If you recall, last week the milblogs (lead by Mr. Wolf over at Blackfive) started an "awareness campaign" (well, for some, it was a "scorched earth" campaign, but I digress) regarding the political endorsements by the VFW Political Action Committee, which is a separate (but allied) organization to the VFW. Much like the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is an allied organization of the NRA, and the separation serves the same purpose, basically playing the tax game in the 501(c) world.
Seems no one at the VFW HQs or in the posts had been paying attention.
Until we called it to their attention. There has been some action on the part of National, at the prodding of several state units and individual VFW members who are blog readers... note the actions described in this note, published with permission:
Squeaky wheels can get attention sometimes. CJ has some more details.
Seems no one at the VFW HQs or in the posts had been paying attention.
Until we called it to their attention. There has been some action on the part of National, at the prodding of several state units and individual VFW members who are blog readers... note the actions described in this note, published with permission:
Good Afternoon Comrades;
I just received a personal telephone call from VFW Commander-in-Chief, Richad Eubank. The Chief asked me to let all of the comrades in Nevada know the most recent action he has taken regarding the PAC endorsements. He has asked me to give this message the widest dissemination, so please forward this message on to any in your Nevada address book that you may not see here.
In light of Senator Reid's misleading claim during the debate on Wednesday night that he had been endorsed by the VFW, the Chief wanted you to know this latest information:
The Commander-in-Chief, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief had requested the VFW Political Action Committe (PAC) to rescind their endorsements as they were not the voices of the VFW membership and the ramifications from these endorsements by the PAC were having a detrimental effect on our organization.
Unfortunately, the leaders of the PAC refused to honor the C-in-C request, and did not rescind the endorsements. Yesterday, Friday, October 15, the Commander-in-Chief revoked all of the appointments to the PAC. Effective immediately, the PAC is a memberless committee, whose fate will be decided at the National Convention in San Antonio, next August.
I urge each and every one of you reading this to send a brief message by email to info@vfw.org Get it on record that you support the decision of the Commander-in-Chief to put the voice of the members first and foremost. In the message, make sure that you note that you are from Nevada and that you appreciate him standing firm that the membership voice will be heard above that of a committee. THIS IS YOUR VFW!
We need to get this issue behind us so we can get back to the business of supporting our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Veterans and their families, our communities and youth.
Yours in Comradeship,
John W. Stroud
Candidate, National Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief, 2012
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Squeaky wheels can get attention sometimes. CJ has some more details.
No person may be elected or appointed to either house of Congress more than two times.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The intent of the above is to bring “transparency” to campaign financing by removing any group from the process whereby that group may conceal the identity of an individual contributor as well as limiting the influence of such groups or “special interests”. It further prevents an organization from making such contributions when an individual within that organization, such as a union member or corporation stockholder, may oppose the candidate. Considering the large equity position in certain corporations that the federal government has recently taken in response to the economic crises, this is particularly important in excluding such influence. The money from “special interest” groups will then go to promote that for which they exist, their “special interest”. The media will be directed to expositions on the issues facing the electorate, thus enhancing discussion and hopefully understanding of issues, bereft of personalities.
The term-limits will serve to diminish the motive of any individual or group to who may wish to influence that office-holder by gift or other form of remuneration.
So, yeah, bring it.
My Dad was a member of the VFW ever since he returned from his ETO Combat Tour, my wife's father (ETO Bomber crew -disabled) was a member, and my wedding reception was proudly held at the VFW Hall. The VFW was a real presence in our lives.
I spent the better part of an afternoon researching all of the candidates on my ballot so I knew who I was voting for: I do not believe that most people would have the time or inclination to do the same. There are a lot of judicial candidates this year on my ballot, and it was a pain in the butt to get a read on them -often I chose who NOT to vote for by who they were endorsed by.
Just saying...
Regards,
I'd like to say quite a few of them are even less qualified.
Not quite true though as many are qualified in law. I suppose we don't have good politicians because a good one could never win an election.
With political donations it often seems it's money that votes not people but I'm not sure banning donations is a good idea. Full, permanent and open disclosure might be.
The second rule was, You don't discuss or complain about politics, unless you vote. You have time to do other things. First, do your homework, then vote. This is not about, "I don't have time!" It's all about priority and choice. Time is in some ways, like money. You can waste it, spend it or even invest it, but you can't save it.
It has been my honor to do this from one Ron to another Ron.
Grumpy
Totally agree with you abou the vote. If you do not vote, STFU. And no, voting once every four years does not qualify you as an active citizen. At work most of us were pretty conservative and reasonably knowledgeable about political issues. Even had opinions that we were quite willing to share. :)
Thru the magic of the internet we looked to see whom amongst our friends voted, and who did not. Those that had a track record of not voting were counseled.
Regards,
@JTG,in your second comment, you quote Billy Beck, saying we can't vote ourselves out of this current mess. First, describe it, then define it and then, how did we get here? JTG you talk about the use of an ice-axe. Done correctly,they work wonders. Done poorly, you're dead.JTG, how long before cooler heads prevail?