Commentary; Posted: 6/7/06
Republicans, Democrats are serving, dying for freedom
Anne Gabriel
Guest Columnist
My Dad voluntarily joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Promoted to Lieutenant, he patrolled the Pacific during above-ground nuclear testing.
Back then, a one-party system called Communism was gobbling up countries.
Dad served because he wanted our democracy, which requires at least two political parties, to stay strong.
Now, as then, both Republicans and Democrats are serving, and dying, for our freedoms.
Thus, I sincerely thank the Forest Lake Times for last weekís editorial: ìDo Republicans have corner on patriotism?î
When working in the Legislature, Iíve agreed and disagreed with Sen. Bachmann and Rep. Vandeveer.
Regardless, Iíve always considered us as equally American.
While Iíve yet to meet candidate Bob Dettmer, heís clearly a proud American, too.
Hereís some facts: One of our areaís most senior retired Naval Officers ñ David Francis ñ is an American Legion Post 225 member and Forest Lakeís Democratic candidate for Minnesota Senate.
On Memorial Day Francis was with family out-of-state, but he wasnít represented on the stage at Forest Lakeís service.
Democratic District 52A House candidate, Rob Rapheal, did attend the service.
Rapheal wasnít invited on stage. Neither was Congressional candidate Patty Wetterling.
Only Republicans were on the stage; and they were specifically introduced as Republican political candidates.
Dadís been gone 20 years, so Iím unsure whether heíd have been angered by our Memorial Day becoming a one-party political advertisement.
I do know Dad wouldíve been ashamed, though; ashamed on a holiday when every veteran should feel proud.
Itís OK, Dad, I salute you.
Writer Anne Gabriel lives in Forest Lake. The letter was written in honor of her late father, Lt. John Gardner Rawland, USN.
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