I thought for sure than Rangel’s recent comments would pass mostly unnoticed. Rangel is a bafoon, but we have come to expect it from him. Also it is not the week before a major election, and Rangel has not previously raised the ire of the military as Kerry has.

However, today the American Legion has some strong words for Rangel.

“Our military is the most skilled, best-trained all-volunteer force on the planet,” said National Commander Paul A. Morin. “Like that recently espoused by Sen. John Kerry, Congressman Rangel’s view of our troops couldn’t be further from the truth and is possibly skewed by his political opposition to the war in Iraq.”

According to Rangel, “If a young fellow has an option of having a decent career, or joining the Army to fight in Iraq, you can bet your life that he would not be in Iraq. If there’s anyone who believes these youngsters want to fight, as the Pentagon and some generals have said, you can just forget about it. No bright young individual wants to fight just because of a bonus and just because of some educational benefits,” Rangel said.

[…]

“I’m not sure I understand what is unfair about letting adults make their own career choices,” Morin said as he visited troops in Korea this week. “Troops serving today have a higher education level than the overall population. Why another member of Congress is insulting our troops’ commitment and education level is beyond me.”

The blogs have spoken, and now the American Legion. Hopefully the heat will continue to grow until Rangel squeaks.

Also Reporting:
Hot Air
Stop the ACLU
American Pundit