Political Reps - A Look at American Politics: March 2009

Military Related Headlines 3/27

Army vet billed $3,000 for war wounds [CNN]
VA Says 10 Colonoscopy Patients Have Hepatitis [NPR]
Russian 'Arctic military' plan [BBC News]
U.S. May Expand Anti-Militant Efforts To Baluchistan [NPR]
Obama Sounds Cautious Note as He Sets Out Afghan Plan [NY Times]

-Dippold

Labels: Afghanistan, Army, Military, Obama, Russia, VA, Veterans

Military Related Headlines 3/24 - 3/25

Jet Fighter Crashes In Calif. [CBS News]
Pentagon exploring robot killers that can fire on their own [McClatchy]
US: North Korea loading rocket on launch pad [Newsvine]
Possible contamination at VA facilities sparks call for inquiry [CNN]
Vet groups: Definition of combat is outdated [Newsvine]
Pilot 'screamed in horror' after seeing jet slam into house [CNN]
Obama seeks military savings [Newsvine]
Pick For NATO Military Leader Rode Navy Fast Track [NPR]

-Dippold

Labels: Air Force, Korea, Military, NATO, Obama, Pentagon, VA, Veterans

Military Related Headlines 3/19

Army Investigating How and Why Troops Were Sent Into Alabama Town After Murder Spree [CNS News]
Obama 'mulls Afghan army boost' [BBC News]
King: Veterans' stories show cost of military service [CNN]
Beginning Of The End For U.S. In Iraq? [CBS News]
US commanders say US ready for any NKorean missile [Newsvine]
Private colleges still have questions about new GI Bill [USA Today]

-Dippold

Labels: Army, G.I. Bill, Iraq, Korea, Military, Obama, Veterans

Dems and Vet groups oppose Obama's private insurance plan

Democrats and Veterans' groups both appear opposed to Obama's proposal to require vets to use private insurance to pay for combat and service related injuries.

I'm over simplifying it here, but Obama says the plan would provide $540 million for the Department of Veterans Affairs while opponents claim that the VA has a "moral obligation" to pay for these injuries.

John of OPFOR about the president's proposal:

Confusing. I'm not a doctor or a politician, but this just smacks of political inexperience. Politics favor perception over reality. Think the perception here is going to favor the President?

-Dippold

Labels: Military, Obama, Veterans

Military Related Headlines 3/18

Taliban Commander Says U.S. Troops are Being Targeted [ABC News]
Sources: Pentagon to stop forced tour extension [Newsvine]
Official Slams Pentagon on Major Weapons Purchases [Wash Po]
Pentagon to bring families to Dover if they choose [Newsvine]
Veterans groups irate at Obama's private insurance proposal [CNN]
Iraq combat deaths at 6-year low [USA Today]
Reports of sexual assault in military rise in 2008 [CNN]
Massive archive of US Army medical illustrations and photos free online [BoingBoing]
Czechs halt US missile treaties [BBC News]