The American Legion

For seven consecutive years, and more than 10 years overall, I have been proud to be a member of American Legion Post 16 in Huntington, WV. After much consideration and soul searching, my association with the Legion ended today.

Problems within the Post, itself, made the final decision. But I have been leaning this direction for several months. It seems a waste, though, to make a decision of this nature and to not explain why.

The National Commander of the Legion often speaks on matters of importance. When he speaks, it is presumed that his words reflect all of the members. When he speaks on matters of Veteran's Affairs, he probably does.

But when he speaks about political matters, things are no longer quite so clear.

Recently, he spoke about the prisoners at Guantanimo Bay. He compared their being placed in "brace positions" for prolonged periods of time with the efforts of being a waiter. I cannot help but wonder when the last time was that he was required to stand at attention for four hours; or to remain in the "front leaning rest" (the "up" position of a push-up) position for an equal period of time.

Members of the Legion are veterans who served their country in time of war. Many are also quaified for membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (meaning they served in a combat zone). But, equally, members of the Legion are from every political spectrum. There are liberals as well as conservatives. There are Democrats as well as Republicans. There are those who support the war in Iraq and those who oppose it.

But when the National Commander speaks, it is with the voice of all of us. And when he speaks on political matters, it is with the voice of every member of the Legion.

But the time has come to make it clear that he has one less voice behind him.

He does not speak for me. And, after today, he never will again.