RNC Denies Iraq War Veterans

In the early hours of Monday September 1st a formation of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) marched to the gates of the Republican National Convention. Wesley Davey, a retired St. Paul police officer and Iraq veteran, led the group.

With a permit to march from the Capital building to the RNC location at the Xcel center, the group took the streets at 8:30 local time, arriving at their destination at approximately 9:30. Upon their arrival, Mr. Davey was escorted through the police lines carrying a tri-fold American flag, a document addressing the needs of returning service members, and a copy of the U.S. Constitution to be delivered to a representative of the McCain campaign.

IVAW’s document gave exhaustive evidence that returning veterans are not receiving the treatment and care they deserve, and also demanded that this change, stating that while much of McCain’s campaign rhetoric revolves around the ever-present catchphrase “Support Our Troops”, if McCain stands to make this more than a catchphrase, then he should take the proper steps to do just that—regardless of whether those troops are on the ground in Iraq or recovering here at home. Unfortunately, after about a half hour of being directed from one person to another—all claiming to lead him to someone who could help him—Mr. Davey was led right back out the door, his offerings still in his hands. He and his fellow veterans had been turned away.

Throughout the remaining days of the Republican National Convention, IVAW has continued to march with their fellow war resisters and spread their message. When asked to comment on his involvement, Iraq veteran Sholom Fuller replied, “Our government and much of the American people have left us high and dry, so we have to look out for one another. The work I do with IVAW is a continuation of my military service—my responsibility as a soldier to do all I can to make sure my fellow soldiers return home alive.”

For more information on Iraq Veterans Against the War, visit http://ivaw.org/. And stay tuned for IVAW's Winter Soldier event on October 4th in Rochester, NY.