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http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2008/04/22/opinion/doc480e384b99675193899837.txtTo the Editor,
As recent developments about increased suicides and PTSD among our Iraq War veterans have escalated, I thought it important to review how our presidential candidates “support the troops.” Recently, Senator Jim Webb introduced a bill for G.I. educational benefits called “The New G.I. bill.” Senators Clinton and Obama both voted “for” this bill. Senator McCain voted “against.” His rationale? “Officials in charge of Pentagon personnel worry that a more generous and expansive G.I. Bill would create an incentive for troops to get out of the military and go to college.” Heaven forbid.
At this point, John McCain has fully embraced the “less jobs and more war” philosophy. He has been famous for touting this on several talk shows, noting how the American jobs shipped overseas aren’t coming back, but there will always be war. Essentially, he’s offering troops the opportunity to sacrifice more for fewer incentives. With the Bush administration’s help, McCain is telling America’s troops, “Thanks for your service and your three combat tours in five years. Now get back to work.”
This is the Republican stance on “supporting the troops” — support them as long as “our” kids don’t have to serve.
Support them until it requires more funding or effort. Support them until it involves their children or families. A “bait and switch” — support the troops on the sign outside — nothing inside the store that remotely resembles this. Remember who has been in charge of military funding for the last 12 years — do you trust them to truly “support our troops?”