Local News
9:54 p.m.: Obama campaign speaks to veterans
ANDERSON — People from Barack Obama’s presidential campaign toured Indiana on Tuesday to tout the candidate’s stance on veterans issues.
Bill Dooling, a retired lieutenant who served during the Vietnam War, stopped in Anderson to speak in support of Obama between similar events in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. About three dozen people saw Dooling speak in the gymnasium of United Auto Workers 663 Union Hall, 2840 S. Madison Ave.
Dooling, who is a veterans affairs adviser for the Illinois senator, said he first became a backer of Obama when he heard Obama speak at the 2004 Democratic convention. He compared the moment to meeting Bobby Kennedy roughly 40 years ago, and went on to compare Obama’s leadership skills to those of Alexander the Great, whom Dooling has read about.
“He would make a decision and he would lead,” Dooling said of Alexander, who ruled the kingdom of Macedon and conquered the Persian Empire in the 4th century B.C. “Barack has those same traits.”
Sen. John McCain, however, has used his background as a veteran and POW to unjustly gain the support of many veterans, Dooling said, and McCain’s voting record shows that he doesn’t support veterans issues.
“I think he’s been somewhat AWOL on the issues, and a soldier who goes AWOL puts himself over everything else,” Dooling said.
Steve Fesler, 63, agreed that McCain was not the best candidate for veterans. A veteran himself, Felser told Dooling that he has trouble convincing his friends that Obama is the better candidate.
“You can’t believe all the campaign speeches people make,” Fesler said.
Rep. Scott Reske, D-Pendleton, said during his introduction of Dooling that veterans issues have become an increasing concern at the state level because for the last eight years the Bush administration has not met its responsibilities. Reske, who chairs the state Veteran Affairs Commission, is also supporting Obama.
“The difference between the two candidates has come out when Obama was for the new G.I. Bill and McCain opposed it,” Reske said.
Bill Dooling is a retired lieutenant who served in Vietnam. He is a retired teacher and union organizer and a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army Security Agency. Since 2004, he has served on the Democratic National Committee’s Veterans and Military Families Council.
- Local News
-
-
Sheriff's office: Two dead in Pendleton murder-suicide
Preliminary reports from the Madison County Sheriff's office indicate that a murder-suicide occurred at around 5 a.m. Saturday at a diner in Pendleton.
-
Births: July 31
Recent births at area hospitals:
- What's Where for July 31
-
Man allegedly attacks other with machete
Police have arrested a man who allegedly cut a man with a machete Friday night during a fight on the southeast side of Anderson.
-
Man admits voyeurism, wants movie of his life
A California man arrested in Anderson for possession of child pornography said Friday that a movie should be made about him to reveal how technology has made voyeurism easier, the man said Friday.
-
Man allegedly pulls machete during fist fight
Police are questioning a man who was cut with a machete during a fight on the southeast side of Anderson and a suspect, according to Anderson Police Department Sgt. Shawn Richwine.
-
Wood leaving as ASO chief
After a year in the position, Nancy Wood has resigned as executive director of the Anderson Symphony Orchestra.
-
City, Hoosier Park announce Colts party site
Hoosier Park will be the location of the city’s official tailgating site during Colts camp, where fans will be able to catch a shuttle to and from camp and enjoy barbecue, stadium food, beer, entertainment and activities such as cornhole and volleyball games and surprise guests and events.
- Community briefs: July 30
-
Hoosier Park to host tailgate, Colts chaplain speaks, racing begins
Today, Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, along with the city of Anderson, will hold a press conference, announcing plans to make the racino the official site for Colts training camp tailgating, with shuttle service available. Plus, an interview with the Colts team chaplain, who will speak in Anderson on Sunday. Plus, the 16th season of thoroughbred racing gets under way today at Hoosier Park.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Sheriff's office: Two dead in Pendleton murder-suicide
