I was wrong. I wrote "The Legion owes Nation Apology." I said; "The Legion is a spectacularly effective organization for veterans, their families and their communities." As many readers pointed out, I should definitely have written "was" not "is." In actuality, the Legion is betraying both the military and veterans. The American Legion is as far off course now as they were in 1929 when the National Commander and members of the American Legion met with Premier Mussolini in Rome and in the 1930s when the American Legion was attempting to make Premier Mussolini a life member of the American Legion. The Legion was a powerful, respected brand. However, the organization is hijacked by extremists who abandoned the veterans and military for a political adventure. Veteran or civilian, we need your help now!
American Legion National Commander Morin bragged that: "Even those who disagree with our position on the Iraq war certainly do not accuse us of being silent on the matter. They just wish we were." Commander Morin, it matters little. The Legion long ago marginalized itself by implying members of Congress were turncoats, disloyal, etc.; by literally becoming co-conspirators with the administration in such disasters as Walter Reed. The American people see the American Legion as a blindly right-wing organization of tired old men who never saw a war they did not like. In many ways, the American people are correct. That is the reason Bush is speaking to the Legion -- it is considered "safe" and "harmless." But that represents the Legion's national leadership, not the rank and file.
Who is responsible for what happened to that bright vibrant organization responsible for the WWII GI bill? We, veterans, ignored what was happening. When the Legion began to worry more about the dead than the living, we did not speak up. When the Legion began to make statements supporting an administration rather than soldiers, we did not speak up. When the Legion began making excuses protecting the administration from the lack of military and veteran healthcare, we did not speak up. We, veterans, are responsible for the sad reputation of the American Legion today.
Is it time to speak up? After my Huffington blog post concerning the Legion, dozens of legionnaires and veterans made a distinct effort to contact me and urge that I help form another veterans organization. I still receive emails and telephone calls urging me to consider it because the American Legion clearly is failing veterans, especially our youngest and newest veterans. These veterans want an organization that will speak for veterans and produce results. They say the American Legion abandoned veterans for political influence. They are all correct. But my question to you is: do we need yet another veteran organization? There may be an alternative.
Why not take our Legion back? Rightly, many legionnaires, including some in senior leadership, are disgusted with the current national leadership and direction of today's American Legion. Today's leadership and the direction of the organization are much closer to when the Legion supported Mussolini rather than when they pushed the GI Bill. Where they pick, as opposed to elect, their National Commanders on down. Not unlike Saddam and other Dictators. So much for democracy. Why not get involved and take it back? Repair its reputation and right its course?
What nonpartisan principals can we agree on:
- 1. Defense: A properly equipped and trained active and reserve military capable of defending the country and conducting necessary military operations is critical to national survival. As wartime veterans, we are solidly anti-war but definitely not pacifist. War is a horrible thing and avoidable. However, we realize that when all alternatives fail; it may become necessary to bear arms for the defense of our country and allies.
Can we agree on the above comments ? If so, perhaps now is the time to act. I have read reports of the president's speech to the VFW and it is extremely clear that there are divisions within that organization. We all know that the American Legion rank and file and some of the leadership are also divided concerning this president's actions. I suspect this was always so and it is healthy.
I propose taking my Legion back. By "my," I do not mean Hal's Legion or Tom's Legion. By "my," I mean that person you see in the mirror every morning when you shave or put makeup on. The Legion did too much good to have it destroyed by extremists. If enough people are willing, we can reorganize and redirect the American Legion leadership. I propose two immediate goals: fully fund VA and put on hold the Walter Reed/Bethesda merger until plans and progress can be reviewed independently by Congress. Will you join me to reform and redirect the American legion so that it once again be an organization in which you are proud to be a member? Contact me at tbml@mindspring.com. All responses are welcome!