The commanding General of the National Guard said yesterday the National Guard does not the equipment needed to perform its basic mission because of the Iraq War. The National Guard has only 34 % of the needed equipment and much of that equipment is in not in good condition. The vast majority of the National Guard Equipment was shipped to Iraq and even when it is returned will be unusable because of the war.
What is even worse is that Bush has not taken steps to replace that equipment. The Guard has estimated it will take $15 Billion dollars and six YEARS to replace their equipment. Bush has done NOTHING to request the needed funding for this equipment.
What this will mean is that the next time the country needs the National Guard to help with a disaster, the Guard will be unable to respond properly! GREAT JOB Mr. Bush!