning here by a substantial margin. We encourage you to do the following: þ Vote (the info...

President & Mrs. Bush returned to the White House today after a brief vacation at their home in Crawford, Texas. Vice President Cheney addressed the 90th National Convention of the American Legion this morning in Phoenix, Arizona. With the media hype focused on Bill Clinton tonight as he—once again—tries to repaint his legacy, the Vice President reminded us all today exactly what Clinton’s legacy really is. (Transcript) Vice President Cheney: There was a time when terrorist attacks were treated mainly as an issue of law enforcement … The first attack on the World Trade Center, back in 1993, resulted in...

SAN FRANCISCO -- About a dozen members of the Minutemen, a group that patrols the U.S.-Mexican border in an effort to keep illegal immigrants out, stood on the steps of San Francisco's City Hall today to decry the city's sanctuary policy and demand that Mayor Gavin Newsom resign. They waved signs calling Newsom, District Attorney Kamala Harris and William Siffermann, head of the city's Juvenile Probation Department, "accessories to murder" for the city's now-reversed policy of not turning over illegal immigrant youths arrested for felonies to federal authorities for possible deportation. One Salvadoran immigrant who benefited from the policy, Edwin...

SITREP: What an incredible sight! Members of Run For The Wall XX (Southen Route) Several hundred motorcycles and their military veteran riders and passengers staged at the Salem, VA American Legion parking lot this morning ready to depart for Washington, D.C. where they will gather at the Vietnam War Memorial for the annual remembrance of POW's and MIA's. They had just finished a breakfast sponsored by local veterans groups including the American Legion Post and a military family support group. They sat waiting to depart at 0730 for the last leg of their 10 day cross country (southern route) trip...

If you do not have a copy of The American Legion’s latest booklet on illegal immigration, download it here! http://www.legion.org/whatsnew/bulletins If you would like a free booklet sent to you, email your address to acy@legion.org. “The American Legion Policy on Illegal Immigration: A Strategy to Address Illegal Immigration in the United States” is a must-read for voters and political candidates alike. The impact illegal immigration has on crime, terrorism, employment, wages and even public health are all addressed in this comprehensive booklet. More importantly, The American Legion’s common sense strategy to deal with this important issue offers not just a...

Old Glory Radio spoke with Joe March, the National Director of Public Relations for the American Legion, today concerning their recent campain to bring attention to the national security and safety issues concerning Illegal Immigration. 03/05/08

The National Executive Committee of the 2.7 million member American Legion has issue a document calling for the strong enforcement of America's borders and laws against illegal immigration. "American Legion members have served in the U.S. Armed Forces throughout the world so that Americans can feel safe at home. ....And, today, they see the threat that open borders present to their homeland." The plan calls for five steps, including securing the border, eliminating job magnets and services to illegals, no amnesty, reducing the number of illegals in the U.S., and screening and tracking foreign visitors. The plan also calls on...

FINAL PREPARATION: On our final day of packing before heading to SC, I wanted to contact you and ask you to email everyone you know and ask them to visit our website http://vfwwebcom.org/ResolveToWin/ and ask them to spread the word to everyone they know. I believe our website is very informative and offers people an opportunity to interact.If we can’t get people visiting the website to learn about the Resolve to Win March, we will not be able to get them out on the road. Please pass this information on to everyone you know who believes that we should Support...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INDIANAPOLIS (January 31, 2008) - “Osama bin Laden couldn’t have said it better,” American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser said of the Berkeley City Council Resolution, which tells the Marines that they are not welcome there. “Disgraceful, disloyal, ungrateful. These words are too kind in describing the actions of the public officials in Berkeley, who voted for this disgrace. Nonetheless, our Marines continue to bravely serve and in so doing, allow Americans to spout such foolishness. The American Legion not only strongly condemns this action by the City Council but also believes that a sincere apology is...

www.gunowners.org/a100307.htmOct 2007 While Senator Coburn Successfully Blocks The McCarthy Bill... Your activism has strengthened his hand!!! Gun Owners of America 8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102 Springfield, VA 22151 (703)321-8585 "The American Legion, the nation's largest wartime veterans' service organization, strongly opposes specific provisions of H.R. 2640... that would unilaterally abrogate the rights of certain service-connected disabled veterans to own firearms, a right guaranteed by the Second Amendment." -- Statement by the American Legion, Sep. 27, 2007 Wednesday, October 3, 2007 First, there was Gun Owners of America and a myriad of state gun rights organizations. Then, the Military Order of...

The Cindy Sheehan-inspired dingbats descending on the city this weekend are infinitely more outraged by a pair of panties being placed on the head of a virgin-seeking terrorist than by a virgin-seeking terrorist placing a steak knife to the neck of an infidel, while chanting, "Praise be to Allah." This passes as a thoughtful position on the part of the losers, nut jobs, socialists, communists and revolutionaries aligned with ANSWER, Code Pink and the loony left of Hollywood. All they are saying is give a suicide bomber a chance. These wackos live with a conundrum. As much as they hate...

RENO, Nev., Aug. 31, 2007 – Enlisted representatives from the five armed services were honored this week by the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ organization. The American Legion presented the Spirit of Service award to Army Sgt. Korey W. Chandler, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Gaurav R. Patel, Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew W. Stone, Air Force Airman 1st Class Robb K. Hulet, and Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class David B. Edelson on Aug. 28 during the organization’s 89th National Convention here. The award was presented for each of the recipient’s volunteer service in their local communities, American Legion officials said....

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2007 – Defeating extremists in the Middle East is essential to America’s security, and the most important way to counter these extremists is to win the fight in Iraq, President Bush said today. “The challenge in Iraq comes down to this: Either the forces of extremism succeed, or the forces of freedom succeed. Either our enemies advance their interests in Iraq, or we advance our interests,” Bush said at the 89th Annual American Legion National Convention in Reno, Nev. The violent ideology that inspires extremists in the Middle East has two main strains, Bush said: Sunni...

In Reno to address the American Legion convention Tuesday, President Bush's first order of business was to recognize a Nevada woman for her volunteerism. Upon arrival last night, Bush presented Cathy Levine of Reno with a pin and chatted with her a few minutes next to Air Force One about the impact of gambling on homelessness. Levine began collecting clothing and blankets for homeless families who were housed temporarily at a local shelter during a severe snowstorm in 1989.

Bush discusses Iraq war at American Legion Convention

From the Speech: I have authorized our military commanders in Iraq to confront Tehran's murderous activities.

Bush to say Iraq is front line against Iran, Al-Qaeda BELLEVUE, United States (AFP) - US President George W. Bush on Tuesday will describe Iraq as the front-line against Shiite extremism championed by Iran and the Sunni extremism of Al-Qaeda, an aide said Monday. Bush was due to level the charge in a speech to the American Legion veterans group, the second of two presidential addresses meant to bolster support for the war in Iraq ahead of a critical September 15 progress report. "The president will talk about Sunni extremism and Shia extremism. Neither represents Islam. They represent a brutal...

NIAGARA FALLS — Members of the State American Legion, meeting here for a four-day convention, strongly criticized the treatment of wounded soldiers when they return home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Many young men and women are coming home with multiple disabilities, and they’re not getting the help they need,” James W. Casey, state commander of the American Legion, said Wednesday. Casey, a Navy veteran from New York City, spoke at a news conference about the Legion’s position on the war on terrorism. The American Legion, as an organization, doesn’t take a position on the war in Iraq,...

BETHEL, Alaska -- In the middle of a dirt field in this western Alaska hub lies a grave, a wooden cross at its head, a small American flag at the foot. This is the inaugural plot of the new Veterans Memorial Cemetery, which will serve the Kuskokwim River town of Bethel and 56 largely Yup'ik Eskimo villages. Members of the local American Legion post spearheaded construction of the two-acre site in a community effort being hailed by national Legion officials as the only one of its kind among nearly 15,000 posts. "As far as we know, it's unprecedented that a...

Democrat John Edwards' call for voters to speak out against the Iraq war on Memorial Day weekend has drawn criticism from a leader of the American Legion, who called the effort "revolting." In an e-mail message and on his Web site, Edwards asks supporters to honor and pray for the troops over the Memorial Day weekend and to send them care packages and treats. But the presidential candidate also urges supporters to use the holiday to denounce the war — an effort Paul Morin, national commander of the American Legion, decried as an attempt to "politicize" the day. "Revolting is...

Post pics,news,speeches on the Gathering of Eagles - These Colors Don't Run, Pro Troop Rally

This speech was previewed on FNC this morning. I checked the other channels, Fox appears to be the only one showing him live.

   From:   Roy Beck, President, NumbersUSA Date:   Sunday 4MAR07     10 p.m. EST   I'm giving my immigration presentation Monday to the national American Legion legis. conference   DEAR VETERANS AND FAMILIES OF VETERANS, Thanks for taking the interest survey so I knew to whom to send this email. I just wanted to let you know about a very nice opportunity for our movement that happens tomorrow. Perhaps you can use this information to help leverage what happens tomorrow into a burgeoning national movement of veterans to protect the American way of life from radical immigration policies. Today began...

The American Legion... MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICE... 1608 "K" ST., N.W.... WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006... (202) 861-2700, Ext. 1312... Fax (202) 861-2785... Web Site: www.legion.org... Note: Please call or reply email if interested in receiving the official letterhead version of Commander Morin's letter.... American Legion Natl Cmdr Response to Chris Matthews of MSNBC November 1, 2006 Hardball w/ Chris Matthews 400 N. Capitol Street, NW Suite 850 Washington, DC 20001 Dear Mr. Matthews: I would like to set the record straight about your erroneous statement about me on yesterday’s broadcast. Regarding The American Legion’s reaction to Sen. Kerry’s outrageous comments about the...

Here is the initial story reported on KFI in Los Angeles at 11:00 AM --- CLICK. KFI in Los Angeles called Kerry's remarks on Imus this morning an apology when he said that he meant no offense to the troops. Someone at Reuters is trying to let Kerry off the hook. The American Legion, however, is steaming mad. A source at American Legion headquarters told me that the comments on Imus are not acceptable. He needed to make an apology to the troops that was unequivocal. Unfortunately, he has apparently missed the opportunity. Even if Kerry would actually try to...

From American Legion email: Coral Ridge Hour: Dr. James Kennedy on "Remembering Our Foundations" and ACLU Comrades, Colleagues, and Patriots: I write to urge you to watch the Coral Ridge Hour in your area tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006 to experience the profound message of Dr. D. James Kennedy on "Remembering Our Foundations" as Americans." Dr. Kennedy's message is one of the most erudite, eloquent, educative and inspiring true statements of the values of our Founding Fathers and the truths of our American heritage that I have heard, seen, or read. Further, this Coral Ridge Broadcast includes a feature: A...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2006 – The American Legion is focused, as always, on fighting for veterans’ rights, but also on supporting the troops serving today in the war on terrorism, the Legion’s two new leaders said here yesterday. “We strongly believe that a nation who forgets its veterans is a lost nation, so we won’t let that happen on our watch,” Paul A. Morin, the newly-elected national commander of the American Legion, said in a Pentagon Channel interview. “We’ll continue to do battle for the children of our nation and the American way of life. That’s what we do as...

Right In A Left World

9:08 A.M. MDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Please be seated. Thanks for the warm welcome. It's great to join you here in one of America's most beautiful cities. I appreciate your hospitality. I'm proud to stand before some of our country's finest patriots, our veterans and their families. (Applause.) And I'm pleased to call you my fellow Legionnaires -- (applause) -- I suspect I may be the only one here, though, from Post 77, Houston, Texas. That's what I thought. (Laughter.) If you're from Post 77, behave yourself here in Salt Lake. (Laughter.) Laura did remind me...

Secretary Rice (Aug. 29): " I want to thank the members of the American Legion for your service to our country, and I want to join with all of you today in sending this message to our fighting men and women overseas: Your service is bringing hope to others, honor to yourselves, and you are making every American very, very proud." full text | video

Today the President addressed the 88th Annual American Legion National Convention in Salt Lake City He also met with with the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Later on he attended a fundraiser for the reelection campaign of Sen Orrin Hatch, R-Utah Today Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife Lynne celebrate their 42nd Wedding anniversary. Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island