Here we go again! Are we now the world's saviors? The one thing our founding fathers pledged to America, was to stay out of confrontations that did not directly include us. Has anyone read Thomas Paine's book, "Common Sense"? Does anyone remember the Asian conflicts of the 50's and 60's? What about Africa? Does it really do any good to intervene? American leadership needs to get back to the basics.

We are having a recruitment crisis, because we do not treat our soldiers any better than some small business owners, who at least are required to give time off to it's employees for family needs. (Not that small business owners treat their employees badly, but cannot afford the large benefits packages huge corporations offer.) Our soldiers must go AWOL in some family crisis. Our government cut the benefits of retirees, who were promised those benefits while serving this country. Why should our new recruits expect any different treatment? Once they are out, they are out of benefits too!

PAY! The pay is better at Wendy's burger joint in Breckenridge, CO than in the military. The only hazard there is hot spattering grease and someone who is angry because they got pickles when they didn't want any! The employees get housing there too! It's a shame, but we are too busy fighting other people's battles. If those people don't want to fight their own oppressive government, why should we do it for them? Meanwhile our guys are not getting the hazard duty pay, any other large corporation would pay them. The only reason we are short the money for good pay and benefits, is because we want to fight every fight and try to save the world. Well it's not going to happen.

It's their duty to their country! I suppose you voted for Bill Clinton too! Our commander in chief, who was not willing to fight but seems awfully quick to send troops to fight! It's your duty as a tax payer to demand our young men and women get good pay and benefits for saving our tushes and keeping us old timers from having to join the battle. If you want good quality personnel in the military, we are going to have to pay them.

By the way, my spouse works for a large corporation. If they were to get killed on the job, I would receive $400,000.00 cash + benefits. What does a military spouse get, a flag and some benefits that would starve a family. Get it together USA!

By the way, where is West Timor?