Changes

'''Vets for Freedom''' (VFF), which as recently as August 2007 declared itself the "leading voice representing troops and veterans from [[Iraq]] and [[Afghanistan]]."<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/about/ About]Since, Vets for Freedom, accessed August in his September 13, 2007.</ref>, on July 10, 2007address to the nation, resumed its pro-President [[George W. Bush administration]], pro-[[war in Iraq]] political activities by launching its appears to have dropped "victory"<u>Win</u> the War! Victory in from his goals for Iraq, and has substituted " campaign, stating that the success"next ten weeks will be absolutely crucial in determining the fate of the Iraq War."its place,<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedomlatimes.orgcom/tenweeksnews/ "10 Weeks to Testimonynationworld/nation/la-na-assess14sep14,"] Vets for Freedom0, July 10, 2007133758.</ref><ref>[http://dadmanly.blogspot.com/2007/07/callstory?coll=la-tohome-action.html center "Call to ActionBush redefines 'victory',"] ''DadmanlyLos Angeles Times'' Blogspot, July 10September 14, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2007/07/vets-will Vets forFreedom now rename its pro-freedom-win-war.html victory in Iraq campaign "Vets for Freedom... <u>Win </u> the War! Success in Iraq"?"], ''SWAC Girl'' Blog, July 12, 2007.</ref>

In July 2006, VFF&mdash;calling itself the [[Vets for Freedom Action Fund]] (VFF-AF)&mdash;registered<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070208191741/http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/ Archived copy of most recent update to Vets for Freedom Action Fund home page], February 8, 2007.</ref> with the IRS as a [[527 committee]] national [[lobbyist|lobby]]. It was, in essence, a [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[front group]] managed by Republican-affiliated [[public relations]]<ref>[httphttps://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Vets_for_Freedom_Action_Fund#High-Level_Republican_Media_Outlets.E2.80.94Embedded:_Connecting_the_Dots "VFF-AF High-Level Republican Media Outlets&mdash;Embedded: Connecting the Dots,"] SourceWatch.</ref>, [[media]]<ref>[httphttps://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Vets_for_Freedom_Action_Fund#High-Level_Republican_Media_Reps "VFF-AF High-Level Republican Media Reps,"] SourceWatch.</ref>, legal<ref>[httphttps://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Vets_for_Freedom_Action_Fund#High-Level_Republican_Legal_Representation "VFF-AF High-Level Republican Legal Representation,"] SourceWatch.</ref>, and political consultants, including former White House spokesman [[Taylor Gross]], to defeat candidates who advocate an end to the US [[occupation of Iraq]]. =="National Heroes Tour"== In March 2008, VFF arranged "a low-key classroom discussion about patriotism and service to country" at Lake Forest High School in Minnesota. Then, VFF "decided to call a press conference at the school and alerted media." In response, "anti-war activists, including [[Iraq Veterans Against the War|veterans of Iraq who oppose the war]]" decided to organize "their own press conference and rally." <ref name="HeroesBus">Nick Coleman, "[http://www.startribune.com/local/17035406.html A political agenda hid behind a talk with heroes]," ''Star Tribune'' (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota), March 26, 2008.</ref> The high school canceled the event. Right-wing radio and television began criticizing Principal [[Steve Massey]], and angry conservatives called and emailed him, "calling him a coward, a Communist or a spineless America Hater." Local columnist [[Nick Coleman]] suggested, "Maybe a Minnesota school was just trying to keep its students from becoming pawns in a political game. There would not have been much outrage" if, instead of being billed as the "Vets for Freedom National Heroes Tour," the event had been called the "Republican Tour to Shore Up the Pro-War Vote," he added. <ref name="HeroesBus"/>

===Funded by [[Pete Hegseth]], VFF's Executive Director since May 2007, wrote the article "What Would Lincoln Do? Civil War Woes Emblematic Of Those Faced In Iraq," published June 26, 2007, in [[neo-conservativeRepublican Jewish Coalition]] / [[Bill Kristol]]Freedom's ''[[The Weekly StandardWatch]]'' magazine. Hegseth addressed statements made by Sen. [[Carl Levin]] (D-Mich.) in a June 21, 2007, ''Washington Post'' op-ed<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/20/AR2007062001870.html "Lincoln's Example for Iraq,"] ''Washington Post'', June 21, 2007.</ref> which "bothered" Hegseth, "all of which run counter to realities on the ground in Iraq," Hegseth wrote.<ref>Pete Hegseth, [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/26/opinion/main2980809.shtml?source=search_story "What Would Lincoln Do? Civil War Woes Emblematic Of Those Faced In Iraq,"] ''The Weekly Standard'', June 26, 2007.</ref>==

An Iraq veteran"Working behind the scenes through most of the summer" 2007, VFF National Field Director Freedom's Watch president [[Joel Bradley A. ArendsBlakeman]] is a U.S. Army Reserve Captain<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/about/ About: National Leadership Team,] Vets for Freedom, accessed August 14, 2007.</ref> who served 2003"assembled big-2005 as Platoon Leader dollar donors and Company Commander for quietly helped pro-war groups ranging from the 1st Cavalry Division.<ref>[http://www.kcrw.com/people/news/programs/tp/tp070112can_us_get_out_of_t/arends_joel?role=news_guest Joel Arends,[American Legion]] KCRW.com, accessed August 14, 2007.</ref><ref>Joel A. Arends, to [[http://publiusforum.blogspot.com/2006/08/help-us-soldier-spread-truth-about.html "Help Rolling Thunder]] make a US Soldier Spread the TRUTH About Iraq,"] case for Bush's war strategy. Freedom'Publius' Forum'' Blogspot, August 31, 2006.</ref> He is a member of<ref>Bret Hayworths Watch also formed partnerships with other groups backing the war, such as [[http://www.familiesunitedmission.com/cgi-data/news/files/62.shtml "Soldier says Iraq a place of great progress,"] ''Sioux City (Iowa) Journal'' (Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission), April 9, 2006.</ref> and previously worked with [[|Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission]], another pro-war in Iraq organization.<ref>Joel A. Arends, [http://publiusforum.blogspot.com/2006/08/help-us-soldier-spread-truth-about.html "Help a US Soldier Spread the TRUTH About Iraq,"] ''Publius' ForumVets for Freedom''' Blogspotand the [[Veterans of Foreign Wars]], August 31" Jim Kuhnhenn reported September 28, 2006.</ref> In 20002007, Arends ran unsuccesfully for the Iowa Statehouse "while living in Sioux City"Associated Press.<ref name="Bret"/> He is listed in May 2007 as a paid staffer for [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[U.S. presidential electionJim Kuhnhenn, 2008|2008 presidential]] hopeful [[John McCain: U.S. presidential election, 2008|John McCain]]<ref>[http://www.iowapoliticssfgate.com/indexcgi-bin/article.imlcgi?Articlef=95925 "IowaPolitics.com: First quarter Iowa-related spending by presidential candidates,"] ''IowaPolitics.com'', May 15, 2007.</ref> and, when appearing at an August 8, 2007, O'Brien County Republican Summer Gala in Paullina, Iowa, Arends was described as "now n/a surrogate for Senator McCain's campaign".<ref>Don McDowell, [http://cycloneconservatives.blogspot.com/2007/08/obrien-county-republican-summer-gala.html "O'Brien County Republican Summer Gala,"] ''Cyclone Conservatives'' Blogspot, August 9, 2007.<09/ref> Also in August 2007, Arends was identified as the replacement for [[Craig Dewey]] as [[Americans for Prosperity]]'s South Dakota Assistant State Director.<ref>PP, [http:28/politics/dakotawarcollegep105148D06.com/?pDTL&type=2758 politics "I hate when that happens...Outsiders Aim to Frame Political Debate,"] Associated Press (''South Dakota War CollegeSan Francisco Chronicle'' Blog), August 12September 28, 2007.</ref>

===VFF member [[Alex Gallo]]staff and members have extensive ties to George W. Bush, a West Point graduate who served in 2004 as an infantry officer in Samarrah, Iraq, wrote a pro-war in Iraq article<ref nameBill Kristol and Republican Party="Gallo 7/18/07">Alex Gallo, [http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=OTk5MDFmZDM0Y2JmOGZjNzRiYTIxZGUwOTVkZjcxODk= "Duty, Honor … Reelection? Conduct unbecoming senators,"] ''National Review Online'', July 18, 2007.</ref> that was published July 18, 2007, by ''National Review Online''.

Gallo is currently a "masters * '''VFF Executive Director wrote article in publicpro-policy candidate" at Harvard UniversityWar ''Weekly Standard'':'''s **[[John F. Kennedy School of GovernmentPete Hegseth]],<ref name=VFF's Executive Director since May 2007, wrote the article "Gallo 7/18/07What Would Lincoln Do? Civil War Woes Emblematic Of Those Faced In Iraq,"/> where he is "course assistant" for published June 26, 2007, in [[neo-conservative]] [[William Kristol]]'s "Can America be Governed?"''[[The Weekly Standard]]'' magazine. Hegseth addressed statements made by Sen. [[Carl Levin]] (D-Mich.) in a June 21, 2007, ''Washington Post'' op-ed<ref>Thomas Park, [http://media.www.ksgcitizenwashingtonpost.orgcom/mediawp-dyn/storagecontent/paper223/newsarticle/2007/02/2106/Features20/From-NorthAR2007062001870.New.Jersey.To.Iraq-2730663.shtml html "From North New Jersey to Lincoln's Example for Iraq,"] ''The CitizenWashington Post''/Kennedy School of Government, February June 21, 2007.</ref> Kristolwhich "bothered" Hegseth, "all of which run counter to realities on the ground in Iraq, whom [[David Corn]] calls" Hegseth wrote.<ref>David CornPete Hegseth, [http://www.washingtonpostcbsnews.com/wp-dynstories/content2007/article06/200726/07opinion/17/AR2007071701456main2980809.htmlshtml?hpidsource=opinionsbox1 search_story "Why Bush Is A LoserWhat Would Lincoln Do? Civil War Woes Emblematic Of Those Faced In Iraq,"] ''Washington PostThe Weekly Standard'', July 18June 26, 2007.</ref> "the No. 1 cheerleader for the Iraq war," in 2006 assisted VFF-AF in its pro-war in Iraq campaign support of Sen. [[Joe Lieberman]] (I-Conn.).

:*Note: William (Bill) Kristol is an original co-founder of the [[Eric EglandProject for the New American Century]], another VFF as well as a member who is a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve who served on the ground in Iraq of and Afghanistan<ref>Jason Probst, [http://www.thepresstribune.com/articles/2005/08/10/news/top_stories/01danger.txt "Major Danger. Roseville's Egland has worked on WMDs, drug interdiction, other high-profile jobs with an advisor to the Air Force; Major returned home recently from tour in Iraq,"] ''The Press-Tribune'', August 10, 2005.</ref>, announced July 31, 2007, that he will challenge Rep. [[John DoolittleFoundation for the Defense of Democracies]] (R-Calif.) in the 2008 Republican primary, with which Vets for Freedom has become associated.<ref name="Egland declares">David Whitney, [httphttps://www.sacbeesourcewatch.comorg/111index.php?title=Vets_for_Freedom/story/300214.html "Doolittle faces primary fight. As Eric Egland declares he is in %22Win_the_War%21_Victory_in_Iraq%22_campaign#Foundation_for_the_Defense_of_Democracies Vets for Freedom (Foundation for the GOP race, incumbent's aide says competitors welcomeDefense of Democracies section),"] ''Sacramento Bee'', July 31, 2007SourceWatch article.</ref>

Egland helped Doolittle "defeat Democratic challenger * '''VFF National Field Director has worked for other pro-War groups and works for McCain's presidential campaign:'''** An Iraq veteran, VFF National Field Director [[Charlie BrownJoel A. Arends]]"is a U.S. Army Reserve Captain <ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/about/ About: National Leadership Team,] Vets for Freedom, accessed August 14, 2007.</ref> who served 2003-2005 as Platoon Leader and Company Commander for the 1st Cavalry Division.<ref>[http://www.politics1kcrw.com/capeople/news/programs/tp/tp070112can_us_get_out_of_t/arends_joel?role=news_guest Joel Arends,] KCRW.com, accessed August 14, 2007.</ref><ref>Joel A.htm California CandidatesArends, [http: District 4//publiusforum.blogspot.com/2006/08/help-us-soldier-spread-truth-about.html "Help a US Soldier Spread the TRUTH About Iraq,"], ''Politics1Publius' Forum'' Blogspot, August 31, 2006.</ref> He is a member of<ref name="Bret">Bret Hayworth, [http://www.familiesunitedmission.com/cgi-data/news/files/62.shtml "Soldier says Iraq a place of great progress,"] ''Sioux City (Iowa) Journal'' (Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission), accessed July 18April 9, 20072006.</ref> in the and previously worked with [[2006 congressional electionsFamilies United for Our Troops and Their Mission]], another pro-war in Iraq organization. In <ref>Joel A. Arends, [http://publiusforum.blogspot.com/2006/08/help-us-soldier-spread-truth-about.html "Help a US Soldier Spread the fall of TRUTH About Iraq,"] ''Publius' Forum'' Blogspot, August 31, 2006.</ref> In 2000, he Arends ran unsuccesfully for the Iowa Statehouse "organized while living in Sioux City".<ref name="Bret"/> He is listed in May 2007 as a group of veterans to oppose Doolittlepaid staffer for [[Republican Party|Republican]] [[U.S. presidential election, 2008|2008 presidential]] hopeful [[John McCain: U.S. presidential election, 2008|John McCain]]<ref>[http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=95925 "IowaPolitics.com: First quarter Iowa-related spending by presidential candidates,"] ''IowaPolitics.com'', May 15, 2007.</ref> and, when appearing at an August 8, 2007, O's Democratic challengerBrien County Republican Summer Gala in Paullina, BrownIowa, Arends was described as "now a retired Air Force officer who is seriously weighing another run next yearsurrogate for Senator McCain's campaign".<ref>Don McDowell, [http://cycloneconservatives.blogspot.com/2007/08/obrien-county-republican-summer-gala.html "O'Brien County Republican Summer Gala,"] ''Cyclone Conservatives'' Blogspot, August 9, 2007.</ref name> Also in August 2007, Arends was identified as the replacement for [[Craig Dewey]] as [[Americans for Prosperity]]'s South Dakota Assistant State Director.<ref>PP, [http://dakotawarcollege.com/?p=2758 "Egland declaresI hate when that happens...,"] ''South Dakota War College'' Blog, August 12, 2007.</ref>

Egland * '''VFF member wrote article in pro-War ''National Review'' and is the author of March 2007 selfa "course assistant" for William Kristol at Harvard:'''**VFF member [[Alex Gallo]], a West Point graduate who served in 2004 as an infantry officer in Samarrah, Iraq, wrote a pro-publishedwar in Iraq article<refname="Gallo 7/18/07">Alex Gallo, [http://wwwarticle.amazonnationalreview.com/Troops-Need-You-America-Living/dp/0979339405 ?q=OTk5MDFmZDM0Y2JmOGZjNzRiYTIxZGUwOTVkZjcxODk= "Duty, Honor … Reelection? Conduct unbecoming senators,"] ''Troops Need You AmericaNational Review Online''], Amazon.comJuly 18, 2007.</ref> that was published July 18, 2007, by ''National Review Online'The Troops Need You, America: Six Ways to Help Them Win'. ** Gallo is currently a "masters in public-policy candidate" at Harvard University's [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]], a book <ref name="Gallo 7/18/07"based on an essay /> where he publishedis "course assistant" for Kristol's "Can America be Governed?"<ref>Eric EglandThomas Park, [http://media.www.weeklystandardksgcitizen.comorg/media/Contentstorage/Publicpaper223/Articlesnews/0002007/00002/01221/930jbmteFeatures/From-North.asp?pg=1 "Six Steps to VictoryNew.Jersey.To. The bottomIraq-up plan 2730663.shtml "From North New Jersey to defeat the insurgencyIraq,"] ''The Weekly StandardCitizen''/Kennedy School of Government, November 16February 21, 20062007.</ref> in Kristol's ''Weekly Standard''. The book "shows average Americans how to help the troops win in Iraq.", whom [[David Corn]] calls<ref>David Corn, [http://www.troopsneedyouwashingtonpost.com/ericwp-eglanddyn/content/article/2007/07/17/AR2007071701456.php5 Eric Eglandhtml?hpid=opinionsbox1 "Why Bush Is A Loser,"]''Washington Post'', TroopsNeedYou.com, accessed July 18, 2007.</ref>"the No. 1 cheerleader for the Iraq war," in 2006 assisted VFF-AF in its pro-war in Iraq campaign support of Sen. [[Joe Lieberman]] (I-Conn.).

The contact person for * '''VFFmember organized against Democratic congressional candidate in 2006, is challenging Republican congressman in 2008 primary, published essay in pro-War, Kristol-owned 's press releases is 'Weekly Standard:'''**[[Adriel DomenechEric Egland]],another VFF member who is a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve who served on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan<ref>Jason Probst, [http://www.vetsforfreedomthepresstribune.orgcom/articles/2005/08/10/news/Readtop_stories/01danger.aspx?ID=274 txt "Major Danger. Roseville's Egland has worked on WMDs, drug interdiction, other high-profile jobs with the Air Force; Major returned home recently from tour in Iraq Veterans Go to Capitol: Don't Declare Defeat,"] Vets for Freedom''The Press-Tribune'', August 10, 2005.</ref>, announced July 1631, 2007, that he will challenge Rep. [[John Doolittle]] (R-Calif.) in the 2008 Republican primary.</ref> VFF's name="Field DirectorEgland declares"<ref>David Whitney, [http://dadmanlywww.blogspotsacbee.com/2007111/07story/media-call-to-action300214.html "Media Call to ActionDoolittle faces primary fight. As Eric Egland declares he is in the GOP race, incumbent's aide says competitors welcome,"] ''DadmanlySacramento Bee'' Blogspot, July 1631, 2007.</ref>, who most recently **Egland helped Doolittle "worked for 13 monthsdefeat Democratic challenger [[Charlie Brown]]"<ref>Anne Flaherty, [http://www.guardianpolitics1.co.ukcom/worldlatest/story/0,,-6848274,00ca.html "In the Debate Over Iraqhtm California Candidates: District 4], It's Vet Vs Vet,"] Associated Press (''The GuardianPolitics1.com'' (UK)), August 14accessed July 18, 2007.</ref> as a member of in the [[U.S. Department of State2006 congressional elections]] Public Affairs Iraq GO (Global Outreach) Team.<ref>[http://www.state.gov/p/nea/rls/81371.htm "Iraq GO Team Event: Iraq Continues To Move Toward Recovery and GrowthIn the fall of 2006,he "] U.S. Department organized a group of Stateveterans to oppose Doolittle's Democratic challenger, March 2Brown, 2007a retired Air Force officer who is seriously weighing another run next year." <ref name="Egland declares"/ref>** Egland is the author of the March 2007 self-published ''The Troops Need You, America: Six Ways to Help Them Win'', <ref>[http://iraqwww.usembassyamazon.govcom/iraqTroops-Need-You-America-Living/dp/20061107_go_team.html "Prosperity. Global Outreach Team0979339405 ''Troops Need You America''],"] UAmazon.S. Department of State, February 12, 2007com.</ref> In Fall 2001, Domenech, a graduate of Texas A&M who interned with the [[Republican National Committee]], had completed the Colorado campaign and was a book "based on an essay he published"72-Hour Director in Arkansas"Kristol's ''Weekly Standard''.<ref>Eric Egland, [http://www.gwuweeklystandard.educom/Content/Public/Articles/~action000/2004000/bush012/bushorgar930jbmte.html asp?pg=1 "President George WSix Steps to Victory. BushThe bottom-Campaign Organization, Arkansasup plan to defeat the insurgency,"] George Washington University''The Weekly Standard'', 2005/2005; accessed July 17November 16, 20072006.</ref> for [[Bush-Cheney '04 Inc.]]The book "shows average Americans how to help the troops win in Iraq." <ref>[http://www.gwutroopsneedyou.educom/~action/2004/bush/bushorgcoeric-egland.html "President George W. Bush-Campaign Organization, Colorado,"php5 Eric Egland] George Washington University, 2004/2005TroopsNeedYou.com, accessed July 1718, 2007.</ref>

In August 2004* '''VFF State chapter leader was recruited by GOP to challenge Democratic congressman in 2006 elections; was profiled in ''Weekly Standard:'''** [[Vince Micco]], DomenechVFF's name New Jersey chapter leader, was found amongst recognized "Republican signatures on petitions recruited by the [[GOP]] in March 2006 to get thirdchallenge five-party candidate term [[Ralph NaderDemocratic Party|Democratic]] Rep. [[Steve Rothman]] on in the presidential ballot [[U.S. congressional elections in Arkansas2006|2006 congressional election]].<ref>Wally Edge, [http://nj.politicsnj.com/gop-recruits-iraq-veteran-challenge-rothman " At the timeGOP recruits Iraq veteran to challenge Rothman, a "news release from the [[Democratic Party of Arkansas]] said at least two dozen state RepublicansPoliticsNJ.com, March 28, including Lt2006. Gov. Win Rockefeller</ref> Micco was profiled in an October 23, 2006, article in Kristol's chief of staff''Weekly Standard'', had signed the petitions to get Nader included on the state ballot. ... Conventional in which he was described as "unabashedly pro-Bush and hawkish in his political wisdom [was] that Nader [would] take votes from the Democratic nomineeoutlook." <ref>Dennis A. ByrdBrendan Conway, [http://www.arwarweeklystandard.orgcom/NaderUtilities/Republicans_among_Nader_petition_signeesprinter_preview.htm asp?idArticle=12835&R=112AD509E "Republicans among Nader petition signeesA Vet Runs in New Jersey. The longshot effort of a Republican challenger,"] Arkansas News Bureau''The Weekly Standard'', August 20October 23, 20042006.</ref>

* '''VFF media contact is former Bush administration PR flak for Iraq War, interned with the [[Republican National Committee]], worked on Bush 2004 campaign, tried to get Nader on 2004 ballot in AR:'''** The contact person for VFF's press releases is [[Adriel Domenech]],<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/news/Read.aspx?ID=274 "Iraq Veterans Go to Capitol: Don't Declare Defeat,"] Vets for Freedom, July 16, 2007.</ref> VFF's "Field Director"<ref>[http://dadmanly.blogspot.com/2007/07/media-call-to-action.html "Media Call to Action,"] ''Dadmanly'' Blogspot, July 16, 2007.</ref>, who most recently "worked for 13 months"<ref>Anne Flaherty, [http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6848274,00.html "In the Debate Over Iraq, It's Vet Vs Vet,"] Associated Press (''The Guardian'' (UK)), August 14, 2007.</ref> as a member of the [[U.S. Department of State]] Public Affairs Iraq GO (Global Outreach) Team.<ref>[http://www.state.gov/p/nea/rls/81371.htm "Iraq GO Team Event: Iraq Continues To Move Toward Recovery and Growth,"] U.S. Department of State, March 2, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://iraq.usembassy.gov/iraq/20061107_go_team.html "Prosperity. Global Outreach Team,"] U.S. Department of State, February 12, 2007.</ref> ** In Fall 2001, Domenech, a graduate of Texas A&M who interned with the [[Republican National Committee]], had completed the Colorado campaign and was a "72-Hour Director in Arkansas"<ref>[http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/bush/bushorgar.html "President George W. Bush-Campaign Organization, Arkansas,"] George Washington University, 2005/2005; accessed July 17, 2007.</ref> for [[Bush-Cheney '04 Inc.]].<ref>[http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/bush/bushorgco.html "President George W. Bush-Campaign Organization, Colorado,"] George Washington University, 2004/2005, accessed July 17, 2007.</ref> ** In August 2004, Domenech's name was found amongst recognized "Republican signatures on petitions to get third-party candidate [[Ralph Nader]] on the presidential ballot in Arkansas." At the time, a "news release from the [[Democratic Party of Arkansas]] said at least two dozen state Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller's chief of staff, had signed the petitions to get Nader included on the state ballot. ... Conventional political wisdom [was] that Nader [would] take votes from the Democratic nominee." <ref>Dennis A. Byrd, [http://www.arwar.org/Nader/Republicans_among_Nader_petition_signees.htm "Republicans among Nader petition signees,"] Arkansas News Bureau, August 20, 2004.</ref> * '''VFF co-founder was assisted by former Bush White House spokesman's PR firm in attempt to get dispatches published in mainstream newspapers, got credentials from the ''Weekly Standard'', was assisted by Kristol:'''** In 2006, former White House spokesman Taylor Gross's [[public relations]] firm the [[Herald Group]] helped VFF co-founder [[Wade Zirkle]] and "fellow Iraq veteran [[David Bellavia]] approach mainstream newspapers to offer dispatches from the two as war correspondents [[embedded]] [httphttps://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Vets_for_Freedom#Embedded:_Connecting_the_Dots with the military.] The two eventually got press credentials<ref>David Bellavia, Owen West, and Wade Zirkle, [http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/443zhpmy.asp?pg=2 "Birth of an Army. With the Iraqi forces in Ramadi,"] ''The Weekly Standard'', July 24, 2006.</ref> through the neoconservative ''The Weekly Standard'', whose editor, Bill William Kristol, became an informal adviser to the group and helped put it in touch with" Republican strategist [[Dan Senor]], who was "on retainer to help with fundraising."<ref>Julie Kosterlitz, [http://www.iraqvetsforprogress.org/national_journal.htm "Lobbying & Law - Veterans of Political Wars,"] ''National Journal''/Iraq Vets for Progress, undated 2006.</ref>

===Neoconnected=======VFFers respond to bleak, soldier-authored ''NYT'' op-ed in the ''The Weekly Standard'' op-ed====

The VFF "seven", all veterans of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan&mdash;[[David Bellavia]],<ref>Army Staff Sergeant David Bellavia served in Iraq responded in 2004.</ref> [[Pete HegsethWilliam Kristol]],<ref>Lt. Pete Hegseth served with the 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq 2005-2006.</ref> [[Michael A. Baumann]],<ref>An August 9, 2007, blog posting by Michael Mannske, [http://freedomdogs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2150&Itemid=2 "Town Hall Meeting: Part II,"] ''FreedomDogs'' Blog, August 9, 2007, cites U.S. Army (Ret.) LTC Michael A. Bauman, ''who retired in October 2005''&mdash;two years ago&mdash;as VFF's Minnesota state chairman. Also see [http://www.revealingiraq.com/ ''RevealingIraq.com''] website.</ref> [[Carl Hartmannconservative]],<ref>U.S. Marine Corporal Carl Hartmann, who served three tours of duty in Iraq, is the local VFF leader for Nebraska.</ref> [[David Thul]],<ref>Army Staff Sergeant David Thul of the Minnesota National Guard returned from Iraq in 2007.</ref> [[Knox Nunnally]],<ref>U.S. Marine Infantry Captain Kevin Knox Nunnally served three tours of duty in Iraq, beginning in 2001.</ref> and [[Joe Dan Worley]]<ref>U.S. Navy Corpsman, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines in Iraq, was wounded September 17, 2004.</ref>&mdash;responded in ''The Weekly Standard'' on August 24, 2007,<ref name="VFF7">David Bellavia, Pete Hegseth, Michael Baumann, Carl Hartmann, David Thul, Knox Nunnally, Joe Worley, [http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/006bzlfl.asp "Iraq Vets Respond ...to the New York Times seven,"] ''The Weekly Standard'', August 24, 2007.</ref> to an August 19, 2007, ''New York Times'' op-ed<ref>Buddhika Jayamaha, Wesley D. Smith, Jeremy Roebuck, Omar Mora, Edward Sandmeier, Yance T. Gray, and Jeremy A. Murphy, [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/19/opinion/19jayamaha.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin "The War as We Saw It,"] ''New York Times'', August 19, 2007.</ref> by what is being called the ''NYT'' "seven", : all "infantrymen and noncommissioned officers with the 82nd Airborne Division soon heading back home" from 15 months duty in Iraq&mdash;Buddhika Jayamaha, Wesley D. Smith, Jeremy Roebuck, Omar Mora, Edward Sandmeier, Yance T. Gray, and Jeremy A. Murphy&mdash;who They wrote a less-than-glowing assessment of the conditions on the ground in Iraq.

The ''New York Times'' "seven"Of the almost 3were Buddhika Jayamaha, Wesley D. Smith, Jeremy Roebuck, Omar Mora, Edward Sandmeier, Yance T. Gray, and Jeremy A. Murphy. (Note: On September 10,000 soldiers from the Army's storied 82nd Airborne Division currently serving in the hottest of Iraqi neighborhoods2007, Yance Gray and Omar Mora were among seven felt confident enough American troops killed near Baghdad in their misgivings to sign an opinion piecevehicle rollover accident. They should not be surprised that many of their comrades--including the seven undersigned here--find their work to be misguided, )<ref>[http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou070911_tj_tcsoldier.c4dda8ba.html "Texas City soldier killed outside Baghdad,"] KHOU. The portrait these soldiers paintedcom, while surely accurate and honestSeptember 11, is more representative of pre-surge Baghdad2007.</ref><ref>[http: sectarian strife//www.montanasnewsstation.com/global/story.asp?s=7060258 "Soldier, lawlessnessIsmay native, dies in vehicle crash in Iraq, and indiscriminate slaughter" the VFF "seven" wrote] Associated Press (''MontanaNewsStation.com''), September 11, 2007.</ref name=><ref>Brandon Friedman, [http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/9/12/0926/28618 "VFF7Two of the Seven NYT Op-Ed Soldiers Have Died in Iraq,"] ''The Daily Kos'', September 11, 2007.</ref>

The VFF "We understand seven" were [[David Bellavia]],<ref>Army Staff Sergeant David Bellavia served in Iraq in 2004.</ref> [[Pete Hegseth]],<ref>Lt. Pete Hegseth served with the frustration our fellow soldiers feel. All 3rd Brigade of us were the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq before the 2005-2006.</ref> [[Michael A. Baumann]],<ref>An August 9, 2007, blog posting by Michael Mannske, [http://freedomdogs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2150&Itemid=2 "Town Hall Meeting: Part II,"] ''FreedomDogs'surge' and lament never seeing a coherentBlog, August 9, security-based counterinsurgency strategy. In truth2007, we were only clearing--not holdingcites U. S.Army (Ret.) LTC Michael A. But we also know whatBauman, ''who retired in October 2005''&mdash;two years ago&mdash;as VFF's possible when even small portions of counterinsurgency strategy are appliedMinnesota state chairman. Also see [http://www.revealingiraq. Insurgents are exposed, leaders stand up, and stability occurscom/ ''RevealingIraq. com''] website.</ref> [[Carl Hartmann]],<ref>U.S. It's unfortunate that soldiers Marine Corporal Carl Hartmann, who served three tours of duty in Iraq (dates unknown), is the 82nd Airborne have not yet benefited local VFF leader for Nebraska.</ref> [[David Thul]],<ref>Army Staff Sergeant David Thul of the Minnesota National Guard returned from the new strategyIraq in 2007.</ref> [[Knox Nunnally]], but it will ensure that their actions<ref>U.S. Marine Infantry Captain Kevin Knox Nunnally served three tours of duty in Iraq, beginning in 2001.</ref> and those of their fallen brethren[[Joe Dan Worley]]<ref>U.S. Navy Corpsman Joe Dan Worley, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, will not have been 1st Marines in vainIraq," the VFF "seven" wrotewas wounded September 17, 2004.</ref name="VFF7"/>

''Translation'': The VFF "seven's" do not have any firstOp-hand knowledge Ed noted that none of the current situation on the ground authors had served in Iraq. Although during the "surge," unlike the ''NYTNew York Times'' "seven" do, they are wrong.:

====Foundation for the Defense of Democracies====<blockquote>As part of activities for week 7 of its 10-week "<u>Win</u> Of the almost 3,000 soldiers from the War! Victory Army's storied 82nd Airborne Division currently serving in Iraq" campaignthe hottest of Iraqi neighborhoods, seven felt confident enough in a viral email posted August 21, 2007, VFF Executive Director [[Pete Hegseth]] directed<ref>Pete Hegseth, [http://wwwwakeupamericans-spreetheir misgivings to sign an opinion piece.blogspot.com/2007/08/vetsThey should not be surprised that many of their comrades-for-freedomincluding the seven undersigned here-week-7-spread-wordfind their work to be misguided, ...html "Vets for Freedom: Week 7: Spread the Word - The Surge portrait these soldiers painted, while surely accurate and honest, is Working,"] Vets for Freedom (posted by spree ([[Susan Duclos]]) on ''Wake up America'' Blogspot)/crossmore representative of pre-posted at [httpsurge Baghdad://www.israelated.com/node/22252 ''Israelated'']sectarian strife, August 21lawlessness, 2007and indiscriminate slaughter" the VFF "seven" wrote.</ref> recipients to read three articles name="released byVFF7" the [[neo-con]]-affiliated, pro-war/pro-[[regime change]] in Iraq [[think tank]] [[Foundation for the Defense of Democracies]] (FDD):><br><br>

*"The Cost of Withdrawal from Iraq" (August 15, 2007)<ref>[[Kyle Dabruzzi]] and [[Joshua Goodman]], [http://www.defenddemocracy.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=515934 "The Cost of Withdrawal from Iraq,"] Foundation for We understand the Defense of Democracies, August 15, 2007frustration our fellow soldiers feel.</ref>*"The Progress All of the Surge us were in Iraq" (August 9, 2007)<ref>Kyle Dabruzzi, [http://www.defenddemocracy.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=515039 "The Progress of before the Surge in Iraq,"] Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, August 9, 2007.</ref>*"The Links between Al Qaeda 'surge' and Iraq" (July 31lament never seeing a coherent, 2007)<ref>Kyle Dabruzzi and Joshua Goodman, [http://www.defenddemocracy.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=512197 "The Links Between Alsecurity-Qaeda in Iraq And Al-Qaeda's Senior Leadership,"] Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, July 31, 2007based counterinsurgency strategy.</ref> (The correct title is "The Links Between Al-Qaeda in Iraq And Al-Qaeda's Senior Leadership.") UnsurprisinglyIn truth, listed among FDD's board of advisors are [[Bill Kristol]] and Sen. [[Joe Lieberman]] (Iwe were only clearing-Conn.). ==Supporting pro-war candidates not holding... again==  On August 31, 2007, VFF began sponsoring 60-second TV ads<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/news/Read.aspx?ID=298 News Release: "Vets for Freedom to Unveil Ad Thanking Senator Coleman for Support of Iraq Mission,"] Vets for Freedom, August 31, 2007.</ref>, the first a ''Thank You'' spot as "a counterpoint to recent ads" by the [[Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee]] and [[Americans United for Change]] "targeting MinnesotaBut we also know what's Republican senator" [[Norm Coleman]].<ref name="Diaz Coleman">Kevin Diaz, [http://www.startribune.com/587/story/1338166.html "Vets group ad thanks Coleman for war support,"] ''Minneapolis Star Tribune'', August 1, 2007.</ref> "The ad war [came] a year ahead of the [[U.S. congressional elections in 2008|2008 Senate race]], and at a time possible when Coleman's approval ratings have dropped to a record low even small portions of 43 percent, according to a July 16 Survey USA poll."<ref name="Diaz Coleman"/> Insight into VFF's political ad campaign comes from a poll released August 15, 2007, that was conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research in seven battleground states&mdash;Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Virginia. The poll found that [[GOP]] senators "would lose to generic Democratic candidates. And the main reason was that the public is upset over the war in Iraq."<ref>Rob Christensen and Ryan Teague Beckwith, [http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/672174.html "Poll says war in Iraq dims Dole's prospects,"] ''The News & Observer'', August 16, 2007.</ref> "A trap is waiting for Republican incumbents and presidential contenders should they continue to back [[George W. Bush|Bush]] on the [[Operation Iraqi Freedom: Year Five|Iraq war]], [[Americans Against Escalation in Iraq]], who commissioned the poll, wrote in a news release. "September might be their last chance to convince voters that they have truly rejected [[troop surge in Iraq|Bush’s counterinsurgency strategy]] should he ask for more time based on General [[David Petraeus]]' report on the 15th."<ref>Joe Sudbay, [http://www.americablog.com/2007/08/bush-and-his-iraq-war-are-dragging-downapplied.html "Bush and his Iraq war Insurgents are dragging down GOP Senators facing re-election in 2008exposed,"] AMERICAblog, August 15leaders stand up, 2007.</ref>  ===[[Vets for Freedom chapters]] "fight back"===On August 9, 2007, executive director [[Pete Hegseth]] told the <i>Washington Times</i>' Eric Pfeiffer that VFF "will announce 25 state 'captains' — Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans who will lead a grass-roots effort to win back some measure of support for the warstability occurs. They will recruit fellow veterans to attend town hall meetings hosted by [[U.S. Senate|senators]] during the summer recess."<ref name="Pfeiffer">Eric Pfeiffer, [http://wpherald.com/articles/5630/1/Veterans-campaign-to-continue-Iraq-surge/Polls-show-increased-public-support-for-surge.html "Veterans campaign to continue Iraq surge,"] It''Washington Times'' (''World Peace Herald''), August 9, 2007.</ref> An August 11, 2007, VFF news release stated s unfortunate that<ref name="fight back">Pete Hegseth, [http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/news/Read.aspx?ID=319 "Vets for Freedom fights back against MoveOn.org,"] Vets for Freedom, August 11, 2007.</ref> "Twenty-five state chapters were also stood up to counter the waves of misinformation about Iraq sponsored by [[MoveOn.org]]. ...  "State Captains will fan out across the state recruiting veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to write op-eds and letters to the editor, attend town hall meetings, and meet directly with their Senators and Representatives."<ref name="fight back"/>  "Veteran volunteers will stand toe-to-toe with MoveOn.org, [[VoteVets.org]] and [[Code Pink]] over the next two months soldiers in a battle over whether America will success or failure in Iraq," the news release stated.<ref name="fight back"/> "Paid activists from MoveOn.org or Code Pink will scream, chant, and bully members of Congress in August," Hegseth said in an August 8, 2007, news release. "But Vets for Freedom will use our experience-as veterans who 82nd Airborne have seen this war-to explain how we can win in Iraq and why we cannot afford to fail. No amount of screaming can overwhelm facts."<ref>Pete Hegseth, [http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/news/Read.aspx?ID=315 "Vets for Freedom Launches Ads in Four States, Fights Back Against MoveOn.org,"] Vets for Freedom, August 8, 2007.</ref> ====Writing letters==== In an August 14, 2007, letter posted by the ''Cedar River Salmon'' Blog, VFF National Field Director [[Joel A. Arends]] called for support for Sen. [[Chuck Grassley]] (R-Iowa) because anti-war activists [[MoveOn.org]] "[had] been shadowing him as he criss-crosses Iowa over the August recess."<ref>Joel A. Arends, [http://cedarriversalmon.blogspot.com/2007/08/letter-not yet benefited from-vets-for-freedom.html "Letter from Vets for Freedom,"] ''Cedar River Salmon'' Blog, August 14, 2007.</ref> "Let's show the Senator that we have hometown heroes who support our troops and the mission by showing up [at an August 23 town hall meeting at the Cherokee County Courthouse] and thanking the Senator for his voting record. Let's not allow out of state liberal interest groups to one up us this most important of issues!new strategy," Arends wrote. ====Ad wars round three: Arkansas, Kansas, Iowa, Maine and New Hampshire====In an August 14, 2007, viral email,<ref>Pete Hegseth,[http://www.israelated.com/node/21808 "Vets for Freedom: WEEK 6: 'Cost of Defeat' Call-in Campaign,"] Vets for Freedom (Israelated.com; aggregated from 'Wake Up America'), August 14, 2007.</ref> VFF executive director Pete Hegseth wrote that VFF "has released television advertisements in 5 states ... and stood up State Chapters in 26 states. We plan to release 5 more TV ads this week, and formally announce 5 additional State Chapters." On Sunday, August 19, 2007, VFF but it will "[unveil] a television ad ensure that will urge seven senators, including Arkansas' [[Mark Pryor]], not to 'surrender' in Iraq when Congress resumes its debate on the war next monththeir actions," the ''Arkansas Democrat Gazette'' reported August 17, 2007.<ref name="ADavis">Andy Davis, [http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/198748/ "‘Don’t surrender’ in Iraq, vets urge Pryor in TV ad,"] ''Arkansas Democrat Gazette'' (NWA News (Northwest Arkansas)), August 17, 2007.</ref> "In Arkansas, the ad will run for a week on the Fox, ABC and NBC affiliates in Fort Smith, Fayetteville and Little Rock and the ABC affiliate in Jonesboro." "None those of the veterans [in the ad] are from Arkansas," Davis wrote.<ref name="ADavis"/> "Pryor is the only [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] targeted. ... The other senators are [[Republican Party|Republican]]: [[Sam Brownback]] and [[Pat Roberts]] of Kansas, [[Judd Gregg]] and [[John Sununu]] of New Hampshire, [[Charles Grassley]] of Iowa and [[Olympia Snowe]] of Maine."<ref name="ADavis"/> The following link to current VFF ads "Please Do Not Surrender", released August 15, 2007: [http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=45 Sen. Brownback;] [http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=47 Sen. Grassley;] [http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=50 Sen. Gregg;][http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=52 Sen. Pryor;] [http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=48 Sen. Roberts;] [http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=56 Sen. Snowe; and] [http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=51 Sen. Sununu.] ====Ad wars round two: Kentucky, Nebraska, Virginia and Connecticut==== In an August 8, 2007, press release<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/news/Read.aspx?ID=315 "Vets for Freedom Launches Ads in Four States, Fights Back Against MoveOn.org,"] Vets for Freedom, August 8, 2007.</ref>their fallen brethren, VFF executive director Pete Hegseth said :"We will not let paid political partisans co-opt the Iraq war debate ... Members of Congress must hear from the silent majority of Iraq veterans-those who have been on the ground, who understand the stakes, and who are confident that under General [[David Petraeus|Petraeus]]' leadership we can defeat [[al-Qaeda]]." :"Paid activists from [[MoveOn.org]] or [[CODEPINK: Women for Peace|Code Pink]] will scream, chant, and bully members of Congress in Augustvain,... But Vets for Freedom will use our experience-as veterans who have seen this war-to explain how we can win in Iraq and why we cannot afford to fail. No amount of screaming can overwhelm facts."  On August 9, 2007, Hegseth told the <i>Washington Times</i>' Eric Pfeiffer that VFF "will begin airing TV ads this weekend in four states: Kentucky, Nebraska, Virginia and Connecticut. The ads will target senators whose support of the war may be wavering. One of the ads, titled 'Thank You,'<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=36 "Thank You Sen. Coleman,"] Vets for Freedom, August 2, 2007.</ref> will commend Sens. Norm Coleman, Minnesota Republican, and Joe Lieberman, Connecticut independent, for their support of the war."<ref name="Pfeiffer"/>  "Another ad, titled 'Don't Surrender,' features veterans asking senators, including [[John W. Warner]], Virginia Republican, and [[Ben Nelson]], Nebraska Democrat, to vote against any legislation that sets a deadline for withdrawing American forces from Iraq,seven" Pfeiffer wrote.<ref name="Pfeiffer"/> The ads ask Warner and Nelson, who "are seen as key swing votes in the fall when Congress reconsiders the U.S. mission in Iraq following a progress report by Army Gen. [[David Petraeus]] in September", "not 'to surrender to Al Qaeda,' arguing that Congress should not 'second-guess our commanders on the ground' and not 'sugarcoat retreat by calling it deployment.'"<ref name="O'Connor">Patrick O'Connor, [http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/0807/Veterans_group_launches_ads_to_counter_antiwar_organizers.html "Veterans group launches ads to counter anti-war organizers,"] ''The Crypt'' Blog/''The Politico'', August 7, 2007. Note that this [http://digg.com/politics/Politico_Veterans_Group_Launches_Ads_to_Counter_Anti_War_Organizers link] was submitted to ''digg'' by John Boehner.</ref> "The ads will begin airing over the weekend [of August 11-12, 2007] and will run in most major media markets in each of the four states -- notably excluding New York City in the Connecticut media market and Washington in the Virginia media market, two of the most expensive markets in the country. "'The buy is large enough to get our message in front of key audiences,' a spokesman for the group wrote in response to e-mail questions about the size of the media buy," Patrick O'Connor wrote August 7, 2007, in ''The Politico''.<ref name="O'Connor"/>  The following link to current VFF ads:*"Thank You Sen. Joe Lieberman" for support of the war in Iraq.<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=41 "Thank You Sen. Lieberman,"] Vets for Freedom, August 8, 2007.</ref>*"Thank You Sen. [[Mitch McConnell]]" (R-KY) for support of the war in Iraq.<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=42 "Thank You Sen. McConnell. Vets for Freedom’s ad thanking Sen. Mitch McConnell,"] Vets for Freedom, August 8, 2007.</ref><ref>Greg Sargent, [http://www.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/aug/10/new_ads_thank_gop_senate_leader_for_supporting_war "Gee, Thanks! New Ad Thanks GOP Senate Leader For Supporting War,"] ''TPM Cafe'', August 10, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070811/NEWS01/70811015/1008/NEWS01 "Group's ad campaign backs McConnell,"] Associated Press (''The Courier-Journal''), August 11, 2007.</ref><ref>Bruce Schreiner, [http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/147898.html "Veterans group's ad thanks McConnell. TV Spot is Meant to Coun ter Criticism by Anti-War Activists,"] Associated Press (Kentucy.com), August 12, 2007.</ref>*"Please Do Not Surrender Sen. Nelson", "ad urging Sen. Ben Nelson not to surrender the War in Iraq."<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=44 "Please Do Not Surrender Sen. Nelson,"] Vets for Freedom, August 8, 2007.</ref>*"Please Do Not Surrender Sen. Warner", "ad urging Sen. John Warner to surrender the War in Iraq."<ref>[http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/multimedia/details.aspx?ID=43 "Do Not Surrender Sen. Warner,"] Vets for Freedom, August 8, 2007.</ref> ====Ad wars round one: launched in Minnesota====The Minnesota campaign was launched in early August 2007 with television ads<ref name="Diaz Coleman"/><ref name="Zde Coleman"/> thanking Sen. Norm Coleman, who supports Gen. [[David Petraeus]]'s&mdash;and the [[Bush administration]]'s&mdash;[[troop surge in Iraq|counterinsurgency strategy]].<ref name="Blogs for Norm">[http://blogsfornorm.com/?p=274 "Press Release: Vets for Freedom to Unveil Ad Thanking Senator Coleman for Support of Iraq Mission, Will Preview Ad, Introduce Minnesota Chairman in Thursday Teleconference,VFF7"] ''Blogs for Norm!'', August 1, 2007.</ref> "'Veterans who have served in Iraq can provide a view point that no pundit, paid [[MoveOn.org]] protester, or poll company can compete with,' [[David Thul|Thule]] said. 'We know the exhaustion of keeping watch in our humvees through the early hours of the morning, the joy on children's faces when we drive by, and the exhilaration of a successful project completed. All folks see back home is explosions - we have a much more in-depth perspective.'  The ad, Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reported August 2, 2007,<ref name="Zde Coleman">[http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/08/01/colemaniraq/ "Vets group runs ads in support of Coleman,"] Minnesota Public Radio, August 2, 2007.</refblockquote> "features comments from several men dressed in civilian clothes and identified as Iraq war veterans" who thank Coleman, "who's up for re-election next year, for his support of the war." :"'We know that you have been under pressure from people who are willing to accept defeat by Al Qaida in Iraq, and force us to leave that country before we complete our mission,' they said in the ad. 'As people who have proudly worn the uniform and seen the enemy first-hand, we would like you to know we believe in this mission and we're proud you do as well.'

'''Note''':"VFF's ''Weekly Standard'' op-ed was also published online by the Assyrian International News Agency. The ad concludes with names of the men saying authors are stated, as is the fact that they know are all members of VFF; however, the Uop-ed itself lacks a title.SThe source for the article cited at the bottom of the page is [[News Corporation]]. can prevail in IraqAdditionally, following the names is the following: "This Op-Ed was originally submitted to the New York Times, which declined to publish it."<ref>[http://www.aina.org/news/20070824084844.htm No title,] News Corporation (AINA.org), August 24, 2007.</ref><ref>Also see [http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:wqhEf_XAkzIJ:edschultz.invisionzone.com/index.php%3Fshowtopic%3D31007%26view%3Dgetnewpost+%22Vets+for+Freedom%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=171&gl=us&client=news this (cache file)] discussion on the ''Ed Schultz Show message board about the ''New York Times'unless Congress surrenders first' not running VFF's article.'" </ref>

[[Pete Hegseth]], VFF executive director, "said his group [had] bought spots on This Week, Fox News Sunday & Meet the Press [for August 5, 2007] ...[but] declined to say how much the group is spending on ==Catapulting the ad buys in Minnesota, which will be accompanied by similar spots in at least two other states he wouldn't name -- one supporting a Democrat, one a Republican."<ref namepropaganda="Diaz Coleman"/> The ad "will run for at least two weeks."<ref name="Zde Coleman"/>

Coleman faces stiff competition in Minnesota<ref>VFF's Missouri chairman, [[Brandan Mueller]], has reportedly called on [[2008 UDemocratic Party|Democratic]] Sen.S. congressional elections (Minnesota)[[Claire McCaskill]]</ref>, including Republican challenger retired Army officer and Vietnam"to return $16, Desert Storm, and Iraq war veteran 000 she received from [[Joe RepyaMoveOn.org|Moveon.org]] who during her election campaign in 2006,"served in Iraq in 2005 with according to the Screaming Eagles of 101st Airborne Division"September 13, 2007, ''The Source'' Blog.<ref>[http://joerepyathesource.blogspottypepad.com/ Joe Repyathesource/2007/09/give-more-back-.html "Give More Back, Claire,"] Blogspot''The Source'' Blog, September 13, 2007.</ref>McCaskill was also asked to "denounce" the MoveOn.org ad "General Petraeus or General Betray Us?" published in the ''New York Times'' September 10, six members 2007, the first day of [[troop surge in Iraq: The Petraeus Report: Testimony|testimony]] on the progress of the Minnesota Democratic-Farm-Labor Party[[troop surge in Iraq|surge]] and [[war in Iraq]] by Lt.Gen. [[David Petraeus]] before Congress,<ref>[http://enpol.wikipediamoveon.org/wiki/Minnesota_Democratic-Farmer-Labor_Party Minnesota Democratic-Farm-Labor Partypetraeus.html "General Petraeus or General Betray Us?"] in the ''Wikipedia''MoveOn.org, accessed September 13, 2007.</ref>&mdash;among which is radio talk show host and activist [[Al Franken]]&mdash;and one independent.<ref>Nick Juliano, [http://politics1rawstory.com/mn/news/2007/Republicans_focus_on_attacking_MoveOn.org_Gen._0910.htm html "Ron GunzbergerRepublicans focus on attacking MoveOn.org 'Gen. Betray Us' ad during 'surge's Online Guide to Minnesota Politicshearing,"] Politics1.com''The Raw Story'', September 10, 2007.</ref>calling the ad "a disgrace". Mueller "went on to say she [McCaskill] should 'take the lead on this issue and return the money that she has taken from the organization that has libeled an American patriot who has served his country selflessly for many years.'"

====Democratic response===="DemocratsIt should be noted that, on the other handSeptember 9, 2007, were happy the day before MoveOn.org's controversial ad campaign would reinforce Colemanwas published, it was VFF's support for President executive director [[George WPete Hegseth]] who accused MoveOn. Bush|Bushorg in the article "MoveOn.org Calls Petraeus a Traitor" published in the [[right-wing]]publication ''s [[troop surge in Iraq|war strategyThe Weekly Standard]],'' of calling Lt.Gen. Petraeus a "traitor" the Associated Press reported August 2, 2007.<ref name="WC Trib">Pete Hegseth, [http://www.wctribweeklystandard.com/apContent/Public/Articles/000/000/014/index091rhesh.asp "MoveOn.org Calls Petraeus a Traitor.cfmDo Democrats in Congress agree?page=view&id=D8QOTS5O0 "Coleman gets ad support for veterans' group,"] Associated Press (''West Central TribuneThe Weekly Standard''), August 2September 9, 2007.</ref>

"As Jeffrey Feldman wrote September 11, 2007, in ''The Daily Kos'This is what we've been trying to do for a long time<ref>Jeffrey Feldman,' said Minnesota DFL [Democratichttp://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/11/8323/75329 "Frameshop: How Rt-Farm-Labor PartyWing Lie About MoveOn Ad Became The Story (update),"] Chair Brian Melendez. 'It's an honest ad. I wonThe Daily Kos't say I couldn't have put together a better ad if I'd wanted to, but I almost would have paid for thisSeptember 11, 2007.'</ref>

:"Coleman has opposed Democratic plans for setting a withdrawal timelineThe only problem: the word 'traitor' appears nowhere in the MoveOn.org ad nor anywhere on the MoveOn.org page about the ad. However, he has argued for a new strategy of training It is Hegseth's article that introduced the word 'traitor' into the story--an outright lie intended to silence dissent against the war. Less than 24 hours after the Hegseth piece ran and counterinsurgency which he said would allow a large drawdown of Uthe MoveOn.S. troops by next yearorg ad appeared," the Associated Press reportedmainstream media picked up the Weekly Standard's lie and repeated it until it became the story.<ref name="WC Trib"/>

Allahpundit The phrase "catapulting the propaganda" comes from a comment made on May 24, 2005, by President [[George W. Bush]]: "See, in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the conservative ''Hot Air'' Blog wrote August 3truth to sink in, 2007to kind of catapult the propaganda."<ref>Tom Engelhardt, [http://hotairwww.com/archives/2007/08commondreams.org/03views05/video0829-vets-for-freedom-thanks-norm-coleman-for-staying-the-course/ 21.htm "Video: Vets for Freedom Thanks Norm Coleman for Staying Catapulting the CoursePropaganda. The President, Cindy Sheehan, and How Words Die,"] ''Hot AirTomDispatch.com'' (''Common Dreams' Blog'), August 3May 29, 20072005.</ref>:

:"They're counting on the war’s unpopularity next year to help unseat Coleman, who's made noise about switching course but thus far has stuck with Bush on all the important Iraq votes. The left is anxious to advertise that fact. As far as they're concerned, VFF's doing their job for them. ... The irony is, he's going to end up switching anyway, probably in September." ===VFF or VFF-AF ad buys?=== First of all, it should be noted that, in May 2007, [[Vets for Freedom Action Fund]] (VFF/ad campaign supporting pro-war candidates|Ad campaign supporting pro-AF) reverted to identifying itself as Vets for Freedom (VFF)&mdash;both publicly and on its websitewar candidates ... VFF is <u>not</u> a [[political action committeeagain]]. The August 1, 2007, <i>Minneapolis Star Tribune</i> article<ref name="Diaz Coleman"/> did not state whether VFF's ad buys fall under the rules of "Electioneering Communication". This would be a function of the organization's political action committee&mdash;VFF-AF.=

==[[Vets for Freedom/"<u>Win</u> the War! Victory in Iraq" campaign=====Call to action=== Vets for Freedom, according to its new executive director Pete Hegseth, "plans to lead the charge to support General [[David Petraeus|Petraeus]] and stop anti-war radicals and politicians&mdash;[[Democratic Party|Democrats]] (and some [[Republican Party|Republicans]]) on Capitol Hill&mdash;from undermining the troops-and their mission-for the sake of short-term political gain," VFF states.<ref name="SWAC VFF Win"u>[http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2007/07/vets-for-freedom-win-war.html "Vets for Freedom... Win the War?"], ''SWAC Girl'' Blog, July 12, 2007.</refu> :"Despite the great courage and success of our troops in [[Iraq]], many Senate Republicans are wavering in their support for the mission. And in the past two weeks alone, 3 Republican senators have raised the white flag on Iraq. If just a few more defect, the [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] could over-ride a presidential veto and set a deadline for defeat." VFF's call to action states: "If you believe America must defeat radical Islamists War! Victory in Iraq, we need you to get involved with Vets for Freedom's 'Ten Weeks to Testimony.' "For the next ten weeks, you will receive an email every Monday morning, outlining how you can make a difference during that week. This is a call to duty! The time for action is now!"<ref name="SWAC VFF Win"/> ==="Vets on the Hill" September 17/18, 2007===VFF's "Vets on the Hill" campaign, slated for September 17 and 18, 2007, is planned as a follow up&mdash;"on a much larger scale"&mdash;to its [[Vets for Freedom/VFF rally in D.C. July 17, 2007|July 17, 2007, D.C. rally]], where, it states, "Over 40 Vets for Freedom members joined together on Capitol Hill in July and helped stop [[Congress]] from voting to undercut the troops."<ref name="Signup">[http://www.vetsforfreedom.com/tenweeks/signup.aspx "Tenweeks" Signup], Vets for Freedom, accessed August 8, 2007.</ref> VFF is calling for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to sign up so that VFF can "Schedule meetings for you with your Senators and Representative. In July we had to 'walk in'. On September 18th we want participants to have appointments."<ref name="Signup"/> According to its call for action, VFF is also looking for "Reserve high-profile speakers to address all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans on Monday night (September 17)." and to "Raise money to support the travel and lodging for ALL veterans. We plan to cover all air and ground travel costs, and lodging for the evening of September 17."<ref name="Signup"/> ===McCain: Petraeus to report to Congress on 9/11 anniversary=== Gen. David Petraeus will now testify before Congress on September 11, 2007, the 6th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. :"The timing of Petraeus' testimony was first revealed by Sen. [[John McCain]] (R-AZ) this morning in a conference call with [[conservative]] bloggers. According to the <i>National Review</i>'s [[Jim Geraghty]], McCain said he had 'been told' Petraeus would testify on the 11th: ::"The calendar I’ve been told is that Petraeus testify 11th. We’re off September 13 and 14 for Rosh Hoshannah. The [[U.S. Senate|Senate]] debate will begin September 18th. :"Geraghty’s account of the conference call has been confirmed by other [[bloggers]] on the call, including the <i>Weekly Standard</i>'s [[Michael Goldfarb]] and the <i>American Spectator</i>'s [[Jennifer Rubin]]."<ref>Matt Corley, [http://thinkprogress.org/2007/08/20/petreaus-911-hearing/ "Petraeus To Testify Before Senate On September 11,"] ''Think Progress'', August 20, 2007.</ref> *Also see SourceWatch article [http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=John_McCain:_U.S._presidential_election%2C_2008#McCain_to_launch_.22No_Surrender_Tour.22 "McCain to launch "No Surrender Tour."] ===Move America Forward's "Fight for Victory Tour" September 3-15, 2007=== VFF will be joining [[Move America Forward]] on its "national, cross-country<ref>[http://www.moveamericaforward.org/index.php/DailyFile/itinerary_for_fight_for_victory_tour/ "Itinerary for 'Fight for Victory Tour',"] Move America Forward, July 15, 2007.</ref> 'Fight for Victory Tour'"<ref>[http://www.moveamericaforward.org/index.php/MAF/FullNewsItem/pro_troop_supporters_announce_major_september_push/ "Pro-Troop Supporters Announce Major September Push,"] Move America Forward, July 15, 2007.</ref> September 3-15, 2007, ending in Washington, D.C., where MAF will "have a rally with a collection of pro-troop groups" that includes VFF, [[Gathering of Eagles]] (GOE), [[Military Order of the Purple Heart]]<ref>[http://www.purpleheart.org/ Military Order of the Purple Heart] website; Tom Poulter, National Commander.</ref>, [[Free Republic]], [[Protest Warrior]]<ref>Marty Droney, [http://abolitionofman.com/2007/07/24/our-boys-want-to-win-continued/ "Our Boys Want to Win... Continued,"] ''AbolitionOfMan.com'', July 24, 2007.</ref>, [[Eagles UP!]].<ref>Col. [[Harry G. Riley]], [http://eaglesup.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=4&Itemid=32 Colonel's Corner: "Eagles Landing: A call to stand for freedom, September 15, 2007, Washington, D.C.,"] ''Eagles Up!'', July 24, 2007.</ref>, and [[Center for Vigilant Freedom]] (formerly known as The 910 Group).<ref>DKShideler, [http://www.vigilantfreedom.org/910blog/2007/07/24/help-wantedstate-bloggers-for-pro-surge-push/ "Help Wanted:State Bloggers for Pro-Surge Push,"] ''[[Center for Vigilant Freedom]]'' Blog (The 910 Group Blog), July 24, 2007.</ref>. Also see [[September 15 Coalition]] and GOE information on [http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Gathering_of_Eagles#Task_Force_EAGLE Task Force EAGLE].

For more VFF-AF financial information, see "VFF-AF Funding."<ref>[httphttps://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Vets_for_Freedom_Action_Fund#VFF-AF_Funding Vets for Freedom Action Fund/VFF-AF Funding,] SourceWatch.</ref>

Note: The [http://www.pbase.com/woodstock_ec/image/9006180 132 North Main Street], Woodstock, VA, [httphttps://www.prwatch.org/node/4916#comment-1007 address] is the same as that given for Denman Zirkle, contact for [[Sons of Confederate Veterans]] Camp 1657 (Turner Ashby) [http://www.southernmessenger.org/scv_camps.htm], named after Confederate General Turner Ashby.