Sunday, August 03, 2008

Kagen, Badge of Courage


Just like the lion in the Wizzard of Oz, Steve Kagen is looking for the badge of courage. From the August 2nd, JS Online.
"Kagen back from Iraq: Just back from a congressional trip to Iraq, Israel and Europe, Appleton Democrat Steve Kagen reported last week that his military flight out of Baghdad had to take evasive action after the crew detected a possible missile attack. Two other lawmakers were on the plane. " JS Online: Ron Kind introduces tax relief bill for disaster victims

The article from DIANA MARRERO dmarrero@journalsentinel.com and I quote " Appleton Democrat Steve Kagen reported last week that his military flight out of Baghdad had to take evasive action after the crew detected a possible missile attack. " He reported? How many more people does he have to tell? What medal is looking to get. Who is he trying to impress?

Here is the official account from Col. M.J. Jadick of Air Force Public Affairs:

"The missile warning and countermeasures system on a C-130 carrying Congressmen Steven Kagen (D-Wis.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) and Bob Inglis (R-S.C.) activated as their aircraft departed Sather Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 28. Although the crew saw no evidence of a missile, they chose to maneuver the aircraft and dispense flares as a precaution. All theater air crews are trained to react to surface-to-air fires. Although surface-to-air fires are extremely dangerous, established tactics minimize the threat to flying operations. The aircraft was not damaged and the crew and passengers continued safely to their destination."


Sounds like everything was under control. No big deal to all our troops.I did a Google search on the two other congressman Steve Kagen went to Iraq with, Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) and Bob Inglis (R-S.C.) and could not find any other comments on on the possible missile attack.

Obviously DIANA MARRERO from J S Online will hear this several more times between now and the election. How many times will Steve Kagen bring this story up to his constituents of the 8th district, to his donors and to anyone that will give him a "that's terrible, weren't you scared" comment? If or when Steve Kagen and John Gard have a debate, I know it will come up again.

The men and Women of the armed forces go through this several times a day in Iraq. This is no big deal to other congressional visits to Iraq or Afghanistan. Why the over kill?

If someone else would tell this same story Steve Kagen could say "no big deal, our troops have it a lot worse!" But no, he has to tell everyone of his possible heroic day. Can you picture him on the plane that day. I wonder if he grabbed a rifle and said "lets kick some butt" like when he was at the White House a year and a half ago.

The Wizzard from Oz has no badge of courage for our 8th district Congressman. Steve Kagen cannot play the sympathy card with the voters. That's all this is!

People of the 8th district, you see again how much our congressman will do anything for a vote.

Steve Kagen had his chance and let us down.

It's time for someone new.

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