Get Serious - Piecemeal Approach to Fund War Wrong, Says American Legion

WASHINGTON, May 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The leader of the nation's largest veterans organization today voiced his organization's strong opposition to Congress' piecemeal funding approach to the war in Iraq.

"Don't nickel and dime the men and women you placed in harm's way," said Paul A. Morin, national commander of The American Legion, to those Members of Congress responsible for funding the Global War on Terror.

Earlier this year, Cmdr. Morin wrote to the congressional leadership asking for timely passage of the President's Emergency Defense Supplemental Appropriations to fully fund the on-going cost to fight the Global War on Terror.

"Wake up!" warned Morin. "Our troops have their hands full fighting for their lives and don't have time for the kind of 'political gamesmanship' that the Commander in Chief and the military leadership are having to endure."

Turning to the spoiled terrorist plot to attack Ft. Dix, NJ, Cmdr. Morin said, "Is there any doubt in anyone's mind that the threat is real? Will blood shed on American soil be the only proof that terrorism is real?"

The American Legion adopted Resolution 169 mandating full support for the Commander in Chief, the Congress, the military leadership, and, most importantly, the service members. "The Global War on Terror is not about partisan politics, it is about the survival of freedom," Morin explained.

"By turning away from real threats to democracy anywhere in the world there is a direct threat to freedom everywhere."

"To the leadership of Congress, my message is very simple: pass the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations to fund the war through the end of the fiscal year," he said. "Take it to the floor of Congress for a public debate, then vote on America's role in the Global War on Terror."

"Those ready to surrender should speak up, vote and stand by their decision," Morin added. "Those who are willing to win this conflict can do the same so that 'We the people' can have the final say."

Founded in 1919, the 2.7 million-member American Legion is the nation's preeminent service organization for veterans of the U.S. armed forces, including active duty, National Guard and Reserves, and their families.