Gates urges veto of troop-rest measure

[EV_Ares]

By HOPE YEN, Associated Press Writer
Sun Sep 16, 3:10 PM ET



WASHINGTON - 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.

(rest of the article @ link)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070916/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_iraq;_ylt=AixQ_IGGYhwcPNY5CgkiNOes0NUE

[rwheeler31]

1. Why is Gates against this? This explanation makes no sense.

[Matariki]

3. It interferes with the plan to destroy the US military?

:shrug:

[jaxx]

2. And then he threatens to extend tours past 15 months.

This guy is becoming Jekyll/Hyde material. He was so pro-troop until he gets backed into a corner and then the bushie lovin bs comes out. The carrot they are dangling in front of the public is rotten.

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. Backdoor way, my Aunt Martha! Bet he's all FOR the backdoor draft that's been going on

Hey, Gates! I'll tell you about backdoor...you are a fucker with your head up your little tool ass. :grr:

[AndyTiedye]

5. Bush** and Gates Want to Force the Democrats to Enact a Draft

It would be extremely unpopular, of course, but the Democrats would get the blame for it.