A Massachusetts-based veterans advocacy group castigated Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) in a letter on Friday, accusing her of putting illegal immigrants ahead of military veterans and calling her "Aleppo Liz."
John MacDonald, a representative of Veterans Assisting Veterans, penned an open letter aimed at Warren, Sen. Ed Markey (D., Mass.), and the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, the Boston Herald reported. The letter came after another letter the VAV wrote twenty days prior in February went unanswered.
The open letter the VAV wrote in February lambasted Warren, Sen. Edward Markey, Rep. Michael Capuano, and Rep. Seth Moulton, for putting immigrants' rights before veterans, the Washington Free Beacon reported. MacDonald wrote another letter to express his disappointment that no progress has been made.
"Today marks the twentieth day since Veterans Assisting Veterans (VAV) open letter to all American’s was first published ... It also marks twenty days of silence from every member of the United States Congress and Senate," MacDonald wrote. "Not one of our elected leaders has felt the need to share where they stand."
"We ask Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Edward Markey and the Massachusetts Congressional delegation… do you stand with us or against us?" he continued.
MacDonald's letter went on to express that the veteran community is concerned that their elected officials are giving more attention to illegal immigrants than to veterans. He wrote that the VAV has received calls and messages from veterans around the country who have not received appropriate help from Veterans Administration Hospitals.
"All of them have said that our elected officials should put veterans ahead of illegal immigrants," he wrote.
MacDonald went on to write that Warren, who he called "Aleppo Elizabeth Warren," was standing with illegal immigrants and refugees against United States veterans.
"The Vietnam Veterans had 'Hanoi Jane Fonda' that provided comfort to our enemies during the Vietnam War," MacDonald wrote. "Today the War of Terror, illegal immigrants and refugees that are tearing down the foundation of civilized society here in the US, Europe and abroad now we have 'Aleppo Elizabeth Warren' standing with them and against all of us."
The letter expressed that the lack of care has "opened old wounds" for Vietnam veterans, who were angered when some Democrats did not continue standing for the widow of a fallen Navy Seal, Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens, during President Trump’s first joint address to Congress, the Boston Herald reported.
"'Aleppo Liz' is leading the way to thumb her nose at America and Americans by providing comfort to anyone other than the American Citizen and our US Veterans. Those elected officials that support her stance and lack of understanding between illegal immigrants and those who are legally waiting in line is shameful and rife with their own self-interest," the letter states.
A Warren spokeswoman defended her against the group's accusation, saying that veterans' issues are of the "utmost importance" to the senator. She went on to say that Warren can ensure that veterans receive the benefits and services that they deserve while also fighting against Trump's immigration policies.