Don't Forget Our Troops Now Fighting in Iraq
According to Rep. Frank LoBiondo's guest column (DJ-6/8), he supports the Millville School District participating in the national Veterans' History Project. In a nutshell, the school kids interview and record oral histories of surviving veterans from World War II to Gulf War I. A very worthwhile project and I commend Mr. LoBiondo for his backing.
One has to wonder what the Gulf War II veterans might be saying years from now. Will they tell about inadequate equipment, the effects of improvised bombs on their comrades, extended tours of duty and forced multiple tours of duty? Will they connect their mysterious illnesses to the use of depleted uranium weapons? Will they remember scavenging vehicles destroyed by these weapons for armor to protect their HumVees? I hope they do not get treated like former veterans afflicted with Gulf War Syndrome and Agent Orange.
Mr. LoBiondo voted to conduct a preemptive war in which the cost in lives and dollars is mostly borne by the United States. Compared to Gulf I, which cost us about $7 billion and about 150 killed, Gulf II has cost us 1,700 lives, $300 billion so far and the end is nowhere in sight. Will the veterans ask how many lives might have been saved with a true world coalition?
Mr. LoBiondo also voted against an amendment to the bankruptcy legislation that would have made an exception for reservists and National Guardsmen serving in Iraq. Under the law as passed, those people will be treated just like any debtor who habitually abuses the bankruptcy laws.
Will the veterans who lose their small businesses and houses talk about Mr. LoBiondo missing an opportunity to support them and choosing instead to support the banking and credit card industries?
Nick Reina
Milmay
Letter Published in Daily Journal, June 27, 2005
posted by Citizens for Progressive Representation | 5:48 AM
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