http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/147/story/210309.html

Press of Atlantic City - July 21, 2008

President Bush took over a military budget of $305 billion when inaugurated in 2001. He has grown it to a whopping $481 billion for 2008 plus another $186 billion emergency appropriation to fight wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in the upcoming year.

Our enemies in both wars represent no nation, have no air or sea forces and generally use low-tech weapons against our forces. So why is the Pentagon still buying weapons designed to fight a Cold War adversary?

Do we need Virginia-class submarines at $2.5 billion per unit when we already have the most modern submarine fleet in the world? Do we need more F22s at $360 million per unit when we have the most powerful air forces in history? And why is Congress debating the need for a $50 billion tanker contract when the current fleet is performing satisfactorily?

Bush's priorities are misaligned. He invaded Iraq knowing some of our soldiers had no Kevlar vests and some Humvees had only canvas doors and no metal gun turrets. His budget cuts degraded care for veterans and downgraded benefits.

Bush has promised much but delivered little to those who have served our country with more honor than he has as commander in chief.

Sadly, anyone who thinks that John McCain is a savior in waiting is mistaken, for he has consistently supported Bush in voting against increases in health care for the troops, minimum rest periods between tours and maximum tour lengths.

Nick Reina

Milmay, NJ