Soldier begs for $600-- Halliburton given $30 million

Astounding. After all the reports by the White House that we're doing our best, our troops are STILL being sent into Iraq without the equipment they need! We might have gone to war with "the army we have," but is that still a valid excuse 2 years later? Our soldiers can't count on the government for standard military equipment, but the GOP is talking about the evils of the estate tax? Sick, sick stuff.

Marine Pfc. Jeremy Tod, 19, called home with news that his superiors were urging him and fellow Marines to buy special military equipment, including flak jackets with armor plating, to enhance the prospects of their survival. The message was that such purchases were to be made by Marines with their own money.

"He said they strongly suggested he get this equipment because when they get to Iraq they will wish they had," Tod said. Total estimated cost: $600.

In other news, Halliburton has just been awarded another contract worth up to $500 million to expand Guantanamo detention facilities. Republican values at work, folks.