In 1982, I signed the paperwork that started my relationship with the Marine Corps and my service to the United States of America, in part motivated by the great writings and tremendous example of James Webb. James Webb was a role model for me, as well as a generation of young Marine officers who are now running for political office including Andrew Horne running in Kentucky+óGé¼Gäós 3CD and Andrew Borene running for state senate in Minnesota. Both Iraq war vets.
James Webb is an acclaimed author, statesman, attorney, and decorated Marine. His novels, A Sense of Honor and Fields of Fire, clearly articulate the standards of service, commitment, and leadership expected of Marine officers, and by extension, our political leaders.James Webb has, without question, lived his life by those high standards. In fact, I know of no better example of leadership in today+óGé¼Gäós America than James Webb.
As many know, Webb graduated from the Naval Academy in 1968, then served in Vietnam as a Marine platoon commander. For his service and heroism in combat he received the Navy Cross, Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts.
In today+óGé¼Gäós America, the meaning of these awards - as they relate to service, commitment, and leadership in good government - may not be appreciated as they should be. That's why I want to emphasize today that James Webb is a man of courage and honor who has demonstrated his commitment and fidelity to America at the risk of his own life.
After returning from Vietnam, James Webb earned his law degree from Georgetown University and dedicated 6 years of his life as a young attorney, pro bono, to clear the name of a young, African American Marine who had been wrongly convicted. Webb ultimately prevailed, demonstrating once again his impressive level of commitment to duty, loyalty, and honor.
Jim+óGé¼Gäós service, dedication, and leadership to our beloved nation was further demonstrated when he resigned as Secretary of the Navy in 1986, rather than endorse a politically expedient and failed policy promoted by the Reagan administration.
Frankly, leaders of James Webb's caliber are not commonplace in America today, nor have they ever been. In fact, our current political process and its focus on money +óGé¼GÇ£ along with the politics of personal destruction - does more to discourage than encourage men and women of his caliber.
However, these are not ordinary times in America, which is why we, the people, must do more than call for change and a return to good governance. We must also participate in that change and strongly support extraordinary candidates like James Webb.
Today, despite the exceptional service that James Webb has provided to our country, he is facing a tough race against George Allen a rubber stamp for the Bush administration+óGé¼Gäós failed policies here and abroad.
James Webb needs our help to succeed. We need James Webb and his leadership to help build and lead a new Democratic Party. A party that has more than the desire to deliver greatness but a party that has the commitment, leadership and will to fight for a better America. We need James Webb's leadership to take back America, to preserve the promise of a nation made to future generations of Americans: The promise of Peace, Prosperity, and the Freedoms that define America.
Please join me in supporting James Webb in becoming Virginia+óGé¼Gäós next U.S. Senator. Please volunteer, please donate, and please tell everyone you know about this great American named James Webb. Thank you.
Comments
Wow, what an eloquent endorsement (DanG - 4/13/2006 8:50:13 PM)I'd expect nothing less from Hackett, of course. He's a pretty passionate dude.Hackett's Opinion of Miller (DanG - 4/13/2006 10:01:22 PM)Harris Miller is a well healed special interest machine that the dem national party supports only because they think he can pour his own money in the race. He's one of the country club boys. He's supported rotten republican causes and knows nothing of service, commitment or leadership. He'll get chewed up and spit out by Karl Rove on national security issues. When Karl gets done with him he'll look like he go put through a pencil sharpener then run through a potato ricer. Aside from that, he's in it for himself and other than that, Harris is a hell of guy. Come on folks let's win one.Just Imagine (Greg Bouchillon - 4/13/2006 10:44:25 PM)A debate between Allen and Webb. Allen couldn't bring up national security, can't play the flip flop card, can't claim he's an insider or that he's got no political experience.There's no way he can swift boat Jim Webb.
On the other hand, Jim Webb can bring all of this up and own Allen. He can attack Allen on Iowa, N.H, S.C, and being bored.
I wonder what losing to Jim Webb will do to Allen's Presidential Bid. At least Frist dropped out to focus on President. I wonder if Allen will do the same when he sees the writing on the wall (after Webb wins the primary).
Nah, Allen will try to make a point (DanG - 4/13/2006 11:17:34 PM)He'll lose to Webb and be a disgrace to the Republican Party. His career will be over. Then he can move to Iowa, since he apparently likes it so much.Allen has cash (thegools - 4/14/2006 1:49:09 AM)As much as I think Webb can win, and I want him to win, Allen has a lot of money. There are some who are projecting that Allen will have amassed $15 Million as of March 31. Compare that to Webb's $250,000. Money's not everything, but $15M can buy a lot of love (but mainly it buys airtime....lots of it!!)I will not belittle that king of cash in Allen's hands. Webb HA$$$$$$$$$ a long way to go.
My guess is that after Webb wins the nomination... (Lowell - 4/14/2006 8:43:25 AM)the $$$ will pour in, fast and furious like a Tsunami. We'll see how bad a money gap there is, in the end...Money pouring in (thegools - 4/14/2006 10:38:37 AM)I think you are correct that $$ will flow faster once the race is Webb's alone. However, if George already has $15M. There is little chance that Webb can get very close. Fortunately, Webb's platform is a strong one and will do a lot to fill in the $$ gap.