Calif. Dems Block July 4th Tribute to Vietnam Hero

Democrats usually turn livid over the slightest hint that their patriotism is being challenged. But the actions of California's Democrat-controlled state assembly this week have certainly given critics a lot of ammunition.

Republican Assemblyman Jay LaSuer of San Diego had arranged for Vietnam war hero Admiral Jeremiah Denton to come to California to be a part of a 4th of July ceremony held on the Assembly floor.

When his jailers discovered the ruse, Denton was tossed into solitary confinement for four years - half of his eight-year captivity. He became an admiral and was later elected to the U.S. Senate.

What could be better than a July 4th tribute to a true American hero like Denton?

If you're a California Assembly Democrat, the answer is - no tribute at all.

According to Golden State Assembly Republican John Campbell, "the Democratic leadership refused to allow [Denton] on the Assembly floor and there will be no 4th of July celebration."

A memo from the Democratic speaker's office cited "problems . . . with regards to the spirit, content and participation of various individuals with regard to the ceremony."

Campbell told the Sacramento Union that Assembly Democrats "didn't like the policies [Denton] supported as a United States Senator," especially on issues like the separation of church and state. "Therefore they would not allow him to be on the Assembly floor or to speak."

Informed of the outrageous stunt, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made his meeting room available last Monday for a ceremony with the Vietnam hero.

According to Campbell, "the room was overflowing with people. Only one elected Democrat was in attendance. A number of veterans of the last 4 wars were present."

Campbell continued: "Admiral Denton gave a very moving speech about the 4th of July and about the undeniable commitment of our founding fathers to their faith in God. He talked about how the war on terrorism may be the most difficult war we have yet fought. And he went on to say that he fears that partisan attacks on our mission and our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan sound too familiar to what he experienced in Vietnam."

After the ceremony, Gov. Schwarzenegger met with Admiral Denton privately.

Expressing his dismay at the disgraceful conduct of his Democratic colleagues, Campbell noted that the Assembly has hosted celebrations in the past for Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick's Day and Chinese New Year's.

"But never once have we celebrated America's Independence Day," he lamented.