Column was gross misrepresentation of veterans rally

I read with disgust the hatchet column maligning veterans supporting Andy Barr at his Aug 29 rally.

Masquerading as an objective writer, the author stated that someone asked her to attend. Really? Who? She said she went to “hear his side of the issues firsthand.” Please.

If that were so, we might see even a single quote by the candidate, or any speaker, or some description of what those issues are. But no, the purpose of her mission was to produce exactly what resulted: a shallow smear piece designed to denigrate and discredit veterans who support Barr.

She stated that these veterans were “bragging about their service … while bashing a fellow veteran’s service.” This is patently false.

In fairness, I do know some who are unimpressed that retired Marine Lt. Col Amy McGrath chose to use military elements as ad props: wearing her flight jacket, patting the nose of an airplane and telling us about her combat missions, over and over and over.

I have a flight jacket, too, and a few of my own combat missions, but I wouldn’t bring any of that out while trying to sell you something, including a candidacy. Many ask her own question: “Is that all you’ve got?”

A line of speakers went before the rally offering support for Andy Barr. I’ll just share some of my own comments. I outlined Barr’s knowledge of America’s laws and its legislative process and his skill in working that process to the benefit of our country and our state. I added that his ideology resonates with most Kentuckians, including many if not most veterans, and that he had directly served many in his Veterans Coalition, which I had witnessed personally.

Here’s a direct quote: “Let’s be clear, I have — and I know Congressman Andy Barr has – the greatest respect and regard for Amy McGrath’s military service. For myself, I would be delighted to fly airplanes with her, or jump out of them, any day. What I don’t want is her flying our country and our Kentucky because I believe she would do so using full left rudder.”

So, no disrespect for her service, only my own perception of her political leanings.

Veterans understand that, however honorable, service does not itself confer a lifetime subsidy of approval for all one’s actions. Accordingly, my own 21 Air Force years are characterized as honorable. Nevertheless, if I subsequently decide to join al-Qaida, become a bank robber or engage in politics, no one is obligated to support me solely because of my service. I have to earn it.

So does McGrath.

The author of this shameless distortion concludes by asking why we can’t work issues rather than engaging in personal attacks. Note she does so after an entire column written as a personal attack on every veteran who appeared in support of Barr and after she accuses veterans of the very thing she commits — hypocrisy.

All of us who ever wore a uniform believe that part of our doing so served to ensure the rights of all Americans to freely choose, among other things, their political preferences. I am quite sure that as veterans we earned the same rights for ourselves.