Looking for a “Square Deal”

Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico told attendees at this week’s National Guard Association of the United States conference that he speaks for all governors when he calls the Congressional move to allow the President to summon the Guard without consulting state officials a “power grab.” Last month, all state governors and Puerto Rico’s top official sent a letter to House and Senate leaders urging rejection of the House non-consultation provision, but it appears the plea fell on deaf ears (see above). Richardson went on to criticize the fact that one in five Guardsmen has no health coverage at home, saying that Guardsmen “deserve a square deal in Washington.”