The United States Marine Corps is involved in a conflict with three Marine reservists over their protests against the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq. The Corps accuses the three, all of whom served in Iraq and members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, of "wearing their uniforms during political protests and making disrespectful or disloyal statements". The veterans claim it is a free speech issue and that their First Amendment rights are being trampled on.
They have gained a surprising new ally in their struggle with the authorities in the person of national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gary Kurpius. Yesterday the VFS issued a statement headlined "VFW to Corps: Don't Stifle Freedom of Speech".
Things sure have changed from the Vietnam days when the VFW prominently and staunchly opposed anti-war protesters, often with the epithet "America - love it or leave it", including the Vietnam Veterans Against the War.
They have gained a surprising new ally in their struggle with the authorities in the person of national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gary Kurpius. Yesterday the VFS issued a statement headlined "VFW to Corps: Don't Stifle Freedom of Speech".
Things sure have changed from the Vietnam days when the VFW prominently and staunchly opposed anti-war protesters, often with the epithet "America - love it or leave it", including the Vietnam Veterans Against the War.
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