"The Only Way to Suport the Troops is Going Over There" -- Why We "Heart" Paul Hackett

Iraq War veteran Paul Hackett is running as a Democrat in a special election for the vacant Ohio 2nd Congressional District. And as expected, the rightwing propaganda machine has geared up to slime another veteran.

His opponent, noted wingnut Jean Schmidt, has trotted out her lapdog lackeys to question Hackett's service: "I understand that Hackett did not participate in combat at all...let's not act as though we led Marines in combat if we did not, okay?" -- Eric Minamyer, Schmidt advisor.

Hackett was a civil affairs officer in Iraq. Eleven other members of civil affairs units have died in Iraq. The entire country -- what is left of it -- is a war zone. How dare that slimy little weasel say that about an American Marine officer. I'd like to know where that little motherfucker was hiding when it was time to sign up with the recruiter.

In response to the GOP-inspired attack by Schmidt and her white-feathered groupies, Hackett said, "The only way I know how to support the troops is by going over there. All the chickenhawks back here who said, 'Oh, Iraq is talking bad about us. They're going to threaten us' - look, if you really believe that, you leave your wife and three kids and go sign up for the Army or Marines and go over there and fight. Otherwise, shut your mouth."

I couldn't have said it better. But I could have said it worse: Shut your FUCKING mouth. But I'm not running for Congress.

Let's show the Ohio GOP -- and their shadowy bankrollers at the national level -- that we won't allow another bunch of Swift Boat Liars to denigrate the honorable service of another American veteran.

Please go to the Paul Hackett for Congress website and donate some cash so Paul can win the election next Tuesday. It is not much of an exaggeration to say that the fate of the nation hangs in the balance. This is the dress rehearsal for the congressional battles of next year. Let's make our opening shot count.

You can make online donations at Act Blue

Thanks to Kos for this.