The gaffe came while McDonald was speaking with homeless veterans in Los Angeles. One in particular mentioned serving in the Special Forces. “Special forces? What years? I was in special forces!” McDonald replied.
In fact, McDonald served in the 82nd Airborne. Although he was an airborne jumpmaster and reported attended Ranger school, he never formally served in a special operations capacity.
McDonald issued an apology on Tuesday, saying: “I have no excuses. I was not in Special Forces.” He has explained the gaffe by saying that he “reacted spontaneously” while speaking with a veteran who he was trying to “connect with.”
McDonald’s error has drawn condemnations from lawmakers and veterans leaders. Michael Helm, national commander of the American Legion, said: “A lie is a lie. I can’t believe people do this.”
Republican lawmakers have indicated that they will not call for McDonald’s resignation. House Veterans Affairs Committee chairman Jeff Miller said:
“After a rough couple of weeks that also included inflated claims of accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs, I hope Sec. McDonald will redouble his efforts to ensure his statements -- and those of all VA officials -- are completely accurate. This is the only way the department can regain the trust of the veterans and taxpayers it is charged with serving.”
As lies go this is semi-understandable as a spur of the moment thing. What bothers me is the double standard. Assassinate Bush for speaking what is turning out to be the truth about WMD and give Kerry, Murtha, Sharpton, Clinton and other Democrats a free ride on their blatant, politically motivated deceit is an ongoing problem in our biased media.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace.