Andrew Rice Refusing to Listen to Gold Star Mom (Updated – Picture down, but “Tribute” Still being Used by the Campaign)

UPDATE 11:20AM CST – CLARIFICATION FROM ANGELIA PHILLIPS: Although the picture seems to be down, Rice still has Micheal’s name on his site, here:

My son’s name is still on the Rice campaign site. I had hoped to speak with Mr. Rice face to face today but he did not show up for the public appearance in my town as he had stated he would…

[And regarding the list of names on Rice's site, including that of her son, Michea] It’s a “tribute”. If you read my latest blog you will understand why this is insulting to me. Under state law it is the only way our fallen’s names can be used so they call it a tribute and get away with it. Fact is this man has called for a surrender in Iraq and this in nothing more than a death roll to him. A “here is why we need to give up and get out now”.

UPDATE 9:20 AM CST: This letter from Angelia “Knottie” Phillips has been posted all over the web, and it appears the Rice Campaign may have finally listened, as we’re not able to locate the photo on the campaign site as of 9:20 AM CST.

Micheal “Pokey” Phillips

This was posted by twana, on American Troops:

Hello,

My name is Angelia Phillips and it is my son who Andrew Rice refuses to remove from his website. My husband and I believe strongly that if you do not support the troops AND their mission then any “tribute” you might make on their behalf is hollow and nothing more than a scoreboard.

After having read and viewed Mr. Rice’s comments regarding our troops in Iraq and the job they have done there we asked that he not use our son on his campaign website. Legally I know there is no way I can prevent him from doing this. I had hoped he would respect my wishes though. I was mistaken. I have called 4 times and been assured his campaign manager would call me back. After the first call his staff removed the page on his website regarding the Iraq war views he has. This page included statement s such as Iraq was a waste of time, rubber stamped, nothing more than a civil war and that no Al Qaeda had ever been present in Iraq.

Another issue I would like to point out is when I lost my son 8 months ago I received letters of condolence from many Senators, Congressmen, State representatives and Governors from across the country. Every single letter we received was from republicans. Not a single democrat sent condolences. Including Mr. Rice who is a representative in my on home state. And I know he was aware of my son’s death because Gov. Henry ordered all state flags be lowered in honor of my son on Mar. 4th. No one involved in our state government could not know. If he could not honor him then then he can not truly honor him now.

Thank you for your time

Angelia Phillips
Gold Star Mom of
SPC Micheal “Pokey” Phillips
KIA 24 Feb 08
Baghdad Iraq

Angelia’s blog is Knottie’s Niche