Posted on 01/17/2007 7:00:03 PM PST by NormsRevenge
It would be helpful, I believe, if reflexive Bush bashers took a time out, caught their collective breath and considered the consequences of some of their actions and positions. Sure, I know that they are exercising their constitutional right as Americans to criticize their president and any other elected official with whom they disagree whether their criticism is based upon fact and logic, blind emotion or, as is commonly the case today, just visceral hatred of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and all who support them.
It’s time for us as a nation to decide whether or not we are really a nation at war or just a nation at war with itself. By war, I mean the real kind, fought by real soldiers who are dedicated to achieving a mission, not the make-believe, civilian kind such as the war on drugs or the war on poverty.
If we really are at war, then we should endeavor to rally behind the troops who are fighting it and the wartime president who is their commander-in-chief. That’s the American way, isn’t it? It doesn’t mean you have to agree with the war or love the president. Feel free to vote against his party whenever you get the chance but meanwhile, at the very least, refrain from saying or doing things that weaken the nation’s image, harm morale of the troops or provide comfort and encouragement to the enemy.
Egregious examples of the latter include demonstrations demanding return of the troops now and threats by Congressional Democrats to deny funding for military operations deemed necessary by the wartime commander-in-chief. Lesser examples include the unremitting condemnation of the president’s plan for a last ditch military effort to salvage something out of the Iraq fiasco without offering an alternative plan which the president has said time and again he would consider. By alternate plan, though, I mean something more substantive than recommending that we consult with our enemies in the region, Iran and Syria, both of whom are sponsors of terrorism which we are supposed to be at war against. Why on earth would we do that, knowing how they feel about us?
The anti-war protests are starting up again and nothing good for America will come from them. Protestors may truly feel that they are acting in America’s best interests but here’s a reality check. Ask any active duty soldier or marine who has seen combat in Iraq or Afghanistan how the anti-war demonstrations back home affect troops in combat. They are at best disturbing and unsettling to the troops and at worse, downright harmful to morale. The troops are, for the most part, too dedicated and disciplined to complain or to let it affect their performance but everyone I’ve asked has told me that it is important to know that the folks back home support them. Supporting them, however, entails more than just saying the words. It includes supporting the mission that they are putting their lives on the line for.
I’m certainly not going to bet the farm on the prospects for the president’s latest plan to succeed. Our troops will, of course, do everything in their power to achieve some manner of success in this so far mismanaged war. They deserve solid support from the home front and restraint from the Bush bashers while their lives are on the line. In the final analysis, though, success depends on the Iraqis themselves and their performance to date gives little cause for optimism. I personally have little confidence in their ability to put aside religious and tribal hatreds long enough to salvage their country.
Given the low regard that large numbers of Iraqis seem to have for Americans, it has become a matter some indifference to me and probably to most Americans whether Iraqis live happier ever after or whether they go on killing one another after we leave. I am far more concerned with the safety of our troops and with American interests in the area. A precipitous withdrawal, such as advocated by some, including Sen. John Edwards, Sen. Edward Kennedy and Rep. John Murtha, would be inimical to both concerns and any attempt to deny funding for wartime military operations would be an outrageous infringement of a wartime president’s authority.
"Those "conservatives" who target "RINOS" instead of 'rats are de facto allies of liberals."
I couldn't agree with you more!
Posting from and voting in California, I wish we had that RINO problem when it comes to electing Senators. ;-)
Ronald Reagan has left the building and has left us a legacy to re-invigorate. If not us, then who?
Not gonna happen...
"Romney is too flip-floppy for my taste."
He's too slick for my taste.
Correct, but I always check the state of the more vociferous and complaining posters and sure enough, most reside in solid blue states.
I would have gladly traded Boxer and Feinstein for the Maine gals. CA can't even elect the likes of the Maine's Snowe and Collins.
Besides, I agree with the good Naval Captain and the gent who posted the thread.
Agree or not with what GW has or has not done, we are at WAR, and albeit an undeclared war, which we should have learned by now, doesn't work, we must support the Military and that includes its Commander In Chief. Tis ok to think, and even say, as a civilian, I don't totally agree, but then it is time to click one's heels say, "Aye Aye, or Yes Sir" and march forward.
Anyway thanks, the thread was long before high-jacked by those on either side of the "Bush" issue, for their own purposes, long before I posted.
God Bless and May God Bless American ... again!
Well, apparently you can't get it done either. You didn't change anything in Mississippi.
To get back to the original subject, the war in Iraq seems to be effectively over. The turning point was Election Day, 2006.
What needed changing? Bennie Thompson is in a democrat gerrymandered district.
Exactly so.
...and also had an affair with, of all people, Cindy Sheehan. (((shudder)))
Yes, "Group Think" will kill ya, ask Stalin... I support President Bush on this war of terror on America kill them where they eat...
> CA can't even elect the likes of the Maine's Snowe and Collins.
It's not for lack of trying. Problem is, the taxes are so high that many of the sane people have left. I stay because of Silicon Valley and the weather-- sigh.
I left and I am a CA native, third generation.
Case in Point...
Thank you...I will remember your post...and I will pick up some St. Christopher medals...
I am not Catholic but I have faith..and I love the story of St. Christopher.
You've just admitted that you have no self-discipline.
It's bad enough to whine constantly about problems that really exist, but when you take to whining about decent people gathering daily to enjoy each other's company and talk about their kids who are in Iraq, pray for each other, gripe about liberals and the faux conservatives running around on this forum, and generally just have a good time appreciating the blessing of God's chosen leader for this country, then I'd say you've got 'issues' that need to be dealt with.
Consider finding a good counselor.
That, too. If straw polls are to be believed, a lot of people are buying without kicking the tires first.
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