Durbin Demands Answers on armor for soldiers

[JI7]

<CHICAGO (AP) — The incoming deputy leader of Senate Democrats demanded answers Saturday from Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as to why U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan lack protective equipment for themselves and their vehicles.

"We can, and we should, armor every Humvee and every truck our troops use in Iraq and Afghanistan," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said in his party's weekly radio address.

"No more excuses, no more delays. We can save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of serious injuries."

Congress has given the Bush administration all the defense spending it has requested, yet there are still 3,500 Humvees without protective armor and about 44,000 soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan without adequate body armor, Durbin said.

"The Pentagon says the lack of protective equipment is a matter of 'logistics,'" Durbin said. "No, it's not. It's a matter of leadership.">

http://www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2004/12/18/breaking_news/doc41c485c3c7262489923603.txt

[JohnKleeb]

1. Good for Durbin

This is a good fight to fight.

[GetTheRightVote]

2. Durbin thank you for asking the right question, no demanding the armor

I hope they get Rummy out of there.

[blackangrydem]

3. Rumsfelds days are numbered.

The White House is probably finalizing his exit strategy to minimize negative impact on the administration.

Health reasons is my prediction.

[Radical Activist]

4. Durbin is God!

Or at least a great Senator. I wish he would run for President.