"The Administration objects to section 552, which would grant Purple Hearts to the victims of the shooting incidents in Fort Hood, Texas, and Little Rock, Arkansas," the veto threat states.
My first thoughts were - If the casualties are awarded Purple Hearts, the surviving troops and the families of the KIA, might be eligible for some VA benefits.
And - Nothing is too good for the troops and, under Obama, that is what they get.
But I don't think denying VA Benefits is the compelling reason for Obama denying the award. I just took a look at my own PH Certificate. It reads, "For Wounds Received In Action." I think the word "action" is key. I recall the Regulation to receive a PH requires you to be wounded 1.) as a result of "enemy action" and 2.) be treated by a medical officer.
The 2nd requirement is clear to all. All of those soldiers were treated or declared dead by medical officers.
The 1st requirement is also clear to us, but it is a source of consternation to Obama.
If we award the PH to the soldiers wounded and killed in Little Rock and Ft Hood, it will be a stark admission that Americans are being shot and killed/wounded by enemy action in America. And it will be an admission that the war against terror and against Muslim militant extremists has arrived in the Continental United States. The proof will become the award of Purple Hearts for "enemy actions" that killed and wounded American soldiers in Little Rock and Ft Hood on Obama's watch.
Neither Obama, Panetta, nor Hillary will willingly admit that America's homeland was attacked by the enemy and American soldiers were wounded and died as a result of enemy actions - twice on their watch. So they must continue to deny these soldiers their earned Purple Hearts.
Obama, Panetta, and Hillary step up quickly to take credit for attacks that are stopped.
But they never admit the attacks (like Little Rock and Ft Hood) that succeed were enemy actions. And they are all willing to deny these soldiers their awards and their families the benefits these soldiers bought with their blood, to protect their own reputations.
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