Thursday, January 15, 2009

Chuck Schumer Disrespects Honor of Military Award

Today we witnessed a miracle. US Airways Flight 1549 crashed into an icy Hudson River, and despite all odds, every passenger and crew member escaped alive. The emergency response is one for others to emulate. The pilot (a retired F4 pilot) handled the situation with aplomb and deserves to have his skill recognized and his actions honored. However, New York Senator Chuck Schumer (D-dingdong) committed an unacceptable and inexcusable error when calling for the Congressional Medal of Honor to be awarded to the pilot.

"The pilot deserves the Congressional Medal of Honor," said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY). "They did an amazing and miraculous job."

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award bestowed on a member of the United States Armed Services for valor while engaged in battle with an enemy. Geese, last I heard, were not on the list of recognized terrorist organizations despite hailing from Canada.

When you are put in a position to govern this country, there are some things you should just know. This is one of them. The Medal of Honor possesses a history and symbolism like no other military award; the recipients are the best of the best in our military. Senator Schumer owes the Medal of Honor recipients a huge apology for this error, and instead of spending time figuring out how to put this country down the toilet, he should read up on military awards and their meanings.

He should also spend some time reading up on civilian awards. The appropriate medal for the incredible pilot is the Congressional Gold Medal.