The Reflex

What's more common:

1. True examples of left-wing activists who dislike the military?

2. Claims that supposed left-wing activists dislike the military made without a shred of objective evidence to back it up?

Vietnam was a long, long time ago, people (the stories were exaggerated even then for the same war-making reasons they are today). The animus, created largely by the Vietnam draft that pulled in unprofessional soldiers unprepared for duty, simply doesn't exist anymore in any substantial way. Leftward activists long ago separated the noble instrument from the wingnut policy.

70% of Americans hate this war, and 75% want out within two years (including huge majorities of Democrats and progressives). Meanwhile large majorities of Americans continue to respect and support our military and say they would do a better job of resolving this conflict than our politicians.

The claim that left-wing activists don't support our troops is unsubstantiated and belied by the facts. It's a right-wing bogeyman that deserves to be sent to the retirement home.

Widening the Debate

The NFL players are right. In a league as wealthy as the NFL, all ex-players should expect at least the minimum amount of necessary healthcare...

Study of '68 Jets finds them healthy

NEW YORK (AP) -- The retired players from at least one famed NFL team are in no worse health than the general population, according to a study to be released next week.

Researchers surveyed members of the 1968 New York Jets, who won the third Super Bowl, delivering on Joe Namath's guarantee. The ex-players suffered from arthritis at a higher-than-normal rate, but their overall health was similar to that of the average American man in the same age range.

So in a country as wealthy as the United States, why shouldn't we all expect at least the minimum amount of necessary healthcare?

The Plan

Seriously now. I'll gladly pay $5 every year for the rest of my life if I never have to hear from George Bush ever again.

Who's with me?