I just wanted to chime in and send out a little advice to any of you who see any current protests over alleged "cuts" to veterans benefits.

A story that I covered today seems to clearly indicate that, at least some, if not all, are nothing more than a smokescreen for anti-war and anti-Bush groups. They are whoring our men and women who have served our country, in an effort to serve their own anti-Right cause.

Case in point: A group of "veterans" gathered outside of the local office of the Republican Congressman in the city where I work. They were protesting the much-talked-about Republican "cuts" to veterans' benefits in the upcoming budget. It didn't get violent, by any means, but the cops were called out because they were blocking the entrance to the office building. So, naturally I headed over there to cover it.

I started to interview the organizer of the protest, and I couldn't help but notice his little "No Blood For Oil" lapel pin. That raised my curiosity, so I asked him what the name of his group was. "The Coalition For Peace With Iraq" he answered.

When I asked him to elaborate on exactly what areas the veterans stood to loose out on, well that's when the stammering and stuttering began. He quickly directed me to an actual veteran in the group who was able to give me some intelligent, specific comments about what he stood to loose, however incorrect he may have been.

Rather than just running the story, as many would unfortunately do, I actually gave the Congressman the opportunity to respond to this group's claim.

Well, as I find out, none of the information they're spouting about this Republican (and this has been directed at the Republicans) is accurate at all!

I'm sure some of you who keep abreast on the issues already know, the original, generic overview of the '04 budget called for an across-the-board cut in an effort to come closer to reaching a balance. That DID include veterans' benefits.

However, the budget has since been amended to not only NOT cut their benefits, but instead creates a Three (B)illion dollar INCREASE to veterans benefits! I've got a copy of the Manager's Amendment, which is what the House passed, right here in my hands.

To further expose this group's bogus front, the Disabled American Veterans organization has recently issued a statement saying:

Headline..."VETERANS WIN BUDGET BATTLE"

"Cuts in veterans benefits are off the table -- for now. Leaders of the nation's three largest veterans organizations today praised members of Congress who fought alongside them to keep veterans' health care, pensions and disability compensation off the chopping block."

This absolutely sickens me. I have so much respect and grattitude for the men and women who have fought and died for this country. To see some left-wing activist group whoring them like this just boils my blood.

It's just another example that you have to look into the ulterior motives of those who are out on the sidewalk screaming about ulterior motives.

Here's a link to the DAV statement I mentioned above.
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