Soldiers Should Be Permitted To Just Be "Present" Like Congressmen LaTourette. Bill Oneill

There was an emergency funding bill in Congress today, and if ever there was a time for members of Congress to STAND UP AND BE COUNTED with the troops in Iraq this was it. And what did Congressman Steve LaTourette do? He voted "present". This is an insult, and I take it personally.

Steve LaTourette is the man who has been all over the park on the war, and no matter what you feel about his previous support for George Bush's war...today was a day he could clear it up. Vote to continue funding this war...or vote to end it.

To vote "present" at a time when Americans should be applauding the bravery of our troops is an act of political cowardice. The troops in the field deserve far more than cowardly inaction from our congressman

This refusal to take a stand shows just how much Washington really has changed Steve LaTourette in the last 14 years. Our troops put their lives on the line for this country every day and they do not have the privilege of just being "present" Our soldiers and the people of Northeast Ohio deserve an up or down vote, sir.

I served in Vietnam, my father was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in World War II and my son served in Afghanistan and Iraq. NEVER ONCE did any of us look for political cover when the defense of our nation was on the line.

Shame on you Steve LaTourette. Support the war or oppose the war...for your salary the voters of Ohio deserve courage, leaderhip and honest answers. Today we got none.

Bill Oneill
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army (Retired)
Democratic Nominee, Ohio 14

www.oneill08.com