NEIL CAVUTO: CUT BLUMENTHAL A BREAK--NOT A CHANCE

On Tuesday, Neil, you completely caught me off guard with your closing segment "Common Sense." It was anything but common sense; it was disappointing and somewhat shocking, because I couldn't believe what you just said. (correction: Neil's comments were made on Wednesday)

I speak of the Blumenthal segment where you insisted on cutting him a break for saying he served in Viet Nam when he didn't. Your argument for this was a stretch, weak at best. Then you closed with this parting shot at those of us who were upset with Blumenthal:

"Get him on issues that matter, for God's sake; not nonsense like this that does not." --Read the whole piece.

Nonsense? The issue doesn't matter? Neil, you couldn't be more wrong if you tried. In fact, we expect this rhetoric from the likes of Code Pink, Jane Fonda or John Kerry, but not you.

Blumenthal just happens to be a politician, and I'm sure there are those who want to use this issue to bring him down. That's politics. When non-politicians who've never served in VN say they did--and there are many--they are exposed just the same and always will be. Whether he lied or simply misspoke on several occasions, an apology is the honorable thing. The only thing. By not apologizing, he placed his true character on display. And to be honest, Neil, at this point it's too late for Blumenthal to rescue his character. Trust me.

As for you, Neil, I'm "cutting" you a break on this one, because I don't think you were ever in the military. So, you wouldn't be able to fully understand the bonds that are created and sustained over a lifetime within the family of vets, especially combat vets. It's a bond stronger than any steel known to man. It's a sacred thing.

Joe Galloway has experienced the Hell and horrors that comes with combat. In his experience, though, they didn't refer to it as Hell; they just called it The Valley of Death.

Watch the video below where he explains the relationship between combat vets. Pay particular attention to phrases like "What a blood brotherhood this is--unending, unending, it just goes on." And, "Soldiers have a different heart, a very special heart... a willingness to give of yourself even unto death." Or, "They had to do it. Not by orders, but by the orders of their own heart." In the video, Major Bruce Crandell (MOH) and Major Ed Freeman(MOH) will teach you even more:

After seeing that video you should have a better understanding of why the Blumenthal issue is not "nonsense." But if you don't, try reading Joe Galloway's Memorial Tribute to Ed "Too Tall" Freeman from a couple years ago:

By Joseph L. Galloway McClatchy Newspapers

For the better part of 60 years, two old Army pilots who loved each other argued over many a meal and drink as to which of them was the second best pilot in the world.

The two shared the cockpits of old Beaver prop planes and Huey helicopters; they shared rooms in military hooches all over the world; they shared a love of practical and impractical jokes and they shared an undying love of flying and soldiers and the Army.

They also shared membership in a very small and revered fraternity of fewer than 105 men who are entitled to wear around their necks the light blue ribbon and gold pointed star that is the Medal of Honor, America’s highest decoration for heroism above and beyond the call of duty.--Continue reading.

If you're not there yet, Neil, I found this comment when I signed Ed Freeman's Guest Book:

August 22, 2008

To Ed's Family and Friends...I'm one of those that he and Bruce (Snake)carried out of LZ Xray on 15 Nov. 65. I was listed in the book, "We Were Soldiers Once and Young" as triaged, unlikely to survive. I went on to become a fixed wing and helicopter pilot, like Ed. I've lived to see my children grown and grandchildren as well. Many Thanks, Too Tall for 40+ additional years of life. You'll be missed.

Garry Owen, Sir!

Wild Bill FranklinHotwire 3/63rd Platoon Leader, Co. C 1/7thLZ Xray 1965
~
William W. Franklin,
Melbourne, Florida

Because of men like Crandell, Freeman and an outstanding medic, Mr. Franklin was able to see his children and grandchildren grow up. Think about that for a moment. Let it sink in. There are no words to describe the bond, the brotherhood that was forged on that day, for all days.

Nonsense? Even you don't think so, Neil.

See you Thursday at 4 eastern.

***