As a veteran, a proud American, and a lifelong Republican, I’ve seen a lot in my time. But nothing quite prepared me for the absolute insanity that went down in Missouri on September 11th of all days. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) raided VFW Post 2661 in search of so-called “adulterated” beverages. Now, let me be crystal clear: this Post doesn’t sell anything illegal. Not one drink served from that canteen violates any law. And yet, there they were, storming in as we were lowering the flag to half-staff to honor the victims of 9/11 and the brave men and women who died fighting the wars that followed.
What kind of “leadership” thinks this is okay?
The DHSS was apparently enforcing Gov. Mike Parson’s absurd “embargo” on hemp-adulterated products, a move Parson claims is aimed at “protecting children.” Let me just stop you right there, Governor. How exactly does raiding a Veterans of Foreign Wars post, a place where service members and their families gather to honor their sacrifices, have anything to do with protecting children?
Here’s the kicker: VFW Post 2661 doesn’t sell to kids! Every single beverage sold in that canteen is sold to adults—adults who are 21 or older. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen many children hanging out at the VFW buying drinks. This isn’t some shady club running an underground operation. It’s a legitimate, respected Post that follows the law, including the Missouri Revised Statute 196.070, which states that hemp is legal. It’s federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, and Missouri law doesn’t consider a food or beverage adulterated just because it contains industrial hemp.
So, what are we even doing here?
The State vs. Veterans: A Disgraceful Move
Here’s the real question: Why did Parson’s DHSS choose 9/11 to raid a VFW Post? Think about that for a second. On the day when we should be coming together to honor the nearly 3,000 Americans who perished in those terrorist attacks, and the 50,000-plus service members and Department of Defense civilians who have lost their lives in the wars since then, Missouri decided it was a good idea to disrupt a gathering of veterans in search of… what? A legal hemp drink?
What kind of message does that send to veterans like myself? We gave everything to this country, and in return, we get raided by state bureaucrats looking to make a point. It’s downright disrespectful, not only to the veterans who served but to the memory of those we lost on that horrific day in 2001.
“Protecting children” is no excuse for tyranny
This isn’t about protecting children. It’s about the government once again overreaching and trying to control every little aspect of our lives. Parson’s administration is hiding behind “child safety” while it infringes on the rights of law-abiding adults. If you’re really concerned about protecting children, how about focusing on the things that actually put them at risk, like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and failing schools? Instead, Parson sends his goons to raid a VFW post full of veterans—on 9/11, no less.
Priorities, Governor Parson, priorities.
Let’s be honest here, Governor. If your goal was to protect children, raiding a VFW post isn’t going to do it. This was a blatant display of government power, plain and simple. And it’s not the first time we’ve seen this sort of nonsense. Our government has become addicted to control, using regulations and laws to micromanage every aspect of our lives. First, it’s the hemp products at the VFW. What’s next? Are we going to see the DHSS raiding American Legion posts or church events?
This cannot stand
Our country is built on freedom. As a veteran, I didn’t serve to watch my country turn into a nanny state where the government tells grown men and women what they can and can’t drink. And I certainly didn’t serve to see my fellow veterans disrespected on 9/11.
Missouri’s priorities are all wrong. Governor Parson, instead of sending your health department lackeys to raid VFW posts, how about focusing on the real problems facing Missouri? Leave the veterans alone. We’ve fought for this country’s freedom, and we sure as hell won’t stand by while our own state government tries to take it away.
This raid on VFW Post 2661 was an affront to every veteran in this state, and it’s time we stand up and say, “Enough is enough.”
Leave a Comment