It took me a while to see the gap in positions here.

On August 28 last, George Bush addressed the American Legion in Reno, NV. He apparently was cheered to the rafters.

In May 1999, the following letter was sent by the Legion to President Clinton. I have highlighted some passages in italics to contrast their approach in the 1990s against their acceptance in current times.

"President William J. Clinton
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The American Legion, a wartime veterans organization of nearly three-million members, urges the immediate withdrawal of American troops participating in “Operation Allied Force.”

The National Executive Committee of The American Legion, meeting in Indianapolis today, adopted Resolution 44, titled “The American Legion’s Statement on Yugoslavia.” This resolution was debated and adopted unanimously.

Mr. President, the United States Armed Forces should never be committed to wartime operations unless the following conditions are fulfilled:

* That there be a clear statement by the President of why it is in our vital national interests to be engaged in hostilities;
* Guidelines be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy;
* That there be support of the mission by the U.S. Congress and the American people; and
* That it be made clear that U.S. Forces will be commanded only by U.S. officers which we acknowledge are superior military leaders.

It is the position of The American Legion, which I am sure is shared by the majority of Americans, that three of the above listed conditions have not been met in the current joint operation with NATO (“Operation Allied Force”).

In no case should America commit its Armed Forces in the absence of clearly defined objectives agreed upon by the U.S. Congress in accordance with Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution of the United States.


Sincerely,



HAROLD L. “BUTCH” MILLER
National Commander


Att: Resolution #44

cc: Secretary of Defense
Secretary of State
Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
Leadership, House and Senate
Chairman and Ranking Democratic Member, House and Senate Armed Services Committee"