Exactly 80 years after “Bonus Army” protests saw 43,000 marchers take to the streets following World War I veterans being snubbed with paper certificates rather than their entitled compensation, South Carolina Rep. Tim Scott poured salt on the wound by handing out Certificates of Participation to hundreds of World War II vets. Scott’s pseudo-salute is even more repulsive considering he is a supporter of the Ryan Budget which aims to cut $11 billion in Veterans Benefits. The irony was not lost on Scott’s coming November challenger, Bobbie Rose, who suggests the ceremony was disrespectful:

“I respect them, I honor their sacrifices and I hold them in highest esteem. I applaud any event held just to say ‘thank you’ to our bravest men and women,” says Rose, Scott’s Democratic challenger.

While our veterans certainly deserve all the accolades Scott offers, they need proper benefits more, which our congressman is working to take away, based on his vote for the Ryan Budget.”

Rose explained that the Ryan budget is a dishonor to our nation’s veterans and noted that in cutting benefits the budget neglects to use the word “veteran” at all.

Tough decisions are certainly needed in a time of economic hardship, but cuts to veterans services are misguided, as Rose explains:

“Our veterans deserve much, much more than just platitudes and empty gestures of appreciation.

“Otherwise,” Rose says, “it’s just a pretty piece of paper.”