Elliot Anderson and Netroots Nation '08

Through my blogging I’ve become aquainted with quite a few interesting folks, among them is my good friend Elliot Anderson, Marine Veteran of Afghanistan and well-known Democratic activist from Nevada who also chairs the Nevada Democratic Veterans & Military Families Caucus.

Elliot posts at DailyKos under the user name of DemMarineVet.  He’s worked with Nevada Senator Harry Reid and is a pal of my old friend Major Danby.

Now Elliot and I don’t see eye-to-eye on every little thing.  He’s quicker to defend the concept of war than I am, for example, but our differences are largely matters of nuance (I am a big believer in self-defense after all), and we understand and respect each other’s point of view.  On any number of other matters we agree quite strongly.

Elliot decribes himself as:

A Marine Combat Vet who is infuriated with what the Bush Administration is doing to our country. Currently living, working, and going to school in Las Vegas, NV. I Support and Defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.

DemMarineVet

Elliot is 25 years old and works, lives and studies political science in Las Vegas with a 3.9 GPA.  He works a 40-hour week, goes to school full time and leads Democratic efforts on Iraq, military issues, and veterans’ issues in the state of Nevada.  Elliot is considering law school following graduation.  He went straight to the Marines after high school and before 9/11, volunteering for the infantry.  

His biggest issues are protecting the constitution, ending our occupation of Iraq, and making sure our veterans are taken care of when they get home.

In May of last year, Elliot was chosen to deliver the Democratic response to Bush’s Memorial Day Radio Address.

Press Release of Senator Reid

War Veteran Delivers Memorial Day Message In Democratic Radio Address
Friday, May 25, 2007

Washington, DC—In this week’s Democratic Radio Address, Afghanistan war veteran Elliot Anderson gives his opinion on the best ways to honor our troops this Memorial Day.  

The text of the radio address, as delivered, is below:

"Good morning.  This is Elliot Anderson.  I spent four years on active duty with the Marine Corps, including a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan. Now I am a member of the Individual Ready Reserve, living in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am especially proud to deliver the Democratic Radio Address on Memorial Day Weekend.

"Patriotism isn’t a Democratic or a Republican value – it’s an American value.  I strongly oppose our involvement in Iraq’s civil war, but I am still proud of my service to my country.

"No matter what any of us thinks about the war in Iraq, we all support our troops on the ground.  The Democratic Party has always stood for that, both in words and action.
"This year, the Democratic-controlled Congress passed a budget that included $3.6 billion more for veterans’ health care than the President asked for, and rejected fees that would have driven 200,000 veterans out of the VA health system. For veterans’ medical care, it represents the largest increase in funding ever provided.  In the recent supplemental bill for war funding, they gave the troops every penny requested by the Pentagon and more.

"Democrats added more than a billion dollars for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles to protect our troops against roadside bombs – and another $2 billion to make sure that veterans returning home get the quality health care they deserve.  Some of these funds will go to fix the awful conditions at Walter Reed Medical Center. No government that truly supports its troops would let the country’s largest veteran’s health facility fall into disrepair.  All of these funds will ensure that the men and women in uniform have the equipment and support they need, whether they are deployed abroad or here at home.

"But I know I speak for many of my friends overseas when I say that the best way to honor the troops is to responsibly end our involvement in Iraq’s civil war.  As long as President Bush stays committed to the same policies that aren’t working, it won’t be easy.  But I am proud to see Democrats and now some brave Republicans standing up to him.

"I said before that patriotism is not about politics.  It’s about loving our country.  I would like to close by suggesting a way that you can show your patriotism and support for our troops on Memorial Day, and every day after.  Visit www.treatsfortroops.com, www.anymarine.com, or www.booksforsoldiers.com.  These websites, and others, make it easy for you to send a care package to show your appreciation for our troops, and your support means so much to all of us.

"I am Elliot Anderson.  It has been my honor to deliver the weekly Democratic radio address.  I’m proud to fight for our freedom, and proud of all of those who serve or have served to keep our nation strong.  Semper Fi."

Source

Later, Elliot was on Fox and Friends where he more than held his own deep in enemy territory.

I have marched with Elliot in Washington DC and speak to him by phone on a regular basis.  He is deeply involved in Democratic politics, is a well-known activist in his state of Nevada and is an inspiration to all who come into contact with him.  He is deeply passionate about upholding and defending the U.S. Constitution and works very hard to do so.

Keep your eye on Elliot Anderson, I believe this guy’s going places.  And by all means look him up if you’re from Nevada – he might be your senator one day.

As a student, Elliot is not in a financial position to fund his own way to Netroots Nation and he needs our help.  He is an important and deserving activist in my opion.  I hope you’ll vote for him.

Vote for Elliot here.

Semper Fi Elliot!

Peace out!

OPOL

P.S.  I hope other applicants for scholarships will post links to their DFA Netroots Nation Scholarship pages in the comments thread.