Linkmeister

Classless

Some of you may have seen references to a Pentagon-sponsored "America Supports You Freedom Walk," with a performance by Clint Black. It's to take place on September 11. There has been lots of outrage expressed, particularly at the continuing attempts to connect Iraq to 9/11. When I first read about it, there was seemingly only one source: the Aussie paper "The Age." I thought I'd better try to confirm it, so I went to the DOD website, and sure enough, there it was at the bottom of the press briefing dated August 9.

Every year since September 11th attacks, Americans have commemorated that anniversary. This year the Department of Defense will initiate an America Supports You Freedom Walk. The walk will begin at the Pentagon and end at the National Mall. It will include many of the major monuments in Washington, D.C. reminding participants of the sacrifices of this generation and of each previous generation that has so successfully defended our freedoms. Freedom Walk participants will be invited to a special performance by country singer Clint Black. And more information about this event will be on the Department of Defense website, America Supports You.

I'm as annoyed as anyone else by this conflation of Saddam Hussein, Iraq, and the September 11 attacks, but what really frosts me is the idea of a freakin' "March" with festivities on what should be a day of solemn reflection. This, coming from the Pentagon (which lost several hundred people that day, you'll recall), is a monument to poor taste.

How about demonstrating support for the troops by fully funding the VA and by fully equipping the men and women in the field with the armor they need?