| − | Senator Obama began his anti-soldier candidacy{{fact}} for President of the United States on February 10, 2007, in Springfield, Illinois. His announcement speech largely avoided specific campaign issues and focused on his general political message of hope for the future. It also attempted to strongly invoke the memory of Abraham Lincoln and his "House Divided" speech.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/02/10/obama.president/index.html "Obama declares he's running for president"] 11 February 2007, www.CNN.com </ref> | + | Senator Obama began his anti-soldier candidacy for President of the United States on February 10, 2007, in Springfield, Illinois. His announcement speech largely avoided specific campaign issues and focused on his general political message of hope for the future. It also attempted to strongly invoke the memory of Abraham Lincoln and his "House Divided" speech.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/02/10/obama.president/index.html "Obama declares he's running for president"] 11 February 2007, www.CNN.com </ref> |
| | Obama's campaign has been financed largely by [[leftist]] donors opposed to the war and to the [[American]] military in general. Obama has encouraged this by refusing to wear the customary flag on his lapel during appearances (asserting that he would prefer his patriotism to be represented through his actions rather than an arbitrary symbol) and by other less-than-patriotic gestures and symbols, such as declining to put his hand over his heart during a patriotic recitation. In an appearance on May 16 where he addressed President Bush's statements that some politicians would prefer appeasing terrorists through negotiations, Senator Obama once again wore the flag pin as he did following 9-11. | | Obama's campaign has been financed largely by [[leftist]] donors opposed to the war and to the [[American]] military in general. Obama has encouraged this by refusing to wear the customary flag on his lapel during appearances (asserting that he would prefer his patriotism to be represented through his actions rather than an arbitrary symbol) and by other less-than-patriotic gestures and symbols, such as declining to put his hand over his heart during a patriotic recitation. In an appearance on May 16 where he addressed President Bush's statements that some politicians would prefer appeasing terrorists through negotiations, Senator Obama once again wore the flag pin as he did following 9-11. |
| | Barack Obama in his short stint as Senator of Illinois, has made clear his opposition to the [[U.S. Military]] in policy and in rhetoric. Obama has spent much energy to remind America of the war that should have never been waged and that we should not be there at all, in any way. In 2002, as an unknown Chicago representative to the state of Illinois, he declared his opposition to the Iraqi conflict. At the time, America was united in the stance against terrorism and the prospects of a rogue enemy with WMD worried the United States. Since elected to Congress, he voted against the Emergency War Supplemental. Obama did not oppose his party debating the bill long past the timeframe requested. This action directly affects troop deployment in combat zones. Obama has repeatedly called for the return of troops in Iraq. Barack Obama has a no confidence vote for the 'Surge' before the measure was put forth by General Petraus to Congress. Obama would not denounce MoveOn.org's slander NY Times advertising against the General. | | Barack Obama in his short stint as Senator of Illinois, has made clear his opposition to the [[U.S. Military]] in policy and in rhetoric. Obama has spent much energy to remind America of the war that should have never been waged and that we should not be there at all, in any way. In 2002, as an unknown Chicago representative to the state of Illinois, he declared his opposition to the Iraqi conflict. At the time, America was united in the stance against terrorism and the prospects of a rogue enemy with WMD worried the United States. Since elected to Congress, he voted against the Emergency War Supplemental. Obama did not oppose his party debating the bill long past the timeframe requested. This action directly affects troop deployment in combat zones. Obama has repeatedly called for the return of troops in Iraq. Barack Obama has a no confidence vote for the 'Surge' before the measure was put forth by General Petraus to Congress. Obama would not denounce MoveOn.org's slander NY Times advertising against the General. |
| − | Barack Obama now uses [[Liberal obfuscation]] when claiming to be a military supporter.{{fact}} As of 2008, he now supports the military and it's funding as long as America commits to the upgraded GI Bill.<ref>[http://www.townhall.com/news/politics-elections/2008/05/22/mccain,_obama_spar_on_gi_bill]</ref> This bill essentially adds $50 billion over 10 years as added benefits to our sworn military personnel.{{fact}} Democrats created this as political tool to use against the GOP presidential nominee, who opposes, and to remind America that the Democrats support the troops. If you look closely, you will notice that the Pentagon, the Generals and the military commanders in theatre, do not want this bill.{{fact}} It is a virtual recruitment center blockade.{{fact}} The Army Public Affairs office estimated the military spends $50,000 - $64,000 training our enlisted. First tour veterans would receive the same benefits as re-deployed soldiers get. Three years of duty is enough for the benefits to start. This upgraded benefits entice the trained soldier to leave active duty, estimated at 16% loss. This bill guarantees we will deplete our noncommissioned officers, which John McCain feels would hurt the military and our country very badly.{{fact}} This bill is projected to cost the military an addition $2.8- $4 billion per month, not including new recruitment services. Adds to troop readiness decline in a time of war. It will be paid for in taxes of those earning $500,000 to $1 million a year, for ten years. If crafted without political intention, a satisfactory bill that all could agree on would have emerged. Democrats want Americans to believe if you don't support the upgraded GI Bill, you are not supporting the U.S. troops.{{fact}} | + | Barack Obama now uses [[Liberal obfuscation]] when claiming to be a military supporter. As of 2008, he now supports the military and it's funding as long as America commits to the upgraded GI Bill.<ref>[http://www.townhall.com/news/politics-elections/2008/05/22/mccain,_obama_spar_on_gi_bill]</ref> This bill essentially adds $50 billion over 10 years as added benefits to our sworn military personnel. Democrats created this as political tool to use against the GOP presidential nominee, who opposes, and to remind America that the Democrats support the troops. If you look closely, you will notice that the Pentagon, the Generals and the military commanders in theatre, do not want this bill. It is a virtual recruitment center blockade. The Army Public Affairs office estimated the military spends $50,000 - $64,000 training our enlisted. First tour veterans would receive the same benefits as re-deployed soldiers get. Three years of duty is enough for the benefits to start. This upgraded benefits entice the trained soldier to leave active duty, estimated at 16% loss. This bill guarantees we will deplete our noncommissioned officers, which John McCain feels would hurt the military and our country very badly. This bill is projected to cost the military an addition $2.8- $4 billion per month, not including new recruitment services. Adds to troop readiness decline in a time of war. It will be paid for in taxes of those earning $500,000 to $1 million a year, for ten years. If crafted without political intention, a satisfactory bill that all could agree on would have emerged. Democrats want Americans to believe if you don't support the upgraded GI Bill, you are not supporting the U.S. troops. |