Posted on 08/25/2006 10:15:08 PM PDT by DakotaRed
25 August 2006
Its no secret the left would have us back out of Iraq gracefully. Of course, that would be a retreat, snatching another defeat from victory. Fleeing Iraq, as the anti-everythings on the left would have us do, would be a disaster, not just for America, but also for the entire world.
As the sole Super Power left, facing us down and defeating us would be a feather in the terrorists cap we could not recover from in our lifetime. Even the effects of abandoning Viet Nam are still being felt worldwide.
I saw some of it after Viet Nam while in Germany. Right after the 1972 Olympics where most of the Israeli team was murdered by Muslim terrorists, another group, the Baider Meinhoff Gang, also known as the Red Brigade, Red Army Faction and several others, reared their ugly heads in Europe.
They started setting off bombs outside of US Installations and going after our interests. For once, we were actually armed on Guard Duty with instructions to fire, if threatened. Even us NCOs were walking guard around our helicopters everyday. The German Military set up a Machine Gun Nest at the Autobahn Entrance just prior to the entrance to Feucht Army Airfield, outside Nurnberg and they weren't playing. Not with a 50 Caliber.
My point being, they saw America backing down and becoming neutered by the left and used it, seeing we really were just Paper Tigers after all. I don't remember how it all died down after a bit, but it did.
Ever since we fled Viet Nam, these little pissant groups and nations have been nipping at our heels and we have allowed it, until now.
If the leftist get their way, the nipping will become fill scale biting.
We cannot leave that for our children to deal with!
You've touched on something no lib I've spoken to is willing to deal with--our position AFTER this "redeployment". They just say our reputation is ruined and we shouldn't keep ruining it. They don't seem to grasp the messages a retreat will send.
No matter what they try to say... the only plan they are offering is cut and run.
The election is going to be very interesting.
"My point being, they saw America backing down and becoming neutered by the left and used it, seeing we really were just Paper Tigers after all. I don't remember how it all died down after a bit, but it did."
We need a "greatest generation" redux. Afraid, though, that it will take something really big to awaken enough real Americans to want to fight back.
I say, let all the liberals, socialist, anti-America, and all the anti this and that, join all together, and find a blue state like California, and stay there, and allow them to secede from the Union, but ? they won't get no financial support or military support from Washington, they would be on their own to fend for themselves
The major problem now in Iraq is that the terrorists (Sunni v Shia) are fighting each other and, disjointedly, our military. It really is a unique and difficult situation to try to wrap your arms about. The people of Iraq really need to take the opening we've provided them and make something positive happen, but when is that not expecting too much?. I am adamantly opposed to cut and run, but I do believe in realistic expectations. If Muslims can't get on with each other, they certainly will never coexist with the infidel world. Someone explain the solution, as it totally fails me.
Fleeing Iraq would be a disaster and they know it, They don't care all they care about is being the one who "finally put the big screw to chimpy McBushitler" and causing him the ultimate humiliation. Though I am no fan of our current plan in Iraq in which appears to be just reacting after the dirt bags attack as well as doing nothing about the fact that a good portion of the Iraqi army are double agents (I.E. Militia Loyalties) cutting and running would be insane and perhaps the biggest military blunder ever. What we need to do is be the anti-israel in how we handle Iraq. We have to use brute and true "Shock and Awe" tactics against the militias and insurgents and truly lay down the law and damn the consequences. They (Iraqi's) don't give a rats behind about parks and schools they want law and order and we either will instill it or Iran will. It's time to take the shackles off of our armed forces and let them do what they do best (win).
Let them have Southern Cal.
So one has to ask? Are they treasonous or just useful idiots?
You are absolutely correct. I was sitting on the border during and for a long time after the olympics. For several weeks I was on guard duty with a loaded M16 and orders to shoot.
Of course, few knew where we were and we had dogs to keep watch. Not govmint dogs, but just old purchased or acquired dogs. One bit me on the ass. Fortunately, it was my wallet side. I beat the hell out of him and he became peaceful towards me. But I never allowed him to get behind me again. (A discharged border dog. A really confused animal.)
All the germans on the border wondered what our orders were. They could not carry firearms, yet here were a couple of young GIs with loaded M16s. The Bundeswehr was not armed and loaded, only the GIs.
And one thing I saw was RESPECT!
"We have to use brute and true "Shock and Awe" tactics against the militias and insurgents and truly lay down the law and damn the consequences. They (Iraqi's) don't give a rats behind about parks and schools they want law and order and we either will instill it or Iran will. It's time to take the shackles off of our armed forces and let them do what they do best (win)."
I hope that "Operation Together Forward" is exactly what you're calling for. The 177 Stryker Brigade, along with the 2nd BCT 10th Mountain (my son's unit)are being sent in to "pacify" the insurgents. I hope they are allowed to do what they do best.
Maybe a little of both. Rank and file aren't acting thinking of treason, they are just acting as instructed. Ones like Kerry, Murtha and a few others have to know what they are doing in leading us to slaughter.
Treason? It might not fit the legal definition of what Democrat leaders are doing, but in my opinion, it fits.
They are doing everything they possibly can to undermine the efforts with no regard to the outcome. If they have considered the outcome and still puruse this course, well, decide for yourself.
Agreed and then lets cut off their water.
There is a big difference from the grousing the troops do and what is being said on this and similar threads. The troops know that the majority of the Iraqi people, and Muslims in general, are not their enemy. Indeed, most of them speak very highly of the average Iraqi and the number of people volunteering for second and third tours is very high.
No way man, San Diego is as Conservative as anywhere in Midwest. They can have Seattle.
Militaries are great at threatening and breaking things, but not so good at building. Conservatives who were appalled at the peacekeeping and social missions of the military under Clinton say we have to build a stable government in Iraq. I say we go back to the original concept of the military: When it is (infrequently) used, use it to crush an enemy and completely break his will and ability to fight. We demoralize him and don't apologize for the Abu Ghraib incidents. This only shows how weak we've become.
I think it's just a matter of time before we have the next war with Iran. Too bad we didn't do Iraq, Iran, and Syria in a grand Mideast sweep.
I really hate wars immensely, but if they are fought, they should be fought under the concept of Total War.
Living sort of in between, I'd be willing to give them both Seattle and Portland.
Yup! Time to bring down the lightning and thunder and forget the PC idiots. Thank you for your hopes for my son. I'm not really caring about medals, though. I just want to throw my arms around him and tell him how proud I am of him. Then, take him fishing.
Our troops need to psych themselves up before going into battle. The adrenaline that produces goes along way in getting them through the fight alive. If those in command of the unit your sister's friend was in didn't understand this, then they were in the wrong business. And, during advanced combat training, soldiers are taught that they are shooting at "targets of opportunity" not people. I'd like to think this would be encouraged during actual combat conditions. Bring back Stormin Normin Schwartzkopf.
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