Interview: What’s Next For Gathering Of Eagles?

I just got off the phone with Larry Bailey, one of the prime organizers behind the successful turnout of the Gathering Of Eagles in Washington, D.C. last Saturday. Below are some of the questions I asked, to share with you. As you’ll see, Larry Bailey is both modest and determined, as are most veterans. There’s wide diversity among veterans on many issues, but there’s an irreducible core belief among the overwhelming majority against Cut-and-Run. It’s just not in our makeup.

During the 2004 campaign, none of the polling organizations surveyed veterans or Vietnam veterans. Wonder why? They didn’t want to hear the answer. Nonetheless, we made ourselves heard. We, without doubt, won the election. We will again. The MSM largely ignored or treated the GOE as an aside last Saturday. Nonetheless, we will be heard. We’re in every congressional district, we’re motivated, we’re speaking out, and will be involved with 2008, opposed to Cut-and-Run.

We’re slow to mobilize, but potent when we do, as the Vietnam Veterans Revolt of 2004 demonstrated. There’s much brewing among veterans to build on our efforts and connections forged during 2004 and with the Gathering Of Eagles, which will be forthcoming. For now, go to the Gathering Of Eagles website, and register to receive email updates.

Your military background?
27-year SEAL officer; tours in Vietnam, Dominican Republic. Stationed in Panama 2 years, Bolivia 2 years, Scotland 2 years. Commanded Navy SEAL school in Coronado, CA, for 3 years.


During Vietnam, were you aware of the protests?
ABSOLUTELY. Even "Stars and Stripes" highlighted anti-war activities.


How did they personally affect you, others with you, your mission?
Didn't affect any of my SEAL compadres, but it was easy to see that the protests would have an effect.


Why do this, when you can be enjoying retirement?
I AM enjoying retirement by doing this!!!


What started you on public politics?
Reading National Review when an ensign aboard a destroyer, but didn’t get active until the 2004 campaign to tell the truth about Kerry.


How did the Gathering of Eagles start?
In a telephone conversation between COL Harry Riley and me. We were commiserating about the fact that Janie Fonda was going to get another free pass to protest another (more-important) war, and we just agreed to try to do something about it. I called a friend, Kristinn Taylor, in DC, and asked if he would front for us (permitting, PR, etc.), and, when he agreed, Gathering of Eagles was underway. Then a gal in Tulsa, Kit Jarrell, volunteered to become our webmistress, and the GOE website was born. Her buddy, Heidi Thiess, of Houston, who blogs and runs an on-line radio show, came aboard, and we were off to the races.


Were you surprised by the turnout?
Yes and no. After our experience with the Kerry Lied Rally in '04 on Capitol Hill (only 5000 people showed), my expectations were modest. However, when certain indicators came into play (hotel reservations, chartered buses, background chatter, forums, blogs, etc.), I realized that something big was happening. None of us had any real idea how big it was going to be. I heard a credible estimate this morning of 40,000 people. They were all over the Mall--not just in the immediate rally area.


What was the best part of the GOE?
The coming together of so many heretofore voiceless veterans after 40 years and the camaraderie engendered by that coming together.


What efforts were made to alert the major media to the expected turnout for GOE?
A press conference at the National Press Club, Newswire notifications, e-mails, etc. Almost no pre-GOE reports showed up, and precious little afterward.


Why, then, do you think the major media and the anti-Iraq protestors were so surprised at the size of the veterans’ turnout?
Actually, I didn't pick up on any "surprise" on the media's part. They downplayed GOE's numbers and passion. The NYT said our people numbered in the hundreds, and I haven't read any MSM report that indicated that we had more people there than did ANSWER--not even the Washington Times.


Did any of the major media pay any more attention to the veterans than to passingly note their large presence?
No. I saw no evidence of personal interviews and the like.


What would you do different?
Self-immolate on the Capitol steps and have someone spray-paint me in the process.


What % of the 25-million vets do you think are for No Cut & Run?
75%, at least. Just a gut feeling, but...


The major media’s latest angle, to undermine support for the war against the terrorists who make war on us is to highlight the grave personal injuries of veterans and, in some cases, less than stellar care for them. What do these veterans really feel? Do they want pity? Do they continue to support US war efforts?
The whole Walter Reed "thing" is a media creation centered around Building 18, which IS a travesty, but, by and large, Walter Reed has been highly effective in treating Iraq War injured (and the rest of us, including me at one time).

America has many important interests in accomplishing a more benign Middle East, yet many of our national politicians and writers urge us to embrace defeat. Are they more invested in defeating Bush than in supporting Americans and America’s security interests?
Yes. Yes. Yes. No doubt about it.


Conservative bloggers formed the Victory Caucus last month, to oppose Republican senators who voted for the Democrats’ cut-and-run resolution. Do you foresee many veterans combining in some future political effort?
Yes.


What’s next?
GOE II at the Florida Vietnam Veterans Reunion in Melbourne the last weekend of April. All politicians who are opposed to Cut-and-Run are invited to join us for a beer.


What do you want readers to know, think about?
The consequences of pulling out of Iraq and of considering Muslims capable of participating in a secular, pluralistic society can occur.


Last words?
Veterans of America, unite! Become a potent political force.

Hope this helps, Bruce. I really enjoyed chatting with you.

Larry