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Anthrax Vaccine n Water Wars n Debating the Draft THE AMERICAN $2.50 June 2003 The magazine for a strong America MILITARY “For God and Country since 1919 Fabulous destinations. 50 Exceptional accommodations. And now, a new level of personal service. ©2006 Travelocity.com LP.All rights reserved. Travelocity and the Stars Design are trademarks of Travelocity.com LP. LP.All CST#2056372- rights reserved.Travelocity.com and the Stars Design are trademarks of Travelocity.com ©2006 Travelocity Introducing the 2006 Cruise Collection from AARP Passport powered by Travelocity.® Make your next cruise even more memorable when you book with AARP Passport powered by Travelocity. The 2006 Cruise Collection offers more than 40 sailings with Specially Trained AARP Passport Representatives – STARs – to make certain your voyage is smooth and enjoyable. AARP members also enjoy other exclusive benefits on a wide range of itineraries; each specially selected for you and delivered by trusted AARP Passport travel providers. Your next cruise sets sail at www.aarp.org/cruisecollection28. Trusted Travel | 1.888.291.1762 | www.aarp.org/cruisecollection28 Not an AARP member yet? Visit us online to join today. AARP Passport powered by Travelocity may require a minimum number of staterooms to be booked on these sailings in order for a STAR to be onboard. In the event that a STAR will not be sailing, passengers will be notified prior to departure. contents June 2006 • Vol. 160, No. 6 12 When Heroes Come Home Hurt 4 Vet Voice The Legion, the Pentagon and local 8 Commander’s Message communities must reach out to a 10 Big Issues new generation of severely wounded veterans. 46 Rapid Fire By James V. Carroll 62 Comrades 68 Parting Shots 18 All the King’s Houses An effort to seize Supreme Court Justice David Souter’s property by the power of eminent domain may not ON THE COVER have worked, but it shed light on a problem “50 years in the making.” Woodrow Wilson believed the importance By Jeff Stoffer of the fl ag for future generations is determined by our reverence for it today. 27 Evo-lution Photodisc Bolivia’s new leader scores another victory for Latin America’s anti- democratic movement. By Michael Radu The American Legion Magazine, a leader among national general-interest publications, is published 32 To Save the Stars and Stripes monthly by The American Legion for its 2.7 million members. These wartime veterans, working through Flag Protection Is, In Fact, 15,000 community-level posts, dedicate themselves a ‘Voting Issue’ to God and Country and traditional American values; strong national security; adequate and We must vindicate the principle of compassionate care for veterans, their widows and popular sovereignty by acting on it at orphans; community service; and the wholesome the ballot box. development of our nation’s youth. By Richard D. Parker All It Takes Is One Vote to Rescue Our Flag "No state shall ... deprive any person of life, liberty The Court erred when it classifi ed or property without due process of law." fl ag desecration as “free speech.” 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution By Maj. Gen. Patrick H. Brady (USA ret.) The Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in Kelo v. City of New London spurred The U.S. Congress Is Duty-Bound rebellion among property-rights to Pass the Flag Amendment champions. Page 18 The ultimate authority on the Constitution is “we the people.” By Stephen B. Presser 42 It’s Not Personal, It’s Politics So your elected representative doesn’t return calls? Join the crowd. By Ben Stein 50 Save $50* on your Las Vegas trip today! LP. LP.All CST#2056372- rights reserved.Travelocity.com and the Stars Design are trademarks of Travelocity.com ©2006 Travelocity Las Vegas is an oasis of glitz and glamour filled with cool casinos and pulsing neon lights. Escape with a stroll through boutique shops, a night out at a dazzling show, or a relaxing meal at a top restaurant. Use AARP Passport powered by Travelocity to easily find great rates on thousands of flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more. Book your Las Vegas Flight + Hotel together using TotalTripPlusSM by June 30, 2006, to get your exclusive $50 savings! Book your travel with us, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with your AARP membership. Trusted Travel | 1.888.291.1757 | www.aarp.org/passport42 Not an AARP member yet? Visit us online to join today. *Promo code SEEVEGAS is valid only from 4/1/06 to 6/30/06 on Flight + Hotel TotalTripPlus bookings for three nights or longer for travel 6/1/06 to 8/31/06 to Las Vegas, Nevada. Not to be combined with any other offer. Restrictions apply. See Web site for details: www.aarp.org/passport42 MESOTHELIOMA VICTIMS 700 N. Pennsylvania St. P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 (317) 630-1200 http://www.legion.org National Commander Thomas L. Bock Published by The American Legion Editor John Raughter Operations Administrator Patricia Marschand EDITORIAL Managing Editor Jeff Stoffer Editorial Administrator Brandy Ballenger Senior Editor Steve Brooks Assistant Editor James V. Carroll Assistant Editor Matt Grills Assistant Editor Elissa Kaupisch Contributing Editor Alan W. Dowd GRAPHIC DESIGN Art Director Holly K. Soria Designer Matt Everett PRODUCTION Production Director Jon Reynolds Senior Graphic Designer King Doxsee ADVERTISING Advertising Director Diane Andretti Advertising Assistant Laura Edwards Advertising Assistant Amanda A. Harpenau The American Legion Magazine P.O. Box 7068 Indianapolis, IN 46207 PUBLISHER’S ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES James G. Elliott Company, Inc. New York: (212) 588-9200 Detroit: (248) 530-0300 Chicago: (312) 236-4900 Los Angeles: (213) 624-0900 THE AMERICAN LEGION When training, experience and a steady MAGAZINE COMMISSION Dennis J. Henkemeyer, Chairman, Bagley, MN Leo McKernan, Vice Chairman, Monroe Town- hand really count, turn to a fellow veteran. ship, NJ; Terry D. Lewis, National Commander’s Representative, Philadelphia; James J. Charleston, Consultant, Hawthorn Woods, IL; Robert A. Corrigan, Consultant, Bronx, NY. Commission Members: Harold F. Arnold, For many veterans, their battles are far from Statesboro, GA; Sam Barney, Lancaster, OH; Phillip Boatner, Clayton, OK; Donald R. Conn, over. They’re stricken with mesothelioma South Bend, IN; James W. Conway, Charlestown, MA; Philip B. Finley, Colby, KS; Dennis E. Fritz, from exposure to asbestos aboard ships Columbus Junction, IA; Charles E. Hartman, Eau Claire, PA; Theodore Hartmann, Smithton, and in other environments. Burdened IL; Roy L. Kirkham, Minden, LA; Bob Legan, Russellville, AR; Michael L. Montaney, Ephrata, with skyrocketing medical costs, vets and WA; Silas M. Noel, Frankfurt, KY; Everett G. Shepard III, Woodstock, CT; George G. Sinopoli, their families need financial security. Fresno, CA; James Smotherman, Birmingham, AL; Robert E. Vass Sr., Huntington, WV; Frank C. Ward, Greenville, SC; Donald E. White Jr., As a former Marine, we fought together Bud Coady Frederica, DE. NEC Liaison Committee: William W. Kile, Chairman, Petersburg, WV; Alfred yesterday. As a seasoned attorney, I’ll Harvard, 1979 Pirolli, Philadelphia; Charles Schmidt, Hines, USMC, 1979-89, 1991 OR; Joseph W. Young, Chattanooga, TN. fight for you today. Attorneys at Coady Gulf War Veteran Copyright 2006 by The American Legion Law Firm have successfully represented Attorney at Law The American Legion (ISSN 0886-1234) is published monthly by The American Legion, 5745 Lee Road, veterans in mesothelioma claims nation- Indianapolis, IN 46216. Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN 46204 and additional mailing offices. Annual non-member and gift subscriptions, wide for over a decade. We’ve helped $15 ($21, foreign); post-spon sored and widows’ subscriptions, $6; single copy, $3.50. Member them understand their rights – and annual subscription price $3, which is included in annual member dues. POST MASTER: Send secured their rightful compensation. address changes to The American Legion, Data Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Internet address: http://www.legion.org. Trust in someone who served with you. Change of Address: Notify The American Legion, Data Services, P.O. Box 1954, Indianapolis, IN 46206. (317) Contact the Coady Law Firm. Receive a 860-3111. Attach old address label, provide old and new free addresses and current membership card number. , no obligation consultation. Canada Post International Publications Mall (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 546321. Re-entered second-class mail matter at Manila Central Post office dated Dec. 22, 1991. For free medical and legal information, dial 1-888-802-MESO, or visit www.MIRG.org Printed in USA Member Audit Bureau of Circulations 205 PORTLAND STREET • BOSTON, MA 02114 • E-MAIL: [email protected] SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO HONOR WAR VETERANS AND PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS UNITED STATES MILITARY WAR VETERAN SERVICE RINGS Featuring Official Service Medals and Ribbons, The War Memorials and Gold Service Branch Emblems KOREAN VETERANS VIETNAM Authorized by the Korean War WWII VETERANS Veterans Memorial Foundation VETERANS e proudly present our Official Veterans Each ring is custom-crafted in America using gen- Military Service Rings as powerful uine sterling silver, richly detailed in 22 karat Wreminders of the bravery and sacrifice antiqued gold. As a permanent mark of exclusivity, made by so many Veterans during these terrible con- your ring will be engraved on the inner band with flicts. The tops of each ring feature solid 10 KT Gold your initials and the year dates of your service. Military Service emblems mounted on genuine black PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS onyx (Marine on red stone). Inside of ring is solid and MAY HAVE THEIR MEDAL AND RIBBON smooth for maximum comfort and fit. IN PLACE OF THE WAR MEDAL AND RIBBON. The sides of the rings are detailed original artistic sculptures of Vietnam Purple Heart Ring shown with Army Service Branch Emblem your War Memorial, Service Medal and Ribbon.