Saluting a Patriot

Senator James Webb recently announced his decision to not seek reelection to the upper body in 2012, paving the way for a likely showdown between his predecessor, George Allen, and DNC Chairman Tim Kaine. A summarization of the election is inevitable in coming days, yet instead Virginians and Americans should stop and pay tribute to the utmost service granted by Webb to his country over the past forty-five years, both in an outside of uniform.

Upon his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, he entered the Marines and served honorably during a tour in Vietnam which would come to give him a bronze star for valor and service. Returning home, he attended law school at Georgetown and was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President Ronald Reagan. He would serve for almost 2 years before leaving and following his journalistic interests around the world.

An accomplished author, Webb has written countless articles, several novels and autobiographies, and even a film script, adding to his repertoire of life.

In 2006, he entered the Virginia race for the United States Senator, overcoming low name recognition and a strong incumbent to defeat George Allen and swing control of the deliberative body over to the Democratic Party by a margin of 9,000 votes.

Despite this slim and controversial victory, Webb wasted no time in making himself known as a steward of bipartisan issues in the Senate, and his work resulted in the reform of the GI Bill to benefit veterans across the nation. His work on social justice is also notable, and his office wasted no time in helping local colleges to receive additional funding from the federal coffers.

No matter what one's views may be, Senator Webb is deserving of the complete respect from Americans of all race, creed, and affiliation for his undying service; without a doubt, he is a truly great American hero.



Andrew Rimmer

National Alliance Vice President for Communications