SD U-T Editorial: Stress, duress and politics; Councilman Rudy Ramirez Defamatory Towards Navy Reserve Lt. McCann
August 09, 2009 at 9:30 PM
Union-Tribune Editorial
2:00 a.m. August 9, 2009
Online: For the full text of Myssie McCann's comments, go online to uniontrib.com/more/documents.
'I never asked to have the title of Navy wife, and I can tell you that I don't think I am anywhere close to deserving of that title... Navy spouses are the strength behind our military that enable them to do their jobs, which is what gives you your freedom of speech. But, it also gives me the freedom to respond and take back what you have attempted to steal from our family...'
– Myssie McCann
Whether yesterday's “Navy wife” or today's “military spouse,” more than terminology has changed. Today, reservists prized for their skills are called up one by one. They are “individual augmentees,” in military jargon, attached to units already on active duty. This deployment of individuals, as opposed to units, presents a huge challenge in building a support network for those who serve on the homefront. Yesteryear, there was an informal wives network that was a corresponding universe to every unit on deployment. Today, Fleet and Family Support Center San Diego must cobble together the modern equivalent.
One reservist's wife, just beginning the role of single parent for the duration of her husband's duty, stepped to the podium in the Chula Vista City Council chambers Tuesday night. She had an uncommon mission: Defending her husband, her family and her military from political defamation that had crossed the line of propriety.
Chula Vista Councilman and Navy Reservist John McCann was
called to active duty. He wants – and is entitled to – his elected job
back when he returns. At the previous meeting, Councilman Rudy Ramirez
had criticized the absent McCann from the dais, saying McCann was not
forthright in presenting his military orders, did not give the council
enough notice and was setting a “trust-me” precedent for city employees
to fake deployment dates to gain vacation time. In jest, he wondered if
McCann would collect his city car allowance.
Full Original Article:
Related Link:
http://chulavistacivicassociation.org/issues/ethics
Related Video:
