Soldiers losing limbs in Iraq due to Bush's rush to war

[Woodstock]

The Bush Admin. now is backtracking and pretending they never said there was an imminent threat - that they just invaded Iraq to liberate the people. Then why couldn't they have waited long enough to assure adequate protection to our troops before invading? The press needs to call attention to this issue, and to call Bush on this (it nullifies his latest excuse for war.)

I want to see more stories of the number of AMPUTEES that are the direct result of Bush's rush to war - yes, say that word, and say it often. This did NOT need to happen to these men and women.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2001752313_bodyarmor30.html

Thousands of U.S. troops invaded Iraq in March without the new body armor that can stop rifle bullets, and thousands more still lack the lifesaving protection. "I can't answer for the record why we started this war with protective vests that were in short supply," Army Gen. John Abizaid, chief of the U.S. Central Command, told Congress last week.

...

In his congressional testimony last week, Gen. John Keane, the Army's vice chief of staff, said the $177 million in Humvee money would allow the military to increase armor on the vehicles, which have become prime targets of "improvised explosive devices" or remote-control roadside bombs in Iraq. The money for the Humvees would provide armor plating for the soft sides and undercarriages that would protect the driver and three crew members from shrapnel and small-arms fire.

[alfredo]

1. Why didn't they think of that before they went in?

Canvas will not stop bullets, much less RPG's.

[atreides1]

2. Because...

....these Generals are in reality only keeping their jobs because of loyalty to the White House. For the most part they don't give a damn about the troops.

Most of the Generals that did care, and were not able to bought off were retired earlier this year.

So don't expect these hand picked men and women to speak up for the troops, because it won't happen.

And don't expect the Republicans to support the troops except in words, with no substance.

[Brucey]

3. These guys could spin anything.

Will the majority of Americans come around and see the light? I don't think so, but I would love to be surprised.