Bush: 'Every fallen soldier's family will get a new SUV'

President launches initiative to honor Iraq soldiers, distribute surplus vehicles

Alain Terrieur
La Lune de la presse internationale

FAIRFIELD, OHIO

President Bush called on critics to tone down opposition to the Iraq conflict on Wednesday, as he announced his latest initiative to honor the troops who have fallen in Iraq by giving their families a brand new sport utility vehicle (SUV).

"In my new plan, every fallen soldier's family will get a new SUV. I intend to give every military family who has sacrificed a loved one for freedom a brand new 2006 or 2007 SUV, paid for by the government," the President announced while visiting a factory that produces Humvees for the war effort in Eurasia. "Some have said that this war isn't worth fighting. They think the terrorists should win. My plan will show that America values those who made the ultimate sacrifice," Bush continued.

The plan would be enacted with the support of big automobile makers like Ford, who have recently experienced a large overstock of SUVs due to increasing gasoline prices. Under the plan, which must first be approved by Congress, the government would buy the surplus vehicles and distrubute them to military families.

The plan has received a mild welcome in the House, garnering support from some Republicans, while receiving yawns, eyebrow raises or a roll of the eyes from majority Democrats. Representative Amanda Tori Sentenz (R-FL) has announced her support of the measure, saying that she will press for increased bipartisan support.

"It is clear that some of my Democratic colleagues don't want to support the troops," said Sentenz Friday. "They would obviously prefer that the terrorists come and kill every man, woman and child in America. That might be a fine electoral platform for them in 2008, but through this new SUV initiative, the Republicans will show that they are committed to supporting the soldiers who are protecting our Way of Life."

While the buyout prices remain less transparent, it is expected that Ford, Chrysler and other automotive manufacturers will sell the surplus vehicles to the government at twice their retail value. Democratic opposition leaders, who have previously announced their support for the enemies of freedom in the continuing War on Terror, declared that such a move will be "wasteful, unnecessary and hypocritical."

"This measure will do nothing to end the bloodshed in Iraq," said Senator Phil Abusder (D-MI). "Once again the President has announced a plan that does not address the real problems at hand." Abusder went on to say that he hopes Al-Qaeda eventually invades and occupies the United States.

The President brushed aside criticism after the announcement, musing with reporters about the persistent notion of political opposition. Before boarding Air Force One to return to Washington, the President reassured the public that his new SUV initiative will pass and, along with his plan calling for a surge in 'Support Our Troops' bumper stickers, will increase morale among the troops and their families, thus leading to "victory, freedom and peace in Iraq."