Free Republic

U.S. wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya may weigh on the minds of voters next year, but during the early months of the 2012 election cycle, members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are active political donors are mainly rallying around two candidates, according to a new analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics. Those candidates are President Barack Obama and libertarian-leaning Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas). Overall, individuals who listed their occupation as one of the branches of the military or the U.S. Department of Defense have donated about $78,000 to presidential candidates, according to the Center's analysis of donors...

PALMDALE -- With unsolicited packages from the general public to U.S. military personnel banned because of the threat they could contain poisons or explosives, the Red Cross is stepping in to act as intermediary. This week, the Antelope Valley Red Cross office will collect donations of candies, toiletries, music CDs and other gifts to send on to American military overseas. "We have had quite a few calls, and this was requested through national (Red Cross headquarters), so I guess they've had quite a few requests," said Sarah Gonzalez, secretary at the Palmdale Red Cross office. Items may be dropped off...