LoBiondo's Phony Patriotism

I was fascinated to read about two votes listed in the June 26 review of the week's activity in Congress. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, voted for the flag-burning amendment and against investigating contract fraud in Iraq and Afghanistan.No two votes better exemplify the phony patriotism and slavish devotion to corporate interests so sacred to most Republican members of Congress. I say most, but not all, because men like John McCain and Chuck Hagel, who have served in combat, do not support the flag amendment or war profiteering, unlike so many in their party. It seems like there's a correlation between combat service (or lack of it) and votes on these issues. The further away you were, the higher you wave the flag and stand tall for Bechtel and Halliburton.By the way, I am a retired Navy carrier pilot who was flying over North Vietnam and Laos while the Texas National Guard protected the Gulf of Mexico.

JAMES F. McCARTHY

Ocean City

Letter printed in Atlantic City Press, July 6, 2005

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/columns/070605LETTSWEDJUL6.cfm