Will American Business Turn Against the War?

by Mary

Bush's war of choice in Iraq had proven to be a disaster for the US military as the only way (questionably) sufficient troops are on the ground in Iraq is by supplementing the troops with a high precentage of the available reserves. This is a problem that only becomes harder to solve as reserve appointments are extended long past the time these service men and women expected to be home. The result is fewer are signing back up when they are finally allowed to leave the service.

Now it looks like the Chamber of Commerce is also complaining. They worry that the extended deployments of the reserves are hurting American businesses.

Increased reliance in Iraq on the part-time warriors of the National Guard and military reserves is straining U.S. businesses and could cause big problems over time, business leaders and military experts told lawmakers on Friday.

Employers must hold jobs open for those called up for duty, but the short notice, long deployments and unpredictability are stressing small and midsized companies, said Jeffrey Crowe, who sits on the board of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Military officials worry that re-enlistment rates may plummet, but despite all the strains, no one believes the country is anywhere near reviving the draft because it's unpopular with Americans.

Unlike during the Vietnam war, the National Guard is no longer such a cushy job. And as noted before, those called up to go to Iraq are paid significantly less than in their regular job and their families not only suffer their absence and the fear that they might never come back, but also the loss of an adequate paycheck.

Remember when the Republicans charged Clinton of hollowing out the military? With what would one charge the Bush administration who did more to damage America's readiness than anyone since the Civil War? And how many lives will be ruined by this war of choice?