Chicken Manure

Some our World War II veterans flew to Washington, DC, to view their memorial, When they arrived, they discovered that because of the furlough their memorial was barricaded.  These veterans stormed the beaches at Normandy and island hopped around the Pacific, participating in some horrific and bloody battles.  So, although these men are now in their 80’s and 90’s, a few metal barricades and the threat of arrest are no match for these men.  Thanks to the help of Representative Steve King (IA) and Steven Palazzo (MS), the veterans were able to view the World War II memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

What bothers me is that these memorials are open-air memorials, yet there were barricades around them.  Why?  Sure, the government is shut down, but it’s not like the Smithsonian or the National Gallery where someone has to be there to open the doors or provide directions to the restrooms or make sure the lights are on.  These are memorials on public property that anyone and everyone should be able to walk up and view them.

 

As it turns out, the Obama Administration knew these veterans were coming in advance of their arrival and refused to make accommodations even though Congressman Palazzo had made a request prior to the shutdown.  Seems to me that it cost money for the Park Police to place the barricades in the first place and it appears to be a petty attempt to exaggerate the consequences of the shutdown.

In the meantime, Senator Harry Reid is being a bit disingenuous.  Senator Harry Reid's contact website (http://www.reid.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm) states "We are unable to receive messages at this time due to the government shutdown."  Calls placed to his Washington office (202-224-3542) results in a voice message that states the Senator's staff is unable to take phone calls due to the government shutdown and does not allow the caller to leave a message.

In contrast, Senator Jeff Sessions', Senator Boxer's and Senator Tom Coburn's contact websites have no such message and constituents are able to email these Senators.  When calling these Senators' Washington offices, although there is a partisan message on the part of Senator Boxer, all three allow the caller to leave a message.

Senator Reid's website and voice message is misleading.  Congress is still funded to conduct official business and there is no reason that Senator Reid's website or voice message should state that he is unable to take calls or emails.  Perhaps he wishes to avoid his constituents.

The World War II veterans are probably familiar with a term that I would use to describe the actions of President Obama and Harry Reid.  I’ll use the euphemistic term, chicken “manure”, to describe their actions, although the veterans may recognize the more profane version.  Esteemed military historian Paul Fussel wrote in his book "Wartime," that the term “refers to behavior that makes military life worse than it need be: petty harassment of the weak by the strong; open scrimmage for power and authority and prestige; sadism thinly disguised as necessary discipline; a constant 'paying off of old scores'; and insistence on the letter rather than the spirit of ordinances.”

Obama and Reid’s action are ignoble and contemptible.  Their actions are emblematic of their contempt of the American public and the American voter. We cannot continue to allow them to do as they wish, then turn a deaf ear to the American people.   It is time to stop with the manure and do what is best for the United States.