Now, let's clear up another matter.
The United States of America is NOT a democracy. It is a republic.
Which is not the same as the Republican party. :huh: Anyone who doubts that, just recite the Pledge of Allegence. 'and to the Republic, for which it stands.'

We do not have a Prime Minister, or Parlament. Although our President has many simular roles to that of a Prime Minister. And our Congress and Senate appears simular to a Parlament, but they are not.

Our President has a lot more atthority to act then a Democratic Prime Minister, and
our Congress, and Senate is less powerful then a Democratic Parlament.
This not a put down, but a matter of what it is.
However they ***** and bellyach just as much so they seem the same.

As for the military needing a raise, athough I don't claim to speak for Tinaa, I believe I understand her meaning because it's how I feel...
It's not the military policies, and equipment which needs the raise (more money)
but the brave men and women who serve in the military.

Why a Captain makes less money annuually then a rookie police officer in many large cities. A Command Sergent Major makes about the same money as a metro area senor emergency radio dispatcher.

Both civilian jobs are simular to military jobs held by a Private/Seaman/Airman 1st Class, or a 2nd Lt. But the civilain position pay much better then their military counterparts. Not much thankyou IMH for serving and risking one's life for God and Country.

I aggree, however Saddam Hussan isn't innocent. Neither is Al Ciada or Osomma Binladden. But thousands of people in the New York WTC were innocent. They had nothing to do with the policies and practices of our government officials other then their vote, and even at that I'm sure many of them voted for the opponants of those who got in and are regulating policy.

But who suffered? Not the one's who ****ed off those in the middle east, but they will eventually be taken care of by We the People.
For what it's worth we may be a stupid slow people, but we are a strong and sure people. And rest assured that no one can open a bigger can of Whup-*** then the PEOPLE of the U.S.A.

Now some of what I'm saying sounds self-counterdictory, and perhaps it is, but that is one of my freedoms. What are yours?