Actions Speak Louder Than Words

In the Democratic Radio Address today, Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina had this to say:

"First, President Bush and this new Congress must resolve to adequately equip our fighting men and women. Our soldiers should never want for proper equipment and accurate intelligence. Their patriotism and sacrifice should never be doubted or compromised. And they and their families should always be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness."

Now on this alone I would absolutely agree with him, as would the vast majority of Americans. But while Mr. Clyburn and his fellow Democrats might try and take the high ground on supporting our troops with their rhetoric, his and so many of his Democratic counterparts actions do not back up their words. If Rep. Clyburn was really serious about properly equipping the troops, than why did he vote against the $87 billion supplemental that did just that?

Senator Kerry had the same problem throughout the campaign. While he criticized the president for not supplying enough body armor, he opened himself up to the fact that he voted against the bill that provided that body armor.

The American people, especially those serving in the military, saw this and understandably didn't trust a man or a party that didn't back up it's words with the appropriate actions. This kind of double speak from Democrats on Capitol Hill is probably why most troops blame congress for the lack of armor (Refer back to my post on the Military Times Poll) and why the military is reliably Republican at the polls. When it comes to supporting our troops, as with everything in life, actions always speak louder than words.