Conservative Lawmaker Calls Iraq Vets "Traitors"

 Republican state legislator Daryl Metcalfe of Pennsylvania is calling a group of environmentally conscience U.S. veterans "traitors."  He actually used that word to describe some of the brave men and women who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.  And what are the treasonable actions of these former soldiers?  Did they give aid and support to the enemy?  Were they spies?  Did they sell state secrets?  What terrible crimes were committed that, in Metcalfe's mind, warrant a firing squad?  (Because, you know, that is the traditional penalty for treason.) 

Amanda Terkel writes on Think Progress:  A coalition of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, under the name Operation Free, is on a 21-state bus tour to alert the public about the dangers of global warming and its threat to national security.  Upon hearing about the group’s visit to Pennsylvania, State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R) blasted the veterans as “traitors” and compared them to Benedict Arnold.

Metcalfe and other elected officials were invited to meet with members of Operation Free. The PA Republican responded with this odious email:  "I believe that any veteran lending their name, to promote the leftist propaganda of global warming and climate change, in an effort to control more of the wealth created in our economy, through cap and tax type policies, all in the name of national security, is a traitor to the oath he or she took to defend the Constitution of our great nation!  Remember Benedict Arnold before giving credibility to a veteran who uses their service as a means to promote a leftist agenda.  Drill Baby Drill!!!

Jon Powers replies on Vet Voice:  I served for 15 months in Iraq as a Captain in the Army's 1st Armored Division, and like so many of my fellow Iraq and Afghanistan veterans I returned on a new mission.  This mission was, and continues to be, to help raise awareness and educate the American people not only on the wars we are currently fighting, but on the national security challenges our great nation faces...  I think veterans who have fought in the Middle East and Afghanistan have unique perspective on the way our energy posture and climate change affect our national security... That is why hundreds are joining the fight.  I would like to ask Rep. Metcalfe if he thinks Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn or Republican Senator John Warner are traitors.  When I testified with these two leaders to the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works about the threat that climate change poses to our national security were they disavowing their oath to the Constitution?

Metcalfe wouldn't know a traitor if one sat down beside him.  But I bet he can spot an oil industry lobbyist across a crowded room.