Honoring the Fallen

Republicans are constantly trying to downplay the increasing number of American soldiers killed in Iraq. Yet, apparently, the numbers are high enough that the Bush administration has decided to forgo the solemness and ceremony that is the right of every one of our troops when they are killed in the service of our country (via Blah3):

There's controversy over how the military is transporting the bodies of service members killed overseas, 10News reported. A local family said fallen soldiers and Marines deserve better and that one would think our war heroes are being transported with dignity, care and respect. It said one would think upon arrival in their hometowns they are greeted with honor. But unfortunately, the family said that is just not the case.

Dead heroes are supposed to come home with their coffins draped with the American flag -- greeted by a color guard.

But in reality, many are arriving as freight on commercial airliners -- stuffed in the belly of a plane with suitcases and other cargo. John Holley and his wife, Stacey, were stunned when they found out the body of their only child, Matthew, who died in Iraq last month, would be arriving at Lindbergh Field as freight.

"When someone dies in combat, they need to give them due respect they deserve for (the) sacrifice they made," said John Holley.

The only reason I can think of for this happening is cost cutting, and even that is a piss poor excuse. Really, really sad.