http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills info@washingtonwatch.com http://www.pjdoland.com/chai/?v=0.1 http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#143134 Why should we act like a bunch of Skid Row Bowery bums about this bonus.Think of the thousands of dead soldiers,Navy sailors and Marines who were killed during the war,we had it easy even if we did have to sleep with our clothes and shoes on.... 143134@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:23:08 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#136010 One thing made WW11 merchant marine diferent WE HAD NO DRAFTEES WE didn't join because we had to.WE VOLUNTEERED... 136010@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:53:42 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#135405 Senator Webb of Virginia is also a member of the veterans affairs committee, and thru the years has been active during obstruction of MM recognition. Will not or has not co sposored SS 663 He recently was active and sucessfully promoting legislation that rightfully benefited his son. Veterans organizations that have opposed MM legislation have stated they would rather see the money go to their own members.... 135405@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:41:50 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#133791 My father also has Honorable Discharge papers from the Coast Guard. He was trained at Sheepshead Bay and they were told that if they deserted they would be executed - they were under the same disciplinary regulations as the navy and other branches of the military. He went to a Navy recruiting station to enlist at age 17 and was told the need was greater for the MM so they sent him there. That happened to a lot of young men during that time. His cousin went in the army and they both went to college when they got out - his cousin went on the GI bill and my dad worked at a box factory all through college. he had no GI benefits. His cousin gets medical treatment at the VA, my dad is not eligible. The other branches of the military do not like the idea that the MM will get a benefit they can't get - but they forget that they already received the benefits - when they were young and had many years to enjoy them!... 133791@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:29:20 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#130768 Senator Akaka has been urged by veterans organizations not to release S-663 from his committee. The reason, we are not recoginized by these veteran organizations as veterans. I beg to differ with them. I was issued an HONORABLE DISCHARGE from the US Coast Guard for my service in the merchanr Marine from Dec. 7, 1941 until August, 1945. Our country did recognize us as veterans who served their country during armed conflict. My message to Senator Akaka, recognize the Merchant Mariners in the same manner as you recognize Filipino scouts, who also served our country during armed conflict. PASS S-663... 130768@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:53:50 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#130480 My Dad is anxiously awaiting legislation to be passed. He served both Atlantic Pacific. He's 87. Do it in his lifetime.... 130480@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:06:39 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#123342 These brave men entered combat the second their ships slipped their moorings in America. Why delay honoring these heroes another day? Say "yes we can" and thank you to our veteran mriners.... 123342@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:03:11 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#122881 I served 1943 to 1945 in the Atlantic and saw ships go down and men also. I am a lucky.I am 82 years old and hope I can get some support before I die.I sailed on 3 Liberty ships and one coal coaller.6... 122881@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:34:09 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#90815 As of today,we have 43 co-sponsers of S663. Of these, 5 are on the Veteran Affairs committee which has a total of 15 members. The other ten members are Senators Akaka,Rockefeller,Webb,Tester,Burris Sanders Burr,Isakson,Wicker and Graham. Google "Senate Veterans Affairs Committee" and you will get their E-Mail addresses. Even though we may not be their constituants, it could help.... 90815@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:08:53 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#86595 I understand that the bill S662 is in senate for consideration...it states on senate site that registration for eligible mariners must be submitted befor oct 1 1990.where do we get application?... 86595@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:07:36 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#84328 In May 1944,the US Maritime Service recruited SIXTEEN year olds for service in the Merchant Marine. The kids dropped out of school; delivered the war supplies and fought off the enemy. At the end of the war-no help to return to school. They were only were given a CERTICATE exempting them from the Draft. Ha, ha, in 1950, they were called to the Draft Boards and told "Pack your bag and get ready to serve again in the Korean War. The Certificate was for the 1941 Draft. This is 1950 and a new Draft Law. Shame on somebody... 84328@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:49:43 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#75873 We can better understand why this measure won't pass is probably because there is nothing in it for the opposing senators.There are no votes to be gained for them by backing it;there are no kick-backs,no lobbyists to piece them off.You appeal to their sense of justice?Justice for these grommets is something they can put in the bank or some material equivalent.A welfare mother can get $1500 a month or more if she has enough kids without daddies in sight.1942 is gone and done with,might as well just forget about it.... 75873@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:03:13 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#74181 It amazes me that Senator Akaka opposes this bill and is blocking it in Committee. This is the same Senator that worked the floor of the Senate to keep the WWII Filipino Veteran Equity Act attached to the stimulus package. Why is it that he honors the service of the Filipino Scouts that fought alongside the U.S. Army to defend their country, but they he doesn't extend the same amount of respect to our American WWII Mariners who fought for OUR country? Please call Senator Sanders(VT) and Senator Tester(MT), members on the Committee and ask them to be cosponsors on Senate Bill 663. We have 42 cosponsors now and 5 are on the Vet Committee. We need 8 on the Committee. Both of these Senators have been cosponsors in the past. Capital switchboard is 202-224-3121 or 202-225-3121. Ask your friend, neighbor, church member to make a call. Send a message to our Senators that it is time for them to let this bill come to the floor and pass it before we lose anymore of our Mariners.... 74181@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:30:12 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#69217 Even Canada gave rheir WW11 mariners some compensation. What is wrong with our country? I don't need the money now but it ssure would have helped when i was trying to keep a job and pay for my own education.The G I bill would have sure helped... 69217@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:36:44 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#69137 I just read through the Senate Veteran's Affairs Committee Hearing on this bill and did not see any advocates in favor of it. The VA opposed it as did the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Amvets took no position. What next?... 69137@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:36:44 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#68884 Let's face it,Senators like Akaka,Burr,and Isakson and the other grommets who are against the bill now will still be against it 5 years from now when half of us are no longer around.Massachusetts gives a flat $500 to merchant marine veterans(from MA)That's exactly 4 times as much as the bonus we got for an air raid in a foreign port.Ain't that special?... 68884@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:28:51 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#67680 News papers and recruiting centers said ( your country needs you) I went and then was treated like a deserter by my government I'm 83 and have never begged and won't start now. Senators let your conscience be your guide.... 67680@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 19 Sep 2009 14:40:01 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#67453 I understand that we now have 40 co sponsors now for S663. I have looked at the list and I see quite a few Senators that voted for last year bill that have not signed this year including my Senator Bill Nelson of Florida. I thank all the help that we have got from the House and Senate so far, and I still keep writing but I have found that if you are not in their state you will probably not get any reply. X Seaman must take the time to write their senator. If this does not pass this session I probably will never receive anything. Now 83. Calm waters.... 67453@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:18:07 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#66158 There are 15 members on the Veteran Affairs Committee,5 of whom are co-sponsers of this bill. What is needed to get this through? Can one man stop it? If it's a simple majority,it seems like we should have a good chance.... 66158@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 12 Sep 2009 13:36:06 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#65725 The Republicans are fighting S.663 In The Veterans affairs, Senators Richard Burr (R)NC and Jonny Isakson (R)GA have never cosponsered S.663. Burr will not alow S.663 out of Commitee. Both are up for reelection in 2011 so lets get behind their Rivals to vote them out of office.... 65725@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:32:12 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#65522 To all WWII Merchant Marines who gave up their youth at the ages of 15, 16 and 17 and 4F. We sailed the oceans to deiver gas, food,supplies and troops. We all did a good job but now the government will not recognize after 63 years. Why can't the Senate get together and pass Bill No. S663. Please let me know what the status is of this bill and if it will be entered into the next session. Thank you.... 65522@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 07 Sep 2009 19:18:42 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#65337 As it has been said, "The years go by quicker than you think." I left school in 1944 at age 16 to go to sea in the WW II Merchant Marine. I'm now 82- and I'm one of the youngest. Isn't it time to say THANK YOU?... 65337@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:19:12 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#65335 Put a stop to the rumors. I suggest that those who are not familar with the pay scale of the WW II Merchant Mariners, visit the Horodysky family Web Site at usmm.org. It offers a fair and honest comparison of the WW II Merchant Mariners and the other services... 65335@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:13:02 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#65194 Remember the silly little merchant marine anthem that had a parody like "Give us the bonus and we'll deliver"So now there's nothing left to deliver,so where's the bonus? Seriously I bet it would take another year after this thing made it through Congress before the first checks were mailed out.Better chances on the lottery.Ever see any U-boat veterans?I did once in Casablanca in Sept.1943,they were P.O.W.s,all small guys and real young.I wonder if they get a bonus from the German government.... 65194@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:46:21 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_SN_663.html#65102 The greater the injustice, the longer it takes to set right. Congress inaction on S663 is deplorable. The US Government owes this and more to those WWII Merchant Marines who served their county. In 1941 Pres FDR took to the airwaves and pleaded for volunteers to do what the government and he could not order done , and these boys did not hesitate., and because of their service in convoys classified as suicide runs, sailing without ports or safe havens in months leading to Normandy & D-day Americans were free to brave another day. Some Senators simply just don't get it. Any further delay with this is utterly shameful & nothing short of .... obstructionist. Ignorance of history is no excuse to continue this wrong. The Army, Navy Air Force Vets do not want the heroics of the Merchant Marine to come to light. For without the Merchant Marine, there was no way for US to win WWII, & since then men sail free. President Obama signed the 2009 National Maritime Day Proclamation. He must do more.... 65102@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:05:32 EDT