Veterans: Vote for Dems 'or leave your buddies behind'

Here's something to think about when casting your ballot just a few short days before Veterans Day.

Our country is at war. Iowans - our family, friends and neighbors - are deploying to combat zones in the largest numbers since World War II. Having deployed myself, I know the importance of our politicians having our backs and keeping the home fires burning.

Sadly, at the federal level, the Republicans voted against funding and equipping our troops, voted against veterans benefits, brought us the Walter Reed scandal and torture.

At the state level, the Republicans voted against taking care of our troops and their families and against funding the Marshalltown Veterans Home.

Fortunately, thanks to patriotic Democrats, our troops, veterans and families are much better taken care of than the Republicans wanted. Pay and benefits, VA funding, family support - all increased, thanks to Democrats.

Good folks like Dave Loebsack, Chet Culver, Mark Seidl, Joan McCalmant and their fellow Democrats will ensure those who sacrifice for us are well cared for because they know freedom isn't free.

It's pretty simple. You can vote for those who believe America's and Iowa's heroes deserve the very best, or you can vote Republican.

For Linn County's 20,000 veterans, it's even simpler: You can vote Democratic, or you can leave your buddies behind.

Joe Stutler

U.S. Army veteran

Cedar Rapid