Previously posted at MLW. After several emails, I decided to repost it at DailyKos and TexasKaos. Consider joining our 2000 x $5 monthly campaign...it's all we need to win.
When I met MSOC at YearlyKos, we both cried. In retrospect, I am not sure if she was crying for me, or I her, certainly we share a deep pain that many can not begin to comprehend. For that reason, I thought this the most appropriate place to tell you a story about a soldier I know.
We all knew pretty quickly after the events of 9/11 that this Administration would seek to profit in the Middle East. I would recommend every activist to go back and watch Fahrenheit 911 and see how spot on we all were then--can we get that run on TV this year? Mailed to undecided and independent voters? All these things I knew before the movie even began production but I just never imagined how this illegal war would rip my life apart.
I love a man that was deployed for the initial invasion. We both disagreed wholeheartedly with this undertaking but he went when he was called because it was the job that fed our family. He watched fake intelligence reports being passed up and down the ranks, saw small border towns be leveled, he saw crimes go unchecked...he thought he would die everyday. Those things are a dangerous combination for a mind. He slowly sunk into a dark place full of regret, pain and isolation. Despite his grief, he found a phone and dialed me every day--was there a change? Anything new in the news, we are only allowed to watch Fox? I love you and miss you...
The Army gave what they deemed appropriate care, a PTSD check sheet. Despite it being turned in with every box checked, he was discharged and told to seek treatment as necessary at the VA; this a system ill equipped to help the thousands of Veterans all ready there. They gave him drugs, the wrong ones, and no counseling. The pills made him much worse until he finally stopped taking them. They pay him a small amount of money for his troubles but don't like to see him back in for anything.
He began to speak out and almost lost his job. We fought. He yelled. I held on. We both cried. In the years since, it has not been perfect but I believe it's what I was sent here to do. Many years ago, he taught me to love someone and myself, it seems the universe demands that I then do the same.
It's gotten better. He speaks out more. We pay on our own for a fabulous counselor. I can't explain how different he is now, for as dark a place he was in, he is a ray of sunshine now.
This guy he chose to run against is bad. There is literally something he touches that has something to do with everyone in America...most races can not say that. He is financed by oil and gas PACs that don't even live in the district and makes his money from energy company stock and is well known for writing legislation to benefit them directly. His most recent notoriety is as the man ready to crush the Internet. In the last town hall meeting in this area, he touts higher fines on indecency against entertainers and the Schiavo case as the most important issues facing residents of the district. I wonder if he even watches Fox news? Hello! War, famine and gas prices? He is out of touch, simply put, Joe must go.
Most accomplishments that really matter come about from the most difficult place. Had we not gone through this, we could not now be advocates for our soldiers. They did not ask to be sent, they are doing the job asked of them. We both work 8 hours a day and sometimes go without because we have to fix something rather than get an "extra". Some folks in his own party dislike him because he's not a "politician"... THANK THE GOD OR GODDESS OF YOUR CHOICE! We are not wealthy and he can't spend 40 hours a week on the phone because, guess what? He has to work for a living. Some feel that is a bad thing, I say that it is what is wrong with the process in DC today...they are disconnected from the working people in our country.
We don't need a million to win. Even if we had a million, Barton would spend 10 million. If you have the time, come over and get to know Dave and the rest of our family. He is not a politician, he just happens to give a damn. I think its refreshing. Instead of the political way, he is going to win this race the military way...the right equipment for the troops, the right amount of troops in the field and with soldiers like you in the lead.
Follow Dave. He will stand up for the families that are falling apart and find a way to stop it from happening again...real grassroots, real community service. It's what we should demand from all our Representatives!