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AN OPEN LETTER FROM GEORGIA’S MILITARY VETERANS

As veterans and military retirees who have proudly served our nation, we believe in the oath we took for our country -- and we kept that oath.  We expect our government to keep the promise made to us.  Candidate for U.S. Senate, Michael Coles, has stepped forward and made a commitment to the veterans of Georgia that, as our United States Senator, he would make sure that all promises made to military veterans are kept.  We welcome this commitment.  

Detractors of Michael have questioned his promise to the veterans of this country and we want to set the record straight.  We know Michael Coles.  We know he stands for honesty, integrity and fairness.  Michael believes that this country should stand by what it promises, especially what it has promised to veterans.

There are some who have suggested that service in the military is a prerequisite for political office and advocacy for veterans.  Not true.  The issue is not whether the elected leader has worn the uniform, but whether he supports those who did.  Throughout America’s history, some of our greatest leaders who never served in the military, including Thomas Jefferson and Franklin D. Roosevelt, steadfastly kept our country’s promises to veterans.

On the other hand, having worn the uniform is no guarantee that an elected official will honor America’s obligation to veterans.  Paul Coverdell, despite serving two years in the Army, has repeatedly and willingly sacrificed money promised to veterans for tax cuts and other programs:

  • In 1993 Coverdell was one of only 27 Senators who voted to cut spending on new VA inpatient facilities.1
  • In 1994 Coverdell voted to deny military retirees a cost-of- living increase for their pensions.2
  • In 1996 Coverdell voted to freeze veterans benefits for five years, to pay for a $122 billion tax cut.3
  • In April 1998 Coverdell voted to help pay for increased highway spending by eliminating medical care for veterans with smoking-related illnesses, cutting veterans health benefits by $17 billion.4
  • In July 1998 Coverdell cast the deciding vote against a point of order that would have restored the $17 billion taken from veterans in April.5

Michael Coles has also made himself clear on the issue of veterans medical benefits when he stated that “The practice of reducing our veterans’ programs for tax cuts and other programs is simply not acceptable.  This is a matter of principle.  It is about keeping promises to those who deserve this nation’s greatest admiration and respect.”

We believe Michael is the best candidate for U.S. Senate because he best represents the values of veterans.  Michael supports the passage of a Constitutional amendment to protect the American flag.  Michael Coles understands that America must continue to have a well-funded military in order to adequately protect her interests around the world.  We also welcome Michael’s commitment that, as our next Senator, he will work hard to make sure our government does everything in its power to come to a full and final accounting of all prisoners of war and those listed as missing in action.

Paul Coverdell is currently backing a plan to allow veterans to buy into the Federal Employees Health Plan.  While this plan may provide some supplemental relief, we believe that Michael spoke for all veterans when he reminded Coverdell that veterans have already paid for their health care with their blood and sacrifice. 

Michael Coles believes that the federal government must honor its commitment to veterans by delivering the benefits that were promised to them.  Michael Coles is honorable, ethical and fair.  We believe he is the best candidate to represent Georgia’s veterans in Washington.  We urge all Georgia’s veterans to support Michael Coles for the U.S. Senate in the November 3rd General Election.
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If you would like to join your fellow  veterans in expressing your support for Michael Coles, you can:

  • add your signature to this letter here on the Web site
  • write to the Michael Coles campaign office at: P.O. Box 78464, Atlanta, GA  30357-2464
  • fax the campaign office at 404-897-5369

If you have questions or comments, please contact the campaign office at 404-876-7498, or by email (michael@michaelcoles.com).
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Go to Main Veterans’ Page
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1 Motion to table Senate Amendment 916 to H.R. 2491, 9/22/93, vote #280.

2 Senate Amendment 1440 to House Resolution 3759, 2/9/94, Vote #35. See remarks by Senator Bob Kerrey, Congressional Record, 2/9/94, page S. 1205.

3 H.Con.Res 86 178, 6/13/96, Vote #159.

4 S. Con.Res. 86 4/2/98, vote #84.

5 Motion to table Murray Appeal of Chair Ruling Re: Conference Report for House Resolution #267, 7/8/98, Vote #187.  See Remarks by Senator Murray, Congressional Record, 7/8/98, p. S7672.
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PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY MICHAEL COLES FOR U.S. SENATE, INC.