Bruce snubs military tribute

By Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact), Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Photo by Dennis Schroeder

Douglas Bruce today infuriated fellow lawmakers by being the lone legislator who refused to cosponsor a Joint House-Senate resolution honoring Military and Veterans Appreciation Day. Above, he addresses the House last month.

Photo by George Kochaniec Jr.

Rep. Frank McNulty, R- Highlands Ranch, speaks to members of the Young Marines during Military appreciation Day at the Statehouse today. The Young Marines are from Douglas County and spent the morning in the House chambers.

Rep. Douglas Bruce did it again.

The Colorado Springs Republican last month outraged fellow lawmakers by kicking a Rocky Mountain News photographer during the morning prayer on the House floor in his first day as a representative. Colleagues voted to make him the first state lawmaker in history to be censured for dishonoring House decorum and basic decency.

Today he infuriated fellow lawmakers by being the lone legislator who refused to cosponsor a Joint House-Senate resolution honoring Military and Veterans Appreciation Day. He would not say why he did it.

“Today we were honoring people who died for our country, who served our country, and Douglas Bruce is spitting in the eye of every veteran who served our country, and it’s a disgrace,” said Rep. David Balmer, R-Centennial, an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan. “I’m so angry I can’t even talk right now.”

Rep. Rob Witwer, R-Genessee, said he’d never seen a colleague refuse to cosponsor the annual resolution.

“Some of our veterans have sacrificed all for their country,” Witwer said. “The least we can do is say thank you.”

Democrats were also stunned and dismayed.

“I feel like I want to say to him what we used to say in the McCarthy era, ‘Have you no shame?’” said Rep. Alice Borodkin, D-Denver.

“I think he truly believes he’s doing the right thing,” she said. “But I don’t think he realizes he’s out of step with everybody. He’s just different. What can I say?”

House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker approached Bruce immediately after he declined to co-sponsor the resolution: “I told him on a day when we honor those who have given such great sacrifice, that he can’t even put forth the effort to push the green button is disgraceful.

“That’s a man with no honor. He has no shame.”

Bruce has refused to speak to the Rocky or The Denver Post since the kicking incident. He refused to answer a reporter's request for comment as he walked off the House floor this morning.

Steve King, R-Grand Junction, co-chair of the committee that recommended censure for Bruce after the kicking incident said: “I for the first time regretted my vote on just censuring him.” He said he won’t be talking to Bruce today. “I don’t want to reinforce his need for attention.”

The rookie lawmaker has often protested other ceremonial resolutions, including an annual one honoring President Ronald Reagan’s birthday, as a waste of lawmaker’s time that could be better spent working on legislation.

Yet Bruce did cosponsor resolutions honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Colorado 4-H Day.

He did it again after the military day honor, asking permission to not vote on a resolution urging universal health care coverage for Colorado Children by 2018. He called it “a waste of time.”

The request was denied by fellow lawmakers on a 55-10 vote.

Bruce then voted no on the kid-coverage resolution, which passed 51-13.

“Are you all happy!” Bruce yelled out to colleagues

Refusing to support the military appreciation resolution is a political risky move for Bruce, who faces a contested re-election in November.

He represents a city that’s the home to Fort Carson, who had several Army members honored at the ceremony, and many current and retired service members.

• February 13, 2008

  11:53 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  kc02 writes:

  I call on all Republicans in his district to correct this embarrassment as soon as possible. I admire somebody who stands up for his principles (i.e. resolutions are a waste of time)but this is the wrong resolution to make a stand on. There is nothing wrong with voting for a resolution to honor our vets, no matter what. If you voted for any resolution at all (and he has), then you must only be voting against resolultions that you disagree with. And this is shamefully wrong
  Doug Bruce must go ASAP.

• February 13, 2008

  11:54 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  rsanchez writes:

  Please, let him stay in office. He's the best thing to happen to the Democratic Party in the state in a long time.

• February 13, 2008

  12:02 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  blondiearvada writes:

  How did this moron get into office?????

• February 13, 2008

  12:05 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  LOUIE writes:

  Mr. Magoo has a right to refuse, Jehovahs Witnesses refuse military service and abstain from taking a stand on military issues. It like being at a resort, loving the freedom and it's benifits and never paying the price. Oh but they'll use the system when it suits them, like a suing or fighting for thier beliefs.

• February 13, 2008

  12:09 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Downey1967 writes:

  Douglas Bruce is a joke, and an embarrassment to his fellow legislators. Any and all resolutions should be considered important enough to weigh in a vote of yea, or nay. BUT to absolutely refuse to vote on something that honors those whom have been over in a foreign land fighting for OUR and His freedom is simply unamerican! I say kick the fool out of the state, and exhile his butt to Iraq!!!!!!!!!!

• February 13, 2008

  12:12 p.m.

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  Devil_Dog writes:

  All he had to do was push a button? Perhaps he'd like to explain to me why he thinks it is a waste of his time to honor the very people that have made it possible for him to live in a country that has elected officials. I don't really care about the "kicking incident" (two fools acting like fools as I see it) but this is outrageously stupid. Mr. Bruce please come visit me at my home, I'd like to show you how to kick someone for real. (purely as an educational tool, I assure you) Oh never mind, as teaching an ASS how to kick is a waste of MY time!

• February 13, 2008

  12:12 p.m.

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  RickyLee writes:

  WOW.

  As a vet,(Germany, 1985-1987)
  a brother of a vet,(AFA grad, F-16 pilot, Colonel, still active)
  and grandson of a vet,(B-17 pilot over Nazi Germany)
  I'm disgusted.

• February 13, 2008

  12:17 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  fiesty writes:

  Bruce supports other "ceremonial" resolutions like MLK, but can't support one for our military and veterans? Bruce yells out "are you happy now" like an immature brat? Bruce kicking a photographer? WHY is this man still there? What is his issue?

  As a severely disabled veteran, I am completely appalled and disgusted.

• February 13, 2008

  12:19 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  gs writes:

  Could the people who appointed Rep. Bruce please discuss their thinking in public? I'd like to know. Could the RMN name them publicly (again) and give them the opportunity to respond? I think their friends and neighbors would like to know who they are. I hear that in China when someone screws up bad their neighbors gather outside their house and glare at them for some period of time. Perhaps the people of Colorado Springs would like to adopt this cultural trait. It seems appropriate treatment for the people that appointed Rep. Bruce.

• February 13, 2008

  12:28 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Diff writes:

  All the States Vets should line and up ...
  and Kick him!
  What a complete A**hole jerk!
  Hey Dougie: Your a Fumb Duck!
  GET OUT of the State and stop embarrassing yourself and the Good People of Colorado!

• February 13, 2008

  12:30 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  denverinfidel writes:

  I always liked the guy because I thought he was a principled anti-tax advocate. Low and behold, he's just a jackass. Perception matters, especially in politics, and to see a republican doing something this stupid is pretty shocking.

  The people who voted him in need to fix it - quickly.

• February 13, 2008

  12:32 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  jackwoehr writes:

  He's a wascally wabbit, that Rep. Bruce is.

• February 13, 2008

  12:54 p.m.

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  benn writes:

  The story that keeps on giving... Douglas Bruce...haha

• February 13, 2008

  1:01 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Kslayer writes:

  He is just an attention getter! we are playing right into his hands. He is loving every second of this. What a sad excuse for a humen. Reap what you so Bruce.

• February 13, 2008

  1:02 p.m.

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  Kslayer writes:

  I ment Human, or should I say dog.

• February 13, 2008

  1:03 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  EZBakeOven writes:

  Maybe Bruce is just mentally ill?

• February 13, 2008

  1:05 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  JustSayin writes:

  How many of you thought this guy was the closest thing to reagan and god when you were voting for TABOR? He has ALWAYS been a hateful and despicable libertarian who's wanted to cripple and dismantle government. Glad some of you woke up, at least for a day or so....

• February 13, 2008

  1:12 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  BirdonaWire writes:

  Love this guy!! Thanks C. Springs, you guys keep producing some top notch characters.

• February 13, 2008

  1:13 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  DougH writes:

  Now Colorado gets to really see the man who brought us TABOR. Maybe people will now understand what a whacky anti-people amendment this really is. Tabor is not about controlling government, it is about ending it.
  It is time to end TABOR

• February 13, 2008

  1:31 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Tbone writes:

  Wow!

  Something we can all agree on!

  Kumbaya!!!

• February 13, 2008

  1:48 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  RickyLee writes:

  I don't mind TABOR a bit.
  The government works for THE PEOPLE. TABOR seems to be the only way THE PEOPLE can reign in out-of-control taxation by the government. That's why the gov. and dems dont't like it.

• February 13, 2008

  2:07 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  MrCrush writes:

  Are you sure Bruce isn't a representative from Boulder? They would love him.

• February 13, 2008

  2:08 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  denverinfidel writes:

  Everyone on here railing about TABOR would love it if it could stop politicians from starting wars? Or handing out tax cuts to "the rich", right?

  TABOR works. Its limited gov't at its finest, which is why socialists hate it. All the more reason to support it.

  So Bruce is a quack; TABOR is still great. Just imagine how great the federal gov't would be with something similar.

• February 13, 2008

  2:15 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  robert29b writes:

  What a poor excuse for a human being.

  My father in law (Navy - Vietnam) deceased
  My grandfather (Army - WWII)deceased
  My father (Army - 23 years) Retired
  My uncle (Army - Vietnam) honorable discharge
  My uncle (Army - Vietnam) honorable discharge
  My uncle (Marine - Korea) honorable discharge
  My brother (Army - 20 years) Active

  Douglas Bruce has just told them he doesn't care about what they gave to our country. I wish he could be in a room with them and explain his actions to their faces...

• February 13, 2008

  2:16 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  anteup writes:

  rsanchez says he's (Bruce) the best thing to happen to the Democratic Party in a long time, MAYBE he is a dem in disguise trying to make the rep's look bad. He sure as hell isn't a rep if he can treat our vets that way (come to think of it I don't think a dem would be that dumb either). I cannot believe they actually put this guy in office, it had to be a joke that went awry, colo spgs can't be that stupid... can they?

• February 13, 2008

  2:21 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Spencer writes:

  Bruce is a uniter. Everyone agrees that he is a stooge.

• February 13, 2008

  2:38 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  AC writes:

  anteup, are you joking? Repubs have treated vets this way for a long time. That's why so many of the vets now serving in Congress are Dems.

• February 13, 2008

  2:38 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  cathaoir writes:

  Let him serve a tour in Iraq and see if he changes his mind...

• February 13, 2008

  2:56 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  PajamaPulitzer writes:

  Limited guvment is a great ideal but 10 bucks worth of paper and ink to honor men and women who offer their blood so that perfect strangers can be free is something any one should support. Hey Bruce, DLTDHYOTWO!

• February 13, 2008

  3:17 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Rhett writes:

  I have applaud Bruce's efforts to keep government under control. But I'm now realizing that he's lost it and has become an embarrassment. Bruce and Churchill - see any similarities? Dump him before he causes us (Republicans) further harm.

• February 13, 2008

  3:58 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  reddog writes:

  Get rid of this freakin idiot. All he does is collect tax payers money to make a mockery of everything. I think he needs some kind of anger management class. I've never seen a bigger public idiot in office. Send him to battle, the cry baby wouldn't last 10 minutes.

• February 13, 2008

  4:15 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  AC writes:

  Imagine a whole chamber filled with people like Doug. Or two chambers and the governor's office! Vote libertarian if you like this kind of circus.

• February 13, 2008

  4:19 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  GWM writes:

  AC:

  "Repubs have treated vets this way for a long time."

  Could you give us some examples?

• February 13, 2008

  4:23 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  AC writes:

  The biggest: Bush

• February 13, 2008

  4:29 p.m.

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  Houstongolfnut writes:

  The people who elected this nutroot must be beaming with pride now.

• February 13, 2008

  5:02 p.m.

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  JustSayin writes:

  ^^ Someone who obviously has not been following recent events. :)

• February 13, 2008

  5:30 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  becket writes:

  RickyLee, how can you call yourself a "vet". Germany 1985-87, no war, moron. What were you a vet of, Octoberfest?

• February 13, 2008

  5:48 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  GWM writes:

  AC,

  "The biggest: Bush."

  That does not tell me anything. How has "Bush" (I assume you mean Geo. W.) treated vets like the jerk in this article? Please be specific.

• February 13, 2008

  5:51 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  dnvrflier writes:

  becket,

  Your ignorance is showing. To be a "vet"/veteran is a matter of having served in some branch of the military. I am a Vietnam-era vet as I served during the Vietnam war but on this side of the Pacific, not in the war zone. There are many thousands of men and women that have served during peace time who carry that very honored distinction of being a veteran of our armed forces.

  Obviously, you aren't one of us. In the case of Ricky Lee, he served in Germany during a very hostile period in history. Serving in Germany meant he would be one of the first in action if the Soviets had decided to escalate the tensions.

  Signed,
  Proud Veteran!

• February 13, 2008

  6:07 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  AC writes:

  Your deserter-in-chief consistently opposes improvements in veterans' benefits. I'd say that's actually a worse offense than merely not voting on a memorial resoltuion of thanks.

• February 13, 2008

  6:11 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  GWM writes:

  becket, you are a stupid a$$ and moron. It is people like you that we vets have to fight for, but don't relish.

• February 13, 2008

  6:13 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  gozipgo writes:

  In the words of American Idol’s William Hung. “He bangs, he bangs.” Some people have to be the center of attention no matter how embarrassing.

• February 13, 2008

  6:31 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  GWM writes:

  gozipgo, you should have addressed your comments to becket. I doubt very much he is smart enough to figure that out.

• February 13, 2008

  6:33 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  GWM writes:

  btw, rickylee, thank your for your service.

• February 13, 2008

  6:34 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  oldman01 writes:

  Douglas Bruce in the short time you have been in the house you have shown the type of scum bag you really are. You really dont care about the people that you supposedly represent. Does any one remember this slum lord. How loudly he cried when he was put in jail for not taking care of his properties which looked like crap and still do but still wants to rent to anyonw who will give him a dollar. His property are so crappy he wont even spend a night in them. When Republcans cant even police their own i think its time to switch parties. Im sure thinking real hard about it. BRUCE YOU ARE A TOTAL SLIMY SCUM BAG.

• February 13, 2008

  6:44 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  GWM writes:

  AC, I am through with you. I put you in the same moron category as becket and he has pi$$ed me off along with you. I assume you are not a citizen of the US since you call Bush MY commander-in-chief. Please go leave the US if you don't like it and live where ever Alec Baldwin went. Please take Jane Fonda,Susan Sarandon, and Rosie with you.

• February 13, 2008

  7:09 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Jim writes:

  Jimmy buffett had Bruce in mind when he sang this song.
  http://youtube.com/watch?v=85gO8XLb4u...

• February 13, 2008

  7:54 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Hank writes:

  >>>I assume you are not a citizen of the US since you call Bush MY commander-in-chief. Please go leave the US if you don't like it and live where ever Alec Baldwin went. Please take Jane Fonda,Susan Sarandon, and Rosie with you.<<<

  And take Ollie "not my Commander-in-Chief" North too

• February 13, 2008

  8:30 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Frank25 writes:

  Bruce is abrasive and opinionated, but he is not a hypocrite. H.R. 1078 has been read twice, and after next reading, will go to Senate for their actions. This bill is to restore almost $3.0 million to Veterans Trust Fund that was hi-jacked in 2002 to balance state budget. Chairman JBC introduced bill to restore the principle amount taken, but Rep. Douglas offered amendment to also restore the $600,000 of interest that should have been earned during 6 year period. I THANK HIM FOR THAT. Many of the same legislators who met with veterans today at Capitol for program in House, voted for the "identity theft" of those funds in 2002, but is it not hypocritical for them? I think so. Quote by Rep. Douglas in paper was that as a past prosecutor, he always believed the criminal should pay restitution in full, PLUS INTEREST and state was not entitled to a free loan. Before piling on, you might give him some slack. Also U.S. House allows vote of Yes, No, or Present. Why do we need more conflict? Have we not had enough this year, with resignation of the Representative of my District?

• February 13, 2008

  8:40 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  dadio161 writes:

  Doug Bruce, Do you enjoy the freedom to be the pompuss jerk that you are?, thank a VET !

• February 13, 2008

  9:17 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  PMSXpress writes:

  Thank you to ALL of the vets that have served our country.

• February 13, 2008

  9:44 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Downey1967 writes:

  Someone should go down to the Capitol building and confront this pompass jerk. Spit in his face just for good measure! Or dump a bucket of manure on this piece of chit!

• February 13, 2008

  9:45 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  AC writes:

  GWM: Like I care what you think? You're obviously not a very thoughtful person, and I don't really care if the truth pisses you off. Your boneheaded goodbye statements betray you as a ditto-head type who worships at the altar of the AWOL clowns who sold this country out and sent boys to die in service that they themselves ducked. We call them chicken hawks. And I note your lack of reading comprehension. I didn't say Bush was your commander in chief, not mine; I said "your deserter-in-chief" meaning you obviously like that incompetent boob. I have more love for this nation than you pseudo patriots and I grieve for the mess he's made of it. Let's hope the big change that's coming can turn this ship around.

  Bye.

• February 13, 2008

  9:58 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Lowtaxequalsfreedom writes:

  It's not like Bruce sponsored a bill to disrespect military.

  When did America become a land where people like Bruce cannot have their own opinion? Land of the free my ass.

• February 13, 2008

  10:03 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Retread writes:

  I don't know the paticulars of this bill, therefore cannot judge Bruces actions. We do have Veterans day, why do we need a resolution for another day of appreciation? If we were all true patriots we would honor our vets EVERYDAY, we do not need a damned resolution to do it! Go visit a veterans hospitial, get involved with helping deployed soldiers familys, voluteer your time, not a attitude. If he wants to be a jerk, thats his right, I fought for it, and would again...
  Signed Nam vet 68-70

• February 13, 2008

  11:19 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  mlr writes:

  <I believe military service is in conflict with the Mormon doctrines or their cult beliefs.>
  in response to lcdrjjxant:
  the mormon web site, www.lds.org, has the following information under the topic "war": "Latter-day Saints in the military do not need to feel torn between their country and their God. In the Church, “we believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (Articles of Faith 1:12). Military service shows dedication to this principle."
  how did you manage to go from douglas bruce to mormons, anyway?

• February 13, 2008

  11:38 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  R8R_H8R writes:

  He's right, Congress wastes an absolutely sick! amount of time doing ridiculous things. They do a whole lot of nothing, day after day, week after week, year after year. And what about the photographer? Slithering around like a snake bothering people, photographing them during prayer? Hello? Hold still, shut up, wait til prayer is over. HeLL, I'm an athiest, (honestly) and I have more respect for the ceremony (prayer) than seemingly everybody else, who should be crucifying the nimrod photographer with no respect.

• February 13, 2008

  11:55 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  hakj writes:

  I'm a VET and I'm gladd he turned it down. We've already got a veterans day, a pearl harbor day, a memorial day, and 4th of july. How many more time, how many more days do we need to celebrate veterans? Me? Yeah I fly my falg on those days. But for me? The best veterans day is 4th of July where we fought for our freedom. And still on occasion fight for our freedom directly or indirectly on our shores or on the shores of another country.

  I don't particularly like Bruce but I too would have voted this one down.

• February 14, 2008

  7:10 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  ironlace writes:

  Mr. Bruce is just another example of a Represenative who has no idea what the people represents stand for or believe. He'll end up in Washington behaving worse than he is now.

• February 14, 2008

  7:24 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Radar writes:

  I've reading about this moron from Springs, and i would relish the idea of sending him to do a tour in Iraq, then on his return home ride with the troops that are coming home injured, and have him look those brothers/ sisters in the eyes, and tell them that they are not appreciated. Those of us that are Vets have preserved freedom of speech, and we many of our friends in arms that have paid the ultimate price for it. nothing says that we have to agree or like what is said. we just don't imprision them or exicute them for what they said, like in some countries do today. I'm Retired AF

• February 14, 2008

  8:29 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  ColoNative writes:

  How about if we move Babe, the blue ass from DIA and place it in Bruce's yard?

• February 14, 2008

  8:47 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  kathyM writes:

  This idiot has also insulted the vets in my family:

  My father, USAF
  My grandfather, USN, CG/Merchant Marine; WWI AND WWII (Pacific)
  FOUR uncles, ARMY; Korea and Vietnam
  My stepfather, USN; WWII (Pacific)
  My cousin, USMC
  My cousin, ARMY; a doctor caring for Iraq vets at Walter Reed
  My brother-in-law, ARMY; a nurse also caring for Iraq vets

  If Bruce can't do so little as to thank our vets, then he deserves all the derision he's getting. And hopefully he'll be ousted before the term ends.

• February 14, 2008

  8:57 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  AC writes:

  lowtax: No one is saying Bruce isn't free to have any opinion he wants or to act on it. You're confused. *We* have the freedom too to have our opinions on Bruce's activities. See how that works? Why are you interested in restricting our freedoms? Personally I enjoy watching Bruce embarrass himself and his party and I hope he keeps doing it. His freedom to have his opinions does not come with a guarantee of immunity from us reacting to it!

• February 14, 2008

  9:59 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Sandy_S writes:

  To hakj and retread: I think the reason the General Assembly has its own military appreciation day is because the General Assembly is NOT in session on Memorial Day, the 4th of July or Veteran's Day. They have NO opportunity to celebrate and honor our veterans who have risked life and limb for their country.

  To hakj and retread, thank you for your service. It's more than you will get from Doug Bruce (who has an AFB in his district).

• February 14, 2008

  11:26 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  hakj writes:

  Posted by Sandy_S on February 14, 2008 at 9:59 a.m.

  To hakj and retread: I think the reason the General Assembly has its own military appreciation day is because the General Assembly is NOT in session on Memorial Day, the 4th of July or Veteran's Day. They have NO opportunity to celebrate and honor our veterans who have risked life and limb for their country.

  Interesting point. I still don't think it is warrented though. They can celebrate with the rest or choose not to. After all, the right NOT to honor veterans was also a right fought for over 200 years ago.

• February 16, 2008

  11:31 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  kathyM writes:

  Bruce is a REPRESENTATIVE, meaning he has a duty to speak on behalf of (NOT for) his constituents. I will take a wild guess that Colorado Springs has some residents who appreciate and favor a public recognition of veterans.

  Bruce thinks his job is to represent Bruce. For that reason alone, I can't wait to see him tossed out on his ear.