Our Military: 
 Going to war is something that must be considered carefully. But once we commit our
soldiers to battle, we must commit our nation and its resources to back them. When our soldiers are sent abroad by our elected leaders and put in harms way for a purpose these leaders decided was necessary, then right or wrong, we as a nation MUST support those soldiers until the job is completed or they are brought home.    
No soldier should ever hear rumors that this nation might cut their supplies, equipment and provisions to force an end to a war. To politically cut the budget to force an end to a war is, in my view, deserting our soldiers and those who do so are guilty of treason and murder.

(In law, treason is the crime of disloyalty to one’s nation. A person, who betrays the nation of their citizenship and/or reneges on an oath of loyalty and in some way willfully cooperates with an enemy, is considered to be a traitor.)
The following quote by George Washington speaks my belief regarding our veterans.
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
- George Washington
I am proud of those who served this nation and will stand behind them completely!

In Article III, the Constitution states  "Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort."   This is why I refuse to say anything that could, in any way, give aid and comfort to our enemies.  The fact that Congress acts contrary to the Constitution does not give me a right to disregard Article III of the Constitution.  When troops are on the ground fighting an enemy, we have an obligation to watch our words.  "Loose lips sink ships."

Congressional Responsibility:  I am deeply concerned about the way Congress has disregarded the Constitution  and acted over the years regarding the use of our military.    This often brings into question the legality of the military actions which in turn severely injures the morale of our troops and prolongs the conflict..  The ones who suffer are our soldiers who are putting their lives on the line for their country and this is WRONG!

We must be careful that we do not allow  Congress' blatant disregard of the Constitution  to destroy the integrity of our nation and the freedoms it guarantees.   We should still honor our commitments, while we work to change the way Congress does business.  

There was a time in my younger years when I felt that war was wrong no matter what.  Now, I understand that there are times when war is unavoidable.  There are evil forces in this world whose desire for power and control put the lives of others in grave danger.  It is at those times when this nation  is forced to take up arms in order to defend ourselves against such aggression.  I would not, however, support a war where we, out of a desire for power and greed become the aggressors.  It is not my desire that anyone should have to be put in a position to have to take the life of another.   Therefore, my stand is as follows.

• War should ONLY be used in defense of our nation.
• It is not the responsibility of our military to be the policemen for the world.
• War should ALWAYS be a last resort.
• When we commit to war, it should be properly declared by Congress and, once declared, the nation should see it to completion.
• While war can never be humane, great care should be taken to make sure that we do not lose sight of our moral responsibility to do what is right and keep our standards high.
• Great care should be taken to insure that our soldiers receive all the support necessary to protect their lives and prevent the unnecessary taking of lives of others.

Veterans:  This nation assumes a responsibility when they send soldiers into harm's way.  That responsibility should be mandatory and NOT discretionary.  If we cannot afford our responsibility to those who serve, we should not be sending them into battle. Congress needs to get its priorities straight.  We don't short change our vets, our elderly, or our disabled.  They built this nation and they deserve better.   

As a caution:  One who abuses the system does NOT  get my support. No one should take advantage of the system without facing consequences. And that includes the members of Congress.