tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37387500.post4474110429207011328..comments2023-10-31T10:06:53.344-05:00Comments on Blue man in a Red district: Bachmann and Kline go AWOL: Amendment 1 HR 2642Hal Kimballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06436615739937572663noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37387500.post-71941931655647167942008-05-18T07:26:00.000-05:002008-05-18T07:26:00.000-05:00So Blueman, I hope you noticed that most of this $...So Blueman, I hope you noticed that most of this $162 billion was actually not for vets, and not even for force protection of those currently stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of it was just for the continued occupation of those two countries, and the amount was the biggest since the invasion of Iraq in March of 2003.<BR/><BR/>Wouldn't it be wonderful to end the occupation. Not only would it end the continued unwarranted exposure of our troops in a war based on lies, but it would also free up billions in potential funding for those who have served there. <BR/><BR/>A great deal of the post WW II economic boom came from the relatively generous benefits (education, mortgages, and so on) that went to returning troops. Not only did it give a leg up to those who had served, it actually benefited the entire American society. Some would say the strength of our middle class actually sprung from those programs.<BR/><BR/>Peace groups all over the U.S. are pleased with this vote. Not because of disagreement with any of the points you make, but because it is the biggest vote so far to actually de-fund the Iraq occupation. Let's enjoy it, even if it lasts only a few weeks, and let's think about what it would be like to fund the programs you mention instead.Charley Underwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06838907527682374798noreply@blogger.com