Republicans might believe that they have a monopoly over the support of the military, but Democrats won't give in that easily. A Memorial Day weekend one-two punch from Wes Clark and House Dems hammers the GOP for hypocrisy and a failure to support our troops, reports the Associated Press.

Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark used the Democrats' radio broadcast Saturday to insist that Reserve and National Guard members and their families should receive the same health insurance as the active force does.

"And just as importantly, we have got to keep our promises to veterans and provide them the medical care they need," Clark said. "That means fully funding the Veterans Administration system."

[...]

Also timed for Memorial Day, the House Democratic campaign committee is rolling out an advertising campaign this weekend accusing House Republicans of failing to support National Guard and Reserve troops.

Radio commercials paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee are planned for a dozen House districts.

The ads criticize Congress for rejecting a plan to extend health care coverage permanently to National Guard and Reserve members and their families. It would have given them similar benefits as active-duty troops through TRICARE, the military's health care system.

Is it pro-military to underfund healthcare for reservists and national guard troops? Does is improve our national defense? Does it strengthen America? Clearly, the answer is no. The sooner the Democrats can show the American people that the Republican are weakening, rather than strengthening the military (and Wes Clark is just the man to deliver such a message), the better shot they will have at a big win in 2006.