Left Justified | Politics | Health Care

St. Louis Holds First Parade Welcoming Iraq Veterans

Written on January 29, 2012 by Alyssa Anderson in News

The brainchild of two regular guys in Saint Louis, Missouri, the first parade held in the United States in honor of Iraq war veterans took place last Saturday.

Huge Turnout for Vets

Tens of thousands of people turned out on this cold winter day at the end of January, waving American flags and cheering as about 600 soldiers, some dressed in their camouflage uniforms, marched through downtown streets.

One of the marchers, 23-year Army veteran Major Rich Radford was moved to tears to see such a turnout as he walked along the parade route with his 12-year-old son, Warren and 8-year-old daughter Aimee.

“It’s not necessarily overdue, it’s just the right thing,”

said Radford, referring to the fact that over a month has already elapsed since the US withdrawal from Iraq, and this parade is the first to take place anywhere in the US.

The onlookers who turned out in such numbers not only clapped, cheered and waved flags. They also came with signs bearing messages like, “Welcome Home,” and “Thanks to our Service Men and Women.”

Shedding Tears

Many of these battle-hard fighters had to wipe the tears out of their eyes as they took in the warm reception on this cold day that organizers estimate drew upwards of 100,000 people.

Although there were other elements in the parade, including marching bands, politicians and even the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the crowd was most interested in honoring the men and women who served their country in Iraq until they were called home in December, ending the US’s involvement in the affairs of that country, after almost 9 years.

Grassroots Effort Apeals to All

The parade was the original idea of two St. Louis friends, Craig Schneider and Tom Appelbaum. Neither man served in the military, but realized that there had been no welcome for the returning soldiers other than some hastily organized welcomes at airports and military bases. “Where was the ticker-tape parade of previous wars?” they wondered, and then did something about it.

So the pair went to work, launching a Facebook page, meeting the mayor, mapping out a route, and seeking donations. Appelbaum, a lawyer, and Schneider, a school district technical coordinator, only raised about $35,000, but that didn’t stop their grassroots effort from paying off in spades.

The limiting marketing of the parade included the powerful image of Radford as he was welcomed home by his then 6-year old daughter. As the girl reached up and grabbed onto her father’s hand she said, “I missed you, daddy.” The moment was caught on camera by Radford’s sister and then found its way to T-shirts and poster publicizing the parade.

Everyone Schneider approached loved the idea, including military organizations, city officials and the media.

“It was an idea that nobody said no to,” Schnieider said. “America was ready for this.”

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Obama’s Bullet-Riddled Face Surfaces in Arizona

Written on January 29, 2012 by Dan Kazan in News

Really, some people are simply dumb. You might not like President Barack Obama, and you might not agree with many of his policies. You might even hope to boot him out of office. But does that really mean that you, as a veteran police sergeant, need to post a picture on your Facebook page showing a bunch of high school kids with guns and with a T-shirt of Obama riddled with bullets?

Sergeant's Brilliant Idea

There must be other ways to convey your disgust. But, indeed, this was the avenue that Pat Shearer took, a 25-year veteran of the Peoria, Arizona police force. While remaining on active duty for the time being, Shearer has gained some unwanted attention at the moment – from Obama’s secret service team.

A citizen brought the Facebook page to the U.S. Secret Service’s attention. As Max Millien, spokesman for the Secret Service explained, "Any time information like this is brought to our attention we have to conduct a follow-up.”

He continued by explaining that, "We understand an individual's right to free speech but we also have the right to speak to the individual to determine what their intent is.”

Investigating the Sergeant

Certainly not wanting to look delinquent in the matter, the Peoria police department has started an investigation internally as well. As Jay Davies, the Peoria police spokesman said, "We were made aware of that situation today and we have opened an administrative investigation to determine if there are any policy violations that took place.”

The photo is no longer up on Shearer’s page. But that, certainly, is the least of his problems.

The Peoria Police Department’s social-media policy states, "Employees shall not post, transmit, reproduce and/or disseminate information (text, pictures, video, audio, etc.) to the Internet or any other forum (public or private) that would tend to discredit or reflect unfavorably upon the department or any of the department's employees."

Perhaps he should have read over the policy before displaying his picture – and before involving seven students from the local high school in the mess.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Viewers Down, but Obama Spirits Up

Written on January 26, 2012 by Dan Kazan in Politics

The viewer level may have been down for the State of the Union address, but Obama's spirits are definitely up. Tuesday's viewing of the address saw 37.8 million television viewers, according to the Nielson company figures. This is, by far, the least number of viewers that have watched one of his addresses.

Dramatic Beginnings

During his first year in office, Obama drew 52.3 million viewers to his State of the Union address. By 2010 there were 48 million, and by 2011 there were 42.8 million. It isn't surprising, per se, that the numbers would drop every year, as any novelty draws more attention.

Spirits Up

However, the disinterest or frustration of the American voter is definitely not putting a damper on Obama's energy or optimism – at least outwardly. Arriving in Iowa Wednesday, Obama actually jogged off the plane, grinning from ear to ear (and making his secret service sweat behind him).

Later, at a conveyer manufacturing plant in Cedar Rapids, he said, “Our economy is getting stronger, and we’ve come too far to turn back now.” Talking about the Republicans and their plans, he said, “Their philosophy is simple: We’re better off when everyone is left to fend for themselves and play by their own rules. Well, I am here to say they are wrong."

Polls do show a slight increase in his approval rating. Last week, a Washington Post/ABC poll shows that he had 48% approval rating.

Time will tell is Obama can keep up his enthusiasm and optimism – and his polls.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Obama Speaks to Voters and Congress During State of the Union Address

Written on January 25, 2012 by Alyssa Anderson in Politics

Obama Delivering State of the Union Address

In his 65-minute long State of the Union Address last night, President Barack Obama offered an election-year plan to stimulate the economy, saying that the country’s most affluent citizens should pay more in taxes out of fairness so that the deficit can be brought under control without over burdening the people who are having trouble just trying to make ends meet.

Pushing for Buffet Tax Plan

Obama spoke to Congress in an attempt to persuade them to adopt billionaire Warren Buffet’s tax plan which would force all those making $1 million or above annually to pay at a minimum 30% of their income in taxes. Due to the customary gridlock in congress, made worse by the up and coming 2012 elections, analysts say that there is small chance that such a plan will pass.

“You can call this class warfare all you want,” Obama said in a nationally televised speech before a joint session of Congress. “But asking a billionaire to pay at least as much as his secretary in taxes? Most Americans would call that common sense.”

Many see last night’s speech, an event which is required of the president once a year in January, as a foreshadowing of the issues which will be repeated during campaign Obama will be running for re-election this coming year. The themes evoked were highly populist in nature; tax fairness, help for homeowners, unfair trade practices in China, and more effort put in to eliminating US financial crimes. Obama also discussed investigating the business and corporate behaviors that led to the housing crisis.

Populist Themes Throughout

Obama mentioned the selfless spirit and teamwork within the US armed forces; he urged congress to come to an agreement on tax reform, especially for individuals and corporations; he spoke positively about developing alternative energy development; and Obama talked about better job training programs and educational opportunities.

The president both opened and closed his remarks with mentioning what many consider to be the golden moment of Obama’s presidency.

“For the first time in two decades, Osama bin Laden is not a threat to this country,” he said within the first two minutes of the address, prompting a standing ovation.

Then, as the president was coming to his concluding remarks, he mentioned the day when all his top officials, including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, were all sitting together in the White House Situation Room during the time that the Navy SEAL team was on their raid which ended in the demise of bin Laden.

“All that mattered that day was the mission,” Obama said. “No one thought about politics.”

0 Comments - Leave a comment!