January 17, 2006
More Body Armor Flap
This time, it's from an idjit from Connecticut (but thank goodness he's not my rep):
HARTFORD — Rep. Rob Simmons, recently back from a visit to Iraq, said Monday that he will recommend hearings into delays in providing body armor protection for U.S. troops.
"It’s taken far too long to deploy," Simmons, R-2, said. "It’s not getting out to the field."
He singled out armor that protects the shoulders and underarms as particularly needed.
Asked what’s holding up the delivery of the body armor, he said, "bureaucracy. It’s unacceptable."
What is it about being elected to Congress or the Senate that makes you an automatic expert on military matters? He's just looking to score brownie points with the electorate, plain and simple. I'd rather let the Pentagon and each division of the military work out what they need and then make their requests before Congress -- not have Congress decide what's necessary because it's politically expedient.
At least this guy isn't blaming President Bush for the body armor issue like some politicians we know and, er, love. Then again, I don't think a run for president is in the immediate future plans of Rep. Simmons.
Funny thing too, about this article: I heard this bit on the news on the radio on my way in this morning, which is why I sought it out online. On the radio, Simmons was quoted as saying that morale among the troops is high. Somehow that bit didn't make it into this New Haven Register article.
As Gomer Pyle would have said, "Surprise, surprise, surprise!"
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