USA - RNC - Iraq Veterans - McCain

September 02, 2008
Republican National Convention

As RNC Opens, Iraq Veterans Against the War March in St. Paul


We return to the streets of St. Paul, where more than one hundred members of Iraq Veterans Against the War held a rally on Monday. The antiwar vets marched to the site of the Republican National Convention. Jacquie Soohen of Big Noise Films filed this report.

Demonstrations at the Republican National Convention began early Monday morning, as a formation of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans marched from the Minnesota State Capitol to the Xcel Center to deliver a briefing on veterans' issues to Senator McCain. Matthis Chiroux, who earlier this year refused to deploy to Iraq, explained the reasons for the march.


When you look at a candidate like McCain, his actions speak volumes over his words. So as much as he says he supports the troops, he still primarily consistently votes against issues that will help veterans, that will provide for an increase in care, an increase in benefits to go back to school. And so, his actions are saying, "Look, I just want to use and manipulate the veterans to support my political campaign, but yet when it comes to taking care of them, I'm not ready to do that."


Today, Iraq Veterans Against the War is marching on the Republican National Convention to apply pressure to the McCain campaign to include veterans' issues in their election platform. While John McCain is a veteran, he has a history of not supporting the troops as he should, for example, voting—or refusing to vote for expanding our educational benefits, and also making public his intention to keep us in this unlawful occupation of Iraq for a hundred years, if necessary. This is unacceptable to Iraq Veterans Against the War. This is unacceptable to the service members on the front line. This is unacceptable for the American people.

Iraq Veterans Against the War, or IVAW, has three demands: the immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces in Iraq; reparations for the people for Iraq; and full benefits, including adequate healthcare, for returning servicemen and--women.

Our Minnesota-Minneapolis chapter president, Wes Davey, who was a first sergeant in Iraq, was let into the Xcel Center area. And then, even after being let in by the security there, he was refused to—they refused to talk to him once he was inside. So, it's just a shame that, you know, John McCain has turned his back on veterans. Despite being a POW and a veteran himself, he's MIA when it comes to veteran issues.

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[treestump401]

A man once said "If you seek peace, then prepare for war." War often is the only solution. It has been the solution since the Earth was born. We can't talk it out and use diplomacy with Al Qaeda or the Taliban. The only thing they care about is martyring themselves for the "Jihad" against the "Great Satan." Liberals are idealists and it's going to get us all killed.

[SpraxIAKS]

It's just how I express myself.

[flagsandstaff]

SprakIAKS - You are on the right track. Put simply and more precisely for you: Our young men and women are sent off to defend old men's property.

(PS. Why the vulgarity? Does that make you feel tough? No offense intended - just wondering about that.)

BTW: Please don't forget to vote Obama on November 4.

[nicholasp31313]

Its just to pass time while I'm studying.

[SpraxIAKS]

Lol. Why are you arguing with him? I may not know much off this IVAW stuff and what not however Raouldeming is 53 supposedly, going by his profile. Typing middle aged person on youtube. Brainwashed lemming who contributes nothing but bullshit, spent a life time in following lies. Debating with such a person would be similar to trying to teach a rock tricks. It doesn't take a sixteen year old to figure that out.

[SpraxIAKS]

For us? Not really. They risked their lives so they can get back home after fighting a war for old men in suits that hide behind desk. >:(

I support them getting the fuck out of this bullshit. >:(

[Killwich]

I'm a veteran twice of Iraq and I see a man who has the attitude of the son of an Admiral that was given a free ride through the Naval Academy. POW status aside, I have no respect for the man. The IAVA graded him a D on support of his very own, fellow veterans for education, health care etc. He doesn't stand for us and seems to have no respect for us. He just believes we should be a given vote for him. And because of that he will not get my vote and shouldn't from veterans. He hasn't earned it.

[lthom33]

It was a Republican president who lied to the UN & the American people for reasons of war and placed our troops in harm's way. Over 4,000 US troops are dead, over 30,000 wounded, over 4,000 coalition are dead, 1.2M innocent Iraqis are dead, 4.1 Iraqis are misplaced, & the Republicans have no plan to get us out of Iraq. Bush, Inc. should be in prison for treason! And McCain's no better, approving 90% of Bush's failed policies.

[flagsandstaff]

McCain has consistently voted AGAINST bipartisan bills for our vets.

Thank you - all our brave veterans - for risking the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us. We support you always - in our hearts and in our minds.

John McCain is NO hero. He's hardly even a man.

[annonimuse]

Chuck Baldwin 08!!!!!!!!!!