Supporting the Troops
Both All Thing Considered and the Albuquerque Tribune have stories about Governor Bill Richardson proposing increasing the benefits for New Mexico’s Guard units and other New Mexicans serving in the military.
The big item is financing $250,000 insurance policies for the troops. There are also plans for halving the state income tax on military retirements and offering a check off on state tax returns for people to donate a portion of their refunds to a fund designed to help the families of those deployed.
Several other states are considering similar programs as it has become increasingly obvious that the Federal government has no plans for assisting those who serve.
As a veteran in a line of veterans that stretches back to the 18th century in the US, I would tell those people who think flying the flag and slapping a yellow ribbon magnet on their vehicles is supporting the troops what they can do with their flag poles and ribbons, but I might get sued by a proctologist for practicing without guild membership. Remember, under Bush it’s okay for doctors and corporations to sue people, but bad for people to sue doctors or corporations.
