Posted by (Photographed above from left: Nick D’Angelo, Founder & President of Be Heard, Anthony Melé, and Ira Geiger, Senior Network Administrator, Young Republican Network )
“Duty, Honor, Country” is the way Brigadier General Arthur Jackson closes his letter addressed “Dear Fellow Republican” dated July 2010, yet there is not one shred of duty, honor, or country comprised in the letter that falsely smears a fellow decorated U.S. Army Veteran, Republican Anthony “Tony” Melé, candidate for U.S. Congress.
What the good general neglects to disclose in his letter distributed to Republicans residing in New York’s District 17, is his avid support for Republican York Kleinhandler for Congress, Tony Melé’s GOP primary opponent.
Indeed, Jackson wrote an ill-conceived, without merit, personal attack letter on Anthony Melé, his record and his service to America. So in addition to Jackson’s failure to advise Republicans of a political bias towards one candidate over another, he stands on his own service to tarnish a statesman and veteran’s good reputation with weak innuendo and no proof.
And it is not just Tony Melé, Jackson looks down upon, but all non-combat U.S. military veterans who serve with distinction during what is perceived as “peace time” yet serve with the same vulnerabilities and the same honor.
Tony Melé gets smeared for saving a girl’s life.
At issue in Jackson’s letter is a valor award Tony Melé received in 1979, that Jackson says is “extremely and falsely exaggerated”. It is really a non-story that Jackson, and others behind him, resort to for nothing better, for asserting an untrue insinuation against a valor award that Melé received thirty years ago is hardly newsworthy. It would be more telling if Kleinhandler (ahem I mean) Jackson could find one blemish on Tony’s prestigious 32 year career. They cannot.
As a 20 year old Army Specialist, Tony Melé was issued “The Army Commendation Medal” on December 20, 1979 for:
Exceptional valor and intrepidity while saving a young woman from death by drowning in the Potomac River on the night of 6 June 1979. Specialist Melé demonstrated alertness and quick action, without concern for his personal safety, while exposing himself to the same hazard. Upon observing the woman fall out of the boat, he raced to the river embankment and noticed that she had submerged in the murky water. He dove into the river and by sheer determination, located her, brought her to the surface, and with the woman on his back, climbed the retaining wall to safety. Specialist Five Melé’s courageous Act is in keeping with the highest valued traditions of the Old Guard and reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Army, Military District of Washington, and the United States Army. Signed by Robert Arter, Major General USA Commanding and witnessed by the Secretary of the Army.
Tony Melé responds to false accusation.
No worries – my political opponents can argue whether saving a life was an act of valor or stupidity – my reward comes from a higher authority. I’ll focus on repealing the spending spree by this lame duck congress, keep terrorist trials out of New York, and work on being the 216th NO vote against any other government power grab detrimental to the 17th CD and American people.
Tony Melé is an internationally known and highly respected security expert.
- Served a distinguished six year career with the U.S Army, achieving the rank of Noncommissioned Officer and Guidon Bearer for the elite Infantry unit, “The Old Guard”.
- Obtained a B.S. in International Relations and Counter Terrorism from the State University of NY and an M.A. in Diplomacy-International Conflict Management from Norwich University, Vermont.
- Honed his operational expertise with challenging US military assignments and corporate consulting contracts, providing a wide range of protection, security, procurement, and support and training services.
- Has attained progressive levels of management responsibility as a corporate officer, CEO and project manager responsible for sales, services and technical teams throughout the US, Middle-East, Africa, Europe and Latin America.
- Nominee for the White House Fellowship program, and received special recognition awards from the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshal Service and a Presidential appointment as the Selective Service local board member for the Hudson Valley, State of New York.
With a mountain of credentials to run on, Tony Melé ’s campaign is backed by a long line of Tea Party supporters, Young Republicans, and patriotic New Yorkers who see Tony as the “real deal” unafraid to challenge corrupt officials and party bosses who have lost sight of basic party principles.
When party leaders turn a blind eye to wrongdoing, these “leaders” are not leaders at all because they turn a blind eye to the people too. Kleinhandler is such a weak Republican candidate one has to wonder whether his GOP designation is a result of a non-aggression deal with the Democrats.
If so-called party leaders would scrutinize Kleinhandler’s background as closely as they scrutinize Melé, a stark difference would be clear. Kleinhandler is a moderate, boring, “pro-choice”, steal from Grandma Republican and Tony Melé is a vibrant, tell it like it is, pro-life, support the people, conservative Republican.
(I have said this before, and I’ll say it again, supporting Tony Melé for U.S. Congress in this race is a cake-walk, just do it!)
It is a shame that Kleinhandler and his supporters have resorted to such petty tactics to smear Tony Mele. Kleinhandler and his supporters tell people that the lawsuit against him and his brother was dismissed with prejudice which is not true. He obviously has something to hide and tries to deflect any attention to that matter by coming up with things like this. Only desparate people behave this way.
By von on Jul 22, 2010
I saw Tony Mele give a presentation to the Clarkstown Republican Committee. He said the main reason why he should be the nominee was because of his ethnic background, which he said matched the majority of the district. I consider that to be a racist statement. If he believes that people should vote for a candidate because of his race, then he must also believe that voters should not vote for a candidate because of his race. That’s pure racism, and I would never vote for candidate with those kinds of racist views. Very sad and very revealing.
By Larry Fisher on Jul 25, 2010
Welcome to my blog Larry. Thank you for your comment. But with all due respect hurling the “racist” term is exactly what is wrong with dirty politics. The word is thrown around so much it has no meaning.
What you are saying about Tony Melé is absolutely untrue, unfair and bordering on slander. I have been following Tony’s campaign and there has been no instance of “racism” (whatever that means to you). In fact what I have seen is OTHERS treat Tony differently because he is Puerto Rican. That’s what is wrong with the Republican Party, a party that should be welcoming Hispanics – are pushing them away.
Tony Melé’s platform is simple: No more back room deals, no more non-aggression pacts, no more business as usual. Knowing full well Washington DC needs a tidal wave of change, Melé is committed to the U.S. Constitution, smaller, smart and effective government.
In addition to being the best Patriot candidate in this race, Melé got out 11000 Ramapo votes making him ELECTABLE, whereas Kleinhandler is the best thing to happen to Rep. Engel and the Democrat Party! They will destroy him on the cheating Grandma scheme, making him completely UNELECTABLE. Now, that’s sad, very sad!
By Raquel on Jul 25, 2010
Tony Mele gave a presentation to Yonkers Republican Committee. He delivered it in the presence of the Westchester County Chairman, greeting them all in Italian, Arabic, Spanish and English; making his point that he has more communicative appeal for inclusion of the diverse groups the GOP needs to attract into the party to ensure a mid term election victory.
The RNC made an announcement they want to attract and include the Hispanic vote’ so they invited Tony Mele to the RNC as a GOP leader and viable congressional candidate. It is smart to understand the demographics of the 17th District not racisim. This was told to Mele by RNC Chairman Steele himself. Are you also accusing the RNC Chairman of racism too?
Also, it was your colleague, Dianne Holland who said on video at the Piermont Republican meeting that she would find it “unfortunate”.. for 4 million American citizens on the Island of Puerto Rico to have their full constitutional right to vote; but its just fine if they died in every US war of the 20th and 21st century. Racist Mr. Fischer? Racism is when you exclude a particular group by race not when you include them.
Why is it the Rockland GOP finds no pride in their ONLY hispanic congressional candidate in the State of New York, that brought out an amazing show of force with 10,985 voters in Ramapo and then complain that he worked as an enlisted man in the US Army at entry level positions at the age of 18 then by age 20 rose to the rank of NCO, serving in the elite Old Guard unit, presidential honor guard at Arlington, then decorated for peacetime heroism, risking his life to save another?
York Klienhandler campaign supporters go from violating all military code of conduct by using a General Officer to denigrate an American soldier decorated for valor to the gutter level extreme of calling him a racist by a Republican Committeeman. Revealing indeed Mr. Fischer.. revealing indeed. So now we see what the York Klienhandler campaign message is. Thank you for a look inside the the genius braintrust of the York Kleinhandler campaign. Reminder: Political speech is the most protected form of speech – slander and libel are not.
Here is a question for YOU Mr. Fischer: Would you prefer Mr. Mele risk his life to rescue a loved one of yours from drowning to death under treacherous conditions or buy insurance policies that are illegal in 29 US States and unethical in 50 for the infirmed elderly from the Klienhandler brothers? We know the answer to this one already.
By exfirefighter on Jul 25, 2010
Larry, if there is one thing I have noticed over the past few years , it’s people like yourself misusing the term “racist”. It appears to be the latest buzz word being used by people who would rather resort to name calling than discussing what the real issues are. Recently members of the tea party have been called racists, anyone who criticizes Obama is a racist, etc.
Before you call someone that name, I strongly suggest that you better acquaint yourself with what that term really means. Tony Mele is in no way shape or form a racist. He is a decent human being who deserves to be Congressman for the 17th District of NY based on his platform – The Constitution, and he is by far more qualified that York Kleinhandler.
By von on Jul 25, 2010
It doesn’t make sense that party leaders WOULD NOT support a candidate like Anthony Melé. Something is happening in this race that is not kosher.
The two political parties faced with a choice, lacked the political courage to support the right candidate. Sadly, jobs are at risk, deals are made, and people are pressured to follow along.
It would be nice to see Republicans in District 17 react by supporting the only conservative, liberty candidate in this race, that’s Tony Melé!
By Raquel on Jul 26, 2010
Vinnie the Rug has been working back room deals for too long. It’s time to take back our country. Wake me up for the revolution!
By Awaiting Revolution on Jul 26, 2010
This message was very well spoken Tony.
I wish you the very best of luck in your journey.
Bob
By Robert Young, SR. on Jul 26, 2010
Hi gang…I did not call Tony a racist…I said that the idea of saying someone is a better candidate because of their race is racist…its the same as saying someone is a lesser candidate because of their race….two sides of the same coin….I prefer to think that we can achieve Martin Luther King’s goal of a color blind society where a man is judged by the quality of his arguments, not by the color of his skin or national heritage…I wouldn’t vote against Tony just because he’s got a Puerto Rican heritage, just like I wouldn’t vote for him because of it…IT IS NOT IMPORTANT, except to people who judge others by race…I don’t and I don’t want candidates judged by race, nor do I want candidates saying the main reason to vote for them is their race…read what I wrote….race has no place in this election and the Mele campaign is the one that brought it up! I was at two meetings, including the Rockland County nominating convention, where Tony’s surrogate gave a speech touting his race as the main reason to vote for him! Since Tony encouraged the gentlemen to speak on his behalf, and since Tony was standing right there, I assume that he approved of the message. He certainly did not refute it ! Let’s keep the campaign on the issues, not on this stuff!
By Larry Fisher on Jul 26, 2010
Larry — get a grip — these are your exact words “…If he believes that people should vote for a candidate because of his race, then he must also believe that voters should not vote for a candidate because of his race. That’s pure racism, and I would never vote for candidate with those kinds of racist views.” Having racist views would be the same as being a racist.
Obviously, there are many reasons why Tony Melé is in the race, just ask him. He’ll tell you that the U.S.Constitution is his “bible” and that the current administration is taking America to a dangerous place far away from what the founders intended.
Larry, you’re grasping at straws. You have nothing on Tony. That’s why the Kleinhandler campaign comes up empty every time. False accusations and innuendo doesn’t cut it.
By Raquel on Jul 26, 2010
Tony Mele/ Campaign for Congress of the United States
Eddie Thomas Dockery
United States Fifth Special Forces/ Special Operations
CWO-2 (ret)
Mr. (future Congressman) Anthony Mele (tony)
I was very pleasantly surprised when I performed a goggle search and your name blessed my computer with the words Mele for Congress.
Tony; I have shared an apartment with you and have known you for over thirty years. You would make a great Congressman with your integrity and attention to detail; you would be top shelf. During our three decades of association I find without question that you stand tall among men of honor.
It is beyond me why a man with your background and intelligence would want to be in this smelly politics game. I sat down recently and thought about that and came up with only one answer.
You want to help this great country and the men and women in it.
These political attacks on you by a so-called Brigadier General and York Kleinhandler violate every military code of honor, You and I continue to live by. They are both cowards from what they show me and I invite them both to prove me wrong. I would tell your opponent he is a disgrace to the Warrant Officer ranks to his face. I can do it because I have the rank to do it and I am a Special Forces combat veteran. I’ve seen better men than they wet their pants.
As a combat wounded Service Connected Disabled Vietnam, Panama and Afghan Veteran; I 100% endorse you and would follow you into combat anytime. May God be with you (because I know that the Veteran’s are with you) continue to march. God Bless TONY MELE
Eddie Thomas Dockery
Chief Warrant Officer-2 [ret.]
United States Army SF
Bolling AFB, MD.
By Eddie T. Dockery on Jul 27, 2010
To: Republican party
To whom it may concern:
I writing this rebuttal to to BG(ret) Jackson’s comments about Tony
Mele. I served with Mr. Mele in the Old Guard, Presedential Escort and
Ceremonial unit, 3rd US Infantry in the late 1970′s. Mr. Mele was hand
selected and nominated by the US Army for this position.
I take exception that an officer would try to belittle and bring detriment
to an enlisted man’s career because the BG’s friend is running against
Mr Mele for the 17th District for Congress. I am sure they taught
along with Duty, Honor,Country in West Point the sacred rule of
listening and respecting your enlisted and NCO Corps, even of that
individual was in the Adjutant MOS career field. BG(ret) Jackson has
no authority or right to belittle any enlisted or NCO’s service to our
country period!!!
Mr. Mele’s discharge, DD214, states , served
Honorably with an Honorable Discharge. Maybe BG(ret) Jackson forgot to
Google that!
[note: I was the NCOIC at The Old Guard Medic station when Mr. Mele was treated for toxin poisoning he was exposed to in that action. By the time he and I walked back to the First Sergeant Joe Walker's office, the word was out and Officer's were saluting him. Mr. Mele was recommended for The Soldier's Medal - highest peacetime award for heroism]
1SG(ret) Lawrence McBean
Lawrence V. McBean
Director, Medical Technology
Peduzzi Associates
221 S. Alfred Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Ofc: 703-836-7990
Cell: 240-304-0891
Email:
Larry.McBean@peduzziassociates.com
By Lawrence McBean on Jul 27, 2010
Larry, it’s a bit too late to back pedal regarding your note. Accusing someone of racism is the same as calling them a racist. Also, how about asking the Kleinhandler supporters to also keep it on the issues. That would be a totally new approach for them.
By von on Jul 27, 2010
Let’s put aside for a second whether you feel I called Tony a racist. I said his tactics were racism , and, I think you agree, they are. Its the same a if someone said, “Don’t vote for Mele, becasue he’s Puerto Rican”….same thing…and I’m sorry if you think I can’t get over it, its because I CAN”T! The Republican Party was founded by folks opposed to slavery, and, inherent in that, opposed to racism. A candidates ethicity should never be used against him, but if a candidate wants to use it as a qualification for his election, I oppose that with the same vigor I oppose it as a disqualification. If Mele wants to play ethnic identity politics, let him run as a Democrat…they love and believe that stuff…Republicans don’t….if Mele has the Constitution as his bible, where in it does say that a person’s ethnic heritage is a qualification for high office?If Mele still believes that he’s the best candidate because he comes from Puerto Rico, does he also believe that Kleinhandler or Engel are bad candidates because they are white? As for Kleinhandler’s lawsuit, which I’ve been told was dismissed with prejudice (meaning, never should have been filed), where is the Mele’s adherence to constituional principles of “innocent until proven guilty”? Kleinhandler was not charged with a crime and fought a lawsuit in the court, and won…The issues should be Engel, Obama and
Pelosi…
By Larry Fisher on Jul 27, 2010
Ay yi yi Larry! Tony Mele doesn’t think like that. It’s likely you misunderstood his goals the night you heard a supporter of Mele speak, and he was there. You have to understand that discussion of Mele’s heritage came about when a prominent Republican said it was “unfortunate” that Puerto Ricans are American citizens (I’m half Puerto Rican like Tony and I take offense!).
What I have heard Tony say about his heritage is that he could bring more Puerto Ricans into the Republican Party. After all, if you know anything about the Hispanic community (and I do) you would know that we are conservative minded folks, and BELONG in the Republican Party. Being an inclusive Party is the goal, not one that excludes groups (that’s racism).
You have to admit, Larry, that the “unfortunate” remark was a clear act of bigotry towards Tony Mele, yet I have seen no evidence of Mele leveling bigot remarks towards anyone.
Tony Mele is focused on unseating Engel, because Engel is a long sitting incumbent Democrat who is part of the bigger problem happening in Washington D.C. The only reason this article was written is in rebuke of an attack letter questioning Mele’s valor award. If you read the comments above, you will see that the attack letter is utterly untrue. I’m ready to talk about the issues, are you?
By Raquel on Jul 27, 2010
PS The Florida lawsuit is a little more complicated then you would like us to believe. There are thirty states in the union (including New York) that have “STOLI” laws, this prohibits “Stranger Originated Life Insurance” to be issued. STOLI violation is at the heart of the type of policies Kleinhandler, his brother, and company sells.
The case has been settled out of court (not unusual), yes, and involved many parties, however, the bottom line is you have to question Kleinhandler’s character, because these policies cheat grandmas and grandpas!
By Raquel on Jul 27, 2010
PSS Quite frankly Larry, the settlement in the lawsuit was a pay out, it doesn’t make York innocent. Party leaders know what kind of insurance salesman Kleinhandler is and they don’t care, they shoved their dirt under the rug, and didn’t give Republicans a chance to evaluate York’s electability. He cheats grandma for goodness sake, who will he cheat next?
By Raquel on Jul 27, 2010
Larry, you are going off an a tangent here. Your comments have absolutely nothing to do with the original article above. You are taking this down a road that even a GPS would not be able to find.
And by the way, when a case is dismissed with prejudice, that actually means, that the case cannot be tried again, it does not mean that the case should have never been filed. The case was settled, that’s why it was dismissed. Which explains why it cannot be tried again.
By von on Jul 27, 2010
Guillermo “Bill” J. M. Thorne, Sr.
U. S. Marine; Combat Veteran
Registered Democrat
I offer my unbinding and unequivocal support to my Brother in Arms, Mr. Anthony “Tony” Mele in his quest to become the Congressional Representative of the 17th Congressional District of New York.
I am truly concerned and disgusted by some of the things I have read and heard uttered by fellow veterans. The fact that Mr. Mele has not served under enemy fire does not make him any less of an honorable veteran of this nation. There seem to be something missing from the recollection of those veterans; privates through generals, as to the need and the necessity of to have able, functioning, and caring men and women in the rear with the gear providing all the logistical support to allow the completion of the mission. The beans, bullets and bandages that we depend on are their responsibility, and they must get it to us on time or nothing works.
I for one, I am truly thankful to all those men and women who provided the support that allowed us to get the job done and get us out of the soup when it was necessary. I have a kinship with men and women in the U. S. Army, U. S. Navy, U. S. Air Force, U. S. Coast Guard, and the U. S. Merchant Marine.
By Bill Thorne on Jul 28, 2010
Much thanks to the above Veterans who have come out in force to defend Tony Melé’s good name.
From Day One the GOP State Vice Chair and Chair of Rockland County, Vincent Reda, has been against Tony Melé and strenuously acting to defeat him, not Elliot Engel or the Democrats, but defeat Tony Melé. Having some personal vendetta against Melé since 2007, Reda uses his long standing position to frighten Republicans and Conservatives out of their current jobs with Rockland County if they support Tony Melé for Congress.
While collecting petitions for Tony in District 17, I came across one elderly couple who when asked whether they would support Tony Melé, she advises that Vinnie Reda would “slit my throat” while her husband nodded in the affirmative. This is corruption with a capitol C.
In 2007 when Melé ran for Town Supervisor in Ramapo he won 11,000 votes, the highest votes of any Republican in Ramapo. Melé lost by 3,000 to the Democrat. Just imagine how well Melé would have done if he had the SUPPORT of his County Chair, Reda, instead of obstruction, Ramapo would have a Republican for a Town Supervisor.
This fine tunes the above point, Reda is not working to unseat the incumbent Democrat (Rep) Elliot Engel, he is trying to bring down Republican Tony Melé. The reason why Reda dislikes Melé is because Melé is grassroots, independent, man of the people-type Republican.
Reda wants Engel to win, and is working with the Democrats to make that happen! That’s why he supports Kleinhandler – Kleinhandler is unelectable. He’s a soft “let’s meet in the middle” type Republican, in an election season that is screaming for a rock-solid conservative Republican to motivate the base.
Reda, Kleinhandler, and company are using every trick in the book to defame Tony Melé, without any evidence to back up the lies they are orchestrating.
Jackson tried to attack Tony’s valor award with a lie and it blew up in his face. Kleinhandler tried to cover up his unethical business practice and it blew up in his face. Reda did the back room deal with Kleinhandler and it blew up in his face. Reda questioned Tony’s honor with a lie and it blew up in his face.
These guys are only fooling themselves. It seems the folks with wet pants and soot stained faces are terrified of Tony Melé. Why? Because he can win!
By Raquel on Jul 28, 2010
I am a “non-combat” veteran, and have three Army Commendation Medals (among others) from my 23 years of service in the Army Reserve. None of my awards elevate themselves to the level of what Tony’s medal was awarded for. It’s too bad that a retired general officer would allow themselves to become the tool of Vinnie the Rug and the corrupt Republican Party, and in the process mislead the rank-and-file party members who look for leadership from this band of thugs.
Bob
By Bob on Jul 29, 2010
I’m glad to see Bob Fois is finally writing about the “intrigue” in the Tea Party. This is funny since folks are talking that Fois has been funneling “backdoor” campaign money from his Conservative Party folks to his Tea Party puppet Anthony Mele.
Go to opensecrets.org to see how little Mele has raised…yet he still has money to advertise, even on radio. Where is this secret money that Fois is getting for Mele coming from?
Oh, and Mele has still not answered why the Army has no record of his medal for valor.
Look out Tea Party folks, you are being played.
By RGRTHT on Aug 9, 2010
Von,
Asking the Kleinhandler supporters to keep it on the issues? What hypocrisy when all the Mele followers do is bring up an error from how many years ago and the fact that Mele is hispanic. Last I checked just because he’s hispanic doesn’t mean he should be in office. Saying that it was “Cheating grandma” is clearly just a means of twisting what happened to make your side sound more appealing.
I do agree with RGRTHT, Why doesn’t the Army have his so called Medal of Valor on record?
By V.Mars on Aug 29, 2010