Why is Bush haggling over a 1/2 percent for our soldiers yet has no problem giving Israel a 25% increase?

Question

Soldiers - Congress wants a 3.5% raise for troops whereas Bush has been haggling since March to screw them out of 0.5%.

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jul/16/ln/FP707160308.html

Meanwhile, Bush has no problem increasing Israeli aid, the largest of any country on the planet, from $2.4 billion to $3 billion PER YEAR for each of the next ten years.

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=189185&Sn=WORL&IssueID=30132

Percentage comparison:

Bush to Israel +25%, sure no problem.
Bush to American troops fighting Israeli wars in Iraq +0.5% - outrageous, forget it we can't afford it.

Dollar comparison:

Troop pay increase through 2013 per the article = $2.2 billion.
Israel increase through 2013 = $4.2 billion.

What can possibly explain these positions?

Answer 1

Because of AIPAC and their Neocon errand boys.

Answer 2

Show the rest of the bill this raise is contained in and we'll probably laugh it out of the Web.

Don't you love such selective posts?

Every President gets hit by these kind of posts, whether it's in fliers on the old message oak a hundred years ago, or right now. Kind of silly.

To judge this properly you need three more things:
1) Why is Israel being given money? The reasons, not the rhetoric. Why from the U.S.'s viewpoint.
2) What is in the bill giving the raise. Is it just the raise or is it half a dozen other things with people putting in the raise as a lever to force the other issues (vote for it or we'll claim you won't give the soldiers a raise).
3) What do we get for the money from either group, what does it actually pay for now, and what has it paid for in the past.

Those who complain don't want these things in the equation. Suddenly things look far too reasonable for their agenda.

Post those, then we'll talk.

Answer 3

Oh wake up!

Send the President a bill that proposes a raise for the troops and you'll get a signature!

Send a bill that says lay down and get kicked, give our cronies in the Senate a truckload of Pork, and by the way toss a few bucks to the troops while you're at it.

And the President will tell you to uncork your head and open your eyes.

Answer 4

It just goes to show, the average Republican arm chair general, including Bush, doesn't give a $hit about our troops. All they are is a number on a profit and loss sheet.

Peace

Jim

.

Answer 5

Becuase he doesnt care about the soldiers and his perfectly happy to send thousands of them to their deaths in order to pursue the selfish interests of himmself and his neocon friends. Many of the Zionists bankrolled Bushs election campaign and he is simply returning the favour by giving away American taxpayers money

Answer 6

America gives money to several countries - why do you guys ONLY ever ask about Israel?

As for the person who stated that 'jews run the world' - I only wish they did!

Israel is battling the very same terrorists who brought down the twin towers and who took the lives of your fellow Americans. Doesn't that count for anything?

You benefit from Israeli intelligence and yes, you help her survive as she is smaller than the state of New Jersey. She is surrounded by wealthy, big Arab nations - many of whom, like Iran and Syria, give money to terrorist groups Hamas and Syria.

America also gives a huge amount of money to Germany for example - yet I don't hear you complaining about that!

Answer 7

Because; the Bush Administration harbors the most terseness people ever to set foot in this great country.

Answer 8

Umm could be because our govt is run by Jewish people i.e. BUSH. Who you think paid for most of his election and still giving him royalities? I have to give them credit (Jewish). Such a small minority yet they literally rule the world.

P.S. In no way am I bashing or talking down upon Jewish people. Just the truth.

Answer 9

,
Location, location, location, it is critical. Commitment, commitment, commitment, we keep our word!
The President feels the quality of life for our troops, which was previously upgraded is sufficient for now.
It appears to be an issue of priority, Israel is very important and has center stage at this time, especially with the war in Iraq at a turning point.

Answer 10

He never really served so he has no clue what he asks of our troops. I'm sure Air Force One has a yellow magnet, though.

Answer 11

thats nothing but sad. Our troops should be worth more than foreign aid to any country.