GOP Candidate Webb calls for veterans’ tax break! He has an excellent Idea

[sce56]

Where does the Democratic challenger stand on this one I like this tax cut if anyone deserves a taxcut it is those who put their life on the line! And not fake wannabe NoGo coke snorting tx flyboys! But this is a great idea for a campaign promise that might help him get the seat! So how would yoiu tell the challeger to respond?

http://www.armytimes.com/index.php scroll dow to find story
Candidate Webb calls for veterans’ tax break

By Gordon Trowbridge
Times staff writer


Military veterans should receive a 5-percent, across-the-board federal tax break, Senate candidate and former Marine Jim Webb told reporters Wednesday.

Webb, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat now held by Sen. George Allen, R-Va., outlined the proposal as he received endorsements from three former Marine generals and Rep. Jack Murtha, D-Pa.


“It’s my belief that the frequent hardships of military service deserve a lifetime reward,” Webb said.

If elected, he said, his first act in the Senate would be to introduce a bill establishing the tax break for all who have successfully completed a term of military service.

The plan would apply to about 24.5 million Americans, including about 14.7 million still in the workforce, Webb said. He said he did not know how much the plan would cost, but contended that finding the money would not be difficult, citing tax breaks given to high-profit oil companies as one source.

“There are places to go to get something like this,” he said.

Webb, a decorated Vietnam veteran and former Navy secretary under President Reagan, is a harsh critic of the Bush administration’s planning and execution of the war in Iraq.

He and longtime Democratic activist Harris Miller will face off in Virginia’s June primary for a chance to unseat Allen, a staunch conservative who is among the contenders for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination.

Webb’s tax proposal may have appeal in Virginia, which is among the states with the highest concentration of veterans.

Webb appeared with retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni, who endorsed Webb’s candidacy. Zinni, the former U.S. Central Command commander, is among several retired generals who have called for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s resignation; another in that group, retired Marine Lt. Gen. Gregory Newbold, released a statement also endorsing Webb, as did Murtha, a former Marine and supporter of veterans’ issues who stirred controversy when he called for an immediate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq last year.

Zinni and other retired officers have taken heat from some analysts and politicians who say military officers, even in retirement, should not involve themselves so deeply in politics. But Webb said such criticism flies in the face of history, pointing out that Dwight D. Eisenhower was critical of civilian policy on the Korean War just months after his retirement.

But Zinni said his endorsement of Webb was not a political statement as much as a sign of his respect for Webb’s Marine service.

Zinni said criticism of his views on the conduct of the war in Iraq would not stop him from speaking out when he felt it was necessary.

“After 40-plus years of defending the Constitution, I believe I have the right to share in some of those benefits that I defended,” he said.

[DaveinMD]

1. Webb is a Democrat

running against George Allen in Virginia.

[PaDem]

2. I'd have no problem with that, so long as it comes out of

the huge tax cuts Bush dished out to the top 1%.

[DS1]

3. Yep

I'll take some of that, thanks!

[acmejack]

4. Everyone loves tax cuts, but...

I would even be a recipient, but we are deep in debt. This is not a time to be further reducing our revenue for political gain. We need to be enhancing the nation's income and figuring out how to get a surplus and quick!

[Rose Siding]

5. It's a politically adept idea, but I'm unconvinced

(the subject line should be changed- Web's running as a dem)

How about we don't send them to fight useless wars, and provide armor when they do fight, and make sure they have adequate mental, as well as physical health care coverage (as should we all)?

It should certainly have a cap. Otherwise Bush gets this cut, too. 5% across the board for Pace, Powell and Franks? shiver

Vets get screwed and that has to be corrected, but they aren't the only ones whose lives are greatly impacted by contributing to American society. What about police and emergency workers? Or inner city teachers, or any teacher who piles extra hours and supplies and effort onto what's expected? They don't face combat certainly (lots of vets haven't either) but going above and beyond isn't limited to the military.

[karynnj]

6. This sounds like pandering

Virginia has a large number of military people. That he has no idea on the cost shows this is just thrown out - shouldn't it at minimum be capped. There are multi-millionaires who would qualify - I could name some if asked - should they get 5% off their tax bill for life.

At a time when Senators and Congressmen are having difficulty fighting for veteran health insurance premiums not being raised, this is a no go as a proposal. It's not a serious proposal. It is total pandering.

[BOSSHOG]

7. Idea not necessary

Servicemembers assigned to combat zones do not pay federal income tax and they get combat zone exclusion pay. I'm all for aiding veterans since I am one, but Webb's proposal ain't it. Let's get working on that federal deficit.

[The Magistrate]

8. Locking

Dis-honest headline makes this pure flame-bait.