The president presented a new plan to move forward in Iraq. Instead of hearing about the plan he has proposed all I’ve heard is about a ’surge in troops’. I’ve heard various and sundry representatives and media talking heads make statements about not understanding how a few more troops are going to make a difference.

Unfortunately, that’s what most people hear - just that - that the president is calling for an ‘escalation of troops’. They use those kinds of phrases and terms to make sure there is a vision of Vietnam in anyones head that hears it.

I have been very angry that the president hasn’t played the political game as he should have. He has allowed misinformation to run rampant through the press by not articulating what is really going on. He needs to be very clear about the facts every single time he is in public and have his people be very clear and speak in one strong voice so that the people at least have the opportunity to hear the truth.

He has done that this week. I hope he continues to do it. He has been strong and stood for his principles. I’ll have renewed faith in him if he keeps that up.

“We recognize that many members of Congress are skeptical,” Bush said in his radio address yesterday, adding: “Members of Congress have a right to express their views, and express them forcefully. But those who refuse to give this plan a chance to work have an obligation to offer an alternative that has a better chance for success. To oppose everything while proposing nothing is irresponsible.”

Bush’s plan included much more than sending more troops. It included allowing troops to do what Soldiers are supposed to do - fight a war. It included taking AND HOLDING Baghdad. Our troops have taken Baghdad repeatedly, only to turn it over to Iraqi troops and have it overrun with insurgents yet again. Now our troops will take it, hold it and keep order. The plan includes stopping the ‘catch and release’ ridiculous mandate. How many times have our Troops caught,r eleased, caught, released, etc the same insurgents. That was not a well conceived plan and I’m glad we are not continuing it.

There have been rules of engagement that have been dangeerous for our Troops (in my opinion). Those are being redefined to be more reasonable.

All of those parts of the plan are not getting airtime - just the part about sending more Troops. Bush will have to speak with strength and certainty to make himself heard. It’s time, past time, for him to do just that.

Our representatives, both in congress and the senate are running around like a bunch of rats. They seem to be trying to figure out which side to come down on in order to save their own careers. Only a handful have had the moral courage to speak to what is right rather than what is politically expedient. We will remember who they are when the time comes to vote again. At least some of us will remember.

Bush’s plan for Iraq is a good plan. It should have been the plan three years ago, but it is now and it’s a good one. Losing, surrendering or leaving Iraq in shambles is not an alternative that is in anyone’s best interest. We will pay a dear price for that kind of weakness.

All of our representatives that are running around crying that the sky is falling should be ashamed of themselves. They are exposing their weaknesses for the world to see. They are shaming themselves and our country. Those representatives are on both sides of the isles and they are a pathetic group. I have no respect for any of them, regardless of their political affiliation.

To oppose everything while proposing nothing is irresponsible.

Keep saying it President Bush. We need you to be a strong leader, the others are bailing out. Keep saying what needs to be said. The stronger you are, the more we will support you. We do not want to see our Troops brought home in defeat. We don’t want our grandchildren having to fight this same enemy. We need American strength.


Beth at MVRWC wants more of this.