Sep 14, 2006 2 min read

I laughed out loud when I read state Rep. Bill DeWeese’s explanation for why he held a World War II veteran’s recognition ceremony in August, a scant 90 days before his re-election bid. He stated that he wanted to hold this ceremony now, rather than later, because these men and women are “reaching their twilight years,” implying that there was not a minute of time to spare.

He also said that Veteran’s Day, which would have been the appropriate time to do this, is reserved for “local ceremonies,” which he did not wish to disturb.

Who does he think he is kidding? I am a veteran and I know what a real medal looks like. This was a campaign event at taxpayers’ expense. He handed out medallions with his name on them to these veterans thinking that no one would challenge this bad behavior because it involved our American heroes.

Medallions with his name on them? In my family, we call that a campaign button.

I guess this scheme backfired on him, because I have talked to dozens of people who are very upset by what he did. They probably won’t send letters to the editor like Colonel Drach did, but they are thinking exactly what she wrote.

DeWeese can take this criticism as “a personal offense,” as he stated, if he wants to.

Frankly, I hope he is greatly disturbed by all of the negative press he is getting because of what he did.

Maybe if he loses some sleep over it, he will come to realize just how bad his behavior was.

The only “twilight” that needs to be observed in the 50 District is the twilight of Bill DeWeese’s career.

How stupid does he think we are?

Jim Gandy

Graysville