Face The State Staff Editorial
State Rep. Doug Bruce is in the news again...and no, this time it isn’t for kicking someone, at least not literally. But this time, we’re wondering why his fellow legislators even invested a second of their emotional energy condemning the Colorado Springs Republican.
Bruce’s latest point of controversy: His refusal Wednesday to co-sponsor a resolution recognizing Military and Veterans’ Appreciation Day. He was the sole holdout with every single one of his colleagues signing on their support.
Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, an Army veteran, was outraged. “Today, we were honoring people who died for our country, who served our country, and Douglas Bruce is spitting in the eye of every veteran who served our country, and it’s a disgrace,” he told the Rocky Mountain News. “I’m so angry I can’t even talk right now.”
His fellow Colorado Springs legislators were so upset they sent a letter sent to The Colorado Springs Gazette voicing their joint indignation. “Clearly, a person who cannot show gratitude, honor and respect to our soldiers is a person without shame,” they wrote.
But why bother giving Bruce any attention at all?
Bruce's refusal to co-sponsor Wednesday’s resolution, while perhaps offensive because of the the declaration's focus, should be seen for what it is--his own strange way of revolting against unnecessary government action. He claims a long standing one-man revolution against passing toothless resolutions (mind you, he has voted for a few along the way).
We get that other legislators don't like him. After all, just weeks ago, they took the time to censure him--a first in Colorado's history--after he refused to apologize for kicking a Rocky Mountain News photographer during a morning House prayer.
Now, we love our troops and we sincerely appreciate everything they do. And if you’re mad at us for writing this—please don’t resort to kicking. We just don’t understand why Bruce’s fellow legislators keep giving him so much attention. Don’t we have more important things to focus on?
"Don’t we have more
On February 24th, 2008 rdamurphy says:
"Don’t we have more important things to focus on?"
Apparently not...
Of course, as a Veteran, I can certainly see his point, I wouldn't want to be "honored" by a Legislature that is controlled by a Political Party that pretends to "support the troops" while stabbing them in the back at every opportunity. I can do without the Democrat lip-service...
Robert
I'm really suprised that he
On February 15th, 2008 buffalogeorge18 says:
I'm really suprised that he didn't find the nearest vetern and kick him.......
Doug Bruce
On February 15th, 2008 buffalogeorge18 says:
It is really interesting that he thinks that the veterans are not worth any money......