Obama Loses, Fort Hood Victims Win
Rep. Judge Stone (R-TX) seems to have defeated early dem leadership efforts to kill this. Obama has got to fuming - it opens the door for greater scrutiny of the terrorist-act-committed-by-a-nonterrorist.
Here’s the press release:
WASHINGTON, DC) – Army and civilian personnel who were wounded or killed in the shooting attack on Fort Hood would be granted the same legal status as combatant casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan, if bipartisan legislation introduced today by U.S. Representative John Carter (R-TX31) passes into law. Carter was joined by U.S. Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX10) for a news conference unveiling the bill in the House Radio-TV Gallery in the U.S. Capitol this afternoon.
“Our Fort Hood casualties should receive the same benefits and recognition as other combat casualties,” says Carter, who represents the Fort Hood area in the House, “as this was a planned terror attack on U.S. military personnel. It should make no difference in our care for the wounded and the families of the slain whether it occurred on an Army base in Iraq, Afghanistan, or Texas.”
While many military and survivor benefits are the same regardless of the status of the casualty, combatant status allows military personnel to receive the Purple Heart, and civilians to receive the equivalent award, the Secretary of Defense Medal of Freedom. Combatant status would also guarantee that the beneficiaries of all military personnel who lost their lives in the attack would receive the maximum life insurance available, extended family housing privileges, and other benefits.
“This bill is not about investigations or assigning blame,” says Carter. “It is about taking care of our troops and their families first. That’s why we have such strong support from both sides of the aisle, and why we hope and expect this to move quickly.”
Over 30 House Members nearly evenly split between parties joined Carter as original co-sponsors on the legislation. Carter is Co-chairman of the House Army Caucus for the 111th Congress, and is Secretary of the House
They even used the “T” word. Now if they can get it passed and a similar bill in the Senate…
There’s something about that name, John Carter, but I can’t put my finger on it.
Submit to Stumbled Upon!
I don’t even have to look it up. Who could ever forget the mighty Warlord of Barsoom?
Some people are too young to have read the Classics.
There’s joking around, there’s deliberately provocative statements, and then there’s just talking stupid shit.
It’s also Charlton Heston’s real name.
Yes, well, they may not need to do so, genes - it seems there’s a certain film being made…
Hmmm…Dave, does that mean that C.H. was actually (secretly) married to Deja Thoris?
Meanwhile, back (more or less) on-topic - I certainly hope this legislation passes, and promptly goes into effect. It would be extremely offensive for ol’ horsefaced Johnny Ketchup to have received three Purple Heart awards (only one of which was even remotely justifiable), and for the dead and wounded in the Fort Hood terrorist attack to be denied one such award or the civilian equivalent.