More ways to support our troops and their families


On my daily jaunt around my neighborhood this afternoon, the problem of the unfair burden of sacrifices being placed on Reservists and their families because of the war in Iraq was heavy on my mind. Here are some more ways I thought of that we can ensure that their sacrifices do not go unrecognized and unrewarded.

On my daily jaunt around my neighborhood this afternoon, the problem of the unfair burden of sacrifices being placed on Reservists and their families because of the war in Iraq was heavy on my mind. Here are some more ways I thought of that we can ensure that their sacrifices do not go unrecognized and unrewarded.

For every soldier who is killed or permanently maimed while serving in Iraq, let the U.S. government pay the following:

Immediate cash payment of:

1) One million dollars to every spouse.

2) One million dollars to every soldier who survives but is maimed for life while on duty, rendering him or her unable to work on a regular basis at a job sufficient to support his or her family with a middle class income.

3) $500,000 to each surviving child.

4) $250,000 to each surviving parent and brother or sister.

We should also:

1) Pay $500,000 to every soldier whose injuries as a result of his or her service cause significant, long-term pain and suffering, even if they are still able to work at jobs providing a middle class income.

2) Establish full-tuition college scholarships for every surviving child, and for any surviving spouse who does not already have a bachelor's degree.

Of course, everyone will say, well, that's a nice idea, but how do we pay for that with today's burgeoning deficit?

It's simple. Tax Big Oil, which is the primary beneficiary of the war.

You don't even have to tax them that much. I'd wager everything I own that if you taxed the big oil companies just one half of one percent of their gross annual revenues, you'd have enough money to pay not only the survivors of the present war but also of Gulf I, and still have money left over to bring down the national debt.

And while we're at this, I say the first people to go to the top of the draft when it is reinstated should be the sons and daughters of President Bush's billionnaire pals -- or even the billionnaires themselves. And the very first on the list should be the Bush twins, Jenna and Barbara!



Posted: Sun - April 25, 2004 at 09:24 AM          

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