Gibbons quote spun out of context by Democrat Party

Editor:

After reading Marcia de Braga's letter in your paper, I feel compelled to clear up a major misunderstanding concerning the contents of my speech at the Elko Lincoln Day Dinner. I never suggested that protestors be sent to the front lines, but I certainly can understand how anyone (including Ms. de Braga) reading the Democratic Party's political spin on my remarks, could have received that impression.

I've served our country overseas in war ... twice. What many people don't realize is that our troops in battle, no matter how far from home they may be, still know what is going on the United States. This is particularly true given the heavy use of the Internet by our soldiers.

I cannot help but put myself in the place of our brave soldiers who are fighting the war on terrorism, while the new generation of Jane Fonda's - people like Michael Moore- - deride their efforts. Further, I know that such efforts to break our resolve in Iraq are also used to inspire the insurgents to continue their assault against the elected Iraqi government, the Iraqi people, and our soldiers. While I respect their right to free speech, I also have the obligation to exercise my right to free speech when I believe that their words harm our soldiers.

I will always support our troops, and I don't apologize for that. I have been with them in Nevada, Iraq, Afghanistan, and at Walter Reed Hospital where they are being treated for their wounds.

In my remarks in Elko, I never suggested that anyone who disagrees with me should be sent to the front lines in Iraq. In actuality, I was referring to those who had volunteered to be "human shields" and what I suggested was that if they wanted to be human shields, they should shield our soldiers and citizens, who have earned and deserve shielding. I stand by that sentiment.

I also wish Ms. de Braga, who I have great respect for, had called me to find out what I had said rather than blindly perpetuating misinformation from the Democratic Party spin machine.



Jim Gibbons

Washington, D.C.