From The Road
May 24, 2008 1:50 PM

Obama Stumps for the Veteran Vote in Puerto Rico

By
Maria Gavrilovic
Topics
Barack Obama
(CBS)


From CBS News' Maria Gavrilovic:


BAYAMON, PUERTO RICO -- Barack Obama took his campaign to Puerto Rico today, where he promised the U.S. territory's war veterans they will have a voice in his administration. "I really think that one of the things that you learn very quick is that the squeaky wheel gets the oil," Obama said at a town hall meeting designed to address veterans affairs. "And if you don't have anyone squeaking for you, that's a problem."

The territory has 150,000 war veterans, according to the campaign, and Obama told the vets they deserve some type of representation.

Many of the veterans today seemed genuinely impressed that Obama tried to tackle their issues. "I think we're making history today and after 109 years, a candidate for the President of the United States is finally talking with veterans in Puerto Rico," said the President of the Vietnam Vets of America in Puerto Rico, Jorge Pedrosa. "To us, that's very important."

Obama told the group that the Iraq war may have produced a higher awareness of certain issues, such as mental health. "One of the good things about this war, Iraq and Afghanistan, is even those who opposed the war understand they should honor their veterans, and so I've seen a much better attitude in this war than in previous ones."

Obama was asked about Puerto Rican statehood several times throughout the event; however, he did not take a side on the issue. He said Puerto Rico has a right to make a decision on self determination, and that he will represent their issues until a decision is made.

While Puerto Rico does not have voting Congressmen and its citizens do not have the right to vote for president, they can vote in the June 1st Democratic primary here.

Add a Comment
by riptide213 May 24, 2008 7:07 PM EDT
President elect Obama can be a hooah CINC without having served in uniform.

Troops to Obama. Respectfully, as our new CINC could you.

Reconsider our mission and objectives which necessitate keeping us full bore in unpopular wars?

Halt Stop Loss and In Lieu of Taskings which we know are code words for turning an All Volunteer Force into a backdoor draft force by stealth?

Allow us when tasked to just get on with our military missions without a clutter of tax paid contractors in the mix? This on going corporate US Defense Inc. mania is not the way to run a DOD.

Equal medical treatment that is triage based not rank dependent?

Fenced infrastructure funding for improved barracks and facilities?

Abolish 15 month combat zone tours?

As our CINC be a real inspiring leader like they teach us in military school to muster support and lead from the front with fervent rally cries for bigger pay rises and entitlements for us the ones that serve, since we can%u2019t get too involved in politics?

21st Century up to date modern day genuine GI Bill educational benefit to better ourselves when we become civilian citizens again?

Legislation to clearly protect us by law to prevent humiliating harassment against military members in life and death?

As veterans depend on our VA to provide honest medical diagnoses free from political influence or statistical number fiddling?

Obama to troops and veterans. Yes We Can, hooah. Message received. Understood. Roger.
Reply to this comment
by dewardbowles May 24, 2008 7:06 PM EDT
Go Obama!

Obama in 08!
Reply to this comment
by riptide213 May 24, 2008 7:06 PM EDT
President elect Obama can be a levelheaded CINC without having served in uniform.

American citizens to Obama. Our troops are a precious national resource. They serve proudly now and were always faithfully there defending the free people of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. Please as CINC can you change for the better both respect and support for our troops and veterans?

Obama to staff. Change starts here and now, we will do better because its right and what the people demand.

Get me the best and brightest defense and veteran folks from all corners of this great nation to give me the no BS options on how to make this happen. One issue at a time we will ethically change transgressions.

Obama to citizens. Yes We Can.

Obama to troops and veterans. I have not served in uniform, but that does not keep me from working tirelessly to provide you a better standard of living for the arduous duties you are or may have to perform.

Thank you troops and veterans for your service. We will never forget your triumphs and sacrifices.

You truly do deserve the best facilities and entitlements our nation can provide before, during, and after war.

P.S. Respectfully, on the QT can you just teach me how to salute smartly so I can look cool boarding Air Force One, Marine One, Army One, Navy One, and Coast Guard One. Thanks.
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