To: Bob Dole

General U.S. Grant coined the term about the Democratic press during the early aspect of the Vicksburg campaign as “giving aid and comfort to the enemy”. It was the summer of 1863. The union forces had suffered several substantial defeats by the hands of Confederate armies since the First Battle of Manassas. There were draft riots in the major cities. The defeatist press, as well as, the political establishment they represented cried out for capitulation. People of lesser character wanted to dissolve the union.

General U.S. Grant had positioned his army to take Vicksburg the last impediment to free navigation on the Mississippi river. Should it fall, the National armies would control the river from New Orleans to its source. His army corps had been living in horrid conditions in and around the bayous of Mississippi for months. They had done everything ask of them despite inadequate rations, and rampant disease etc.

Meanwhile, Northern newspapers and idiotic politicians called for capitulation. Grant felt this behavior disrespectful to his troops. Men willing to lay their lives on the line for the union having their contributions devalued.

Public Sentiment was to change on July 4^th 1863. Vicksburg was taken along with 30,000 prisoners, 60,000 small arms, and countless pieces of artillery. The river was in union hands. In addition, General Meade defeated Lees Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg. Public sentiment for enforcing the union was restored.

Reagan/Bush economic policies of the 80s, Republican” pay as you go” fiscal responsibility, as well as, Newt Gingrich and his “Contract with America” helped reduce deficit spending and create the strong economy of the 90s. The technology bubble, Y2K fiasco, and Bush/Gore election debacle, Wall street greed and ineptitude, and lack of corporate ethics threatened to derail our economy. 6 trillion dollars was lost from the retirement accounts of millions of our aged citizens. Then we are hit with 911.

The 60s, and 70s, the draft, and Vietnam debilitated the way some in the public viewed the military. Instead of a ticker tape parade, returning vets were greeted with “baby killer”. Drugs were pervasive in our defense forces. Attitudes and retention were at all time lows. The nation started to understand the latent effects from exposure to Agent Orange. The nation started to understand the real nature of PTSD and drug addiction related to combat duty in Vietnam. Thousands upon thousands of Vietnam vets went undiagnosed for war related trauma and exposure. Our towns and cities were host to countless vets that had lost their way. Proper mental health in lieu of governmental denial would have served these individuals better. In stead, we had homeless drug addicted combat veterans with PTSD roaming the streets, staying at shelters and living under bridges etc.

The defense department made numerous policy adjustments. The draft was abolished, pay was increased, zero tolerance, and living conditions for the troops readdressed. Attitudes, self image, and the quality of our troops rebounded. Countless thousands of vets took advantage of the Vietnam era veteran GI bill. We found that an all volunteer force was indeed sustainable. People who want to be soldiers make much better soldiers.

George Bush senior in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait rallied an international coalition to counter this aggression. His mandate was to remove Saadam Hussein from Kuwait. Unlike Vietnam which had no end in sight, Deserts storms mandate was to get in, remove Iraq, and get out. This war, to Bush seniors benefit, was conducted by an all volunteer force. George Bush seniors held to the objective. The American public, however, after the quick routing of the Iraqi forces, wanted to go all the way to Baghdad. Bush senior true to his word, pulled the forces out of Iraq after their objective was achieved. The coalition was victorious. As a result, confidence in our leaders and military sky rocketed. All the demons that tormented the Vietnam Era vets seemed to lessen. Not only was Desert Storm the Iraq Era veterans victory, it was theirs as well. Again, Bush senior setting a legitimate mandate and then sticking to it, restored faith in our military and its leaders. We still hear “They should have gone to Baghdad”! I feel only fools would say this.

Tragically, however, just as the government denied the existence of Agent Orange exposure health disorders and PTSD, the government also was slow to acknowledge “gulf war syndrome”.

After the war, the U.S public had to fund “Iraq containment”. At a cost of billions, we maintained the “Northern and Southern No fly zones”, in addition, to economic sanctions. The only people who suffered were the innocent civilians. Saadam Hussein’s regime stayed intact. He continued to be a threat in an area that produces fully 40 percent of the worlds oil supply. His regime used the oil capital to fund his military, terrorize Iraqi citizens, and threaten his neighbors. In the scheme of things it was essential that he, his family, and the elaborate henchmen system he created be removed from power.

911 had nothing to do with the Iraqis. Alqaida did not exist in Iraq. Hussein did use chemical weapons on his population. He did use oil revenue to maintain power. He would have continued to build his military with oil capital and threaten his neighbors. He would have continued to execute Kurds and Shiites. These acts alone justified invasion. Sometimes, Machiavellian International relations apply.

With the fall of the Berlin wall and collapse of the former Soviet Union, international relations in the Middle East region changed. The Détente and subsequent posturing between two diametrically opposed Super Powers and economic systems so prevalent during “The Cold War”, has all but vanished. Soviet communism and sphere of influence has suffered tremendously. Capitalism has triumphed for now. This dilution of power has allowed the U.S the freedom to gain alliances with ‘The soft under belly” nations of the former Soviet Union. The U.S. even now maintains bases in former Soviet countries. This is unbelievable when one considers the MAD policies, and contained police actions engaged in by the super powers during the Cold war.

Islamic extremists and poverty..

The arming and supporting of brutal dictators such as “the Shaw of Iran”, has also become a thing of the past. Maintaining “balance of power” in the Middle East through arms sales and puppet governments, has never worked. In addition, our nation free from cold war limitations can be much more aggressive. When sanctions, and control measures that have been in place for over a decade do not help oppressed peoples, direct intervention must be levied.

Just as the Shaw, we do not know how long Saudi Arabia and its Royal families can maintain control of Saudi Arabia and its oil resources. Royal families and monarchies are unsustainable. All people are created equal. Saudi oil revenues belong to the people of that nation. It should not be a have and have not ordeal.

All societies need institutions that help people and populations progress. Specifically, education whether vocational or university type training helps create a valid work force. This helps societies gain a stable middle class. As a result, societies benefit from economy. Radical Islamic clerics exploit Middle East poverty. All intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and middle class families are a threat to Islam. Western ideals of democracy, separation of church and state, and capitalism are at odds with the environment that Islam requires in order to exploit the poor. Spiritualism must be separate from economic and political doctrine. By virtue of Iran wanting to acquire nuclear weapons, one realizes that Radical Islam is not altruistic. They have other agendas above and beyond using oil revenue to better their society, since a thriving middle class threatens their ability to maintain control.

If left unchecked Radical clerics could gain control of fully 40 percent of the worlds oil supply. Creating democracy and freedom in the region is necessary. It is truly Machiavellian, but it is necessary. The current Sunni/Shiite sectarian violence civil war is case in point and also supports intervention. Governments govern through democracy not torture and religious favoritism.

911 precipitated U.S military involvement with radical Islam. Everyone wanted war. No one questioned war with Iraq. Politicians on both sides of the isle wanted war. Everyone wanted revenge for the towers. Everyone wanted to light up Baghdad. Everyone wanted to finish the job George senior conducted and concluded. Almost every single politician supported the war effort.

Now, there are politicians reneging on their support of the war and placing blame. They are establishing presidential platforms based on “giving aid and comfort to the enemy”. This is a slap in the face to all our troops. When the population makes a decision to commit troops to war, they cant change their minds when the result is not immediate. We as a country must see this endeavor through. It is within our national interest to help Iraq create a stable economy based on democracy and the will of people.

Let us look at history repeating itself. One example is the presidential elections of 1864 between the democratic candidate “McClellan” and Abraham Lincoln. The country had been consumed with a protracted civil war that threatened the union.. The Democratic platform was based on defeatism and appeasement. The Republican platform was restoring the union at any cost. The democratic convention of 1864 was held in Chicago.

When we look at the 1968 Democratic convention, the tables had turned. When Lyndon B. Johnson decided not to run in 1968, the torch fell to Hubert Humphrey. His platform was business as usual and supported the LBJ status quo. It was perceived that JFK would get us out of Vietnam. It is perceived that “The gulf of Tonkin incident was fabricated”. In fact taped conversations between LBJ and the carrier commander on the scene were not at all conclusive. In fac,t the incident probably didn’t happen at all. Robert F. Kennedy was to be the overwhelming party choice.. Just as his brother, he was perceived to be our best choice for honorable withdrawal from Vietnam. He was also considered the best choice to deal with the racial inequalities of the day. His assassination ended the hopes and dreams of many and we were left with a status quo LBJ clone democratic candidate.

In 1968 Nixon represented the forgotten silent contributors. The majority of middle class Americans that didn’t protest the war. Basically, the ever respectful cohesive WW2 generation.

The post WW2 generation of patriots that respected government and believed we were doing the right thing. A generation of patriots that lived through the depression, defeated fascism, and put America on the path of super power and prosperity. This generation was forged from hardship, commitment and endeavor. WW2 Veterans came home to a Gross Domestic product that grew from 90 billion in 1939 to over 300 billion by 1945. They came home to a manufacturing base and economic opportunity that had never existed before. They came home to educational opportunity. They came home to a generation of united patriots whose bond was forged during the depression and a world war. They believed in its leaders and its role in the world as the “Arsenal of democracy” All other Western economies were devastated..

The Vietnam Veterans came home to a divided country. They came home to all manner of domestic upheaval. They came home to race issues, drug addiction, equal rights issues, and ultimately to an economy that had to adjust to the ending of a “guns and butter”. They came home to Nixon, Watergate, oil cartels, and a major economic adjustment. Unlike the WW2 vets that could support a household on one income, it now took two incomes for the average American household. Jimmy Carter “A Great man” did his best to manage a country adjusting to strictly “butter” and government waste. It seems the rebuilding of WW2 countries under the “Marshal Plan “worked incredibly well. The manufacturing base of the U.S. has been under extreme pressure from foreign markets ever since. Vietnam Vets did come home to a “Vietnam Era Veteran GI Bill” that was equal to the times.

What will Iraq Veterans come home too? Iraq Veterans will come home to enormous trade deficits, and eroding manufacturing base, a service and information based economy. They will come home to housing prices that are 10 times that of the returning Vietnam Vet. The average hourly income in 1973 was lets say $5.00 to $7.000 an hour. The average price of a car was $3,000. The average price of a home was $30,000. Now the average price of an American made car is $30,000. The average price of an American home in some areas is $300,000. If the same growth had applied to the average wage earner since Vietnam, , the average wage would be $50 to $70 an hour. We have benefited from globalization in many respects for the short term, but the cost of living has gone up dramatically. Wages in the civilian sector have not.

The GI bill for the militaries has not stayed pace with our economy.

When the Tech bubble burst in 2000, 6 trillion dollars was lost from the retirement portfolios of the citizens. Wall Street corporate deception and greed heisted the hard earned savings of countless Americans. Working retirement became the coping strategy of the day. People withdrew from the Stock market in droves. Interest rates were lowered to below 5 percent to avert an economic catastrophe. Trillions were shifted from the stock markets to real estate.

Given shifting demographics, low interest rates, immigration and venture capitalism, housing prices increased dramatically. This was a welcome sight for long time homeowners that lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in their 401ks. It was a welcome sight for the municipalities that gain revenue from property taxes that had doubled or tripled since 2000. The real estate boom is a welcome sight for the Federal government. It will benefit from the trillions in capital gain revenue. . In some cases our elderly were able to recoup the losses they sustained while heavily invested in tech funds. The sad thing is our young will foot the bill. Not only will they have to fund Social security, Medicaid, Medicare, Government, and military, they will have to pay exorbitant costs for housing which in turn will fund the retirees. At one time, American housing was affordable. Everyone in America that took advantage of educational opportunities and was willing to work could afford a house. This is not so for our youth. They are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to owning their own home. Our next generations will be the most taxed and exploited generation ever.. Throw in the current platform of “The Democratic Socialist Workers Green Party” under Hillary Clinton and our youth will have zero opportunity.

As the GI Bill is now, the average Returning Vet will not be able to afford school unless they live in a state that provides free education to Veterans. There are only 11 states that provide cost free education to veterans. The other 39 states do not feel serving ones country in combat is as valuable as a Volley ball scholarship.

We cannot fix the problems of global economy overnight. We can address the providing for Veteran education opportunities.

The only military mistake we did in Vietnam was not using overwhelming force at the beginning. Rolling thunder and slow escalation only prepared the NVA and Vietcong.

Had we used our military potential, we could have annihilated the north. We would have brought the North to the peace tables in a short amount of time, or just took them over.

We did of course; have to operate under “contained action”. The Cold War precedent of “contained police action” was established during the Korean conflict. All conflicts until the disintegration of the Soviet Union were conducted in this matter. We are no longer limited by these constraints. Hence, low troop levels in Iraq are repeating the mistakes of the past.

There is a parallel between rolling thunder and inadequate troop levels in Iraq.

Who was right in Vietnam? Were the war protesters right or the International relations strategists? I feel both were right? It is in our National interest to execute war overwhelmingly with well equipped and well trained troops. . This was true at “The first battle of Manassas”, Vietnam, as well as, Iraq..

There are parallels between “the Madrid train bombings” and “the TET offensive”. Both incidence affected public support and the outcome of national elections.

Now let us look at the 2008 Democratic convention. 40 years later and held in Chicago.

The tables again are turned. Now the Democratic Socialist platform represents defeatism and appeasement. The Republican platform will probably support the status quo. In this instance, however, the status quo is the proper course. Hence, the defeatist platform of the Democrats is “Aid and comfort to the enemy”. It is also a slap in the face of the American people. We are a people of tenacity and Honor. We are the arsenal for democracy. We do not waiver from the right and just courses. We have corporate memory as a people and will not be manipulated by foolish political rambling and posturing..

There is no parallel between “The Tonkin resolution and not finding WMD.

Hopefully there will not be a future incident that effects the next election like Madrid or TET.

Now to the heart of what must be addressed.

Our Guard and reserve forces have contributed significantly to military events since Desert storm. This role was then increased many fold since 911. Education benefits as written for the Guard and reserve is not equitable. Duncan Hunter supports a better time sensitive Guard and Reserve GI bill.

The Active forces are eligible for 75 percent tuition paid while on active duty. This benefit when an individual is at a military installation nearby a major university is gold.

In addition, their pay is equal to or significantly better than the civilian sector. An active duty person in a career field that does not deploy can attend any university for pennies on the dollar and also maintain a good livelihood. Individuals that can take advantage of both institutions benefit greatly from military discipline, as well as, learning additional skills. University level management classes for example, would benefit any military organization.

When reservist or Guardsmen are on active duty they have this same option. However, the active duty they perform is in support of the active force. In most cases the time spent on active duty is not concurrent. Guardsman and Reservist have families, civilian jobs and participate as much as they can. At the behest of family and corporate consideration part-timers perform on weekends, holidays, and whenever they can. When they are on active duty they are performing. They constantly adjust their lives to be affiliated with the military. They represent the highest order of patriotism and contribution to society.

A Reserve or Guard flying unit for instance maintains the same performance standardization as active duty units. In some cases Reserve and Guardsman personnel perform more missions then their active duty counterparts. Here is an example of a participation level:

A C-141B/C Flight Engineer performs in a reserve unit for 16 years. The Initial training period spans 15 months or 455 days. For the next 13 years, he or she performs 75 days a year on active duty or 975 days. Then he or she is activated for 18 months or 550 days for the Iraq war. The total active duty performed during the period is approximately 2055 days (well over 5 years). During this time, the reservist did not have the opportunity to attend school and take advantage of 75 percent tuition reimbursement. Consider a new C-17 unit with a war time ops temp. Apply the same scenario.

Consider a young Infantry guardsman. He or she joins the guard to serve in the war on terror. Initial training is 1 year or 365 days. Their unit then deploys for 2 years within the next 3 years to Iraq. Even though the guardsman served 2 years in combat, he or she is not eligible back in the states for 75 percent tuition reimbursement. The guardsman is eligible for the Montgomery GI bill. This is not at all comparative to an active duty person getting 75 percent tuition reimbursement and a good paycheck.

Consider a guardsman that serves on the ground in extremely stressful combat situations. He or she then desires to separate and attend college. The state he or she maintains residency in provides free tuition to veterans. This frees up the Montgomery GI bill to be used for shelter, food and books. Free from a part time job, the vet can focus fully on study and achievement. 39 states do not provide free tuition to veterans. They will however give out volleyball scholarships.

Consider a reservist in his mid 40s that has spent well over 20 years in the reserves and has given his or her all. In lieu of working in a career, he or she participated in the reserves for most of their adult lives. . All their experience relates to the military. They do not have relevant skills, suffer from slight PTSD, high blood pressure, and are subject to age discrimination in the job market. What do they do?

PTSD changes the course the individual takes in life.

I propose that all state affiliated schools provide tuition free of charge for Veterans.

I propose that monetary benefits stay at current levels.

I propose that universities offer incentives and prepare their counselors for PTSDcounseling.

I propose that Combat Iraq combat vets while attending school submit to yearly PTSD battery tests and have PTSD counseling available at the university they attend or in the region.

I propose that the time a reservist or guardsman spends on active duty in any capacity can be banked (voucher) to use at a later date along with the Montgomery GI bill. I propose that should he or she elect not to use it personally, it can be used by one of his or hers dependent. No time limit.

My second proposal is all state sponsored universities will provide tuition free education for Guardsman and Reservist who have completed a 3 year tour in or out of a combat situation.

The U.S. military has a proud history. A greater majority of soldiers would not consider a civilian career. They are very happy with and proud of their military occupation and rightly so. Some individuals that have served in combat have coping skills that enable them to go forward throughout life without issues. Some individuals do not. This does not make them lesser patriots. From this nation’s birth, and during times of war, our militias and volunteers have always come to this country’s aid. The military is a proud institution.

When a powerful country exhausts all international diplomacy and protocols and then commits its young to war, the society owes these individuals post war encouragement.. Specifically, institutions of men owe these individuals guidance and help should the need arise. We should do all in our power to help patriots realize new goals, sense of worth, and a happy life. The best time to capture the momentum of a proud veteran is when he returns from battle. This momentum in concert with educational opportunity always gives more back to society.

PTSD exists and changes the way our soldiers view the world and themselves. It also changes the natural and family conditioned dreams and momentum of the individual.

We also have a responsibility to the tax payers. We must be fiscally responsible. Universities could easily adapt their Master degree Social Science curriculums in short order to accommodate Iraq Veterans. This should cost nothing. Sometimes just talking out your problems to a trained professional has life long benefits. We need to encourage returning troops with free education. Re-assimilation into society while attending school along with PTSD counseling will help considerably.

Are we to have homeless Veterans walking the streets again?

I feel our troops deserve a better GI Bill given all the sacrifices our troops have made since Desert Storm. I feel the current administration and the Republican Party would do well leaving a better GI Bill as a lasting legacy. This would also honor George Bush senior. I feel staying the course and helping Iraq fully realize democracy and independence is in our best interest. Lowering troop levels and being defeatist now sets a very dangerous precedent. I feel increasing troop levels would enable the U.S. and the fledgling Iraqi military greater effect. Together they could crush Alqaida and foreign intervention. Again defeatism and political posturing gives aid and comfort to the enemy. It also creates an environment where incidents such as the Madrid train bombings or the TET gain more political credence then they are worthy of. We need to be prepared for acts that could alter public support in 2008. We want to follow through with any and all of our commitments. We need to be as tenacious.