We Must Not Fail

The Congressional Record ^ | 02/15/2007 | Bill Sali

[Keyes2000mt]

First is, it is stunning to me that this body will consume over 36 hours of floor debate on a nonbinding resolution. This should be on the consent calendar. Irrespective of one’s position on the war in Iraq, all taxpayers are right to be incensed at such waste in this Congress.

This legislation will not have the effect of law, will neither inspire nor impede military action in Iraq or elsewhere, will not encourage our troops on the ground nor foster victory over America’s enemies that practice terror. It will have one effect: poking the President of the United States in the eye, diminishing his credibility among the international community and eroding his ability to lead here at home. It will also have the very genuine result of undermining and demoralizing our soldiers that are now in harm’s way.

Second, equally stunning is the apparent preoccupation with demeaning President Bush while ignoring those who are our real enemies. Our enemies are not in the White House or the Defense Department. They are not people like David Petraeus or his staff. They are not the vast majority of Muslims throughout the world, who, like us, want simply to live peaceful and secure lives.

America’s enemies are radical Islamists, less than 1 percent of all Muslims, whose faith requires that a pure Islamic state be established and that violence is the instrument by which to establish it. Their faith requires terrorist acts against the West and all Muslims who stand in the way of that agenda.

That is why Osama bin Laden can say that he and his followers are ‘‘in love with death.’’ Indiscriminate slaughter is, for these sick people, merely a tool in their arsenal of moral barbarity.

That is why his second-in-command has declared that Iraq and Afghanistan are ‘‘the two most crucial fields’’ in their war. That is why al Qaeda in Iraq has declared an Islamic state in Iraq’s Anbar Province.

Third, how do America’s enemies view us? For one thing, they fear George W. Bush and our military. That is why Libya’s Mu’ammar Qadhafi 3 years ago surrendered his nuclear materials to the U.S. That is why Moqtada al-Sadr, Iraq’s most powerful militia leader, just made a beeline for Iran; not for a sunny vacation from long, tiresome days of planning suicide bombings, but because he feared for his life.

But America’s enemies view Congress quite differently. They see us as divided, irresolute, unwilling to face honestly their concerted plan for our destruction. Hence, this nonbinding resolution.

In light of this reality, I would ask my friends across the aisle, what is your binding plan for defeating America’s enemies? America, our allies and our enemies are still waiting for your binding plan.

More than 3,000 Americans have died upholding the hope of defeating America’s real enemies and bringing freedom to Iraq. We must not allow their deaths to become a pretext for the abandonment of that hope of victory or abandoning the Iraqi people. But rather, they must serve as the inspiration of a renewed commitment to hope of victory and security for Iraq. We owe to their heroism and sacrifice nothing less than one thing, victory over America’s enemies in Iraq.

America is the last best hope of man on Earth. A victory in Iraq is our last best hope of defeat of America’s most dangerous enemies and also the freedom and security in the Middle East. We must not fail.

[Keyes2000mt]

This was Congressman William T. "Bill" Sali of Idaho. He's not my Congressman out here, but I'd trade mine for him any day of the week.

[dirtboy]

First is, it is stunning to me that this body will consume over 36 hours of floor debate on a nonbinding resolution.

A part of me agrees.

And a part of me shrieks out, "LIKE THIS IS ANYTHING ABBY-NORMAL IN TODAY'S DC MINDSET!!!???!!!"

[Keyes2000mt]

Sali's a freshman, and very much common sense enabled.

[Freee-dame]

It will have one effect: poking the President of the United States in the eye, diminishing his credibility among the international community and eroding his ability to lead here at home

This has been the goal of the left, both congress and media, since 2000. Every appointment hearing, especially for Dr. Condoleeza Rice, has been brutal with the same aim in mind. The left is despicable.

[dirtboy]

Sali's a freshman, and very much common sense enabled.

I sincerely hope that's not a long-term liability for him.

[jazusamo]

Good piece and good for Congressman Bill Sali.

[Domandred]

I was watching for Sali's statements but missed them, caught Simpsons. Thanks for posting them.

[himno hero]

America is the last best hope of man on Earth. A victory in Iraq is our last best hope of defeat of America’s most dangerous enemies and also the freedom and security in the Middle East. We must not fail.



what ? he recognizes a propensity for 7th century global islamization? And perceives it as a threat.....the religion of peace? after 1400 years of their efforts?

America IS the only hope for man on earth.

Its too bad this has not dawned on the dems.

[greccogirl]

The dems and their "non binding" resolutions remind me of playground kiddies.

[mtntop3]

Many, many of the Republicans' floor statements in both the House and Senate have been outstanding and demonstrated that they not only know the stakes in the war but also the intricacies of it and the enemy.

May we send messages of support and thanks to those who, at political risk to themselves in numerous instances, have stood with our President, nation, troops, mission - and shown resolve to win this war against those who have sworn to kill all of us.