News Analysis: February 24, 2009
Years into two wars, PTSD is ripping through the ranks. Our country must do more for our wounded troops — it’s not only the right thing to do, it’s what we owe our men and women in uniform. They deserve viable, effective treatment, not the work of amateurs, charlatans or outright frauds.
Simply put, multiple tours and multiple wars are dashing our military readiness. Despite improvements in security, Iraq remains a deadly war zone for our troops. Hopefully, we haven’t lost thousands of lives merely to install another strongman atop the country. Is there a way to win in Afghanistan? Support for President Barack Obama’s moves in Afghanistan is strong — support for the president is strong in general. There’s still North Korea to worry about, and the Taliban are settling into Pakistan. Time for talks in Washington.
Another day, more news of deploying Guard members. A Maryland legislator, following an example set in a handful of other state legislatures, is introducing a bill to restrict the deployment of the state’s Guard forces — for fear of further straining the forces designed to keep us safe at home. Some never come home, as is the case with married, father of three, Staff Sgt. Mark Baum — who went back to Iraq with his Pennsylvania Guard unit and died in battle. Meanwhile, the FBI is warning of terror attacks against the homefront.
Reform of the evaluation system for seriously injured war veterans is underway at the Pentagon and the VA — thankfully.
TBI and headaches, more awful fallout for our veterans.
Soldiers are still awaiting their stop-loss bonuses. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said ending stop-loss is a priority.
Perhaps that $11.2 billion for new White House helicopters will be used for more pressing matters, after all…