Pickets and demonstrations are normal in front of the White House.
But, it was an unusual sight to see a uniformed, active Army Colonel picket in front of the White House leading his family in the demonstration.
Chaplin T. Daggett, a father of 12, carried a picket sign along with his wife and several of their children. Chaplin Dagget wants to speak privately with the First Couple “without filters”.
Chaplin Daggett did not want to discuss his health issues as he held a sign that read, “I am dying Mr. President.” He would only wants to discuss his illness with President Obama.
Below is the press release of the march that took place Friday morning.
Beginning Sunday, March 01, 2009 0900 hours
On the Sidewalk just in front of the Whitehouse
Pennsylvania Avenue
A coalition of Military Families will lead the first historical demonstration of the new administration in support of Military Families, and the new Commander In Chief-President Obama, on the sidewalk directly in front of the Whitehouse. Military Families will host a press conference held at the same location on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 @1000 hours; to emphasize the effect of past policies of choosing “retaliation over justice”; and, highlight the way forward in protecting American military families that were severely impacted by such policies.
A few senior military leaders bought into such policies tarnishing the stellar image of our great armed forces, giving us GITMO and Abu Ghraib. However, in some cases similar atrocities were carried out against our own American soldiers at the direction of a few US senior army officials, who sought to take advantage of the trend of “retaliation over justice”. Some American soldiers were intentionally infected with disease during the course of their army medical physicals, as retaliation for standing against the “good old boy” system. In one instance reported to Congress and the FBI, army doctor Major Dwain Seade, carried out senior military officials orders and infected a soldier during his army physical as retribution for the soldier’s use of his chain of command for relief.
Therefore, Military Families for Military Change is gathering to support the new direction of our Commander In Chief, as he brings to an end the practice of abuse of prisoners as well as American soldiers who chose to stand against policies of “retaliation over justice”. Military Families do not want their loved ones forced into such ethical dilemmas, based on the whims of a few,-in violation of human decency. Military Families have paid a heavy price during the course of both wars, but they continue to stand ready, willing, and able to support the President and their Country as the nation moves forward wisely in Afghanistan; while prudently bringing the actions in Iraq to a culmination that the American people can and will be made proud.
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