I complained to USAA, the American veterans car insurance company, when I learned that it was advertising on the Tucker Carlson show. As a subscriber of USAA of more than 50 years, I threatened to seek insurance elsewhere after the Fox News host called the joint chief of staff general “stupid” and followed that up by describing him as a “pig.”
General Mark Miley, who incidentally was a Trump appointee, recently expressed his support for “critical race theory” at a congressional hearing.
“I do think it is important for those of us in uniform to be open-minded and well-read,” he told the House Armed Services Committee. “I want to understand white rage . . . and I’m white. . . I want to understand it. So what is it that caused thousands of people to assault this (the Capital) and try to overturn the Constitution?”
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I salute this military leader, a four star general who is also “airborne infantry,” and can not for the life of me understand how someone who never put on a uniform or faced a single day in combat could say such drivel about such a soldier.
Nor can I understand how USAA could continue spending advertising dollars at the Fox program. I know they want to reach veterans and our families, but the money is also propping up a mouthpiece for white supremacy and anti-democratic conspiracy theories.
(Click here for a look at the actual Fox newscast.)
Please USAA. Cut all ties with Tucker Carlson and continue your support of veterans who care about America’s values!
This former combat infantry platoon leader besieges you to do the right thing.
Now!
Contoveros 
This would be the right thing for the USAA to do. I appreciate this post and perspective. It seems so many people refuse to take a deeper look, which (in part) adds to the multilayered problems we are facing.
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USAA has contacted me and says that it is looking into its advertising policy.
The car insurance company wants to reach as many veterans as possible, including some who watch Carlson.
But the advertising dollars are also supporting a harmful platform to all Americans who support the military men in charge who are unafraid of speaking out against white rage and white supremacy, which Carlson supports.
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You’re advocacy is being heard. These are the kinds of things that make a difference in making needed changes in these ingrained and ugly issues. Thank you for using your voice and experience.
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Thank you. Just doing my duty Ma’am!
All kidding aside, it makes me feel good to lend my voice to a good cause. Most people I know from the Blogosphere follow the same path with you as a prime example.
Keep up your good work too!
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Thank you for the kind words. You, as well. ♥️ I hope your 4th is a good one.
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The following comments appeared on Facebook:
Terri Kiral
This is fantastic, Michael. I too am a member of USAA, since 1992. I will also make my opinion known to them. Thanks for the motivation.
Michael J Contos
The more of us who complain, Terri, the better are our chances to cause what John Lewis called some“good trouble.”
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It’s hard to protest companies that we rely on or use regularly and for years. And yet, it is usually that power of the purse that actually makes change. This is just so unfortunate — and if they just came out with a statement against what was said about the General and/or cut ties with FOX this would be so much easier and also send a great message. I’m still holding out hope they do the right thing.
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Yes, unfortunately, the power of the purse often speaks louder than the power of principles, my dear Carmen.
I would love to see a statement by USAA denouncing Carlson. It would restore my faith in a company I always believed was out to help military folks and their families.
Yes, I also hope for a happy ending to this soldier’s boy story!
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Me too. 😐🙏🏽
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