Political Prostitution: "That's The Kicker"

Letters To The Editor
Army Times
10.3.05

Once again our country has been weakened by political prostitution in the form of so-called pork projects funded by the new highway bill; 6,371 pork projects in all stain the pages of this bill.

I am sure those who abused their power to get such projects will see no shame in their egregious actions.

I wonder if these same Republicans and Democrats are thinking about the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, who still today are fighting without the equipment needed to be fully combat effective.

Some questions to ask: Have all of the Humvees been armored up to add protection from improvised explosive devices or roadside bombs that have killed so many?

Are all service members in combat wearing up-to-date protective equipment?

Are they being paid commensurate to their selfless service to our country?

I think it would be safe to answer all of these questions with "probably not."

However, grandiose, self-serving bridges, highway landscaping projects, dust-control mitigation projects and warehouse rehabilitation projects are being funded.

That's the kicker.

Staff Sgt. Tim Kane (ret.)
Glendale, Ariz.