That’s Right Nate

This week, the Republicans in the Senate attempted to filibuster funding for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.   They were ultimately defeated 63-33 on the vote, but a lot of people still don’t understand why 33 of the 40 members in the Republican caucus would oppose troop funding.   Since the vote Republicans have been accused of not supporting our troops, being hypocritical, and not wanting our brave men and women in the middle east to have combat armor.

Well, I have news for these Democrats.   Nobody supports our troops more than the Republican party.   If you don’t believe me listen to a Republican Senator and a Democrat Senator speak.  Look how many times the Republican will mention the troops and how rarely the Democrat does.   I think being remembered is a lot more important to the brave men and women overseas than any funding would be.   My mother taught me when I was a little boy, that it’s the thought that counts.

Now, about the body armor—I DON”T WANT OUR TROOPS TO GET BODY ARMOR.   Why not?   Face it, with the educational system in this country and the lowered standards by our armed forces, the men and women of our military are as brave as they come, but they’re not necessarily too bright.   If you give these 18 year olds body armor, they’re going to think that they’re even more immortal than they already do.   I think the body armor actually increases the risk these green troops face.   It works the same way that providing teen age drivers with seatbelts or the working poor with health care does.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates sent Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) a blistering letter Thursday warning of a “serious disruption” in the military’s ability to pay troops. “It is inconceivable to me that such a situation would be permitted to occur with U.S. forces actively deployed in combat,” Gates wrote.

I guess somebody needs to learn that there are more important things than money.