Latham Lets American Troops Die

This is another of those times that I sure am glad that Tom Latham isn't my congressman anymore. In the good old days before redistricting, I was embarrassed that Latham represented my district, and I hoped we would get another congressman. Little did I know that my wish would be granted: we now have gone from the frying pan (Latham) into the fire with Steve King -- but I digress.

This week, Tom Latham voted to send our American troops into combat, without the assurance that our brave soldiers have the basic equipment and body armor they need to survive and stay relatively safe. Latham voted to send troops to Iraq, even if they don't have the protective vests and shielded vehicles that we KNOW they need. Guess Latham believes it's better to ship our young off without basic protection than to stand up for what everyone knows is right.

At a time when parents of soldiers are forced to hold fund-raising suppers and pancake breakfasts to raise the money to buy protective gear for their children, Latham has decided that it's OK to send our national guard soldiers to rotation after rotation, naked to the bullets and shrapnel that is sure to come their way.

There is no excuse. Decency demands that Tom Latham must be replaced in 2008.