Louisiana Veterans are becoming an issue in the US Senate race.
Although Louisiana is not the most populated state in America, it has greatly contributed to the armed forces of this country.With so much of this week focusing upon Veterans, so are the candidates for US Senate and the state parties with some shots being heard across enemy lines.
The first volley came from the Louisiana Republican Party who has had Charlie Melancon in its line of fire.
On Veterans Day, the LAGOP sent out an email attack on Melancon claiming he was weak on military affairs.Today, the Melancon campaign responded by going directly after David Vitter on basically the same issue, the military and Veterans:
Chronologically, here are the two press releases.Without doubt, the US senate race is, in part, about who has the most red, white and blue.Apparently, the issues are not only who is most willing to fight wars that are winnable, but, who is most willing to provide for those who are most deserving due to their sacrifices to this country:
From the Louisiana Republican Party
As our nation honors the brave men and women who served and still serve our country with honor and integrity, Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Roger F. Villere Jr. called on Congressman Charlie Melancon to step up his support for those currently serving in the Armed Forces:
“The men and women in our military who are sacrificing for our freedoms and defending our nation across the world deserve the support of their elected leaders at home, but Charlie Melancon has let them down time and time again,” Chairman Villere said. Melancon has consistently voted with Nancy Pelosi and other liberal Democrats to undermine our troops and their mission. The men and women who serve to protect us deserve better.”
Charlie Melancon Poor Record Of Supporting Our Troops:
Melancon Supported Nancy Pelosi’s Strategy Of Retreat And Defeat In Iraq On 5 Separate Occasions. (H.R. 1591, CQ vote #186, 3/23/07; H.R. 1591, CQ vote #265, 4/19/07; H.R. 1591, CQ vote #276, 5/2/07; H.R. 2956, CQ vote # 624, 7/12/07; H.R. 4156, CQ vote # 1108, 11/14/0)
In 2005 And 2006 Melancon Voted Not To Provide Emergency Money To Help Our Nation Defeat Our Enemies In Iraq. (H.Con. Res 95. CQ vote #88, 3/17/05, 2; H.Con. Res 376, CQ vote #158, 5/18/06)
In 2007 Melancon Opposed The Successful Surge Strategy In Iraq Saying “There Is No Plan. There Is No Mission.” Yet, Our Commanders On The Ground Including General Petraeus Have Said The Surge Dramatically Reduced Violence In Iraq. (Bill Walsh and Bruce Alpert, “Bush sending 21,500 more troops,” Times Picayune, 1/11/07)
From Charlie Melancon Campaign:
Congressman Charlie Melancon today called on Senator David Vitter to explain to Louisiana veterans why he skipped a Senate hearing on veterans' homelessness this week, one day before Veterans Day -- yet another example of Vitter leaving America's military veterans behind.
Vitter serves as the ranking Republican on the Senate subcommittee that held the hearing.
"It's all about the right priorities, and a Senator's first priority should be making sure our veterans get the unwavering support they've earned," said Rep. Charlie Melancon. "Louisiana has one of the highest rates of veterans' homelessness in America. On the day before Veterans Day, what could be more important than attending a hearing on homelessness among veterans? David Vitter should explain to Louisiana veterans exactly what kept him from attending this important hearing."
On Tuesday November 10th, the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development held a hearing at 10:00am on "Ending Veterans Homelessness." David Vitter is the ranking Republican on the Subcommittee, and was not in attendance. The hearing was held on the day before Veterans Day.
More information on the hearing and video of the proceedings can be found on the Banking Committee's website.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH), with 3,600 homeless veterans in 2008, Louisiana has one of the highest rates of homelessness among veterans in the United States. In Kentucky, a state with nearly the same population as Louisiana, there are only 520 homeless veterans. According to the NAEH, there are 131,000 homeless veterans in the United States.
Charlie Melancon has fought for Louisiana veterans in Congress. The first piece of legislation Melancon introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives was an amendment providing $53 million for trauma care and prosthetic research for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Melancon later fought for the new GI Bill which provides full college tuition, a monthly living allowance and a book stipend to veterans. Melancon has received a 100 percent rating from the Disabled American Veterans organization, and a grade of A from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
David Vitter has consistently received low and failing marks for his lack of support for veterans from many of the nation's most respected veterans organizations. Vitter received three zero grades from the Disabled Veterans of America between 1999 and 2006. The Vietnam Veterans of America's most recent rating for Vitter is 25 percent. In 2006, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave Vitter an "F" grade.
New Orleans Elections
New Orleans returned from the “dead” thanks to the hard work and risks by many people including our young adults.This latter group is also one of the strongest bases of potential voters in New Orleans..
One organization is trying to energize that base in a non-partisan way, in part, to shape the city in its own image and in part, to seize the initiative to set the city on the right course.Thus, Enter EngageNOLA.
This organization is not only meeting with the candidates to discuss their particular issues but it has also prepared a Job Description for the next chief executive (to succeed Mayor C. Ray Nagin). Also, to some extent iEngageNOLA s ready to ensure that whoever wins the top positions are handling their jobs properly..
“The New Orleans city elections are three months away. The city is at a crossroads and needs to move into the next phase of recovery with a steady, engaged and qualified leadership. No one in business would hire a key new employee without a job description against which to judge an applicant’s qualifications, and neither should voters,” said EngageNOLA’s Candidate Engagement Chair Oliver Wise.
Here is the job description and below are the current list of dates for the Meet The Candidates:
Job Title: Mayor
Reports to: The Citizens of New Orleans
The Opportunity:
With New Orleans at a turning point in its history, the next mayor is poised to bring in a new era of economic and social revitalization to what was, just four years ago, a devastated city. Facing an unprecedented opportunity for growth and positive change, the citizens of New Orleans are looking for the next mayor who will faithfully represent the citizens and govern with this transformative spirit.
The Job:
·Take an active leadership role in developing all areas of a successful city, including:
oFinancial management
oOperations, including city infrastructure
oGovernance and staffing
oEconomic development
oPublic health
oEducation
oHousing
oRace and social justice
oCriminal justice and safety
oEnvironment and hurricane/flood protection
·develop the City of New Orleans into a model for governmental and bureaucratic efficiency
·Foster regular, two-way transparent communication both within the government and with the greater public
·Execute a positive, aggressive marketing strategy, highlighting the City’s strengths to a global audience
·Collaboratively design and implement a galvanizing long-term vision and plan
·Develop and employ funding/investment strategies following sound business principles
The Hire (Qualifications):
The City of New Orleans is interested in tested, resilient leaders who demonstrate the following:
·Experience in leading and/or building thriving organizations
·Strong record of adherence to ethics
·Ability and willingness to build consensus and respect on a municipal, regional, state, and federal level
·Proven record of accessible, open communication with staff and other constituents
·Embrace of the spirit of public service
·History of building strong teams
·Strong understanding of the City Home Rule Charter
·Desire and ability to coach, mentor and advise the next generation of leadership
·Passion for growing opportunities for all, no matter race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation
·An intense love for the Saints, Hornets, Zephyrs
The Details:
Application Deadline: December 11, 2009Job Start Date: May 2009
Full-time position for 4 years with possibility of one-time extension; Based in New Orleans
The City of New Orleans:
Driven by its multicultural heritage and celebrations, New Orleans arguably is the most unique city in America.This singular culture combined with unmatched international trade assets and strength in U.S. oil and gas production continues to attract new industries and talent, exemplified by the 3rd place ranking New Orleans carries in film production. Named one of the fastest cities by Fast Company and highlighted on the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine, New Orleans is experiencing one of the highest levels of civic engagement that promises to carry the City into its next stage renaissance and growth.
The City of New Orleans is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
To ensure the collective advancement of New Orleans through civic engagement of the next generation, EngageNOLA represents a diverse group of young adults who strive to create a new era of government in New Orleans by engaging and mobilizing young adults in the political process. Visit www.engagenola.com.
Below is the “Meet the Candidate” events
6:30 pm, Thursday, November 19th – Troy Henry
6:30 pm, Thursday, December 3rd – James Perry
6:30 pm, Thursday, December 10th – Sen. Ed Murray
6:30 pm, Thursday, December 17th – John Georges
More “Meet the Candidate” events to be announced!
Venue: Elizabeth’s Restaurant, 601 Gallier St. (at the corner of Chartres St. in the Bywater)
Sarah Palin
One of the more controversial figures over the past year has been Sarah Palin, the former Alaskan Governor (who some believe might be the future of the Republican Party along with Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal). Of course, she also is the very controversial former Republican Vice-President candidate.Expect even more controversy about her as Governor Palin's new 413-page memoir Going Rogueis released Tuesday . For instance, according to news reports, Palin says that Katie Couric who interviewed the Republican acted condescending, biased and “badgering” during the interview. Many believe that the interview did not go well for Palin.The interview was prominent during the campaign since it dealt with Palin’s ability to deal with foreign policy and when she made the comment about Alaska being so close to Russia.Palin accordingly believes that much of the substantive parts of the interview were not aired.
the 'qualifications' forget two important things.
most would agree you have to be black because we live in a racist town full of welfare recips who will only vote blac,.
ALL WOULD AGREE, you have to live in new orleans.
BOTH OF THESE DISQUALIFY MOST LEGIT CANDIDATES Written by hello....anyone in there???
on 11/13/2009
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