We can debate all we want about the justification for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the troop levels, and how best to handle trans-national terrorism. But in the end, those issues are still symptoms of a larger issue which is exacerbated by America's obscene dependence on foreign energy sources.
IN NEW TELEVISION AD CAMPAIGN, WAR VETERANS JUMP INTO CLEAN ENERGY DEBATE
Iraq War Vets cite connection between Middle East Oil, Terrorists; Passing American Clean Energy and Security Act Can Help Protect America
WASHINGTON, DC -- A new, week-long cable television ad campaign starting today shows veterans of the war in Iraq calling on Congress to support a bill that would support clean energy and efficiency. The ad is sponsored by VoteVets.org, the nation's leading progressive group of veterans, and will start running today in the districts of Rep. John Barrow (D-GA) and Jim Matheson (D-UT), airing over 1,000 times, combined, on local cable. The group plans to air the ad in more districts by the middle of the week.
The ad features Iraq War Veterans from the state where the ads are airing, making the case that passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act is a matter of national security.
"It's crucial to our national security that we get off our dependence on foreign oil and towards clean energy," said Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran and Chairman of VoteVets.org. "Right now, billions in Middle East oil profits help fund terrorism. Members of Congress have a chance to end that, and create jobs right here by voting for this comprehensive clean energy jobs bill. For those who were sent to fight terrorists and insurgents, like me, this bill is a no brainer. It has to pass."
The ad closes by urging constituents to call their Congressmen to ask that they support the bill.
(Note: The Utah version of the ad below uses Utah Iraq Veteran Chris LeJeune, and encourages people to call Rep. Matheson)
Iraq War veteran Zach Choate speaks to camera. An image of an M-4 gun appears
Choate: This kept me safe in Iraq
The gun disappears and is replaced by a gas hose nozzle
Choate: But this makes us vulnerable here at home.
The nozzle disappears.
Choate: Billions in Middle East oil profits have helped fund the same terrorists we're fighting. By building an American clean energy economy, we can lower energy costs, create thousands of jobs, cut our dependence on foreign oil, and keep America safe. You can help protect America.
Congressman Barrow's DC office number appears
Choate: Call Congressman Barrow, and tell him to support the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Because, our national security starts at home.
"The welcome mat for memoirs by veterans of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom might never wear out so long as they write with the savvy of Brandon Friedman . . . Friedman's take is vivid, frank, precise and dramatic."--Military Times
"Add Brandon Friedman's The War I Always Wanted to the ranks of outstanding non-fiction produced by officers from elite combat units in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Always truthful, often excruciatingly so, The War I Always Wanted rises at numerous points to the level of literature."--Steven Pressfield, author of Gates of Fire
"A Time To Lead confirms the rewarding benefits of military service at a time when such service is experiencing considerable strain. It also includes a comprehensive description of America's current national imperatives, which deserve serious consideration."--General Alexander M. Haig, Jr., former Secretary of State
"This is a primer on leadership forged in battle and by decades of experience. . .This isn't just a book; it's a manual for leading people and living a good life."--Barry McCaffrey, General, USA (ret.)
"Whip smart, sassy, with a mouth as foul as a sailor's, 28-year-old Sergeant Kayla Williams. . .tells what it's like to be a female soldier in Iraq."--Booklist
". . .echoes military memoirists from Julius Caesar to Ernie Pyle."--Publishers Weekly
". . .a shocking, on-the-ground view of one military woman's experience in Iraq."--Bookmarks Magazine
Diaries and comments at VetVoice do not necessarily represent the views of VoteVets.org. VetVoice will strive to remove any illegal material as soon as it is flagged. Similarly, VetVoice will use its discretion in determining whether to remove exceedingly offensive material. However, between posting and removal, any offensive or illegal material does not reflect the condoning or endorsing of said material by VoteVets.org or VetVoice.
Similarly, the views expressed on this website are those of the authors alone. Opinions on this website do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Defense or any of its components.
Paid for VoteVets Political Action Committee. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. VoteVets Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization which primarily focuses on nonpartisan education and advocacy on behalf veterans and their families. VoteVets Political Action Committee is a federal political committee which primarily helps elect Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran candidates and educates about veterans and military issues aimed at influencing the outcome of the next election.
