America and Iraq: At the Crossroads
In response to the President's address
By Tom DeLay Posted in Congressional Contributors | War — Comments (51) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.
- Thomas Paine, “The Crisis”, December 23rd, 1776
Two hundred and thirty years ago when he wrote, “The Crisis”, Thomas Paine was urging Americans to stand by their country during the darkest hour of our revolution. Paine could not have foreseen that it would be the calling of our time, to support the Iraqi people at this pivotal juncture in their history – while their freedom and future hangs in the balance.
In tonight’s nationally televised speech, President Bush informed the American people of his intention to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq. This increase in our troop commitment represents, quite possibly, the last best hope for stabilization and, ultimately, achieving victory in the current war that we fight against the terrorists. President Bush has my full support.
Read on . . .
I have waited to voice my opinion on President Bush’s plan until he had actually explained his intentions to the American people – to offer criticisms or commendations beforehand quite simply seemed crass and premature to me. However, well before tonight, the ‘summer soldiers’ and ‘sunshine patriots’ among us had already begun to voice their opposition to any troop increase.
Most prominently, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) were the first to decry the not yet proposed plan. In a joint letter to President Bush sent on January 5th, Pelosi and Reid wrote,
Surging forces is a strategy that you have already tried and that has already failed…Like many current and former military leaders, we believe that trying again would be a serious mistake…Adding more combat troops will only endanger more Americans and stretch our military to the breaking point for no strategic plan.
Armed with such fatalistic foresight, Pelosi, Reid and many other would-be Democrat Commanders-in-Chief had boldly declared, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed retreat”, well before this evening’s announcement. In an attempt to flex their new found muscle as the congressional majority, the Democrats have made the conscious decision to openly subvert our current Commander in Chief, even though Article II, Section 2 of our Constitution clearly indicates where the buck stops when it comes to the deployment of our servicemen and women.
Nevertheless, Pelosi and Reid are both planning on holding symbolic votes in their respective chambers on the troop increase in an attempt to undermine the President and hurry our withdrawal.
For political reasons all their own, the Democrats seem anxious to declare defeat. In point of fact, whatever euphemism they use: strategic redeployment, phased withdrawal, tactical relocation – we should not be deluded as to their true meaning.
The President, however, has a broader and less political purpose in mind. He told us that this war against the terrorists would be difficult and he warned us that it might become unpopular. He was right. The Iraqi front in the terror war is unpopular and the additional deployment of troops is even less so if polls are to be believed. This President understands his responsibilities though, and is more interested in acting in a way that serves the interests of freedom rather than his own popularity.
He does not deny the fact that mistakes have been made in this government’s prosecution of the Iraq front in the terror war – the President admitted as much himself in tonight’s address. Inadequate troop levels and deeply flawed rules of engagement have been huge contributors to the current situation, but hindsight is twenty-twenty and the war against the terrorists must be won rather than lost.
Unmistakably there is risk in further stretching our military capability, but there is also the sobering reality that a strained military is infinitely preferable to a defeated one. It is clear that the status quo in Iraq is no longer acceptable and given the circumstances, there are only two directions in which to move. Our Commander-in-Chief has chosen to advance rather than retreat and I wholeheartedly support him.
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on the GWOT. Do you really believe this will shift public opinion enough to deter an emboldened Democratic Congress? Could anything?
But they can't do anything now but whine. If this produces measurable results then their whining won't matter. If it doesn't, then he's got really big problems. So does the USA.
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If "pro" is the opposite of "con", what is the opposite of "progress"...
even would get reported enough to turn around public opinion. We know the whining will be covered 24/7.
The army and Marine door kickers and the flyguys will all do their jobs. Bush's job now is not to man an M16, it's to make sure that the press gets the real face of success in Baghdad and Ramadi. If he doesn't do that, nothing else matters.
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If "pro" is the opposite of "con", what is the opposite of "progress"...
who grew up in the 'Halls of Power'...I AM personally conerned about ours...I had one Brother already went and came back PTSD...another goes in this recent surge perhaps...although an officer instead of a ground pounder-their choices...What are Your choices in Life?
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If "pro" is the opposite of "con", what is the opposite of "progress"...
And even the army will hold up their end. (Snark for Raven) The military will do their jobs and be successful. I have no concern about our military.
I do have a confidence gap in the civilian leadership in a couple of areas. First, RoE. My dead horse to beat. If we don't change the RoE, especially in urban warfare, we are going to have unnecessarily dead and wounded military. And not enough dead terrorists. My second concern is the willingness of the Administration to confront the US media and make them print the truth. If we are making things work in Baghdad and Ramadi and the Administration doesn't effectively communicate it then it won't matter how good the Marines and army and flyguys are.
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If "pro" is the opposite of "con", what is the opposite of "progress"...
Your stratagem IQ is off the charts. How were u missed? I'll bet ur at least a master sgt ;).
I would be your master.
Bye now. Don't think you'll be around long.
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If "pro" is the opposite of "con", what is the opposite of "progress"...
I have one bro who was in fighting as god as it gets...I have my baby bro whos going soon...I have my undergrad degree in physics and grew up at the pentagon...ur going TO REFUSE ME?
If only Bush was as eloquent as Thomas Paine.
A Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever. -John Adams
It's unfortunate but true that many Americans would be put off by too many big words and too much prose, but there is plain truth to this matter that everyone needs to understand, and Bush definitely puts it out there for everyone to take or leave as they will.
Conversely, someone like John Kerry could try to say the same things his way, and there would be many who either are put off, for the reason stated above, or suspicious of a known double-talker.
I've never been satisfied with this administration's PR machine; Bush and his father are both better at acting than explaining their actions. Be that as it may, I'm happy that he's essentially saying that we're getting more serious. I'm glad that he has clearly said that the regimes of Iran and Syria are greatly responsible for supporting the insurgents. We haven't seen enough reminders of exactly why Iraq is the logical arena for confronting all of the evils in the Middle East.
Maybe I link to Debka too much for some appetites but they were right about the USS Bataan strike group being added to the theater.
I might have said more about our very important recent successes in Somalia, to remind everyone that the struggle is global, but I understand everyone wanted a focused message on Irag.
I think he could be that eloquent- some of his speeches have had some pretty deep thoughts in them, but his delivery is kind of lackluster & his sentiments often get drowned out by this and he comes across as not so intelligent- but the fact is his IQ is almost high enough for MENSA, and he managed to get a C average in college while partying hardy- a VERY tough college at that.
http://sacredscoop.com
someone who speaks as Bush does would be the guy who signs your check.
I suppose this is lost on those who don't value certain sectors of our economy.
I dont understand why IM being discrimated against? Do I need to quote the Con?
I admire what I've read of u...I only hope I can contribute without being too off the charts truthful
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Thou art the Great Cat, the avenger of the Gods, and the judge of words...-Inscription on the Royal Tombs at Thebes
Re-registering under a different username is a violation of our terms of service. Yes, we know it's you.
If you come back again, we will be forced to block your IP and notify your ISP.
Cheers.
BLam.
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Fnord.
I was going to tell him that the only reason he hadn't lost his posting privileges yet was that everyone with any power here was off in a Private Meeting to discuss how to cast the RedState vote at the next Secret Illuminati meeting where the main item on the agenda was realigning the current active pattern of the Orbital Mind Control Lasers.
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Internet member since 1987
Member of the Surreality-Based Community
with both visible-spectrum AND infra-red cameras on a network of weather balloons
... should be tried to see where the car bombers come from. Run the film or tape or digitized images backwards to see how they got to where they blew up, where they spent the night(s) before, and the night(s) before that. You might even catch some IED-planters as well.
While every Republican Congressman and Senator are running from Bush on this I am glad to see that some are willing to stick it out for the duration!
The war in Iraq is not the American Revolution. I would personally fight to the death to keep my country safe if we were threatened by anyone, I would fight those who attacked us. I agreed whole heartedly that we should have destroyed the Taliban and Bin Laden, but this so-called war in Iraq that we are fighting and where our soldiers are dying, is nowhere near, not even in the same universe as the american revolution. I respect Mr. DeLay's rank/title, but I do not respect the man. I could not respect anyone, red or blue that would put forth such an unthoughtful and trite idea. I wonder if he would get just as much support if he were reading out of the phone book. I am a veteran, I served honorably, was dicharged honorably and represented the US honorably. I know the Iraq war is a waste of money, lives, dignity, honor and our reputation as the greatest country in the world. I support our troops without fail, but they need to come home, not die for a misguided whim. Mr. DeLay, you are only confirming why the Republicans are thought to be out of touch, and now are on the outside looking in.
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If "pro" is the opposite of "con", what is the opposite of "progress"...
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Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman
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If "pro" is the opposite of "con", what is the opposite of "progress"...
you know nothing of me or what I did or went through. You don't know how many of my friends died for this foolish cause. I'm willing to bet that you support this entire war and all the affiliated messes, but you have not served or put your life on the line in any way, and would be against a family member participating. I'm not here to insult anyone, I'm here to voice my opinion, AND not be insulted. Try to think of your best friend dying for a cause that to you might not seem justified, and how would you like to be received?
I'm willing to bet that you support this entire war and all the affiliated messes, but you have not served or put your life on the line in any way, and would be against a family member participating.
You might want to read the posting guidelines. It specifically addresses what you are doing here.
I'm not here to insult anyone, I'm here to voice my opinion, AND not be insulted.
You are here to insult Mr. Delay. That is apparently why you created your account.
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Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman
My son is a US Marine, out on a medical discharge. His unit lost 34 men in al Anbar in '04 and they're back there now. Unlike you, he doesn't sleep well because his guys are in combat and he can't be with them.
I would guess that our family knows more people in Iraq and Afghanistan and more people in the hospital than you could even imagine. I do not know one - and these guys are all door kicker/ SpOps guys - who doesn't think the job their doing in Iraq isn't the right thing to do. Many are on their second or third tour and several have asked for transfers to units that are coming in-country rather than coming home.
I have spent long days and nights consoling families who've lost sons. I've written hundreds of condolence letters. I've yet to encounter either an active duty Marine/soldier or a grieving family member with anything but an attitude of gratitude that they've been able to serve and to contribute to something that was worthwhile.
But then again, I haven't met either you or Cindy Sheehan. If you're lucky I won't, either.
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If "pro" is the opposite of "con", what is the opposite of "progress"...
I served so you could insult me. You're welcome.
Why should we assume you are anything but a lying lefty troll?
Envisioning when all that is Left is the Right.
I've done a preliminary look at this. Heareth the moderator:
1). There is evidence that seniorswanky was, in fact, formerly in the service. You'll have to trust me on this.
2a). He can thus be seen as being provoked.
2b). He will take this opportunity to stop being provocative right back, as will everybody else.
Lastly:
3a). Moving to his defender: try that chickenhawking meme again, and the answer to the question "Who Banned Common Sense?" will be "Me." Take it to email.
The Trash Heap Hath Spoken.
Moe
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC.
Just as I served so that you also would have the freedom to post your BDS manifesto that is in turn extremely insulting to me.
Now the thing is, after reading your assinine rant I know longer feel the need to insult you, just an overwhelming sense of pity. To insult you would be like kicking a dog because he has the mange.
Watch out for the humane department however, they may attempt to put you down.
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Thou art the Great Cat, the avenger of the Gods, and the judge of words...-Inscription on the Royal Tombs at Thebes
Could you not tell that I think this country is being embarassed by our President? That this war is a joke based on a whim by a clueless administration? And if you wish really hard that it's not true...it still is. Nice comeback though, and still confrontational and insulting, how Tom DeLay. Look, they're ALL a bunch of liars and cheats, but that's our system, I guess you have to choose one side over the other, right? One more thing, my friend is NEVER coming back, all for Bush's folly. I know you think that's all guts and glory, but right after the flag was handed to his wife, that was it. And last time I checked, he still hasn't come home to his wife and two kids, and that's about them, I'm still here.
is not your "friend". So I don't see why you keep bringing him up.
this war is a joke based on a whim by a clueless administration
The Congress of the US voted for this war, with the support of the American people. How is that the whim of the president?
still confrontational and insulting
You showed up here being confrontational and insulting.
I for one will not insult you nor your past service. But would you consider that perhaps emotion is overruling your logic.
Now we can both agree that going into Iran was problematic. A good case can be made that it was a mistake.
But a VERY good case can also be made that (1) Our intelligence at the time led to overestimating an enemy, but he WAS an enemy. (2) Previous Mid East strategy was a proven failure so the time was ripe to try something new. (3) by taking the battle to the enemy in true classical strategy we have succeeded in killing a whole lot of people who would have perhaps attacked us elsewhere.
What I am trying to say is that perhaps your emotion has caused you to wrongly characterize this as simply "folly" and be too dismissive of the other argument.
Also, so far we have lost only a little over 3000 troops in three years, that is very historically low. Sure, I know, they are all real people, like your friend, but they are soldiers. What does it say about our modern society when we become so cowardly that we are not ready to bear ANY burden or pay ANY price?
"Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty"
Kyle
Does everyone support the war now? Nice try. Support based upon deception. It really doesn't matter, you and yours are blindly supporting a John Wayne movie scenario and not questioning the ugly side and I will never be persuaded to support this war. We should agree to disagree, I will go to my yurt and you will go to your mansion (just a little partisan stereotyping).
I'm all in favor of partisan stereotyping myself, provided its halfway accurate. The well-off people in this country tend to be mostly Democrats and they have been for a long time now.
I will go to my yurt
You will go.
There is no victory in retreat.
Well done is better than well said. —Benjamin Franklin