I listened to news of the administration’s proposed budget, which cuts social programs like they were butter, but then found money for an increase for the Pentagon. I want to talk about just one program that comes out of that Pentagon.

There is plenty of evidence that soldiers returning from Iraq are disabled due to a flood of illnesses stemming from exposure to depleted uranium.

The Pentagon has been treating its tanks and weaponry with depleted uranium because it hardens the metals involved. It is cheap and readily available. Yet it has been shown to be highly carcinogenic, which could have been predicted since it is made with disposable, low-grade radioactive material.

The true horror is that DU-related illnesses and cancers are showing up among veterans who did not see combat, but were merely exposed through handling material, breathing the dust, riding in tanks.

We have heard the term “Gulf War Syndrome.” Now, as some Veterans Affairs personnel begin to speak out, they name the cause of that syndrome as exposure to depleted uranium.

I ask this: Are military officials doing all they can to make sure those enlisting are fully informed about those risks?

Do the recruiting offices have information on display? Do recruiters at the high schools offer information showing the findings?

I don’t believe they are. I think it lands in the public’s lap to make sure those enlisting find out about the risks.

Eileen Kreutz, Industry

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