Hardships of military service deserve reward

A March 28 Gazette article, 'Tax exemption for veterans sails through House,” said a bill exempting veterans' pensions from state income tax passed 46-0 in the Senate and 93-2 in the House. The two dissenters displayed some fuzzy logic.

Rep. Rick Olson, D-Des Moines, thought we should make all pensions exempt. He said, 'The guy who builds the tires that go on the Humvee, why shouldn't his pension be exempt?” There are dozens of reasons, but two stand out. The tire maker doesn't get bombed or shot at on the job and he goes home to his family every night.

Olson continued that the exemption wouldn't entice career military members to Iowa from the Sunbelt. Perhaps not, but it might appeal to veterans living coast to coast in the top half of the United States.

Then we have Rep. Bruce Hunter, D-Des Moines, who said, 'I love veterans, but we shouldn't care where someone's income comes from.” These men and women risked their lives for him. He should be grateful that he's around to vote on anything.

A return to the universal draft might be beneficial to this country. A broader cross section would be exposed to the hardships of military service and their families would have a greater appreciation of the freedoms that liberals take for granted.

They seem to share the elitist attitude of their mentor Bruce Braley, who thinks a law degree sets you apart from the unwashed masses.

Dean Varner

Cedar Rapids