FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 29, 2007
CONTACT:  Robert Dixon – (916) 441-6197 phone or Robert@MoveAmericaForward.org

A group of Gold Star Family members, who have lost a son or daughter in the war on terrorism, today issued the following statement in response to Cindy Sheehan’s announcement that she is halting her public anti-war protests.  For more information log on to:  www.MoveAmericaForward.org

“We are very pleased to hear that Cindy Sheehan is ending her disgraceful campaign to discredit the United States military and the heroic men and women in harms way in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We sympathize with the shared pain from losing a child in the war effort, however, we cannot excuse the fact that Cindy has taken the wrong turn at every corner in assigning blame for the loss of her heroic son, Casey.

“Casey Sheehan was a proud member of the United States Armed Forces.  He believed in serving his country faithfully and volunteered for the duty assignment that led to his death at the hands of Islamic extremists.  He should have been the example followed by Cindy Sheehan.  Instead, she chose to associate with the most virulent anti-American elements in the United States and abroad.

“Throughout her public demonstrations, Cindy Sheehan has repeatedly been dismissive of the majority of Gold Star Parents who disagree with her stance on the war.  Cindy Sheehan does not speak for us, nor thankfully does she speak for most Americans.  It’s time for Cindy to go home and put her life back together and realize just how fortunate she is to live in the greatest nation on earth.

“We are saddened that Cindy’s withdrawal from political activities is because she was disappointed that more Americans did not accept her distorted worldview that America is the blame for all of the ills of the world.  Perhaps off the world stage, she will be able to regain her bearings and see that her son and America were serving the cause of freedom in the world and security at home.  God Bless the United States of America, and may God help Cindy Sheehan to heal from the pain and bitterness that have consumed her.”

DEBRA ARGEL

TODD BASTIAN

JOSEPH WILLIAMS

DEBBIE LEE

JOSEPH JOHNSON

MIKE ANDERSON

MERILEE CARLSON

JAN JOHNSON

NEWS RELEASE CONTACT:  Robert Dixon
March 27, 2007 Phone: (916) 441-6197 Email: robert@moveamericaforward.org

SHAME ON YOU SENATE!

U.S. Senators Who Vote for Iraq Withdrawal
“Have Blood on Their Hands” Says MAF Chair

(WASHINGTON, DC) – In response to the vote by the U.S. Senate on a congressional proposal to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq, before they have completed their missions, the nation’s largest grass-roots pro-troop organization has announced its strong disapproval of the actions by 50 members of the United States Senate.

“The Senators who voted to undercut our troops have blood on their hands – the blood of U.S. troops who will die from attacks by terrorists who will be emboldened by the Senate’s cowardice,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward.

“Our troops on the ground in the middle of a war don’t need to have their missions’ undermined by some armchair generals in Washington, D.C.  If these Senators won’t stand behind our men and women on the frontlines, then perhaps they would prefer to stand in front of them,” Morgan said.

“This action by the U.S. Senate sends a message to the terrorists that they are winning, and that the leaders of our Congress lack the will and resolve to win the war on terrorism,” Morgan said.

The move by the Senate comes concurrent to the launch of a national pro-troop advertising campaign that takes to task those who seek to undermine support for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The ad is being broadcast with a national television and print advertising buy.  The ads can be seen online at the Move America Forward website:  www.MoveAmericaForward.org

NEWS RELEASE - March 3, 2007

CONTACT:  Robert Dixon —Phone: (916) 441-6197 or Email: robert@moveamericaforward.org

On the eve of the 4th anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a national patriotic, pro-troop caravan will cross the nation, traveling from California to Washington, D.C. to show support for U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Members of the public are encouraged to join the caravan and attend the pro-troop rallies along the way.

The “THESE COLORS DON’T RUN” national caravan (organized and sponsored by the pro-troop non-profit group Move America Forward – www.MoveAmericaForward.org ) will depart San Francisco, California on the morning of Thursday, March 8, 2007, traversing the length of the state and then heading across the nation to Washington, D.C.  The effort is in support of the “Gathering of Eagles” event in Washington, D.C. on March 17th.  The patriotic caravan will feature 25 pro-troop rallies in cities across the nation.

People attending the rallies are asked to bring American flags to each rally that will be collected brought to Washington, D.C. where they will be displayed at the “Gathering of Eagles” event to create a giant “Flag City” on Saturday, March 17, 2007.

Leading the caravan will be Blue Star Mother Deborah Johns, whose son William is serving his 3rd tour of duty in Iraq; Gold Star Mother Debra Argel Bastian whose son, Derek, died in Operation Iraqi Freedom; Gold Star Father Joseph Williams whose son, Michael, died in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and John Ubaldi – a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). 

“We’re going to bring thousands of Americans together in a positive and patriotic fashion to say loudly and clearly that we support our troops and their missions,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward.

John Ubaldi, a Marine Reservist who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom explained his reasons for participating in the cross-country pro-troop caravan:

“I want the guys and gals serving over in Iraq and Afghanistan to know that many Americans are supporting them and pulling for them to achieve their missions.

“It pains me greatly to see some people in this country determined to invoke a Vietnam-like malaise surrounding the war on terrorism.  We can’t sit back and allow some of the nastiness and negativity directed towards our troops and their missions to go unchallenged,” said Ubaldi.

Gold Star Mother Debra Argel Bastian says she feels the military men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan are “family” and that she needs to do all she can to let them know they are loved and appreciated here at home.

“I am joining Move America Forward’s ‘These Colors Don’t Run’ caravan to support our troops at home and out of the country.  My goal is to let them know that I appreciate their service, and all who have served. 

“I was raised the daughter of a career Marine and a Navy nurse.  I served in the Army, and am a Viet Nam era Vet.  Service before self was a common phrase in our home.  Derek felt that way since the 6th grade.  He knew that the military was his duty, and never questioned that.  The military is our family.  Each and every person who serves this country is my son or daughter,” said Bastian.

Blue Star Mother Deborah John’s son, William, is currently serving his third tour of duty in Iraq.  She says she is “sick and tired” of the negativity being directed against our troops serving in harm’s way.

“I am sick and tired of how some in this country are turning their backs on our troops at a time when they need our support the most!

“I know the American people want change in Iraq, our military wants change and so do their families.  The change we want is for everyone to stop undermining the war effort and support our troops so that they may achieve a complete military victory in Iraq and Afghanistan alike,” Johns said.

Gold Star Father Joseph Williams, a Vietnam Veteran whose son Michael died in Operation Iraqi Freedom, explained that he was motivated to act in order that this generation’s military men and women will have better support on the home front than did the military men who fought in Vietnam.

“My son and I shared a strong admiration for the United States Armed Forces.  I am a Vietnam Vet, having served in the United States Navy from February 1961 – June 1966.  I saw a lot of good men fight valiantly for their nation and the cause of freedom over communism, who came home to be spit upon, dishonored and disgraced by the anti-war movement here in America.

“I cannot sit back and let this kind of behavior happen again to this generation’s heroes,” Williams said.

NEWS RELEASE CONTACT:  Robert Dixon
February 26, 2007 Phone: (916) 441-6197 or Email: robert@moveamericaforward.org

With the 4-year anniversary of the commencement of Operation Iraqi Freedom this March, anti-war advocates had been hoping to use the occasion to rally their supporters to the streets.

Instead, it will be pro-troop supporters who plan to put on a massive display – creating a historic caravan of vehicles that will cross the entire country from San Francisco, California all the way to Washington, D.C. 

The caravan is called: “These Colors Don’t Run” and is being organized by the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (www.MoveAmericaForward.org).  The patriotic and pro-troop caravan will stop at 22 cities across the country, conducting pro-troop rallies at each stop.  At the rallies, Move America Forward will collect American flags from attendees – the flags will be brought to the final rally location on Capitol Mall in Washington, D.C. where they will be erected into a powerful and patriotic “Flag City” display.  The Washington, D.C. event is being held in support of the “Gathering of Eagles” rally on March 17th being organized by veterans.

At the conclusion of the rally each flag will be sent to a U.S. Service member stationed in either Iraq or Afghanistan along with a placard showing who donated the flag, and how it flew in a patriotic show of support for our troops and their missions in the war on terrorism.

The public is invited to join the caravan with their own vehicles, decorating them with red, white and blue patriotic flair.

“We’ve had enough of the negativity and backstabbing of our troops.  They need our support, and more importantly they deserve our unqualified backing,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward.

“This historic caravan will cascade across this nation with a wave of patriotism, driven by a positive message celebration our nation’s foundations of freedom and liberty that our troops help to preserve,” said Morgan.

“How can we hope to win a war when some in this country are actively working to defeat the mission?” Morgan asked.

Cities where the caravan will make pro-troop rally stops (and where new supporters can join the caravan or just bring an American Flag for our troops) include: San Francisco, CA; Lafayette, CA; Vacaville, CA; Sacramento, CA; Stockton, CA; Fresno, CA; Bakersfield, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Palm Springs, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Tucson, AZ; El Paso, TX; Midland/Odessa, TX; Dallas, TX; Little Rock, AR; Memphis, TN; Atlanta, GA; Columbia SC; Charlotte, NC; Raleigh, NC; Richmond, VA; Washington, DC.

The caravan will include spokespersons whose lives have been deeply touched by the war:  Gold Star Mother Debra Argel Bastian lost her son, Derek in Operation Iraqi Freedom; Gold Star Father Joseph Williams lost his son Michael in Operation Iraqi Freedom; Marine Mom Deborah Johns, whose son, William, is currently serving his third tour of duty in Iraq; and Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, Marine Reservist John Ubaldi.

Other military families, Gold Star Families and veterans will help the caravan at rally stops along the way.  A small sampling of those involved in the effort are:  Gold Star Father Mark Crowley in the San Francisco Bay Area, Gold Star Father John Holley in Southern California, Gold Star Mother in Tucson, AZ, Gold Star Parents David & Deborah Tainsh in central Georgia, Gold Star Parents Joe & Jan Johnson in Northern Georgia; Gold Star Mother Merrilee Carlson of Minnesota (traveling to join the caravan); and Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, Eric Egland in Washington, D.C.

A copy of the caravan’s route and itinerary can be found online at the Move America Forward website:  http://www.MoveAmericaForward.org

A national patriotic, pro-troop caravan will cross the nation, traveling from California to Washington, D.C. to show support for U.S. troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The “THESE COLORS DON’T RUN” national caravan (organized and sponsored by the pro-troop non-profit group Move America Forward – www.MoveAmericaForward.org ) will depart San Francisco, California on the morning of Thursday, March 8, 2007, traversing the length of the state and then heading across the nation.  The patriotic caravan will feature stops across the nation in major cities where pro-troop rallies will take place.

Leading the caravan will be Blue Star Mother Deborah Johns, whose son William is serving his 3rd tour of duty in Iraq; Gold Star Mother Debra Argel Bastian whose son, Derek, died in Operation Iraqi Freedom; Gold Star Father Joseph Williams whose son, Michael, died in Operation Iraqi Freedom; and John Ubaldi – a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). 

At each rally, participants will bring American flags – either a homemade one they created themselves, a store-bought flag, or a flag that has a special significance, history or meaning.  The flags will be collected at each stop and brought to Washington, D.C. where they will be displayed to create a giant “Flag City” on Saturday, March 17, 2007.

The participants of Move America Forward’s “THESE COLORS DON’T RUN” caravan will join with several other patriotic and pro-troop organizations for a giant patriotic rally in Washington, D.C. on March 17th.  Among the participating groups MAF is proud to support in this display of patriotism are:  Free Republic, Gathering of Eagles, Vets for Victory, Rolling Thunder and Vets For Truth.

“There’s been way too much negativity and doom-and-gloom mentality in this nation about our nation, our values and the missions our troops are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward.

“We’re sick and tired of the shameful subversiveness of the anti-war crowd and we decided it’s time to give Americans a chance to respond with a positive, uplifting and patriotic response,” Morgan said.

*Updates will continuously be made to the Move America Forward website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org

NEWS RELEASE - November 5, 2006
CONTACT:  Ray Young - (916) 781-0659 or (916) 441-6197

(ERBIL, IRAQ) – The Prime Minister of the Iraqi Kurdistan regional government met with the families of fallen U.S. soldiers today and he had a message for the news media:  your coverage of the Iraq war is terribly biased.

“CNN International and Al Jazeera are equally bad in their coverage of the situation in Iraq,” said Nerchivan Barzani, Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan.

“When I was in the United States recently and read the negative news in the Washington Post, New York Times and in the network TV broadcasts, I even wondered if things had gotten so bad since I had left that I shouldn’t return,” said Prime Minister Barzani.

The comments came during meetings between the Prime Minister and the delegation of Gold Star Families who are on a historic trip to Iraq.  These families lost a child in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and they are in Iraq now to see the progress being made that their children gave their lives for.

Yesterday they joined the people in Iraq in celebrating the GUILTY verdict handed down against the murderous former dictator of Iraq, Saddam Hussein.

These American families are on a 10-day journey to Iraq to see the land where their children died in the fight against terrorism.  Never before has such a coordinated delegation of Gold Star Families visited Iraq, and their arrival comes amidst news reports that Saddam Hussein had a nuclear weapons program under development before Coalition Forces toppled his regime.

The trip is organized by the nation’s largest grass-roots pro-troop organization, Move America Forward which was founded in 2004.

COMPLETE DETAILS – INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHS & AUDIO FILES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE: www.MoveAmericaForward.org

NEWS RELEASE - November 5, 2006
CONTACT:  Ray Young (916) 505-4245 [cell] or (916) 441-6197

(IRAQ) – A historic delegation of Gold Star Families in Iraq (families who lost a child in the war on terrorism) reacted today with jubilation at the GUILTY verdict handed down against the murderous former dictator of Iraq, Saddam Hussein.

These American families are on a 10-day journey to Iraq to see the land where their children died in the fight against terrorism.  Never before has such a coordinated delegation of Gold Star Families visited Iraq, and their arrival comes amidst news reports that Saddam Hussein had a nuclear weapons program under development before Coalition Forces toppled his regime.

The trip is organized by the nation’s largest grass-roots pro-troop organization, Move America Forward which was founded in 2004.

COMPLETE DETAILS – INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHS & AUDIO FILES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE: www.MoveAmericaForward.org

The families explained that news of the verdict was especially heartening since their children gave their lives to free the people of Iraq and bring an end to Iraq’s dubious role as a state sponsor of terrorism under Hussein’s brutal rule.

“Justice has been served and we are now celebrating together with the people of Iraq,” said Gold Star Father, Joseph Williams.  Williams is a resident of Vacaville, California and his son Michael died near Nasiriyah, Iraq.

Mike Anderson’s son died in the Anbar province of Iraq.  He reacted to the news of the Saddam verdict by noting that it provided additional justification for the war on terrorism.

“We are doing the right thing in Iraq, and many of the people in Iraq are trying to do the right thing in building a future free of violence and terrorism,” Anderson said.

Debra Argel Bastian of Lompoc, California agreed.

“I am so happy to see that justice has prevailed over terrorism and bloodshed.  Saddam Hussein killed millions of people, he sponsored terrorism and he sought to spread his tyrannical rule throughout the Middle East.  Now he is being held accountable for his actions.

“I am so proud of the men and women of the United States military who have made this moment possible.  And I honor the sacrifice my son gave to serve his country in the war against terrorism,” Argel concluded.

NEWS RELEASE - November 4, 2006
CONTACT:  Ray Young - (916) 441-6197

(IRAQ) – Under the cover of utmost secrecy, the parents of U.S. troops who died in Iraq have made a surprising and historic visit to Iraq.  No other such coordinated trip to Iraq by families of fallen troops has ever taken place.

The trip comes amid new reports from The New York Times that Saddam Hussein had a nuclear weapons program under development.  Some have suggested that Hussein could have been 1-2 years away from developing a usable nuclear weapon.

“The American people are shown a skewed picture of the situation in Iraq day after day by the international news media.  We felt it was time to allow the families of U.S. troops who died in Iraq to come see the progress being made in Iraq and report it back to the American people,” said Melanie Morgan, Chairman of Move America Forward.

“Now we learn that our troops helped stop Saddam Hussein’s development of a nuclear weapon’s arsenal that would have been the envy of every terrorist group in the world,” Morgan said.

The trip also occurs following statements by Senator John Kerry, who suggested U.S. Troops serving in Iraq lack intelligence and are “stuck” there because of their limited abilities.

“I am spitting mad at John Kerry for insulting our troops.  Duck and run was his specialty in Viet Nam,” said Gold Star Mother Debra Argel.

Joe & Jan Johnson, whose son Justin died in Sadr City, expressed their anger with Kerry:  “These were grown adults we are talking about, not kids who didn’t know what they were doing.  Contrary to Kerry’s belief, they made an “educated” decision to join the military, most of them after 9/11, so they knew the possibilities of going to war were pretty good and they chose to serve anyway.”

The trip will allow these parents to see the newly liberated Iraq that their children gave their lives for.  A new Iraq is rising up from the ashes of what was once a state-sponsor of terrorism under dictator Saddam Hussein.  Most provinces in Iraq are without the violence that is shown each day by international media outlets, but for some reason only the most negative developments from Iraq are regularly reported.

These family members will meet with U.S. Troops currently stationed in Iraq, and will offer their support.  They hope to meet with both the Iraqi people as well as government leaders.

The “Gold Star Families to Iraq” trip is being organized by the nation’s largest grassroots pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website:  www.MoveAmericaForward.org ).  Updated trip accounts, photographs, audio/video files will be continuously uploaded to the Move America Forward website.

This trip to Iraq has been in the planning stages for more than one year.  It is being paid for by the contributions from thousands of Americans who gave money to Move America Forward to pay for this trip to take place.  No government money has been used to finance this trip.

These family members have issued the following statements to explain in their own words why it is that they have made this unprecedented trip to Iraq:

JOHN HOLLEY:

“I want to see for myself what America has been able to accomplish to help the Iraqis help themselves.  I will be asking the Iraqis what message do they want me to give for them to the people back in America.  Finally, I came because I wanted to experience the same feelings that my son experienced when he was preparing to go to Iraq, sort of like walking in his shoes.”

DEBRA ARGEL:

“I want to carry a message of love, support and hope to our troops.  I want them to know that despite the negative media and despite our loss, we are there for them with all of our hearts.  I hope to take some pictures with some of the troops and send pictures and cards to their families when I get home.  These cards will help their families know that someone cared to spend a little time with their soldier.”

MIKE ANDERSON:

“This trip is something that I will gain additional closure from. Losing my only son, namesake, and first born, has been the toughest thing in my entire life.  I continue to gain strength from Mike Jr.  When they say Marines are a different breed, they are right - this kid was as tough as nails, and a force to be reckoned with.

I want tell anybody that will listen, the good that we have done, and are currently doing. We cannot find security by turning a blind eye, or thinking that “if we leave them alone, they’ll leave us alone”. That’s utterly ridiculous.”

JOSEPH WILLIAMS:

“I am proud of my son and his service to this nation.  He made the ultimate sacrifice so that each of us may live in peace, blessed with freedom.  America has carried the torch for freedom, fighting for individual liberties against Communism, Fascism, Totalitarianism and now once more against Terrorism.  If we cut and run from Iraq, that will deal a devastating blow in the war against terrorism.  Will any terrorist group ever fear us again, or will they know that they need only outlast us.  We must stand by our heroic military men and women in Iraq and the mission they are serving there.”

JAN JOHNSON:

“I’m anxious but excited...after all, it is still a war zone over there.  I want to go see for myself what is going on over there.  I have heard from a lot of people, both ways, and I want to be able to say I personally have been there and saw it first hand.”

JOE JOHNSON:

“I want to be able to tell the troops that there are Americans who still believe we are doing the right thing by being here.  We want them to know that there are people back here who are supporting and praying for them daily.”

NOTE:  The following are short biographies on each of the individuals traveling in the “Gold Star Families to Iraq” delegation.

GOLD STAR DAD JOSEPH WILLIAMS
His son, Marine Lance Cpl. Michael J. Williams, died: March 23, 2003.

Michael was 31 years old and fromYuma, Arizona; assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

He was killed in action near Nasiriyah, Iraq.  Lcpl Williams was older then most of his fellow Marines, and took an active part in taking care of them and guiding them while in combat duty in Iraq, even sacrificing his life protecting his fellow Marines. 

Joseph Williams currently is active in letting the American public know how important it is to support the effort of the nation in supporting the War on terror and the American Armed Forces. 

GOLD STAR DAD JOHN HOLLEY
His son Army Spc. Matthew J. Holley died: November 15, 2005.

Matthew was 21 years old and from San Diego, California; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky.

He died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his Humvee during combat operations in Taji, Iraq.

John Holley was instrumental in having a provision added into the 2007 Defense authorization bill that states that all fallen military personnel who perish in the line of duty, be flown on military aircraft to their final resting place, unless designated otherwise by next of kin. 

GOLD STAR DAD MIKE ANDERSON
His son Marine Corps Cpl Michael D. Anderson, Jr died: December 14th, 2004 .

Michael was 21years old and from Modesto, California; assigned to 3rd battalion 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.

He died of injuries from small arms fire while protecting his fellow Marines from enemy action in the Anbar Province of Iraq.

Mike Anderson has been very active in his son’s unit upon their recent deployment to Iraq, and has been adopted into his son’s unit.  For Veterans Day 2006, Mike Anderson has been invited to Quantico, Virginia to be part of the new Marine Corps Museum dedication. 

Currently he is active letting the American public know how important it is to support the effort of the nation in supporting the War on terror and the American Armed Forces.

GOLD STAR PARENTS DEBRA & TODD BASTIAN
Their son Air Force Capt. Derek Argel died: May 30, 2005.

Derek was 28 years old and was from Lompoc, California; assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.;

He died in the crash of an Iraqi air force aircraft during a training mission in eastern Diyala province, Iraq.

Currently Debra Bastian is the Military Outreach Coordinator for Move America Forward, and she speaks throughout the country in support of the War on Terror and especially in support of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. 

GOLD STAR PARENTS JANET & JOSEPH JOHNSON
Their son Army Spc. Justin W. Johnson died: April 10, 2004.

Justin was 22 years old and was from Rome, Georgia.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

He was killed when his patrol vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) in Baghdad.

Upon the death of his son, Joseph Johnson decide to enlist in the in the Georgia National Guard which he was assigned to the 48th Infantry Brigade, then deployed to Iraq and served in and around the Baghdad area.  His story has been detailed in the new book, “American Mourning” written by Move America Forward Chairman, Melanie Morgan, and Vacaville Reporter columnist, Catherine Moy.

Justin Johnson was very close friends with Casey Sheehan, son of the well-known anti-war activist, Cindy Sheehan.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 1, 2006
CONTACT:  Melanie Morgan - (916) 441-6197

Kerry’s Non-Apology
Accuses Americans of Being
Too Stupid to Understand Him

(SAN FRANCISCO) – The chairman of the nation’s largest pro-troop organization, Move America Forward (website: www.MoveAmericaForward.org ) has issued the following statement rejecting the non-apology by Senator John Kerry for his comments belittling the intelligence of U.S. Troops in Iraq.

STATEMENT BY MELANIE MORGAN, CHAIR – MOVE AMERICA FORWARD

“Your non-apology is not accepted, Senator Kerry.

“John Kerry has done it again! He has sunk to a new low by managing to insult the American people and members of the United States military in his issuance of a non-apology.  Rather then apologizing for the hurtful words he used, he instead says he regrets that his words were misinterpreted?  [Source: Kerry statement, “I sincerely regret that my words were misinterpreted…” ]

“So apparently it is the fault of the American public, news media and the men and women of the United States Military for not being smart enough to understand what Senator Kerry meant to say?

“The American public understands what he really said. There is no mistaking his contempt for our troops. He has a long history of name-calling, and now he refuses to apologize for his conduct. Instead he says it’s all our fault.

“Shame on you, Senator Kerry.”