WHY is it acceptable to put our country in trillion dollar debt for war,but it is unacceptable to borrow a few billion to provide free healthcare for all citizens? Our national system's are broken, why not fix America first?

WHY is it acceptable to put our country in trillion dollar debt for war,but it is unacceptable to borrow a few billion to provide free healthcare for all citizens? Our national system's are broken, why not fix America first?
Asked by: Emily Heartsong from Columbia, MO

Asked of All U.S. Representatives on Feb 10th, 2008

Categories: Health. Tags: citizens struggling with debt · healthcare · inappropriate delegation of funds · US deficit.

Answer from: U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX)

The first and foremost role of the federal government is to provide for the national defense. And that’s what we’re doing in Iraq. I think the caller was absolutely right saying we need the troops to come home as soon as possible, but we need to do it in a responsible way. The December 08 change in mission is right in line of what the Iraq study group recommended from more of a combat to a support role. If we immediately withdraw, there would be total chaos, the Middle East would be a fireball, it’s not a problem you can run away from.

Answered on Feb 20th, 2008