I understand the fat cat politicians have control over spending but a 3.9% wage increase isn't really much at all in todays economy. apparently they don't see or understand what a buck means on the street. The increase wont even buy a gallon of gas.

And how do they ocme up with figures like 3.9%, why not just do 4% round things off and get the money out there. If the fat cats can spend billions of our tax dollars on worthless special interest projects like roads and bridges that go nowhere, then OUR service men deserve a piece of the action.

Troops are the only government employees on the payroll actually earning their minimal wage for the job being done. If the military was a union operation they would all be in custom made uniforms with great benefits and super retirement plans. Of course we'd go broke paying for it but what the hell, we're doing that anyway !!

Here's an idea for ya. Before a politician can collect his wages he MUST spend at least 20 days in the combat zone. No special accomaditions, food or privilages, just put on a uniform and spend time with the troops in the same conditions. Only 20 days and maybe they would learn something or get a handle on what the hell is going on and what needs to be done.