Since the election I've tried to refrain from rubbing its results in the faces of those I know were disappointed. No gloating. OK, only mild gloating in front of people who surely liked the world-shaping results.In a way, I'm going to depart from that policy for this post, which is meant to put Vice President Dick Cheney in a bad light. If you still like him, best stop reading this and go on to one of my posts about music.
As it has happened, this particular news item bothered me so much I couldn't let it pass without a comment.
Vice President Dick Cheney has honored veterans by placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Hundreds gathered, from tourists to Cabinet members, to watch the solemn Veterans Day moment.Yes, today, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day. Originally, it was called Armistice Day, referring to the end of World War I in 1918. The next year Armistice Day was established as a holiday to remember WWI vets. In 1954 the change was made to honor all veterans who had/have served during any of America's wars.
My grandfather served proudly with the Richmond Light Infantry Blues in France during WWI. I know in my heart of hearts that he would have nothing good to say about Cheney taking part in any ceremony to do with honor and military service.
Moreover, out of simple respect, only a veteran should be involved with representing the American people at such a special ceremony to do with military service. At its best, sending Cheney to Arlington National Cemetery was an insulting gesture ... at its worst, it was one insult too many.
Problem No 1: In spite of all his snarling, bad-ass bluster, Cheney is not a vet.
Problem No. 2: Cheney's shameful role in ginning up a war in Iraq that America didn't have to fight, his advocating the torture of captives, his easy trading of blood for oily money, etc., has been anything but honorable.
Yes, the Bush administration should have had the decency to send someone else to place the wreath at the tomb. Unfortunately, it does not. So, it's left for an old blogger, a veteran, to call the scoundrel out on this.
To: Vice President Dick "Chickenhawk" Cheney
Memo: From now on, please stay out of all things to do with veterans. Your presence is quite irritating to many of those you claim to be honoring.
-- Words and art by F.T. Rea
1 comment:
I could not help but think how bizarre (ironic?) it was to hear the news today that Cheney was the "representative".
Was he trying to set up some false memory legacy for himself?
Thanks for the callout.
-b>
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