I'm Isaac O'Bannon, and I'm president of the Oklahoma Democratic Party's Veterans Committee, also known as Oklahoma's Democratic Veterans (www.facebook.com/OKVets?fref=ts). Let's stand together in our fight to protect veterans rights.
I have an idea: I know we're the reddest of red states. But it would be great if you could join me in a simple thing... something you can do near your own home:
Get a poster board (costs about $1 at Wal-Mart, or about $1.50 at a local retailer that needs your business), and write: "I'm a Veteran, and I support President Obama. Ask me why."
Take that sign, and stand at a major intersection near your home... for an hour, if you can... more if can do it. Bring a water bottle, your music and phone, and make it a day, if that's something you can afford to do.
I can give you some topics to talk about if you want, but if you're already going to vote for Obama, I think you know why. (The economy is coming back, maybe slow, but better than the ditch Bush left us in; Bin Laden is dead; Detroit is working; veterans are receiving the benefits they deserve; gay soldiers don't bother me if they can hit at 200 yards and carry their own weight; Equal pay rights for women; Romney has mostly Bush advisers, really.) There are more.
For me, the main point is that the Republicans are great at funding the infrastructure of the military, and the contractors, and starting wars. But it's the Democrats who, while we may be against unnecessary wars in the first place, ... we stand by the promises we make our troops when they return.
Veterans benefits are a part of the oath that many of us made, and that our entire country made in return. Everyone who ever served in uniform, man or woman, agreed to protect and defend, even up to the cost of their life.
And the United States of America said: "Thank you: In exchange, we will honor your service; we will care for you if you are injured, we will care for the challenges your family faces; and since you offered your life, the United States of America will guarantee a few educational, business and home-ownership benefits to you."
If some Republicans want to cut anything related to veterans medical, employment, family, disability or educational benefits... then they are going back on the word of the United States of America.
As an American, and especially as a veteran (US Navy Seabee), I can't tolerate this. No candidate of either party will ever get my respect or vote, if they even suggest cutting the promises our Great Nation made to those who've served.