VFW-PAC, you suck
I got an email last night from Bev Perlson (Band of Mothers) that reported that the VFW-PAC (the political action committee of the Veterans of Foreign Wars) is supporting Democrat Ron Klein. Now, just because he’s a Democrat, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t merit the VFW’s support. Of course, being a rich lawyer from Boca Raton doesn’t exempt him either. Neither does the fact that he’s never served a day in the military. Reading his bio, I don’t think he’s ever laid eyes on anyone else in the military.
What makes the VFW-PAC’s choice so heinous is the fact that Klein, the rich lawyer from Boca Raton, is running against former Lieutenant Colonel Allen West. You know Lieutenant Colonel West don’t you? He’s an infantry colonel and a veteran of the wars in the Persian Gulf – you know those FOREIGN WARS? He’s a veteran of a war that was foreign – so I can see why the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee wouldn’t support him.
So, of course, i went to the (PDF) list of candidates that VFW_PAC is supporting and I find they’re also supporting Barbara Boxer, Alcee Hastings, Barbara Lee, Steny Hoyer, Barbara Mikulsky, Chris VanHollen, John Dingell, Chuckie Schumer, Pat Leahy and Patty Murray – it’s like a Who’s Who of the folks who have tried to screw the troops and have contributed to the lengthening of the war in the east.
Oh, yeah, COB6, they’re supporting your guy’s opponent, too.
So I have to ask, as a life member of the VFW, who the Hell is running that place over there? I remember the VFW wasn’t all that concerned about the Homeland Security estimate that veterans are a threat to our national security and now I see this. Me, personally, I wouldn’t endorse Alcee Hastings, the impeached judge, for town drunk…so what the hell is the VFWPAC thinking?
Contact information for VFW PAC which is different from any VFW contact information you might have;
VFW-PAC
VFW Washington Office
200 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Tel. (202) 544-5868
Fax (202) 544-8495
Email: vfwpac@vfw.org
Faxes and phone calls are better than emails.
Category: Veterans in politics, VFW PAC
Sounds alot like VoteVets…makes me glad I don’t belong to the VFW and now I’m even more sure I won’t join, I’ll just stick with the American Legion thank you…
On what planet does anyone support Jim McDermott?
That list must be from the Onion! You guys fell for a hoax.
I’m a member of the AL and DAV for the simple reason I don’t like VSO’s that endorse politicians or political causes like the VFW and AmVets. I’m more concerned with active duty and Vet issues and fighting for them. Individual support is fine, but not as an organization.
It’s the VFW’s PAC, not the VFW. If I’m not mistaken, AL has a PAC, too. DAV is just blatantly pro-Democrat/anti-Republican.
So the PAC is unaffiliated with the organization? If they wish to alienate that many vets I’d get a little pissed if I were the VFW, they make it seem like they represent the VFW with a name like that…
Al DOES NOT HAVE A PAC.
Never has, never will. Too much of a nightmare.
I had been on the fence about joining the VFW. After reading this, I will not become a member. I will be danged if this is how they spend their political money.
I will stick with being a Legion member.
I’m also a lifetime member of the VFW, and the douchenozzles at the VFW PAC (supposedly unaffiliated with the VFW) endorsed Carol Shea-Porter (aka Che-Pelosi) in my CD. This over the HOWLING objections of not only the rank and file members of the VFW but also pretty much every current and former state level officer.
They pulled the same shit in 2008 when the VFW told the PAC that we wanted to support Jeb Bradley over her, and they claimed to have “lost” the fax.
Looking at the list that was printed in my latest VFW mag I got on Monday, it looks like a who’s-who of moonbats. Harry Reid? AYFKM?
VFW PAC is looking more and more like an AARP with DD-214’s; aka, “Where’s MY free shit?”
Old Navy Guy–I wish the list were a hoax.
http://vfwwebcom.org/blog/38769/
I too am a VFW member, and I think I can speak for the rank and file of my Post, when I say that the PAC does not speak for us at all. As Sparky said, its a bunch of induviduals just looking for the next handout.
And every single one of y’all omitted the fact that the VFW-PAC is also endorsing Nancy Pelosi!! I’m seriously re-considering my affiliation with the VFW.
Ohh, and get this: the Texas VFW has an Accidental Death and Dismemberment Policy. To qualify, one must fill out an online form. It’s in both English AND Spanish!! Last I knew, ALL military members were required to be able to speak, read and write in English. See for yourself: https://www.ailife.com/benefits/secure/SGMJZ/enroll.asp Fully endorsed by the Texas VFW!! >:(
Let’s see, Harry Reid, Alan Grayson, John Methusela Dingell, Gary Peters, Mark Schauer, Babsie Boxer, Alcee Hastings, Chuck-U Schumer, Bobby Rush, Patty Murray, Patrick Leahy, Loretta Sanchez, why didn’t the VFW-Pac just say, we picked mostly incumbents because we’re too lazy to do any research. Because Alan Grayson has been such a great friend of the military? Babs, Call me Senator, Boxer?
Hell, I doubt that Gary Peters or Mark Schauer even know there is a military.
The only thing we can do is boycott the VFW and let them know why we are doing that. LTC West is a true American Patriot. He lost his career in the military to save his soldier’s lives. If the VFW cant support that, they are not really what they claim to be. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON AROUND HERE LATELY????? I swear this country has lost its frikken mind.
VFW-PAC, you suck
dissapointing, and the NRA has endorsed some bad apples too.
They endorsed gerry connolly, a tax and spend liberal in VA-11. What a freaking joke. It seems that they endorsed every incumbent and none of the challengers.
Anybody got some contacts for them? They won’t listen unless and until we let them know DIRECTLY that they’re screwing with their livelihood by alienating their membership.
Did any of you reaed this BULLSHIT statement on their website?
“The VFW-PAC is dedicated to the support of candidates who have taken responsibile positions on issues involving national defense and legislation pertaining to our nation’s veterans.”
vfw@vfw.org
info@vfw.org
foundation@vfw.org
LET EM HAVE IT!!!!!
I just called the VFW HQ. Evidently the PAC is getting swamped with calls and I was directed to leave my name and phone number for a return call, which I did. I want their explanation as to why they feel it’s necessary to endorse anti-military,non-prior military,and anti veteran politicians. That’s just bat-shit crazy. I’m a life member of the VFW and I’m seriously thinking of sending my card back with a resounding “FUCK YOU”.
Dont hold anything back GIJANE;) We had issues here with the local vfw having a faker as MFIC so I didnt join, but I would definately send them that kind of “thank you” card if ZI had one.
Dropped them a line as well on my lunchtime. They didn’t seem all that happy to hear from me. Wonder why.
And yeah, I talked to one of the VFW folks in my town (former state commander) who got jammed when he tried to get the VFW PAC to endorse Jeb Bradley over Che-Pelosi in my district in 2008. He’s as pissed about it this time as he was in 2008, and our sentiments are shared by quite a few of the folks at both the VFW and American Legion (most of us belong to both here.)
The VFW sounds like it’s structured like the unions, in that the rank and file are normal and either ‘moderate’ or conservative in their politics, but the leadership is radical Left.
How does this happen? How does the leadership get its power? How is it that the majority of members of the military are right-leaning, yet the leadership of their veterans groups seem to be radical Left? Isn’t there a member vote for leadership?
Also, why do people even bother joining these groups? What kind of benefits do you receive, if any? Why are these groups in existence?
Personally, I could care less what kind of benefits the groups provide, as their support of Communist, America-hating, military-hating politicians trumps anything else.
The VFW’s are fragmented. You will find that the national organization is out of touch and not arm in arm with your local post. In my opinion the VFW should have an expanding role in our society. We have a missing link in our culture where warriors are concerned. This is an organization for warriors. You can go there and talk to somebody who also saw the things that make the warrior experience unique. Some people don’t need it some don’t know they need it. Both are welcome.
I will forward this to my local Post Commander. He’s a pretty strong Conservative, even though he’s from California. The majority of my comrades are, too. I’m the Post Quartermaster. We have one die-hard liberal, but he’s more the old-fashioned Dem type liberal, not the new-fangled “progressive liberal”.
I might have to agree with “Non-Combatent’s” statement. The National and State level VFW orgs are way out of touch with the local levels. (Hmmm, sounds kind of like our Congress & Senate, huh??)
Well it sounds like if we put the pressure on higher at the vfw, the way we are with congress, we may get a new breed of folks at the higher levels. The only way to make that happen is too hurt them. Stop giving money to them until they come out on the media and apologize for endorsing a civilian over a COMBAT VET. Next step, put real veteran oriented folks at the higher levels. Until they do that, they should feel the financial pinch.
JMHO
“We have a missing link in our culture where warriors are concerned. This is an organization for warriors. You can go there and talk to somebody who also saw the things that make the warrior experience unique.”
==========
Agreed that there is a missing link in our culture with regards to the military. So, in that sense, it is great that there are organizations where military members can go to share stories and commiserate and bond over shared experiences, values, etc.
That said, just like any other group, politics plays a big part of military members’ lives (or at least it should). So if on one hand the veterans groups are helping military members on a personal level, but on the other hand are stabbing them in the back by making their lives worse by supporting Communists, anti-Capitalists and military-hating politicians, that doesn’t even out.
Or, is that the purpose of these veterans organizations now? They want to help make life so miserable for veterans by making our government and culture so anti-military that veterans are forced to join these groups and stay in these groups — and, more importantly to the groups, pay their annual fees — in order to survive?
As I said before, it sounds like union leaders or Black community leaders. They want their members to stay dependent on them, so they support government ideology which will keep their members dependent on their groups.
IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN CONTACTING VFW-PAC to tell them what a great job they are doing endorsing candidates, call the VFW PAC at (202) 544-5868 ( note 202 area code is Washington DC )
[…] Membership for the VFW. I feel like they have completely left us at the station here. Over at the Farm Team, Jonn Lilyea lays out just who the VFW has announced they are supporting: Barbara Boxer, Alcee […]
LTC West wasn’t a nasty infantryman. He was an artilleryman, adding dignity to what would otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
I served under his command when my battery was attached to his battalion in ’03, so the VFW handed out something of a personal insult.
Just in time for their 2011 membership renewal drive!
There is absolutely zero excuse for VFW-PAC, and by association, VFW-National, to support the likes of Nancy Pelosi (along with so many others on that list).
But the means to change that are not through throwing away your membership. The VFW elects its leadership and it is time that Veterans take back their organization.
The VFW belongs to its members and it should be led on the principles of those members. It is an organization steeped in honor, an important institution that is slowly dying off for want of the next generation. Get in there and let National know that this will not be tolerated.
Comrads:
It appears that a criteria for earning an endorsement from “VFW-PAC” is that the candidate vote “yea” on specific legislation that is before the body.
I think that the endorsement criteria is the source of the problem, and should be reviewed by the Board of Directors of VFW-PAC.
In the interim, voters will make the final decision in this election cycle. If current members of VFW express themselves by not continuing their affiliation with the VFW and to discourage potential new members not to join the VFW, then maybe the VFW will change this criteria.
Comrads:
It appears that a criteria for earning an endorsement from “VFW-PAC” is that the candidate vote “yea” on specific legislation that is before the body.
I think that the endorsement criteria is the source of the problem, and should be reviewed by the Board of Directors of VFW-PAC.
In the interim, voters will make the final decision in this election cycle. If current members of VFW express themselves by not continuing their affiliation with the VFW and to discourage potential new members not to join the VFW, then maybe the VFW will change this criteria.
embittered redleg Says:
October 7th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
LTC West wasn’t a nasty infantryman. He was an artilleryman, adding dignity to what would otherwise be a vulgar brawl.
I served under his command when my battery was attached to his battalion in ‘03, so the VFW handed out something of a personal insult.
I was there as well. I served with Bulldog Troop, 1/10 Cav, 03-04, HOOAH! Didnt know LTC West personally, but we knew that what he did should have been rewarded instead of him being relieved of command.
As far as “adding dignity to a vulgar brawl” We just kept yall redlegs around to pull KP for the CAV. ;)Just kidding, dont shortline the next fire mission!
One of the WA dept officers is a member of my post. This list should make for some interesting conversation at the post tonight
Interesting Brochhure. We support this behavior by VFW-PAC with our dues. http://www.vfwpac.org/Fundraising%20Brochure.pdf
My Step-Father, a former VFW State Commander, has very little good to say about the PAC. Seems they answer to about nobody and that is about who they represent. Lets melt those douches phone lines.
Combat Vets: It is Time to Take Back Your VFW!…
Partisan Politics have divided this Nation and they have divided Our Combat Veterans, but when my VFW Post was witnessing distressing changes, an old Viet Nam Vet pulled me aside and said: “This Post is yours. It belongs to its members. It belongs to …
Sounds like your VFW-PAC was infiltrated and taken over by liberal Democrats to use as a political tool.
I agree with War on Terror News. Take it back don’t tear it down
Re: Michael in MI’s comments.
I went to a function a couple of years ago where I got to meet five living Medal of Honor recipients. In short I was embarrassed by one of them when I complained about the level of support most disabled veterans get. I was told that these heroes spend most of there time trying to raise funds for acute needs cases. The VA will give you a fake leg. but it would be the equivalent of a 72 pinto compared to whats available. These are young people who want to be active they need the best. Any lying politician that votes for more funding for returning warriors is one up on the rest of the lying bastards.
Out Here
@NoNCambatent, you spelled noncombatant wrong.
Dohhh!!!
“Any lying politician that votes for more funding for returning warriors is one up on the rest of the lying bastards.”
==========
I’m not sure I follow.
Are you saying that if a politician votes for Cap-and-Tax to tax the hell out of the entire nation for a bullshit hoax, votes to nationalize healthcare to destroy our healthcare system and jack up the cost of healthcare for everyone in the nation, votes for higher taxes on “the rich” which ends up hurting small businesses as well as every other company which leads to massive unemployment… all that’s okay, so long as the politician votes for legislation to fund returning vets?
Sorry, but I can’t agree with that at all.
However, if I misunderstood what you meant, please explain a little more.
I’m all for supporting the military, but the military benefits from a healthy economy just like everyone else and is hurt by a recession and depression just like everyone else. As I said, if a politician is voting to fund military matters, but also voting to destroy the national economy (and healthcare with BS like Obamacare and the energy industry with BS like Cap-and-Tax), the former does not one up the latter.
I have not heard a word about this in my post,if true,it seems as though a sellout is in the works.
I am capt.of the post honor guard thus not into the political side of things.I do the funeral services,and that is where my affiliation ends.I don’t know about politics,but what hasbeen described here is not what i understand the V.F.W.is or about.I will ask around,believe me!thanks for the information.
EE-
Be on the look tomorrow..it’ll be a bit more expanded..we’ve gotten lots of feedback…
Ed, as a first step, I’d suggest printing out the VFW-PAC’s list of endorsements. That would make asking around a whole lot easier for you. And, maybe some other members of your post would like the info.
[…] VFW-PAC, you suck October 7th, 2010 […]
Michael in MI
I have heard so many people tell me and even said it myself. This is going to “destroy” health care, or small business or whatever. To me the biggest blow to our “healthcare system” was the rise of the massive insurance companies. Care became unaffordable and insurance mandatory. They, the insurance companies, won that fight by making lobbiest into a way of life for us. In the meantime we have animosity between us while the corporations, and there lackey politicians, make record profits. “Record Profits” all the while screaming about the restrictions and taxes. We have an issue driven political atmosphere that contains very little in the way of ideology. I feel like a dolfin jumping at the mackeral without knowing I’m in a fish tank. By the way, having a socialist member of the legislature is exactly how the constitution is designed. That socialist can do nothing to change our form of government they can bring their socialist ideas to the floor but as long as we are here to protect the constitution and the bill of rights there is no danger to our brilliant form of government. Don’t believe the hype. Vote instead and hold the politicians, on both sides, accountable.