In liberal Los Angeles (or specifically Long Beach,CA) the Veterans Day Parade Committee denied veterans who are against the war from marching in the local parade. Instead of representing all vets, the event turned out to be a dog and pony show, where only those who agreed with the views of the organizers got to participate.
From MSNBC:
LOS ANGELES - Antiwar veterans who attempted to march in a Veterans Day Parade Saturday in Long Beach were banned by organizers who said the parade is supposed to thank veterans and not serve as a political demonstration.Slideshow: Long Beach Veterans Day Parade Members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans for Peace and Military Families Speak Out were prevented from joining the annual parade down Atlantic Avenue and restricted to a nearby parking lot, officials said. Organizers said the groups were trying to push a political agenda at an event to honor veterans. Earlier this week, the Veterans Day Parade Committee rejected their applications to participate, according to the Long Beach Press- Telegram. "This is not a political event, this is a time to come and just say thank you to all veterans," said Long Beach City Councilman Val Lerch, who also was on the parade committee.
MSNBC's quick article, titled "The Beat Goes On" mostly gave the opinions of those that supported the antiwar vets being kicked out of the parade. One differing opinion was given, but even that was preempted by mentioning that the committee was a non-profit organization. The leaders of this show claimed that they do not want a political agenda being pushed on their parade, yet they unknowingly, unwittingly and ignorantly show their politics in the process.
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