http://www.vetvoice.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=E1FE4232BF524E32E2B740518A37EECC?diaryId=91Fighting for Our Troops, Our Veterans, and Our Military Families
by: Governor Bill Richardson
Tue Nov 20, 2007 at 17:00:17 PM EST
When the President asks our military men and women to put themselves in harm's way halfway around the world, we do not expect hesitation. We expect the honorable chorus of "Yes, sir, yes ma'am ... for flag, for country, for the defense of freedom."
We expect that while we civilians tend to our everyday business there are those who have chosen a different path--the brave military men and women who have volunteered to leave their homes and families to protect ours.
This solemn tradition of service has served this great nation well for nearly a quarter millennium. And I want to thank you-the men and women of VoteVets.org--for honoring that tradition. I also want thank you for taking part in another sacred American tradition-citizen activism and civil engagement. Congratulations on starting this important blog--VetVoice. It is a unique and cutting-edge way for you to continue your tireless efforts to honor and support our veterans and to fight against the war in Iraq.
I am proud to stand beside you in that struggle, and I also pledge to do everything possible to prevent an unnecessary war with Iran. We've got to stop the saber-rattling and start tough negotiations. We should be getting our troops out of Iraq--not sending more into Iran.
The first step is getting all of our troops out of Iraq. All our troops, with no residual forces left behind.
Only when we make it clear that we are leaving can we expect the Iraqis to make the tough choices necessary for reconciliation. Only when all of our troops are on their way out, will others in the region be willing to step up and do their part to prevent Iraq from collapsing. Only our departure will give us the credibility to convene a Dayton-style conference to build a power-sharing arrangement policed by multilateral, UN-sanctioned peacekeepers. I am grateful to see the recent reduction in US deaths, but don't be misled by this lull. Iraq is not more stable and there has been zero progress made toward reconciliation, governmental effectiveness, or reducing the threat of insurgents or terrorists.
Over 3,800 brave Americans have lost their lives. More than 60,000 have been wounded. Countless more suffer the lonely anguish of mental trauma.
Yet, the administration has shut its eyes to the scars and closed its ears to the cries for help.
It is a national disgrace that our veterans return home from war to horrific conditions at Walter Reed and endless waits to get medical care. Today, almost 2 million veterans are uninsured. That is not right. Our veterans deserve the highest-quality care that this country can offer, and as President, I won't be satisfied until they have it. We must start treating the veterans who have so bravely served this country with the respect, support, and services they deserve.
As Governor, I led the nation by passing a bill in NM purchasing a 400,000 dollar life insurance premium for each and every member of the New Mexico National Guard. 18 other states have followed New Mexico's lead. And I have passed and signed a number of initiatives creating new services and benefits for our veterans to help them resume their lives when they return from duty.
When I am President, all veterans will be offered a Heroes Health Card. If it's inconvenient for them to get to a VA hospital or clinic, they can get care wherever they need it.
While we expand choice, we also need to make sure that the VA system is the strongest it can be, and I will guarantee full mandatory funding for the VA.
I have spent my career fighting for our troops, our veterans, and our military families. It has been my privilege to stand with those who have stood against our enemies. It has been my honor to stand with those who have stood up for our values generation after generation. And it is my pledge to continue to do whatever I can to honor and support our veterans and their families.
For more information on my plan to end the war in Iraq go to 2013IsTooLate.com
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