Taken straight from a press release, but I think it's a point where Wes Clark can hit big against B* and the "national insecurity syndrome" that seems to persist in the electoral run-up:
- Press Room
For Immediate Release
Date: January 2, 2004
Clark To Bush: "Don't Do It"
Outrage At Rollback Of Vet Benefits
Little Rock - General Wes Clark is outraged that the Bush Administration is considering dramatically increasing the fees military retirees pay for prescription drugs.
"I have a three word message for Mr. Bush: Don't do it." Clark said. "It's just wrong. How could Bush consider cutting retiree benefits now while our servicemen and women are risking their necks in Iraq? They deserve a pat-on-the-back not a fee increase."
"Our country and our military deserve a higher standard of leadership," Clark continued. "When I commanded troops, I felt that my most solemn responsibility was to take care of their well-being, including ensuring that they got good health care. As commander in chief, I will make sure no service member and no veteran is ever left behind again."
General Clark's plan will fully fund Veterans' health care. This Administration's budget is already $2 billion short of giving our veterans the health care they need. Now, according to The Virginian-Pilot, the Administration might triple prescription fees.
It think that's a theme that bears repeating: thanks to his own malignant bidding, B*
is vulnerable on the national security front.