Pat Thompson, Published in The Star-Ledger on January 24, 2005

Chris Smith, a Republican congressman from Mercer County, has been in office for more than 20 years. His service as chairman of the Veterans Affairs' Committee has been highly praised by veterans' groups. He was  recently ousted by the Republican hierarchy as chairman since he is not  loyal enough to the Republican- neocon party line. He actually spoke out about a $1.8 billion shortfall for veterans in the budget.

Considering all of the veterans returning from Iraq suffering amputated limbs, paraplegia and head injuries, the Department of Veterans Affairs needs adequate funding, not cuts. Apparently "supporting our troops" means putting those silly ribbons on the backs of vehicles but leaving returning GIs without help.