eccentric recluse Says:
September 9th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
I don’t know who produced the video, or what their specific agenda is, but it is important to separate the war on terrorism from the war in Iraq. Failing to deal with this crucial point and the confusion that it sows allows the Taliban to continue to operate in Afghanistan, (producing opium poppies–the MOST destructive form of terrorism coming out of the region), and for the Islamic regime in Iran to grow and to operate with impunity. It is well past time for honesty from the government, (not simply the administration), and time for a national consensus regarding what needs to be done, and what it will cost.
Name calling, (”cut-and-run”), and slurs on the integrity of those who disagree will only serve to postpone what needs to be done.
2
beth Says:
September 9th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Well, that ‘name calling’ is minor if that is what it is. I believe that is what some have said they want to do - so repeating their own words is hardly name calling.
I respectfully disagree with your assessment of the Global War on Terror. I believe that Iraq is an integrel part in that war and we must not show weakness. The appearance of weakness on our part is what enables islamic regimes to grown and operate with impunity.
The national consensus was taken at the election - regardless of whether some want to respect the democratic process or cry foul when it doesn’t go their way.
3
eccentric recluse Says:
September 9th, 2006 at 9:09 pm
You read an awful lot into my comments. I have never heard anyone advocate a “cut & run” strategy for Iraq. Many have advocated a quick withdrawal, but at least give them credit for a principled stand, right or wrong. The name calling derives from the practice of casting doubt on the integrity of anyone that does not simply nod and go along. I believe that the war in Iraq was entered into for very bad reasons, (some of which may not be known), but it is today a fact of life and needs to be dealt with, meaning victory denied to the Islamic opportunists who are exploiting the countries situation for their own agenda. I do not believe that particular battle is analogous to the war on terrorism. That war is and will be fought with well funded groups bent on imposing their own will on the region, and through its economic assets, the world at large. These are two different battles. If the former were won and secured today, it would be tempting for us to back away from the latter fight and declare “mission accomplished”, when in fact, it is not. I just want to hear an honest assessment of both of these battles, and a realistic assessment of what they have and will cost, in terms of money, influence, economic consequences, and yes, lives. I do not advocate a cut & run strategy, I advocate an honest and open discussion of the issues from all sides.
September 9th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
I don’t know who produced the video, or what their specific agenda is, but it is important to separate the war on terrorism from the war in Iraq. Failing to deal with this crucial point and the confusion that it sows allows the Taliban to continue to operate in Afghanistan, (producing opium poppies–the MOST destructive form of terrorism coming out of the region), and for the Islamic regime in Iran to grow and to operate with impunity. It is well past time for honesty from the government, (not simply the administration), and time for a national consensus regarding what needs to be done, and what it will cost.
Name calling, (”cut-and-run”), and slurs on the integrity of those who disagree will only serve to postpone what needs to be done.
September 9th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Well, that ‘name calling’ is minor if that is what it is. I believe that is what some have said they want to do - so repeating their own words is hardly name calling.
I respectfully disagree with your assessment of the Global War on Terror. I believe that Iraq is an integrel part in that war and we must not show weakness. The appearance of weakness on our part is what enables islamic regimes to grown and operate with impunity.
The national consensus was taken at the election - regardless of whether some want to respect the democratic process or cry foul when it doesn’t go their way.
September 9th, 2006 at 9:09 pm
You read an awful lot into my comments. I have never heard anyone advocate a “cut & run” strategy for Iraq. Many have advocated a quick withdrawal, but at least give them credit for a principled stand, right or wrong. The name calling derives from the practice of casting doubt on the integrity of anyone that does not simply nod and go along. I believe that the war in Iraq was entered into for very bad reasons, (some of which may not be known), but it is today a fact of life and needs to be dealt with, meaning victory denied to the Islamic opportunists who are exploiting the countries situation for their own agenda. I do not believe that particular battle is analogous to the war on terrorism. That war is and will be fought with well funded groups bent on imposing their own will on the region, and through its economic assets, the world at large. These are two different battles. If the former were won and secured today, it would be tempting for us to back away from the latter fight and declare “mission accomplished”, when in fact, it is not. I just want to hear an honest assessment of both of these battles, and a realistic assessment of what they have and will cost, in terms of money, influence, economic consequences, and yes, lives. I do not advocate a cut & run strategy, I advocate an honest and open discussion of the issues from all sides.
thanks for commenting.