Democrats, Republican, and the Military

[erpowers]

Yesterday I came across the book "Reckless Disregard: How Liberal Democrats undercut our military, Endanger our Soldiers, and Jeopardize our Security" in the bookstore. It was written by Lt. Col. Robert Patterson. I get upset when I see books like this because these books never blame Republicans for the problems of the military. In my opinion, which is based on facts, if it had not been for democrats our military would be in worse shape. Very few people point out that during G. H. W. Bush's term Cheney, Powell, and Bush wanted greater cuts than the Democrats wanted. In addition, Cheney was opposed to the same systems that Kerry was opposed to. Finally,
G. W. Bush has done many things to harm the military like trying to take their hazard pay away from them while they were at war. And it was G. W. Bush's rush to war that cause our soldiers to go to war without the proper equipment.

[Bush was AWOL]

1. I've never understood the myth

that Republicans are for a stronger military and will keep our nation safer. To be honest, Democrats have been president when most of the major wars have started. The best wartime president was a democrat by far.

[K-W]

2. Spending irresponsibly is 'good' for the military like

jailing massive parts of the population unconstitutionally is being tough on crime and trying to deliver us into dickensonian free market anarchy is being fiscally conservative

[qazplm]

3. the problem is

some on the far left are quite vehement in attacking the military and memebers of the military.

It is a small number no doubt, but compared to the near zero number on the right, it is huge.

If we can get everyone on the left to stop attacking the military and focus our anger on the civilian politicians who use them incorrectly, we might have more pull.

But when some 20 year old kid, who hasnt quite formed his opinions yet on which party sees some soldier being called baby killer as just happened recently by a few far left extremists...he is likely to gravitate the other way.

[napi21]

4. I can't explain it, but I know LOTS that think that way.

My brother-in-law was and active duty Marine for 24 years, his dauchter married a marine, his son joined the marines when he was 19, my daughter-in-law was in the marines for 6 years (quite a few years ago) and my son is in the Navy.

Out of that whole crew, the only one who will once in a while say "well, I don't agree with EVERYTHING Bush does" is my son. For all I know, he says it to apease me. Tje rest of them keep sending me emails about how great shrub is. Today, I received an email with a list of all the military things Kerry voted against. It was quite a long list of planes, ships, and programs. At the bottom, it said "he voted against every military spending program! Is that the kind of President you want?"

I don't know why this attitude is prevelent in the military, but I assure it is.

[K-W]

5. Its easy to explain.

Republicans rubber stamp bloated defense bills. It creates the appearance of unlimited support for the military.

[donhakman]

6. Why? Once a family buys into the military empire myth

and loses a family member, the fate of the next generation is usually sealed since to ever go against war policy will mean their loved one would have died in vain.

[Redleg]

7. Republicans are for enriching defense contractors, not for soldiers,

sailors, marines, or airmen/women. They love to sink billions into high tech weapons systems, many of which don't work as advertised and spend very little toward the welfare of the troops.

[ParisFrance]

8. Military is becoming obselete

Contrary to Mr.Patterson we should take the route of other countries and cut our military funding and size. As long as there are nuclear weapons, conventional war fare is no longer optional except for a few cases in 2nd and third world nations. Just think of all the other potential funding we could use instead of our massive military budget.

[Bush was AWOL]

9. The thing that pisses me off most about this whole

Republican/Democrat military issue is that our troops listen to fucking listen to Rush every day. That is not right!