Rally Round the (White) Flag, Boys! (Democrats finally find an Iraq policy they can get behind)

The Weekly Standard ^ | December 7, 2005 | Edward Morrissey

[EagleUSA]

Simply beautiful -- glad to see the Repubs FINALLY standing up and showing these socialist anti-war maggots exactly what they are, what they stand for, and HOW SUPPORTIVE OF THEIR COUNTRY THEY REALLY ARE.

Go Repubs. KICK ASS!!

[Rummyfan]

The height of Democratic pusillanimity came when GOP Rep. Sam Johnson, a former Vietnam POW, asked for three extra minutes to complete his remarks. Several Democrats voiced objection. The speaker demanded that the members objecting identify themselves--and none would even stand for their own objection.

Gee, why wasn't that reported anywhere in the MSM?

This summary is delicious; gives me a greater appreciation for the Dems disarray to see it all in one place. Bring on 2006!

[RoseofTexas]

And to think, RUSH is once again proved 100 percent correct on his assertion on the RAT'S sinking party boat! HA!! :0)

[DJ Taylor]

Even in the election of 1864, the Democrats accused the Republicans of voter fraud. Democrats claimed that Union soldiers were closely monitored by their officers and were forced to vote for Lincoln when they actually preferred McClellan.

[t2buckeye]

This article is EXCELLENT as it clearly points out the duplicity and totally bogus/treasonous/insane comments by the Dems. In one week, we see the Dems running around, spouting nonsense at a time of war. It further underscores their total lack of seriousness in national security matters..Did we dodge a bullet when Kerry lost or WHAT!

[Soul Seeker]

It's odd.

Republicans these days have taken to comparing people to Reagan as their standard bearer. They do so automatically.

I've always felt G.W.B. was closer to Lincoln.

Now we have events playing out in many ways mirroring Lincoln's times.

[Rummyfan]

Did we dodge a bullet when Kerry lost or WHAT!

To quote the Vice President, 'Big Time'!

[billhilly]

"Gee, why wasn't that reported anywhere in the MSM?"

If you saw the congressional action, you saw what happened. That's another way of saying that it was reported in the media.

[Rummyfan]

Yes I agree it more closely parallels Lincoln's days. An Opposition party that is openly opposed to the conduct of the war, practically yelling out to our enemies 'if we get elected you'll have nothing to worry about. We'll get America back to the important things, like federal regulations for bicycle helmets and extending unemployment bennies.' Their shameless and treasonous reach for power is very revealing. I really think they are headed for a major crackup.

[billhilly]

"Did we dodge a bullet when Kerry lost or WHAT!
To quote the Vice President, 'Big Time'!"

To quote him again, "What a Clymer."

[sydbas]

This is absolutely wonderful to watch. The democrats have tied themselves in knots trying to figure a way out of this one. I heard on Brit Hume tonight that the dems are saying it's not retreat but "over the horizon redeployment", whatever the hell that's supposed to mean. Look for them to call it something else tomorrow, and the next day something different, and the next day something different.

Republicans need to frame this debate immediately as we want victory and the dems want retreat. That will definitely stick and could cripple the dems even more than they are for a long time.

[Eagles6]

Will be printed and stuffed in surrender monkeys' pockets tomorrow. Let these people lead us in a time of war? I don't think so.

John Stuart Mill: "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." 1.

[Adrastus]

If only now the Republican Party will stand up as hard as the dems are for laying down we should make some mileage on this that will be remembered for a long time.The more they try and explain how this isn't really a cut and run position, the more asinine they appear.

Parenthetically, I must say when I heard a replay of howard the cowards statement over WOAI my wife had to get me to be quiet by telling me the neighbors were going to call the law (again). I thought I was a model of decorum, she said I used words she hadn't heard from me in 40 years.I am suprised the station management let the swine get that statement out over the air. I understand San Antonio has had a cloud smelling like a wet hen yard hanging over it for the past few days.

[Zacs Mom]

American POWs at Hanoi's Gia Lam Airport, awaiting flights for home, Feb. 12, 1973. Congressman Johnson is fifth in line

Congressman Johnson and his wife, Shirley, embrace after Johnson spent nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam, Sheppard Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Sam Johnson remarks:

“Mr. Speaker – I rise today on behalf of the American men and women in uniform – and their families.

“I spent 29 years in the Air Force – served in Korea and Vietnam… and spent seven years as a POW in Vietnam – more than half of that time in solitary confinement.

“I know what it’s like to be far from home – serving your country – risking your life – and hearing that America doesn’t care about you… Your Congress doesn’t care about you. Your Congress just cut all funding for your war. They’re packing up and going home – and leaving you here.

“When I was a POW, I was scared to death when our Congress talked about pulling the plug that I would be left there forever.

“I know what it does to morale – I know what it does to the mission – and so help me God, I will never, ever let our nation make those mistakes again. Never.

“Our men and women in uniform need our full support. They need to know that when they’re in Iraq driving from Camp Blue Diamond to Camp Victory that the Congress is behind them –
to give them the best armored trucks they can drive, the best weapons they can fire, and the best ammunition they can use.

“They need to have full faith that a few nay-sayers in Washington won’t cut and run – and leave them high and dry. They need to know these things because that’s mandatory for mission success and troop morale.

“America – and the Congress – must stand behind our men and women in uniform because they stand up for us every minute of every day!

“Any talk – even so much as a murmur – of leaving now– just emboldens the enemy and weakens the resolve of our of troops in the field. That’s dangerous! If you don’t believe me – check out Al Jazeera. This story is on the front page. We can’t do that to our fellow Americans over there.

“Mr. Speaker – we’re making great progress in Iraq.

“Remember in January how we saw pictures from Iraq of that first election. For weeks the media predicted gloom and doom. Remember that? What did we see? We watched people as they waited in lines for hours – defying death threats – just to cast their vote for democracy.

“Remember the picture of the woman in a black head cover flashing her purple finger in the V after voting in the first Iraqi elections. It was a breakthrough for democracy – and it was just the beginning.

“Remember the recent vote on the referendum -- when people came out in droves to make their voice heard. You wouldn’t have known about it because there was so little mention of it here in the American press – but people got out there and they voted – they showed their support for a democracy –a new government, hope and a future.

“These people are thirsting for something more – they’re risking their lives in the name of a new government – and we must stay the course if we want to foster a stable Iraq and create hope for millions in the Middle East.

“And our work is paying off -- not just at the ballot box. Remember when we were waking up that Sunday morning in shock as we caught Saddam Hussein cowering in a rat-hole. He’s gone.
And you know what, at least 46 of Hussein’s 55 most wanted regime members are either dead or incarcerated.

“Nationwide, thousands and thousands of police officers have been hired and nearly 200,000 Iraqi soldiers are trained and serving their country.

“It’s going to take time – but our guys on the ground are working with other nations to make inroads to create leadership and inspire democracy in a country that has only known hate, fear, and death from a ruler.

“However, sadly – some here want to embolden the enemy by saying we just cut and run. That’s just irresponsible and unconscionable.

“I have to ask – What would Iraq be like if the United States pulled out -- allowing dangerous people like the head of al-Qaida, Zarqawi, to run the country? What would that mean for the region? The world?

“Al Qaida rules with death, fear, terror and blood. Al Qaida takes innocent people hostage – then beheads them – and then brags about it on the internet.

“Al Qaida has no respect for human life. They prey on innocent people to do their dirty work – because they know we don’t target schools and hospitals and mosques – yet those are the exact places that they’re using for safe cover.

“Al Qaida will kidnap loved ones – especially very young children - of people trying to build democracy – like local leaders – to scare them out of helping out the new country. They’re taking kids hostage – because parents want a new life and a better future for their children. Why is that such a crime?

“What part of Al Qaida do you want operating here in America?

“Al Qaida is a world-wide organization and world-wide threat. I don’t want any part of this. Americans don’t want, need or deserve al Qaida. Our troops are over in Iraq fighting not just for our freedom and protection – but freedom for the world.

“We must fight the bad guys over there – not over here. WE must support our troops to the hilt so they don’t go to bed at night – covered in talcum-powder thin white sand wondering – “Does America really support me.”

“In case people have forgotten, this is the same thing that happened in Vietnam. Peaceniks and people in Congress – and America - started saying bad things about what was going on over there. Let me tell you what it did for troop morale. It’s a real downer. I just pray our troops and their families can block this noise out and know that I will fight like mad to make sure our troops have everything they need - for as long as they need - to win the global war on terrorism.

“Withdrawal is not an option!

“I hope and pray every Member of Congress stands up and says to our troops ‘THANK YOU’ and ‘AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU.’
To them I say, God bless you and I salute you.”

Glad to be Home
Congressman Johnson acknowledges the press and crowd at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas, Feb. 17, 1973. (U.S. Air Force photo)

[DTogo]

I'm not sure the GOP would know what to do with an increase to their current majority in both houses (that they currently don't know what to do with anyway).

[Rummyfan]

Thanks!

[Txsleuth]

I heard that the dems are going to ask for a similar resolution like the Senate passed, for the House...

You know, the one where only 13 GOP Senators had the cojones NOT to vote for the Warner amendment, which the dems are going around saying is a "no confidence vote" against the war in Iraq...

So..I say the Senate needs to take a page from the House...and get a Senate vote for withdrawal like the House did...and just see who wants to "cut and run" and who wants victory.

[mylife]

Im praying that the dems lose more power in 06 and remain out of power for the next 40 years!

[jwalsh07]

Audie Kerry + Howeird Dean = The French Connection