(Found at Stars and Stripes) Gates urges veto of troop-rest measure

[babylonsister]

I can't even imagine being a soldier in Iraq, on my 3rd or 4th deployment, and reading this. :(


Gates urges veto of troop-rest measure

By HOPE YEN
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Sunday he would recommend a veto of a Senate proposal that would give troops more rest between deployments in Iraq, branding it a dangerous "backdoor way" to draw down forces.

Democrats pledged to push ahead with the plan by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., and expressed confidence they could round up the votes to pass it, although perhaps not by the margin to override a veto.

"The operational tempo that our forces are under is excruciatingly difficult for our soldiers, Marines, all of our personnel and their families," said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I. "They deserve the same amount of time back home as they stay in the field."

The comments represented the latest political clash over the future course of the war. Last week, President Bush announced plans for a limited drawdown but indicated that combat forces would stay in Iraq well past 2008.

With the Senate expected to resume debate this week on anti-war legislation, Gates sharpened his criticism of Webb's proposal. It would require troops get as much time at their home station as their deployments to the war front.

Gates was asked in broadcast interviews about recommending a veto to Bush should the proposal pass. "Yes I would," the Pentagon chief said.

more...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_IRAQ?SITE=DCSAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[PDJane]

1. This bunch are determined to make sure that the military

is broken. Particularly, the Army.

[uppityperson]

2. k&r because it needs to get on greatest page and people need to see this.

[Inuca]

3. I saw that

I also saw a bit of his press conference with Pace on Friday I think. He gave plenty of technical arguments as to why this would be such a terrible idea, with emphasis on how it could lead to increased casualties. I cannot judge the validity of his arguments, I just hope Webb and the others can and will have good counterarguments.

[Vincardog]

4. Why not let jr veto it AFTER he completes his tour of duty? AWOL becomes DESERTER

[B Calm]

5. When President Chuckle nuts vetoes this bill, it will be years

before the majority of people in military uniform votes republican again!

[babylonsister]

6. I thought of that, but it's still cold comfort for people stuck over there

repeatedly, wondering when their 'luck' will run out. :(

[B Calm]

7. The cold comfort is knowing they are stuck over there indefinitely,

while Bush plays politics with their lifes over oil!

[simmonsj811]

8. k and r

:kick: