National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Today, March 29, is now officially “National Vietnam War Veterans Day.”

And as with so many things, it took an act of Congress to make it so.

But it was a bipartisan effort, for which – I suppose – we can be thankful. Especially given since the do-nothing GOP is now in control of Congress.

On February 3, Sen. Patrick Toomey (R-PA), sponsored S.305, and along with co-sponsor Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN), introduced the bill in the Senate, which was read twice, considered, read the third time, passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent, discharged by the Committee on the Judiciary, Passed/agreed to in the House by voice vote, and was signed into law by President Trump March 23, 2017. It is the 14th law Trump has signed since his inauguration.

From the date of introduction to passage, it could very well be one of the most rapidly-enacted pieces of legislation in Congressional history. Of course, THE shortest was likely 1 day, for H.J.Res.131: “Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2015, and for other purposes,” which was a government shutdown stopgap measure. Mysteriously, Congress gets rapidly active when their paychecks are imperiled.

As far as laws go, it’s a good law, because the Congressional Budget Office has declared it would cost nothing. When was the last time you ever read that?

And it’s a short law – another rarity in this day and age. In fact, there are only 90 words in 7 sentences in the entire bill.

But “National Vietnam War Veterans Day” is neither a national nor federal holiday, nor is it any such thing which would involve parades, floats, or public or private celebrations. It has no effect upon Vietnam Veterans, or their survivors, and in fact, doesn’t involve anyone. It might as well be “National Eat A Banana Split For Breakfast Day.”

Why?

The law states it’s purpose is “To amend title 4, United States Code, to encourage the display of the flag of the United States on National Vietnam War Veterans Day.”

That’s it.

“…to encourage the display of the flag…”

Donald Trump, our nation’s Draft Dodging President was granted FIVE deferments during the Vietnam War (four during his attendance at Wharton Business School, and a fifth and final permanent deferment – though it was medically expected to be short-term) and was later reclassified as 4-F for “bone spurs on both heels of his feet.” The Selective Service classification 4-F is “Registrant not qualified for military service,” and refers to individuals whom are incapable of serving for medical or psychological unfitness.

Presumably, he’s still unfit.

But, your President and Congress want “…to encourage the display of the flag of the United States on National Vietnam War Veterans Day.”

So, Happy “National Vietnam War Veterans Day”!