Critics unfairly attack Sen. Mark Green – The Tennessean

Raul Lopez 6:05 a.m. CT May 4, 2017

Raul Lopez(Photo: Submitted)

Politics is a contact sport, but that doesnt mean that it should get ugly.

Unfortunately this is precisely what is happening with the character assassination of state Sen. Mark Green, M.D, a true public servant whohas dedicated much of his professional life to serving others and now President Trumps pick to be the next Secretary of the Army.

His appointment should be a proud moment for the Volunteer State that knows firsthand that Senator Green is a selfless patriot who loves our country and has put on the uniform to fight for our precious freedoms.

But because Mark Green is a man of faith, critics are seizing on a handful of statements that are purposefully drawn out of context to paint himas intolerant of others.

I know that the disingenuous attacks against Senator Green are categorically false.

The real Senator Mark Green is the man that is fighting for the least among us. I have seen this firsthand.

Thats because while our Latino community is making great strides in recent years, there is also another reality of far too many Latinos struggling to get by. That means that many Latinos with children are unable to exercise true school choice.

They would like to have the same opportunity that others have of being to send their children to a private school of their choice or be able to move to a different neighborhood with a high performing school.

The truth is that SenatorGreen did not look the other way as our Latino community asked for more choice in education. He stepped up while others were taking orders from special interest groups thatare more interested protecting their members than truly empowering low-income minority families from being able to exercise school choice. Some progress on this front has been done, but much more work remains.

Mark Green(Photo: Jed DeKalb)

Senator Green has also distinguished himself in the Legislature as a leader on veteran issues.

Thanks to his efforts, our veterans and their families have had a true champion fighting for them to ensure that they receive the benefits they deserve.

As a veteran himself, Senator Green understands the unique challenges our military and our veterans are facing. He is constantly looking to improve the efficiency on ways we can deliver care to our community and its no surprise that President Trump has picked Senator Green to bring this same passion and dedication to the U.S. Army.

Dr. Green has said that he believes that every American has a right to defend their country regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and religion. I believe every single word and I know that many Latinos in our community are supporting him even in the face of ugly and vicious attacks.

In a democracy like ours, we can disagree on substance and policy. In fact, we should welcome a spirited debate of ideas. But flat out distortions and lies have no place in our democratic government.

The president needs someone to lead the U.S. Army during this critical juncture in our countrys history. Senator Green is the right man for this challenge and we hope that will be confirmed expeditiously so he can get to work right away for the American people.

Raul Lopez is the Executive Director of Latinos for Tennessee, an organization that is committed to protecting and promoting faith, family, freedom and fiscal responsibility. http://latinosfortn.com

Tennessee Sen. Mark Green is President Trump's nominee to become Army secretary. Ayrika Whitney/USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

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Critics unfairly attack Sen. Mark Green - The Tennessean