Giving thanks to those who served
by Bob Mulholland

Sunday, November 11, 2007 marks America’s annual recognition of our veterans. Why November 11?  Because that date is symbolic of the end of World War I -- on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Of the 24 million current American veterans, about 3.2 million served in the military during World War II.  Sadly, we lose more than 1,000 of these WWII veterans each day as they move on to their next assignment in the great sky.

Who are veterans?

They are Americans -- although some went into the military not as a U.S. citizen; many were draftees, and some had spent 30 years or more in the military, although during the last 35 years, all joined the military to serve a two to four year stint.

Some of these veterans were Officers, but most were not; they served in the air, on the seas or on the ground, and had assignments that ranged from mess hall duty to driving a truck or tank to “living” in a foxhole.

These veterans had no routine hours – the term “24/7 probably came from the military.

Until the early 1990s, the only real communication with one’s family was good old-fashioned mail (i.e. snail mail) and in a war zone, it’s free for the troops to send.

Most of us who served in Vietnam were young and unmarried.  Nineteen year olds had the highest number of casualties of the 58,200+ who were killed in Vietnam. 

A good many of our troops serving today (soon to be veterans) are married.  I can only imagine the stress this causes for all involved, especially for those being sent into Afghanistan and Iraq for a 12-month tour, which is extended to 15 months with only a six-month break home before being sent back for a second, or even third tour. 

Time while on a tour of duty can pass slowly, whether you are serving the midnight shift at a DMZ outpost in Korea, or sharing a bunker in Afghanistan splitting two-hour shifts with a fellow troop.  Having to be on constant look-out for attacks and getting only two hours of sleep at a time (and praying you won’t fall asleep while on duty) is awfully tough.

Many promises are made to a military person.  In exchange for the military controlling your life day and night for years, the U.S. government will provide you with a lifetime of needed health care, some education benefits, and if disabled, a monthly check.

In 2003, Bush Jr. broke a big promise when he decided most middle-class veterans would no longer be entitled to use a VA health care facility.

Like the veterans who were severely wounded in Vietnam and then abandoned in VA hospitals, we have seen some of the same outrageous and cruel treatment of those who were severely wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Walter Reed was not an isolated case.

I would urge those Americans who have not served, but display the “I support our troops” (or veterans) bumper stickers on their cars, to actually show that support by not voting for candidates who don’t really give a damn about veterans in need.

Remember our veterans (more and more are women) this weekend and give thanks to them for answering the call to duty and for their sacrifice in serving our nation. 

And remember the families of these veterans as well.  While their loved ones were away from home, keeping our country safe, these wives and husbands, mothers, fathers and children had to make many sacrifices of their own. 

Bob Mulholland, Campaign Advisor for the California Democratic Party, served with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam (1967-68) and was wounded.

Comments

[James Bishop]

Nice sentiments Mr. Mulholland,

It is a pity that you cannot be as respectful of those of us who differ from you and DF regarding the meaning of our constitution. Even those of us who are 'pre nursing home.' By, the way, who isn't?

[elmerg]

Yeah Bob,
Way to alienate your most passionate constituents who want accountability from her highness, DiFi who seems more interested in enabling the criminals in the White House than answering to her constituents.
Your time is way past up. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Worse than Bush? Take a look in the mirror, Bob.

[Human]

Mr. Mulholland, you and Senator Feinstein's attitude and unquestioned support of the Bush regime are part of the reason I along with a whole bunch have left the Party and declared Independent.
Your spirited defense of Sen. Feinstein, begs the question, what's in it for Bob? We know Sen. Feinstein makes big bucks off the Mighty MIC. Do you?

[Monique R.]

I just heard the video of the "pre nursing home" comment by Bob and also putting down the bloggers. I must say that I am quite surprise you of all people would make that comment. I was quite offended by the comment being part of the Democratic Party.

Mr. Mulholland, You are not the Democratic Party. And we as Californians have to hold our elected official accountable including our own. I believe you owe the California Democratic party members and bloggers an apology.

[Janet]

Screw you. Sit down and shut up. You're too stupid to understand...and oh by the way vote for us.
I don't think so bob.
Why he thinks we are worse than bush when it was and is, DiFi enabling him shows how far the democratic party is moving away from their own voters.

[Greenjeans]

Mr. Mulholland: So you too cannot handle democracy. Dissent apparently enrages you. Catch a clue. Senator Feinstein's constituents are dissenting for good reasons. The warmongering you support has made two million Iraqis into refugees. The war and occupation you support has killed eighty thousand Iraqi civilians or more. The war and occupation you support has destroyed Iraq's infrastructure, schools and hospitals and rendered most Iraqis unemployed. The war and occupation you support has hideously killed and wounded tens of thousands of Americans with no end in sight The war and occupation you support has redirected billions of American taxpayer dollars into war profiteering and waste with no end in sight. Go ahead and shoot the messenger, if it assuages your guilt - but it is you and and Senator Feinstein that are the dinosaurs that should be retired from politics.

[Greenjeans]

Mr. Mulholland: So you too cannot handle democracy. Dissent apparently enrages you. Catch a clue. Senator Feinstein's constituents are dissenting for good reasons. The warmongering you support has made two million Iraqis into refugees. The war and occupation you support has killed eighty thousand Iraqi civilians or more. The war and occupation you support has destroyed Iraq's infrastructure, schools and hospitals and rendered most Iraqis unemployed. The war and occupation you support has hideously killed and wounded tens of thousands of Americans with no end in sight The war and occupation you support has redirected billions of American taxpayer dollars into war profiteering and waste with no end in sight. Go ahead and shoot the messenger, if it assuages your guilt - but it is you and and Senator Feinstein that are the dinosaurs that should be retired from politics.

[Greenjeans]

Mr. Mulholland: So you too cannot handle democracy. Dissent apparently enrages you. Catch a clue. Senator Feinstein's constituents are dissenting for good reasons. The warmongering you support has made two million Iraqis into refugees. The war and occupation you support has killed eighty thousand Iraqi civilians or more. The war and occupation you support has destroyed Iraq's infrastructure, schools and hospitals and rendered most Iraqis unemployed. The war and occupation you support has hideously killed and wounded tens of thousands of Americans with no end in sight The war and occupation you support has redirected billions of American taxpayer dollars into war profiteering and waste with no end in sight. Go ahead and shoot the messenger, if it assuages your guilt - but it is you and and Senator Feinstein that are the dinosaurs that should be retired from politics.

[Anonymous]

The Senate Ethic Committee needs to look into this:

Feinstein Leaves Senate Defense Panel Amid Controversy

By Fred Lucas

CNSNews.com Staff Writer

April 02, 2007

(CNSNews.com) - Government watchdog groups want more answers as to why Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) stepped down from a military appropriations subcommittee at a time questions were being asked billions of dollars in federal defense contracts going to her husband's companies.Feinstein resigned her post as chairwoman of the Senate Subcommittee on Military Construction Appropriations, it was reported last week.

Was there a conflict of interest? Why is that not being investigated?

Bob's comments were plain ignorant and stupid. To compare us to Bush is just plain stupid. The Democratic Party have certainly changed their principles.

[K Righter]

Pre-nursing home, eh Bob? Those kinds of idiotic comments are why I joined the Green party long ago. Bob M. is a three-year-old trapped in the body of an adult.

[Anne Garcia]

Shame.
On.
You.

[Anne Garcia]

Shame.
On.
You.

[JVH]

I guess that I no longer know what it means to be a democrat. Supporting torture, supporting spying on americans, and being married to a war profiteer definitely do not fit my definition of what the democratic party is all about. Having voted for democrats all my life, I am insulted by Bob's comments, what does he mean when he calls people pre-nursing home anyway. Get rid of him and restore some respect to your organization unless you feel he accurately represents your views. I will no longer be donating to the California Democratic Party because I feel you no longer represent my views. I will definitely vote against Feinstein in her next election and hopefully vote for someone who understands truly progressive values. I'm tired of democrats who put corporate interests ahead of people's interests. And Dianne Feinstein definitely fits that bill.

[Pre-nursing Home Fringe (aka Democrat)]

This is the kind of respect Bob Mulholland shows to the progressive caucus of the CDP? I would say California is far more represented by the progressives than they are by "pompous" and "disconnected" Bob Mulholland. How's that Bob? I can sling mud too.

By the way, how about the way Bob tries to tell us what the interests of the California Democrats are, and what they are not? As if to say "you unwashed rabble will know your place, which is sending us money to (pretend to) stop the war and not to care about little things like the constitution, torture, Habeas Corpus and the rule of law"

In summary, what I hear from Mulholland to their bosses (California Democrats), is "Let the unwashed Democratic rabble eat cake! Oh, and send us money, but STFU"

[Anthony Look]

If the California base is only half as disappointed and frustrated with the likes of Feinstein and Mullholland; then this has not all been in vain. This has enlightened many CA Democrats and I for one pledge to work against anything these two endeavor.

[virginia hollender]

Bob should look in a mirror. He looks like he belongs in a nursing home and is obviously suffering from some type of dementia if equating progressives with monkey boy is his idea of a meaningful retort.
Speaking of nursing homes isn't DiFi about ready for one herself. Good thing she is retiring and not running again.

[virginia hollender]

Bob should look in a mirror. He looks like he belongs in a nursing home and is obviously suffering from some type of dementia if equating progressives with monkey boy is his idea of a meaningful retort.
Speaking of nursing homes isn't DiFi about ready for one herself. Good thing she is retiring and not running again.

[Carl_PDX]

Mr. Mulholland,

Sincerely all honor and thanks for your military service (which I noted at the end of your missive).

However, your recent comments about those who dissent with Ms. Feinstein are inappropriate and offensive. I'm glad that you don't work in my state's Democratic Party organization. Perhaps you might consider retirement, or another endeavor that requires less in the way of good judgment and "people skills."

[Tom]

Damn, I wish I was a Democrat just so I could quit the party and go Independent. Problem is I'm already a registered Independent. As a Californian, I've had occasion to deal with Ms. Feinstein on occasion. Like when I called upon her to support the impechment of Cheney and she sent me back 3 fricking pages as to what she wanted to do for the Katrina victims.

They have no fricking clue what the homefolks think and that suits them just fine. They don't have to deal with it that way.

[Tom]

Damn, I wish I was a Democrat just so I could quit the party and go Independent. Problem is I'm already a registered Independent. As a Californian, I've had occasion to deal with Ms. Feinstein on occasion. Like when I called upon her to support the impechment of Cheney and she sent me back 3 fricking pages as to what she wanted to do for the Katrina victims.

They have no fricking clue what the homefolks think and that suits them just fine. They don't have to deal with it that way.

[Tom]

Damn, I wish I was a Democrat just so I could quit the party and go Independent. Problem is I'm already a registered Independent. As a Californian, I've had occasion to deal with Ms. Feinstein on occasion. Like when I called upon her to support the impechment of Cheney and she sent me back 3 fricking pages as to what she wanted to do for the Katrina victims.

They have no fricking clue what the homefolks think and that suits them just fine. They don't have to deal with it that way.

[Tom]

Damn, I wish I was a Democrat just so I could quit the party and go Independent. Problem is I'm already a registered Independent. As a Californian, I've had occasion to deal with Ms. Feinstein on occasion. Like when I called upon her to support the impechment of Cheney and she sent me back 3 fricking pages as to what she wanted to do for the Katrina victims.

They have no fricking clue what the homefolks think and that suits them just fine. They don't have to deal with it that way.

[Bruce Levy]

Bobby, you're an arrogant schmuck. As long as you're in the picture my family (four votes) will no longer support the Calf. Dems neither with donations nor in the voting booth. Good job.

[Bruce Levy]

Bobby, you're an arrogant schmuck. As long as you're in the picture my family (four votes) will no longer support the Calf. Dems neither with donations nor in the voting booth. Good job.

[Bruce Levy]

Bobby, you're an arrogant schmuck. As long as you're in the picture my family (four votes) will no longer support the Calf. Dems neither with donations nor in the voting booth. Good job.

[Bruce Levy]

Bobby, you're an arrogant schmuck. As long as you're in the picture my family (four votes) will no longer support the Calf. Dems neither with donations nor in the voting booth. Good job.

[Ronik]

Its time we took our Party back, so that we can take our Country back. As long as people like you, Mr. Mulholland, have the power to silence dissent and then belittle the dissenters, the democratic party can not represent the people. It is we who should belittle you for the Bush enable that you are.

Ironic that you tell us we are worse than Bush, when what we are trying to do is prevent Senator Feinstein from enabling Bush. Why don't you get your priorities straight?

[Ronik]

Its time we took our Party back, so that we can take our Country back. As long as people like you, Mr. Mulholland, have the power to silence dissent and then belittle the dissenters, the democratic party can not represent the people. It is we who should belittle you for the Bush enable that you are.

Ironic that you tell us we are worse than Bush, when what we are trying to do is prevent Senator Feinstein from enabling Bush. Why don't you get your priorities straight?

[John Iceknife]

If you see a camera operator with a WPPG logo on the side of the camera, please don't stand in front of them. All our shooters are, like myself, veterans - and none of us are timid. Our operations techniques and practices include "bulling", the use of the camera itself to move people attempting to obstruct view. Please sir, for your own safety, just move. When the edge of the lens shade strike the bridge of a human nose, the result is usually quite destructive and painful. We're not in the habit of hurting people, but when using that methodology it's impossible to tell where the person's face actually is. It would be most unfortunate if something of that naturte were to happen, but it can easily be avoided with a little common sense. Thanks!

[Connecticut Man1]

As a Veteran, and a person that continues to fight for and uphold my oath to The Constitution of the United States of America, I find your efforts to belittle and denigrate those of us with the spine and fortitude to take action as anything less than patriotic quite offensive.

I only wish that Dianne Feinstein took her oath to uphold The Constitution as seriously as our side does. If she did, this would not be an issue. As it is, censure really is not enough of a punishment for failure to perform her duties, and for her failure to uphold her oath.

[Bob Etzler]

Worse than Bush?! Damn right you are Mulholland. You're a friggen Judas.
The Party belongs to the people not the other way around asshole and we're taking it back!

[MMRules]

Bob were you dropped on your head twice,when you were a kid?
Is it Too much to ask for you and,your Queen Feinstein to:
Uphold The Rule Of Law !
Uphold The Constitution !
Do Your Job !
Do Not Profit from the Military Industrial complex while your a Senator!
Don't Vote Republican When Your Suppose To Be A Democrat!
And,Don't Ever Call Us Progressive Democrats Bush Like!
Look In The Mirror Bobo!
Remember,since you seem to have forgotten,
That You Work For Us Democrats!
Just like your boss is suppose to!
Or,are you like the loyal Bushes who think that loyalty to Bush is more important than loyalty to This Country and,The Constitution!
You Should Be Fired!
Have a nice day!

[FunMe]

What were you thinking Mike Muholland?

We in the Democratic Party have had leaders who have betrayed on the national front starting with PELOSI who has failed her duties as a citizen of the people by refusing to put IMPEACHMENT on the table.

We have in the Democratic Party leaders in the Senate (Reid) who continue to give bush everything he wants while many die for a war based on a LIE.

We have in the Democratic Party stupid resolutions telling us that we have to STFU (i.e. the MoveOnOrg ad) instead of having our leaders support We The People when we advertise the LIES of General Betrayus.

We have in the Democratic Party (yes Pelosi once again) telling a Senator to apologize for saying the truth about bush.

And now we find that in our own state of California, the Democratic Party has been betrayed by the likes of Feinstein, Pelosi, Art Torres and now you Mike Muholland.

What this is doing is one of 2 things: more people will leave the Democratic Party (like I am considering) or more Democrats (DINOs) will need to be kicked out of the party.

We in California are more progressive than you know and your disrespectful action will ensure more Californians wake up and get rid of Pelosi, Art Torres, Feinstein ... and yes you!

SHAME on you for your action. For certainly have forgotten that fighting for "freedom" includes of freedom of speech.

[FunMe]

What were you thinking Mike Muholland?

We in the Democratic Party have had leaders who have betrayed on the national front starting with PELOSI who has failed her duties as a citizen of the people by refusing to put IMPEACHMENT on the table.

We have in the Democratic Party leaders in the Senate (Reid) who continue to give bush everything he wants while many die for a war based on a LIE.

We have in the Democratic Party stupid resolutions telling us that we have to STFU (i.e. the MoveOnOrg ad) instead of having our leaders support We The People when we advertise the LIES of General Betrayus.

We have in the Democratic Party (yes Pelosi once again) telling a Senator to apologize for saying the truth about bush.

And now we find that in our own state of California, the Democratic Party has been betrayed by the likes of Feinstein, Pelosi, Art Torres and now you Mike Muholland.

What this is doing is one of 2 things: more people will leave the Democratic Party (like I am considering) or more Democrats (DINOs) will need to be kicked out of the party.

We in California are more progressive than you know and your disrespectful action will ensure more Californians wake up and get rid of Pelosi, Art Torres, Feinstein ... and yes you!

SHAME on you for your action. For certainly have forgotten that fighting for "freedom" includes of freedom of speech.

[Karl Rove]

Bob Mulholland, come on down!

If you want to be part of an organization whos members goosestep in glorious synchronised lockstep; if you want to be able to manufacture reality according to your wishes instead of settling for that crappy old empirical stuff; if you feel loyalty to the party supercedes any oaths to the constitution or the well-being and security of the nation; if you know in your heart that the masses are cattle to be herded by superior cowpokes like you and me; then we have a place for you with us.

Bob Mulholland, if you want to be a real political animal and not some democratic shill for the will of "the people", you should join the Republican Party! It's the next best thing to being a party leader in China!

[Rick]

Corrupt much?

[bilhelm]

All I can say is "What a dick"! There is a prob with Bob, and it's time for him to go.

[Thomas Beckett]

As much as I wish to win back the presidency in 2008, I am not willing to vote for a party of thugs, name-callers or people who shut down democratic debate... even if it is my own party. If you wish to disagree, fine. Just don't act like a petulant child and a schoolyard bully.

You lead from example, and the example you just gave is really, really scarey.

[Thomas Beckett]

As much as I wish to win back the presidency in 2008, I am not willing to vote for a party of thugs, name-callers or people who shut down democratic debate... even if it is my own party. If you wish to disagree, fine. Just don't act like a petulant child and a schoolyard bully.

You lead from example, and the example you just gave is really, really scarey.

[Thomas Beckett]

As much as I wish to win back the presidency in 2008, I am not willing to vote for a party of thugs, name-callers or people who shut down democratic debate... even if it is my own party. If you wish to disagree, fine. Just don't act like a petulant child and a schoolyard bully.

You lead from example, and the example you just gave is really, really scarey.

[Thomas Beckett]

As much as I wish to win back the presidency in 2008, I am not willing to vote for a party of thugs, name-callers or people who shut down democratic debate... even if it is my own party. If you wish to disagree, fine. Just don't act like a petulant child and a schoolyard bully.

You lead from example, and the example you just gave is really, really scarey.

[Kevin Nelson]

With "Democrats" like Bob Mulholland and DiFi, who need Republicans?

[Josh]

Who's "worse than bush"?

I'll give you a hint...it's not the people who comprise the Democratic PARTY.

Last I heard, it's not a Party of ONE; mulholland you're walking on thin ice.

More of the same from 'democrats'.

You should be ashamed.

[Eric Paulsen]

As a veteran myself and a lifelong Democrat, at least until recently, You Bob are an assclown! It's amazing that a man can step in this much shit and still not know it.

[Paul Blaninship]

The quality that makes us proud of our service men and women is the selflessness that they show - they put aside their personal desires to work towards something bigger - something that benefits us all.

You, sir, in your egotistical bubble, work to protect your privilege, and work against the voice of the people. In that sense you are the same as Bush, arrogantly thinking you know better than those you "serve".

Shame on you for wrapping yourself in this sort of patriotic lip-service, while showing such disrespect to the values our soldiers fight to preserve.