Posted on 02/28/2005 11:08:26 AM PST by Radix
I recently traveled to Iraq where I was proud to visit some of America's most remarkable young men and women.
I wish I was as proud about what is happening in Washington, where ``supporting the troops'' is often confused with simply supporting the administration's policies. Sometimes supporting the troops means challenging the policies that put them in harm's way or harm the families who pray for their safe return. It also means Congress has a special responsibility to our troops - both in the field and at home.
Our troops must have every tool they need to succeed. Every recent commitment of American military power, including the ``air war'' in Kosovo, has required sizeable ground forces, at the very least to provide post-conflict security. There's just no technological substitute for boots on the ground.
I introduced the Strengthening America's Armed Forces and Military Family Bill of Rights Act to permanently increase the size of the military by 30,000 to 40,000 in the Army and 10,000 in the Marine Corps to meet challenges of the new century.
Let me be clear: This is not a proposal to increase U.S. forces in Iraq. But our experience there is instructive. Our ground forces are stretched. The Army recently began calling back retirees ranging in age from their mid-40s to late 60s. The Guard and Reserve are stressed, too. The chief of the Army Reserve warns that his troops are ``rapidly degenerating into a broken force'' and at this rate couldn't meet future missions.
If we had begun expanding the military in 2003, when Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and many of us began calling for it, our military would not be as overstretched as it is today.
We need a Military Family Bill of Rights, a set of policies enshrined in law to meet the needs of military families.
Investing in military families isn't just compassionate - it's a smart investment in our national security. The Military Family Bill of Rights would:
Expand TRICARE to all Guard and Reserve members, whether mobilized or not. Members failing physicals impacts combat readiness, yet as many as one in five do not have health insurance.
Allow widows to stay in military housing for one year. For those with children, the current policy of 180 days can mean changing schools in the course of a year.
Establish a Military Family Relief Fund. Just as we let Americans donate a few dollars to finance presidential elections on their tax forms, they should be able to thank our troops.
Allow penalty-free withdrawals from Individual Retirement Accounts for deployment-related expenses, like increased child care.
Offer a tax credit to small businesses that make up the difference between Reserve and National Guard members' civilian and military pay.
Expand post-traumatic stress disorder programs and require more outreach. As many as one in six soldiers returning from Iraq show symptoms of PTSD, yet barely half of all VA medical centers have treatment facilities.
Increase the military death benefit. Last year I proposed increasing the benefit so that, combined with the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, the families of those who die in military service would receive $500,000. No one can put a price on a life, but the current $12,000 is insulting. The president recently embraced a formula to reach $500,000 but limited it to deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan. Congress should embrace the broader benefit for all troops, regardless of where they die, and act immediately to make it law.
Right Senator, badmouthing the CIC and putting doubt in the minds of our Troops even as they are deployed is how one shows "support."
Like I would believe anything Kerry writes or speaks!
He is a selfish turncoat and puts his own needs before all others in a pathological way as demonstrated by his behavior during the Vietnam conflict.
He hasn't changed from those early days - only learned a few more big words.
Yes John, thanks for those thoughts. They are completely new and different from what you offered during the campaign. . .NOT. What a shame Iraq isn't a quaqmire and isn't another Vietnam. You and your buddy Teddy should dissapear now, before you make bigger fools out of yourselves, if you can.
Dearest Senator,
Speaking of 180's, where's your signed SF-180?
OLA
Regardless of the source, I must admit I'm behind everything listed in the Mil. Fam. bill of rights legislation.
It's just Kerry's capabilities as CIC, Senator, or heroic soldier that are non-existent. Staying behind and protecting the women and children is a good job for him, not that anyone would trust him if it was actually dangerous.
You know, Mr. Kerry is nothing more than a political hack. It is simply not possible to take anything he says or writes at face value because you know that there is a superb chance that he will change that view by the end of the week.
John Kerry, Tower of Jello.
No White House for you!
Next!!!
Da dum da dum da da de da da...
POP goes the scum-weasel!
I only agree with this sentence illegitimate Senator Kerry. Our military deserves an organization of military families that can publicly tell you and your pickled senior to go take a flying leap, Most of the Veterans organizations have dropped the ball bringing out the fact that you shouldn't even be holding a public office.
"If we had begun expanding the military in 2003, when Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and many of us began calling for it, our military would not be as overstretched as it is today."
Sure,Senator. And if you had opposed Clinton's drastic cuts in the military, maybe it wouldn't be stretched so much as it is.
I wish I was as proud about what is happening in Washington, where ``supporting the troops'' is often confused with simply supporting the administration's policies. I did like this line because in a sense he is right, supporting the troops should never be confused with support for the administration.
I have to say that I think that you just do not "get it."
John Kerry and a whole lot of others do not support the Troops. Most of the hypocrites voted twice to support the effort in Iraq. Why they even wanted a second vote on the administration's Iraq policies and they voted in support again.
Persons such as those of Kerry's ilk do damage to the morale of our Troops every single day with their BS comments and Monday morning quarterbacking. It would be Viet Nam all over again if they could have it their way. These retards are so stupid that they do not even appreciate the resounding rebuke which the Electorate handed to many of them in November.
Welcome to the FR Program!
After that, it's time to kick butt and take names, NOT surrender to the nearest enemy!!!!
What can you expect...Kerry's background is French.
After that, it's time to kick butt and take names, NOT surrender to the nearest enemy!!!!
What can you expect...Kerry's background is French.
They're making a movie based on the life of John Kerry. I hear it's going to be called "Billion Dollar Crybaby".
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.