Normally, I usually let some time pass between posts. It allows my brain to sift through the news and events, and shape something which I hope makes sense.
But I couldn't pass this up. Rep. Tammy Duckworth is, and always has been, an unfailing, stalwart supporter of our military veterans - especially since she left her legs and part of the use of her right arm on the battle field herself. While I don't always agree with her stances on fiscal issues (too "Blue Dog" for my tastes), when it comes to veterans, she's a special kind of warrior in my book.
It takes a special kind of scum sack to declare that his foot injury, sustained playing prep school football, somehow qualifies him for veteran's disability classification and the resultant windfall of government cash for his business. It speaks volumes that he's been able to get away with this for as long as he apparently has. What's truly sad, however, is the political culture in Washington that fosters this kind of system-gaming. This character is probably just the tip of the iceberg.
The way that Rep. Duckworth conducted herself, in a case which I'm sure was personal to her as an injured veteran, is to be commended. The fact that she was able to keep it together, even through her voice shaking toward the end of her time at the mic, is remarkable. My father was a veteran (Navy), and I've known many who have served in various capacities in our nation's military. I'm not so sure they would be so, well, civil if they were to be confronted by a leech like the contractor witness.
Let's just say - words might fail them.
UPDATE - 7/1/2013: Note Darrel Issa's response after Rep. Duckworth's remarks. Apparently he let her go over time, and noted that it was "time well spent." I guess he's had lots of practice recognizing crooked behavior. Trying to make amends, eh, Rep. Issa?
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