Vets demand GOP congressman apologize for comparing himself to a Marine

A prominent veterans group is demanding an apology from Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) for boasting that his work in Congress was basically the same as the combat missions of his Marine veteran opponent, Amy McGrath.

Barr said that both he and McGrath had “served” their country — and the veterans group With Honor said Barr owes an apology to McGrath, as well as all military service members, because his comments devalue their service.

“She put her life on the line flying 89 combat missions,” With Honor said of McGrath, according to McClatchy. Barr, the group said, “has served as an elected official in Washington, DC. To equate the two is misleading.”

With Honor supports both Democrats and Republicans, but endorsed McGrath in this election.

The dustup began last week when Barr said in an interview, “We both served our country,” and went on to equate his work in Congress with McGrath’s combat missions.

But after facing heat for his comments, Barr didn’t apologize to McGrath and the millions of members of the military who put their lives on the line.

Instead, Barr attacked McGrath. He accused her of “trying to distract voters’ attention away from her extreme liberal ideas.”

But Barr is the one with “extreme” views — after all, he has voted to promote the Trump agenda 97 percent of the time.

Barr’s refusal to apologize, and his doubling down on his offensive comments, has failed to cool the outrage over his initial remarks.

It is “insulting to our current and retired military members to suggest that wearing a suit and dining with bank lobbyists in Congress is the same as putting your life on the line for your country,” a spokesperson for the Kentucky Democratic Party told McClatchy.

Barr attends meetings of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit.

McGrath retired from the Marine Corps as lieutenant colonel following years of flying combat missions, including targeting al-Qaida and the Taliban.

Equating those two experiences does not show “respect” for veterans — which is why veterans are demanding an apology, and why they deserve one.

Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.