Forum Post: -- Do you really want to help people? Well Put up, or Shut Up!

The following is another email I received today:

David --

Today, members of Congress will have two clear options to choose from: do something to create jobs for veterans returning from overseas, or do nothing.

When faced with the same choice for teachers, cops and firefighters recently, a group of senators not only opposed creating and savings jobs -- they blocked the proposals from even getting a simple up-or-down vote.

We'll find out today whether veterans are next.

In times of crisis, people in leadership positions either take action or they pretend there isn't a crisis at all. But when the timid and the cynical decide to block solutions, they can't be allowed to do it without consequences.

Help put pressure on Congress to pass the veterans part of the American Jobs Act by telling everyone you know about this vote:

Forward this email to your friends and speak up on Facebook and Twitter.

A group of senators -- including every single Republican -- have so far dodged their responsibility to act, even when presented with proposals that they've supported in the past and have overwhelming support from ordinary Americans. Some have even openly endorsed a kamikaze political strategy of stopping any Obama proposal even at the expense of American jobs and middle-class security.

As a veteran myself, I know the plain, undeniable fact is that servicemen and women should never return home and find themselves struggling to make ends meet. And even though the economy is creating jobs, the unemployment rate for veterans is still more than 25 percent higher than the national average.

It's not right. We can do something about it. And we must.

The bill the Senate is voting on today would provide tax credits for companies that hire unemployed and disabled veterans and expand job training for those newly back from war. As we bring all troops home from Iraq, this measure -- fully paid for in a way that both parties have backed -- will be critical.

President Obama isn't waiting for Congress to take action. He's announced three new executive actions that will put veterans back to work through comprehensive career assessment and counseling services.

But President Obama can only do so much himself. Individual members of Congress have to make their choice and do their part.

From the very beginning, this campaign and this movement have fought for a fairer economy for middle-class families. That's what this vote is all about.

Keep the pressure on Congress by getting the word out about today's vote. You can do that in three ways:

1. Forward this email to family and friends.

2. Post on Facebook: http://my.barackobama.com/Veterans-FB-Share

3. Tweet: http://my.barackobama.com/Veterans-TW-Share

Thank you for speaking out for our veterans,

Rob

Robert Diamond Veterans and Military Families for Obama