Georgia On My Mind

Six years ago this week, I was campaigning across Georgia for re-election to the United States Senate. I loved being a U.S. Senator and serving the people of Georgia. As our country headed to war in Iraq, and continued to fight to find Osama Bin Laden, I believed that my service in Vietnam, my experience as a combat veteran, would be of added value to my home state, and to my country.

My opponent at the time, Saxby Chambliss, disagreed; running a television commercial against me that not only had Osama Bin Laden's face morphing into mine but also questioned my "courage to lead." I felt at the time that surely, my service and my sacrifice in Vietnam would be seen in a more positive light than that of Mr. Chambliss's, who was forced to miss the war with a bum knee.

Sadly, as my good friend John Kerry would learn two years later, the power of well-funded lies can be hard to overcome with the truth, and six years ago next Tuesday, Saxby Chambliss won.

It was a devastating loss to me personally, but rest assured my friends, I am doing well. I am hopeful for a resounding Democratic victory across the country next Tuesday and I am encouraged to see that Jim Martin is running a great race against Saxby Chambliss here in Georgia. Jim is gaining ground and if you can help him in any way, please do so.

I believe that justice can sometimes be delayed, but it can never be denied. I served my country to the best of my ability and I hope to serve it again. And like Jim Martin, I will serve with character, dignity and grace.

Something I can not say about the man I pray he replaces.

Comments

[plfarrar]

I've waited a long time for another chance to vote against Saxby Chambliss. You are the last poitician I actually voted FOR. You have been missed. I'm really tired of voting AGAINST.

[HappyHumanist]

Thank you, Senator. You are a great American.
Two years ago, the day my friend and Silver Star recipient (Korea) died, another friend had the opportunity to meet you. She reported that you spent quite a while listening to her recount the reason why our late friend won the Silver Star. You were warm and gentle, hugging her more than once (she got a little crush on you that day!!).

I take pride in the fact that Democrats serve this country loyaly and well. You gave 3/4 of your limbs, many give their lives, and Bill put himself in harm's way to save his men.

We will take our country back on November 4th. For you and for all the brave patriots who love America.

[Franb]

All the very best Mr Cleland. The dishonourable campaign that was run to defeat you has given your name currency beyond your shores, here in Australia. Those who followed these events were filled with disgust, but sadly, little surprised.

I read of your contribution to the 9/11 commission and that to recommends you as a man of honour. I do hope, as others here do, that the new administration finds a suitable way to pay homage to your service.

[pithy]

I met you just once, more than 30 years ago, as you wheeled your chair into a Congressional office where I worked answering constituent letters.

I'll never forget the lump in my throat as I realized I was in the presence of a real hero.

Part of the reason that the GOP is gong to be defeated in a landslide that will wash away their toxicity for decades to come can be seen in the way they treated you.

I hope we will see you often on the national stage after this election.

[magnolialiberal]

Thank you for your service and your sacrifices, sir. Surely the chickens are coming home to roost for Sen. Chambliss. May he get everything he deserves and be turned out of office in this most remarkable election year!

[win2kpro]

Although Saxby Chambliss claimed he had a "bum" knee that kept him from serving in Nam, it actually wasn't his knee, it was his back; the yellow streak down his back.

Miss you Max, wish you the best. Already absentee voted for Obama and Martin.

[tpower]

I live in Columbus GA. I voted today. Best wishes to Senator Cleland: I did what I could today.
Cheers

[watchTVgetSTUPID]

Max you are the true American hero. I knew it ever since the Republicans attacked you the way they did.

[BucBabe]

Senator Cleland--this is my very first post here. It is so nice to see you here and read your post . I always have the utmost respect for you. I was sickened by what Chambliss did to you and wish I could also vote in GA to kick him out. We need more people like you in public office and hope to see you there again soon.

[McFlipFlop]

I just contributed to Jim Martin because of your article.

Looking forward to seeing you in the Obama administration!

[kjstjohn]

Max,

I have looked pretty scraggly lately because, in your honor, I have given the money I budgeted for haircuts to Jim Martin.

Follow HuffPosters, please give to Jim Martin and send Chambliss a message that real Americans do not sl!me their veterans.

[Falcon68]

Max, you will not remember me. We only met once. It was 1982 in the Peachtree area of Atlanta.
We were in a Luby's (?) cafeteria. Both of us were alone and I invited you to sit down. It was a very hot summer day (Aren't they all in Atlanta?) and you were very uncomfortable.
But you treated me like I was the only person in town that day. We had a great conversation since I was an Air Force Viet Nam vet.
You have my support in anything you do and I am proud to have been able to spend 30 minutes with you.
Any chance you could add something to the Obama team in the area of veteran's needs and wants?

[Emerald1943]

Sir, you are a gentleman and a true patriot! It was your defeat that helped open the eyes of the American people to the dirty politics of the right-wing!

While I am sure the loss was personally devastating to you, it may have been something of a blessing in disguise in that it will not soon be forgotten by us, the American voters! You have my highest respect!

[thebigbike]

Sentaor, I'm one more veteran who believes that the chambliss campaign against you marked the final collapse of any moorings to any decent moral standards that might have remained to the republican party . But I guess, it wasn't a collapse of the moorings, hell, they frikken threw the lines off, chopped them, sawed them, axed them. poured gasoline on and light it with blowtorches, apparently with glee. We'll be sending some money to Mr Martin's campaign tonight and praying for your vindicatoin by this election.

[NarcissisticFibrosis]

I recall Ann Coulter questioning Senator Cleland's service, in which he lost three limbs, by saying that he lost those limbs in a grenade accident, not in combat. God bless you, Max...and may the unhinged cartoon conservatives choke on what's about to happen next Tuesday. http://newsprism.wordpress.com