The Honorable Ike Skelton's Speech Before the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, July 28, 2004

BOSTON, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of The Honorable Ike Skelton's speech before the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, July 28, 2004:

These are challenging and difficult times for our country. But we will overcome them because we have the greatest treasure in the world. Our treasure is the young soldier standing on the front lines. Many of them are from my state of Missouri, and I am so proud of them.

I want to say something to that soldier: I want you to know that we Democrats stand by you and for all uniformed Americans. You make us so very, very proud.

Supporting the troops is more than a bumper sticker. Supporting the troops means giving them the best possible leadership, and the finest training and equipment so they can do their duty. So how do we support the troops who are so important to our national security? First, look at the man leading us into November. John Kerry has the kind of military record any American would envy. He has more defense knowledge and experience than almost any president since Eisenhower. Democrats can be confident following the flag on defense when he's carrying it.

Second, John Kerry has a tremendous opportunity to advocate a responsible defense, geared toward preserving the alliances that bring America so much strength in the world, and to focus on the real threats we face.

We support having a strong military. And we support using it. But we oppose squandering it.

For us, the priority is the people. We stand foursquare with the soldiers. They are the key to the war on terrorism, more than any doctrine or system. Yet the most people intensive services -- the Army and the Marine Corps -- are last in line for funding from this Defense Department. Any of us can legitimately ask why.

And, we should ask why, not just because most of these personnel come from Democratic areas -- which they do -- but because no system can do its job if the people who run it aren't well-fed, well-housed, well cared for. That's why last week, we fought to provide 24,000 military families with privatized housing. Our efforts were defeated, but we will continue to fight.

Democrats are no strangers to the military. In Congress, we all know the names of Bob Kerrey, Daniel Inouye, Charlie Rangel, Jack Murtha, John Kerry, Lane Evans, Leonard Boswell, Vic Snyder, Silvestre Reyes, Jim Marshall, and others, because we work with them. But millions of other Democrats have served with valor and distinction.

In a foxhole, there are no political parties. It is a mistake to assume that military votes are Republican votes. The bulk of the enlisted military comes from the inner cities and rural areas that form the Democratic core. Military personnel don't like being used as props for political purposes.

We need to honor their service. Don't deploy them wantonly; give them the compensation, recognition, and tools they need. And, above all don't patronize them. By attending to the real interests and needs of military people and their families, and not waving them like a flag, Democrats will both do right and do well.

God bless.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

CONTACT:  Peggy Wilhide of the Democratic National Convention Committee,
+1-617-366-3100

Web site:  http://www.dems2004.org/