Thompson Urges Expanded Military

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson called for a million-member military ground force and more funding to equip and care for service members and veterans in a speech Tuesday at a military college in this early presidential primary state.

The former Tennessee senator and actor also told a crowd at The Citadel that he wants more modern battle equipment on the ground, in the air and on the water to help revitalize the nation's security.

"With 20th century equipment in a 21st century war, our material support for our troops has not matched the demands we have placed on them," Thompson said to applause from hundreds of cadets, staff and visitors at the school's basketball arena. "We've been asking too few troops to do too much for too long."

"Some would say this plan is too much and too big," Thompson said. "I don't believe that's the case, not at all."

In response, former First Lady and unindicted co-conspirator in charges against William Jefferson Clinton relating to: 1) Perjury and false and misleading testimony and statements under oath before a federal grand jury, and 2) engaging in a course of conduct or scheme to delay and obstruct justice, Hillary Rodham offered to give due consideration to such suggestions as long as illegal aliens in NY were allowed to apply for drivers licenses.

Also Tuesday, the National Right to Life Committee endorsed Thompson, saying he is in the most likely to beat Giuliani, an abortion-rights supporter.

In response, former First Lady and unindicted co-conspirator in charges against William Jefferson Clinton relating to: 1) Perjury and false and misleading testimony and statements under oath before a federal grand jury and 2) engaging in a course of conduct or scheme to delay and obstruct justice, Hillary Rodham offered to give due consideration to platforms opined by the National Right to Life Committee, as long as illegal aliens in NY were allowed to apply for drivers licenses.

"Half measures and small increases will no longer do. We need the best all-volunteer force that can meet the security needs of this country. And they must be organized, trained and equipped to deal with tomorrow's threats as well as today," Thompson said.

Thompson didn't say how he would pay for or recruit those forces.

In response, Hillary Rodham scoffed at the idea that anyone should ever be asked how something is to be paid for, because, as records show, no media outlet has ever asked her this question, and that former Senator Thompson would be better served focusing upon precisely how illegal aliens can get to and from work without drivers licenses.

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