More Loyal to Vets than to Bush, Cmttee Chair Ousted by House GOP

[BurtWorm]

They hate Chris Smith for his freedom.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/07/nyregion/07smith.html

Groups Protest Ouster of Veterans' Committee Chief

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 - Representative Christopher H. Smith's removal as chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee by the House Republican caucus drew strong protests on Thursday from veterans' groups that praised Mr. Smith as unwilling to toe the Republican Party line.

"The Republicans needed a chairman who would consistently say no to veterans' groups and say yes to the Republican leadership," said Richard B. Fuller, national legislative director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, which has about 22,000 members and is based in Washington. "That meant get rid of Chris Smith."

Mr. Smith, a longtime New Jersey congressman who frequently clashed with party leaders over budgetary issues, wrote 22 veteran-related laws during his four years as chairman and advocated improvements to the G.I. Bill, increased spending for the veterans' health care system and the creation of new loans for young veterans seeking to buy a house.

"Removing a chairman is not only unusual, it's unprecedented," said Dennis M. Cullinan, national legislative service director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, which has about two million members and is based in Kansas City, Mo. "Mr. Smith had two years left in his position before he was term-limited out."

[Pirate Smile]

1. They not only removed him as Chair, they dumped him from the Committee

entirely.

"Mr. Smith, who was not available for comment because he was on a plane to Indonesia to help in relief efforts, will also lose his seat on the veterans' panel, which he has held for 24 years, said David Kush, a spokesman for the congressman."

[fertilizeonarbusto]

2. Come to us, Chris!!!!!!!!

We are waiting with open arms.

[Ezlivin]

3. Shoot the messenger

I'm a life member of the PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America) and DAV (Disabled American Veterans). For the last year they have spoken quite a bit about the budget problems that beset the VA. While both organizations are non-partisan, the problems were just too obvious to avoid discussion.

Just before the election, DAV published a newsletter detailing the shortcomings. I thought that this would definitely hurt Bush. I was wrong.

It seems that it's terribly easy to kick a veteran to the curb when you're through with them under this administration.

[BurtWorm]

5. And then a lot of vets will say "Thank you, sir! May I have another?"

Why? I don't understand this loyalty to someone who consistently hurts you. Abused spouse syndrome? :wtf:

[BrklynLiberal]

4. How could anyone in the military POSSIBLY support this administration?

[illflem]

6. ignorance

[Modem Butterfly]

7. Lip Service = Patriotism

At least, to the GOP. "Thank-you for your service, but don't expect much else, Mr. Veteran Sir."

A pox on their house and the houses of all cardboard patriots who vote for them.