Why doesn't the government care about soldiers?

Question

Why are United States troops still using depleted uranium sabot tank rounds? The European Parliament, dozens of non-governmental organizations, and even a UN Subcommission call for a ban on this type of ammunition, because of the horrible health effects it has.

Depleted uranium is composed primarily of the stable isotope U-238, but contains small amounts of U-235. It is used to make tank rounds, because it is extremely dense and penetrates well. Once the round is fired, however, it becomes superheated and sheds particles into the air. Once even a few particles of radioactive U-235 are inhaled, they remain in the lungs forever, dooming the person to radiation sickness and cancer. This was a tremendous problem with Gulf War vets and will soon be visible in our brave soldiers fighting in this war.

What is wrong with our government? We are literally passing future death sentences for our soldiers. In what way is this acceptable?

For those unfamiliar with this topic, you will find out plenty by simply Googling "depleted uranium rounds." Also here is a Wikipedia article on Gulf War Syndrome, which is largely attributed to depleted uranium.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War_syndrome

Answer 1

first off i am not an under trained under equiped pawn and I have fired plenty of at sabot rounds from my bradley in iraq. It does not have radaition effects sorry the real threat is heavy metal dust and like you said burning tank smoke etc, this problem is solved by using the gear we are issued buttoning up the hatches and using our NBC system and just avoiding going next to burning tank chasis etc unless wearing mopp gear. And they do care I have taken part in many studies on my lungs etc with both civillian and military doctors to check on DU levels and also in urine studies since DU load is measured through urine. We also only use DU in combat situations and dont just shoot it off at ranges for fun etc we have tungsten for that. As for being under equiped maybe if you would actually go there you would know we are not the bush admin has spent lots of money to increase new training and equipment budgets hence why less people die of injuries in iraq. And funny part is John Kerry himself voted to send us to Iraq but voted against funding for proper equipment too bad we got proper equipment IBAS (body armor) etc. sorry...

Answer 2

I think I understand your query. You are worried that you will not have a dance partner when you and a sweet boy are desirous to play sailor. Just because of Pu-235, U-235, Np-237, Pu-238, and U-237, you can still be entwined with a slow waltz with the Menes of your dreams.

You remember: "slow dancing, swaying to the music." You and your sweet boy can reminisce under the stars, never worrisome about radioactive isotopes.

Answer 3

Lack of concern, knowledge and just absolutely nonchalant about the welfare of the troops.

If they can send the soldiers to war with substandard machinery, armor and vehicles, they would have zero qualms about these toxic uranium.

Plus a lack of funds and a lack of policing of the part senate which was previously held by Republicans are just two more reasons.

Just as long as they "win the war", anything else is secondary.

Answer 4

Because "we the people" don't. We remain silent about the major issues facing our country by not holding our government accountable. Its that simple, sad but true.Ask the average American what depleted uranium is and you probably won't get an answer. Ask them who is in the finals of American Idol and they will talk to you for 20 minutes. We have allowed what General Eisenhower warned us about as he left the oval office. PLEASE read his farewell speech below, first reference.

Answer 5

DU only causes problems if you walk around with it in your pocket for long periods of time. As a tanker, I can't imagine carrying around a sabot round in my pocket.

BTW, I have been a tanker for nearly 20 years, I have three healthy children and I plan on living a relatively long life. Apparently, DU isn't as bad as you think.

Answer 6

The government--in this instance--is using our soldiers as pawns in their sick game of "Risk". The Bush regime sends them out as is and doesn't give a damn about their welfare or if they are properly equipped and trained to do their job.

And when they come back, they get screwed even more--through a denial of service and a whole host of other problems.

Answer 7

Health of the soldiers must be given priority by the government because they are sacrificing their lives for the country.

Answer 8

Probably the same reason they didn't have other gear that was needed for this war. Prior democratic funding cuts.

Answer 9

I can't tell you much about it, but I am agree with you and I think they don't care because they aren't not fighting. They just give the order to fight and that is it! like playing checkers.

Answer 10

That is the government for you does not surprise me at all...