[PatrickHenry]

Originally posted by PhanthomOps, Hey, PatrickHenry: Boy you really went all out on this one. Combat pay has been increased. President Bush can only accomplish what Congress allows him to do the current members of Senate is the biggest blockade the Democrats had full control of Congress for 33 years. the "I didn't have sex with that woman" creap unconscienably allowed the entire military to deterioate during his 8 years - and that includes VA benefits. And no administration will be able to do everything right. The only way we as a people can really take the bull by the horns is to constantly besiege our elected officials with emails, mail, phone calls, and visits when possible and let them know in no uncertain terms that the Veterans of our Country deserve better.

Sorry PO, my mistake. You are correct. I shoulda done my homework:
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinf...lcombatzone.htm

A member assigned to or deployed to a combat zone receives "combat pay" (officially called "immiment danger pay") at the rate of $150.00 per month (temporarily increased by Congress to $225 per month until December 31, 2004).

I was remembering this story:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/135...3_troops15.html

Friday, August 15, 2003 Troops could lose raise in combat pay Sparking outrage, military says increase is too costly SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER NEWS SERVICES WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon wants to cut the pay of its 148,000 U.S. troops in Iraq, who already are contending with guerrilla-style attacks, homesickness and 120-degree-plus heat. Unless Congress and President Bush take quick action when Congress returns after Labor Day, the uniformed Americans in Iraq and the 9,000 troops in Afghanistan will lose a pay increase approved in April of $75 a month in "imminent-danger pay" and $150 a month in "family separation allowances." The Defense Department says its budget can't sustain the higher payments amid a host of other priorities. But the proposed cuts have stirred anger among military families and veterans' groups and even prompted an editorial attack in the Army Times, a weekly newspaper for military personnel and their families that is seldom so outspoken.

And I did not follow closely enough to know that the troops are getting combat pay. Sorry...

But your assertions need support:

President Bush can only accomplish what Congress allows him to do

Not so, the POTUS can do whtever he wants: http://www.disinfopedia.org/wiki.phtml?tit...y&printable=yes

the current members of Senate is the biggest blockade

Aren't the majorities from the President's own Party? Why would they be blocking VA benefits if Bush wants better for Vets?

the Democrats had full control of Congress for 33 years

"Full control" ended when? 1994? Are the "Democrats" anti-VA? I don't defend the Democratic Party, rather I accuse the New World Order(see my post above).

the "I didn't have sex with that woman" creap unconscienably allowed the entire military to deterioate during his 8 years - and that includes VA benefits.

Your source for this accusation of Clinton's neglect?

And no administration will be able to do everything right.

So, Clinton's admin is horrible, but Bush's(your party) gets an excuse because, "no administration will be able to do everything right?"