[BenR2]

But it would cost as much as $5 billion a year to expand payments to 670,000 disabled veterans, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld earlier this month told lawmakers that the president would veto any bill including the change.

This Rummy guy is a major part of the problem.

I haven't paid a dime to Tricare and don't plan to either. I'll just die young.

////////////
Disagree. Don't blame the messenger.

The buck stops at GWB's desk, dammit, and he is HABITUALLY trying to wriggle out of the blame (it was the CIA's fault, etc).

To think that GWB -- who has not vetoed a SINGLE bill, yet, in his entire term -- would threaten to veto a bill that takes care of our retired military says a great deal to me about his total cluelessness (or, is it simply callous disregard?) of the Conservative voting base that pulled his chestnuts out of the fire in the 2000 election.

I am disgusted with Skull-and-Bonehead Bush.

[mabelkitty]

Why would it cost $5 BILLION for less than a million retired vets? That's insane!

[SLB]

IMHO Bush is on very thin ice. If the demos march out someone with a little character and dazzlement Bush might find himself standing with dad in the un-employment line.

[Nate9k9]

I am one of the military retirees who is getting screwed on the VA disability stuff. I am conservative and have voted republican all my life. If congress does not fix the problem inspite of Bush I not vote for those republican candidates who did not support elimination of the VA TAX. This is a PRIMARY issue among military retirees. It will come back to haunt republicans.

[verity]

"Life is hard. It's even harder if you're stupid."

John Wayne

[olliemb]

"he is HABITUALLY trying to wriggle out of the blame (it was the CIA's fault, etc). "

Oh, really, habitually sounds a little exaggerated. Give me examples of your etc. YOur comments are sounding like this editorial--many (who are these many?)

Besides, I believe that the president did not lie in those famous 16 words--it seems you believe anything--and if Tenet says he should have stopped it from being the speech, whom do you know in the administration and CIA that are refuting Tenet's statements?