UNDER THE FALSE UMBRELLA OF OUR CIVIL DEFENSE SYSTEM

Enlightenment can be such a dangerous thing. Whenever I attend an Eagle Council conference with Phyllis Schlafly to learn more from the various lineup of speakers and advocates about what’s going on in our Federal government (or in this case, what’s not going on) I am energized and ready to take action. I was particularly interested in the topic of missile defense systems. And while I’d like to say I’m not surprised, in this instance I can honestly say that I am one of the many Americans who thought the U.S. had a deployable missile defense program to protect us against an attack from weapons of mass destruction.

The Washington Times posted an article by Bill Gertz and Rowan Scarborough on September 9, 2005 called "Inside The Ring". This article talks about the connection between the narcotics business, al Qaeda extremists and China. It was from this article which caused me to look deeper into the subject and, hopefully encourage the readers to think about just how safe we truly are.

On of Phyllis' speakers at this year's Eagle Council conference in St. Louis, MO was Mr. Riki Ellison, former 49er/Oakland Raider Linebacker, and currently the President and Founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance . Mr. Ellison shared some startling statistics about our U.S. missile defense program, or lack thereof.

In his message he stated earlier this month the United States Congress debated the merits of the 2006 Defense Bill, which accounts for over $440 billion dollars. That substantial amount of tax dollars, paid by U.S. citizens, is deemed necessary for our nation’s defense and protection by the members of Congress and President Bush for the year 2006. Out of that colossal amount of tax dollars spent on defense, missile defense, which provides protection through deployment, deterrence and dissuasion for our population, cities, and economy, makes up less than 2% of that figure. National polling shows that 53% of the American public believes that missile defense is affordable, which includes solid support from Democrats, Independents and Republicans.

In addition, national polling showed that 79% of our population support having a missile defense system which shows a solid commitment and sends a clear message to our democratic leaders, in Congress and to the President, that missile defense needs to be embedded, funded and deployed.

Some of our elected leaders on the House floor offered amendments to cut funding and cut back programs essential for the safety of our public from ballistic missile threats. Senator Levin (Michigan) and Senator Reed (Rhode Island) have requested to take $50 million dollars from missile defense and put it towards counter-threat reduction (CTR), of which over $107 million dollars allocated in 2005 has not been spent; and the 2006 budget request for CTR of $415.5 million has been increased and is fully funded.

On September 29, 2005, Senators Levin(Michigan)and Reed(Rhode Island)withdrew their amendment to remove federal funding for the U.S. missile defense program. The collective voices of the concerned grassroots were heard by Congress and were successful in defeating the amendment. Thanks is offered to all who are working to make our country, our families and the world a safer place. Further proof that the voice of our citizenry can make a difference!

To this extent, MDAA has launched a software program on its web site allowing you real-time communication to all elected state and federal officials in the United States. I urge you and your friends to continue to let your voice be heard, make our democracy work and demand real protection for the real money you have given to the federal government.