Criticism of Iraq policy seen hurting U.S. troop morale

Washington Times ^ | 7/24/03 | Stephen Dinan and Bill Sammon

[kattracks]

Rep. Mike Pence says he has seen firsthand how the back-and-forth charges in Washington over U.S. policy in Iraq are affecting troop morale there.

Mr. Pence, Indiana Republican, visited with Marines at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda this week. He was struck by one injured sergeant's worry that the United States would succumb to criticism and pull its troops out with the job undone.

[Michael Barnes]

"I think I'm speaking for the troops," he said.

I think he is wrong. The troops of today are a proud, volunteer force. Today's troops go in knowing they can go in harm's way. Kerry is living a day that is long past. He has neither the balls, nor the fortitude to go through with a war. Neither past, nor present.

[DPB101]

Democrats have wanted another Viet Nam since Afghanistan. I would not be surprised if they try to get to some of the troops--the ones who spoke out the other day for instance. That is how Kerry got his start. No beyond them to find a few disgruntled soldiers and make them into stars.

[livius]

The Democrats have broken that rule, attacking President Bush when our troops are abroad and hurting our relationship with our closest ally, Great Britain.

This is also an important point. The Dems are inflicting injury not only on our national morale and that of the troops, but on world perceptions of us and, consequently, on the cooperation we might get. India was supposed to contribute some troops, for example, but backed out at the last moment, and I am sure this relentless negative drumbeat had something to do with it.

[xring]

I for one am sick and tired of the same old socialist lies and spin. They are the agressors! They are conducting a campaign to undermine our Republic. My question is what can WE do about them?

[livius]

what can WE do about them?

I agree. I feel totally frustrated, because the press is completely on the Dem side and is covering up all of our successes in Iraq. My local rag's headline this a.m. was a mournful wail "questioning" the killing of Saddam's sons. (It's a New York Times paper.) I just can't believe this.

I wish our Republican elected leaders would speak up and be firmer in defending US policy. Of course, most of the press won't report it if they do. But I think we could certainly write to Republican officials and urge them to do this. If they speak up often and loudly enough, the press has to give it at least some coverage.

[Coop]

"He looked me in the eye, with tubes coming out, and he simply said, 'Congressman, the only thing I worry about is that we will pull out early and we will not finish the job and it will mean all of the sacrifices we made over there were for nothing,' " the Indiana Republican recalled.

Powerful words from one who has served in Iraq.

[Gopher Broke]

what can WE do about them?

Plenty. Get involved in your local Repubican party. Volunteer to work the poll, do phonecalling, lit drops, etc. Put a Republican yard sign in your yard and a bumper sticker on your car.....In VA and NJ this year, we have very important state/local elections. We need volunteers!!

Write a letter to your local newspaper, complaining about the liberal agenda of attacking President Bush..that also destroys our country and undermines troop morale.

Donate money to the Republican party and to candidates that you like.

Most conservatives spend elections sitting in their recliners, with a remote control, sometimes voting, saying WHAT CAN WE DO.

My biggest beef is not with liberal politicans or the media who are determined to implement their socialistic agenda....All that is necessary for evil to triump is for good men to do NOTHING.

The harvest is ready but the workers are very few!!

Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

I know a lot of Freepers are already involved...but for Conservatives to win the elections they should, we need to find a cure to LAZY CONSERVATIVE syndrome.

[Tailgunner Joe]

bttt