On February 16th, National Commander Paul Morin and the American Legion issued a press release attacking Congressional action that criticizes President Bush's "Iraq Surge". Commander Morin's statement used Bush administration and far right talking points that do not reflect the views of all legionnaires or veterans.
In 1929, the National Commander and members of the American Legion met with Premier Mussolini in Rome and in the 1930's the American Legion was attempting to make Premier Mussolini a life member of the American Legion. This is ancient history. Why bring it up now? During WWII, two leaders continually overrode their generals and dictated tactics and strategy to their military leaders. These same wartime leaders were dictators and had no limits on their power. Those leaders were Hitler and Mussolini. Before you all start screaming that I am calling Bush either Hitler or Mussolini, I AM NOT; what I am saying is that no limits on power and absolute lock step support do not produce victory. Churchill and Roosevelt both were accountable to legislative bodies. The American people understand this concept and supported it during the recent congressional election. In response to both the elections and threatened congressional action, President Bush is no longer "staying the course". To attack Congress for doing its constitutionally required job is neither patriotic nor loyal.
Why am I a lifetime member of the American Legion? The Legion is a spectacularly effective organization for veterans, their families and their communities. The Legion's most spectacular success may well be the WW II era GI Bill. Their daily administration of countless veteran and community programs throughout the country and abroad is their crowning achievement. However, they are not foreign policy or military experts.
Teddy Roosevelt said it best: "To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." National Commander Paul Morin's clearly partisan political comments do not reflect the views of countless military veterans and their families and jeopardize the legion's credibility and effectiveness. Commander Morin and the American Legion owe this country and veterans an apology.