Stop Them Before They Start

by: Rick Noriega

Fri Feb 15, 2008 at 13:41:13 PM EST


(This is from State Representative and Afghanistan veteran Rick Noriega, who is currently challenging chickenhawk Senator John Cornyn in Texas.  It appears as though the Republican Party of Texas is moving in to "swiftboat" Lt. Col. Noriega - promoted by Brandon Friedman)

We know where this is going.

The Republican Party of Texas, and by extension, Senator John Cornyn, has requested that I release my military records to them. I am astounded and outraged at the implications of this request.  Over the past few years, some Republicans have conducted the most dishonest and disreputable attacks on veterans that our nation has ever seen.  

In 2002, we saw the National Republican Senatorial Committee smear Senator Max Cleland of Georgia, a triple-amputee Vietnam veteran, as being in league with Osama bin Laden. This was shameful and goes against every Texas value.

Texans will not stand for this.

Our campaign will release my military records to the public -- but I need you to stand with me and tell John Cornyn and his operatives that we will not allow the kind of smear campaign that they have made all too familiar.  

Rick Noriega :: Stop Them Before They Start
Here is an excerpt of the letter we received from the Republican Party of Texas:

"You have indicated that you intend to make military experience, integrity and transparency the cornerstones of your campaign. We are grateful for your service to this country and we agree that those that seek higher office should support transparency and openness regarding all of their public service records."

When John Cornyn and the Republican Party of Texas review my records, they will learn that I not only served in the Guard and Reserves for almost three decades, but also legislated aid to members of the Texas National Guard in obtaining federal health services and educational opportunities.

They'll also find that I spearheaded legislation to create a database of medical, social and economic resources for military personnel seeking benefits they've been promised by the government. All Guardsman and active duty personnel also enjoy free hunting and fishing licenses in Texas because of our efforts.

The truth has never stopped dishonest attacks on veterans. I am proud of my service and I am proud to seek to represent the citizens of Texas.  

While I have sacrificed, Cornyn rejected responsible troop deployment limits, twice voted against increased funding for veteran health care, against funding for armored vehicles, against increased funding for TRICARE while allowing TRICARE fees to triple, and voted against protecting soldiers' civilian salaries while they're serving in Iraq.  

Stop them before they start. Tell Cornyn and his cronies we will fight back against any distortions or smears on my service to our country. Sign the petition today!

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signed.. (0.00 / 0)
and my texan wife will be doing the same!

I'm on twitter.

Signed as well... (0.00 / 0)
by this lefty yankee

Signed. (0.00 / 0)

Have Senator John Cornyn send his military records as well.....OH WAIT!

Brian


Don't hold your breath on those! n/t (0.00 / 0)


[ Parent ]
Signed. (0.00 / 0)
  The above goes to show that the GOP has adopted a familiar set of guiding principles:

 War is Peace

 Feedom is Slavery

 Ignorance is Strength

(The principles of INGSOC/Big Brother in George Orwell's 1984)


Speaking of 1984... (0.00 / 1)
Looks like a couple comments from this thread have gone down the memory hole.

I know nothing about... (4.00 / 1)

... anything going down the memory hole.

But I don't think that anyone here appreciates your ruse.

If you have something against a candidate, fine that is your prerogative. But coming here to try to "stir the pot" with such backhanded accusations as

Such a strong preemptive response makes me wonder if there isn't something negative in those records after all.

is not appreciated.

Just my .02

Brian


[ Parent ]
You know the deal with troll rating, right? n/t (0.00 / 0)


[ Parent ]
I do, (0.00 / 0)

but I forgot about it until after I wrote my reply.

[ Parent ]
I've got some commentary on this (0.00 / 0)
up on the front page over at Daily Kos.  Here's the link.

Signed (0.00 / 0)
Good luck Sir! We're behind you 100%.  Veterans do not take kindly to those who wish to discredit our service, while having, themselves, never served.

"No U.S. soldier ever dies in vain because they're carrying out the missions of their commander in chief. And we honor all the service that they've provided." - Barack Obama

Don't believe in trashing veterans because of their service (0.00 / 0)
but subscribe to the notion that service records of ALL vet candidates for public office (R or D or I or whatever) should be public.

I'm not running, but I'd stand behind and attempt to explain my DD 214 any day,


The only problem is... (0.00 / 0)
These draft-dodging chicken hawks will take any service or accomplishment and put a negative spin on it.  For example, if you're a Vietnam vet, surely your unit goofed up somewhere, or you didn't spend at least 20 years in high-intensity combat, and they'll try to draw inferences to make it look like a) you didn't do your job, b) you're a war criminal or c) you're a "cut and run" type who only did one/two/etc rotations while others did more.  Of course, these guys will use hired guns to do their dirty work, and they'll never compare what they were doing during (insert war here), but the tactics are always the same.  Hopefully Rick can avoid these jackass chicken hawk shell-game tactics. I know all of us here are proud of our service and DD214s, but never underestimate wealthy neo-cons with PR machines behind them.  

[ Parent ]
Suggestion (0.00 / 0)
Let this not become a site where anyone who is a veteran is automatically OK because he or she has served.

Free ride. (0.00 / 0)

We dont give em.

Brian


[ Parent ]
Proudly signed. (0.00 / 0)
Good luck and you'll get a donation from me as well. Kick some butt!

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