The following was sent by a Vietnam Vet who works tirelessly on POW/MIA issues. The letter was sent to him. The letter writers name has been deleted. We have also deleted a name. So while we can not verify who wrote the letter, we can by investigation affirm that the issues addressed are real. And to the question asked in the letter, "Come America, where's your priorities?!" All we can say is freaking screwed up! Emphasis ours.
Subject: POW/MIA
Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:40:07 -0600
Okay so my Brother had a very good point the other day:
"It's funny how more people are worried about the SOPA and PIPA bills, which aren't even about humans! But we get very little support when it comes to POW/MIA issues and HR 111 involving REAL people/VETERANS! VETERANS that fight for your freedom and the ability to even be at this stage in life to use the internet! Come America, where's your priorities?!"
I agree with him, until he spoke up I had not heard of H.R. 111 or anything about POW/ MIA. I remember when I was in junior high we had a spirit week and one of the days had to do with the military, my dad let me wear a black t-shirt of his with the POW/MIA symbol on it. When I got home he as asked me if anyone said anything and I think I said something like everyone kept asking me what it stood for and I responded with no idea not sure it stands for anything. My dad then explained to me what Prisoner of War/Missing in Action meant and I have never forgotten, yet in school I remember hearing nothing about these men and women who might not be dead but could wish they were because of the treatment they have/are receiving. They are real heroes and they are giving the ultimate sacrifice as well for our liberties and freedoms, and they are still giving that sacrifice and suffering for us everyday, they don't get to be at peace. Yet we pass them off to the side and forget about them, just a cost we have to pay while the wars are going and once it is over everyone wants to move on and forget that inky spot blotting our history and thus the unaccounted for warriors are forgotten too. This is not right. It should never be the mainstream to just ignore this situation, this very real flesh and blood situation. Everyone can decry Sopa/Pipa and you can see it everywhere you look, but you see and hear nothing about the people that gave you the freedom to oppose the government and to use the internet. That isn't a joke either, some countries actually do limit internet use and regulate the content severely. Of course don't forget the countries that if you speak up and speak out you are killed.
How many of you are even aware of or know the date of National POW/MIA Recognition day? I didn't, but here it is: The third Friday in September each year.
http://www.timeanddate.com/
Anyone ever hear of H.R. 1630 and what it was about? It is to recognize National POW/MIA Recognition day as one of the six days each year that the POW/MIA flag is to be flown over certain federal facilities and also to give support to and recognize the efforts of everyone involved in POW/MIA situations, whether the actual missing people or the people working to find and bring them home.
http://www.govtrack.us/
What about H.R. 111? Anyone know what that is about? Ever even heard of it? It would allow the establishment of the House Select Committee on POW/MIA Affairs. It was introduced February 28th, 2011, almost a year ago. You know where it sits now? In a committee. You know what happens if it isn't passed my the end of this congressional committee meeting? It gets wiped off the books and has to be re-introduced at the next committee.
http://www.govtrack.us/
What is so hard about passing something that is so necessary and could help speed along the process of finding and bringing our missing and/or imprisoned men and women home? Oh right, politics, and in this case a game of politics no one knows anything about. Do your sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and future generations a favor: EDUCATE YOURSELF! You just might be a deciding factor in someone's life. Pass it Along! and while you are calling your representatives about not passing Sopa and Pipa, ask them to pass H.R. 111 and help our imprisoned and missing out!
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