Iraq

Harry C. Smith, Cincinnati, Ohio — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:19:55 GMT

Iraq it's a mess thanks G.W. for nothing .

Iraq

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:20:10 GMT

All you anti-war libs out there better start realizing that things are getting better in Iraq, thanks to the surge and unless you are prepared to bring in Mike gravel or Dennis or one of those total anti-war losers, the war is going to go on for a lot longer then you planned. Even Hillary thinks the war is getting better and she is YOUR candidate. When the leader of the democratic party says the war has changed for the better, you know it is a fact. So deal with it.

Iraq

Steve, San Diego — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:22:17 GMT

Even if one province may or may not be seeing progress, I still want our combat troops to come home. It is simply time. Do not fund full fledged operations for FY08, and stand firm against the administration. Enough already.

Iraq

Scott, PA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:31:28 GMT

And as have been said alll along; we asks Biden's question. Then what?

Iraq

vanreuter, NY NY — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:37:58 GMT

What did Senator Clinton ACTUALLY say, back in 2002, on the Senate floor?

Senator Clinton; Now this much is undisputed. The open questions are: what should we do about it? How, when, and with whom?

Some people favor attacking Saddam Hussein now, with any allies we can muster, in the belief that one more round of weapons inspections would not produce the required disarmament, and that deposing Saddam would be a positive good for the Iraqi people and would create the possibility of a secular democratic state in the Middle East, one which could perhaps move the entire region toward democratic reform.

This view has appeal to some, because it would assure disarmament; because it would right old wrongs after our abandonment of the Shiites and Kurds in 1991, and our support for Saddam Hussein in the 1980's when he was using chemical weapons and terrorizing his people; and because it would give the Iraqi people a chance to build a future in freedom.

However, this course is fraught with danger. We and our NATO allies did not depose Mr. Milosevic, who was responsible for more than a quarter of a million people being killed in the 1990s. Instead, by stopping his aggression in Bosnia and Kosovo, and keeping on the tough sanctions, we created the conditions in which his own people threw him out and led to his being in the dock being tried for war crimes as we speak.

If we were to attack Iraq now, alone or with few allies, it would set a precedent that could come back to haunt us. In recent days, Russia has talked of an invasion of Georgia to attack Chechen rebels. India has mentioned the possibility of a pre-emptive strike on Pakistan. And what if China were to perceive a threat from Taiwan?

So Mr. President, for all its appeal, a unilateral attack, while it cannot be ruled out, on the present facts IS NOT A GOOD OPTION!"

http://clinton.senate.gov/speeches/iraq_101002.html

Iraq

MK,MO — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:39:15 GMT

is hillary running as a dem or repub, it's hard to tell isn't it? I used to think romney was the king of the flip-flop, looks like hillary is trying to de-throne him, what a joke, you go girl, go away

Iraq

vanreuter, NY NY — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:41:14 GMT

What else did she say?

"And finally, on another personal note, I come to this decision from the perspective of a Senator from New York who has seen all too closely the consequences of last year's terrible attacks on our nation. In balancing the risks of action versus inaction, I think New Yorkers who have gone through the fires of hell may be more attuned to the risk of not acting. I know that I am.

So it is with conviction that I support this resolution as being in the best interests of our nation. A vote for it is NOT A VOTE TO RUSH TO WAR; it is a vote that puts awesome responsibility in the hands of our President and we say to him - use these powers wisely and as A LAST RESORT. And it is a vote that says clearly to Saddam Hussein - this is your last chance - disarm or be disarmed."

http://clinton.senate.gov/speeches/iraq_101002.html

Van

Iraq

PJ — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:48:17 GMT

Hillary is very smart and by the way is responding to every slimy jab from the right with class. I have to wonder what McCain really thinks. Does he not know he washed up?

Iraq

vanreuter, NY NY — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:58:03 GMT

Hillary-haters Myth#1

"She'll do/say anything to win/get elected."

Yet she won't say she made a mistake and repudiate her vote on Iraq in 2002, when other candidates have, this despite the fact that it has caused her lots of criticism from the left-wing of her party. If she'll say/do anything, why not this?

Where are the stories to back up this lie/myth? Tales of the terrible things she did and the lies she's told in her election campaigns should be the stuff of legend by now, if there was any basis in FACT.

You will see the usual suspects repeat this accusation/slander over and over and not ONCE do you ever see an example. Where are the examples?

We will examine other myths as the usual suspects repeat them, and you can bet they will.

Van

Iraq

Tim, Rochester, NY — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:05:13 GMT

I agree Van, what are these lies that Hillary has been telling? Where is this dishonesty that all of you republicans are claiming about Hillary? I just wonder how, someone who lies as much as Hillary and with all of these so called high negatives, gets re-elected with 70% of the vote in NY?

Iraq

Steve, San Diego — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:05:20 GMT

2 good posts Van. I enjoyed reading them.

Iraq

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:12:06 GMT

jerry, where is your proof that things are getting better in Iraq? I have said this before and will continue even to my elected officials "The Military Can Not Rebuild a Country POLITICALLY". The Iraqi government is on break and have not been able to come to any kind of agreement on any real tangible effort to govern their country. Realize I said their country.

Iraq

Susan,Miami — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:20:29 GMT

You are the best Van. Keep cutting through all the bull---- and telling the truth. Some folks hate the truth.

Iraq

Pat, Huntington, NY — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:24:25 GMT

Again, how is it flip-flopping if the Senator is merely noting some arguable good news from one province in Iraq. What should she have said? "Oh, the surge is working, but I don't support it?" Or, "they say the surge is working, I don't believe them?" To say she's a flip-flopper is classic neo-con rhetoric with no substance or basis.

Iraq

kalu — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:31:21 GMT

Dont hate, people.Hillary rocks,period.

Iraq

ken"tell me lies sweet little lies"O — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:33:46 GMT

gezz realism and honesty "The surge is working"Wouldnt want to hear that but it is true on some levels ,any time you have a mass influx of troops and material things do look better,but at what cost.Can you maintain the surge with the troops you have,NO.Can you stop the enemy from removing itself from the fight and picking up someplace else,NO,and on and on has it helped the political situation,NO,so being honest and saying the surge has worked deserves praise not hoots and i gotchas,and being realistic about what comes next is what we need.Not quotes like "the insugency is in its last throes"(cheney06)or "we are winning this war"Bush 03 04 05 06 07)maybe if bush had been honest and fought like we are on the same team with a little realism his polls and standing with the american people would be higher,and people would fight this war like he needs it fought but lies and end arounds have made the american people not belive him anymore.SO hilliary was honest said something repubs should love her for and demos are angry seems down the middle ,nice place to be once in a while

Iraq

Kenn"just need a little truth"O — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:34:57 GMT

thank you van the man

Iraq

Rufus Gibbons, DC — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:38:10 GMT

Great post(s) Van.

Iraq

H P Boston — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:41:05 GMT

MK MO I can tell why can't you? I can not tell if you are , oh yes I can of course you are a repukelican!

Iraq

Ricardo in California — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:41:08 GMT

Jerry you are so ignorant. First of all you have never served in a war and clearly from your comments you know nothing about one. The war in Iraq is in the worst state today than it was a year ago. The only thing the surge has done is given the enemy more americans to kill. The war is in complete chaos and I find it interesting the you are now accepting comments made by Hillary Clinton. What a wimp. You're just another spineless conservative who refuses to admit that the biggest mistake this nation has made in decades was to invade Iraq. Face it Jerry, the current Iraq strategy is exactly what Al Qaeda wants—the United States distracted and pinned down by Iraq’s internal conflicts and trapped in a quagmire that has become the perfect rallying cry and recruitment tool for Al Qaeda. So deal with that Jerry boy!

Iraq

Mike A, Oceanside CA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:41:14 GMT

Has there ever been any doubt that the incomparable US Millitary equipt with the proper mission could make progress in any battlefield situation? Sadly, that is not the pivotal issue. The problem is not so much on the battlefield but in the internal leadership of Iraq and ultimately their ability to govern a peaceful, united Iraq. We can throw more and more millitary assets at the insurgent problem and make noteable progress, but connecting these activities to a stable Iraqi government is, at best, an extremely long term and expensive proposition. To perservere in this endeavor under the guise that our National security is in direct jeopardy is an argument that has never held much value. Certainly economic security is at risk if the oil rich Middle East is destabelized , but that is a world problem not just a US problem...it would be best addressed by the world community at shared risk and expense. If the world cummunity is unwilling to act in their own economic interest, than they deserve exactly what they get.

Iraq

John B, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:45:29 GMT

Jerry; July 06 US casualties 43, July 07 casualties 80. 400 Iraqis killed just the other day in a coordinated multiple bombing. Areas that Britain is turning over to Iraqi forces are dissolving into violence. Eye witnesses continue to report IEDs planted and sectarian violence perpetrated by Iraqi police and military. 60% unemployment. We're buying lowered hostilities in some areas by throwing our lot in with the very people we've been fighting. Increasingly soldiers and officers are willing to state publicly that no amount of military action will fix this broken country. How exactly does this spell success?

Iraq

Pacheck — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:45:54 GMT

If a traveler from another world came here and saw this country I am sure that they would be amused to see how this country functions. The majority of people is dictated to by the minority. The minority is corrupt and war like and the majority is docile and will not respond to things they know are wrong.

Iraq

H P Boston — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:49:47 GMT

MK MO I can tell, why can't you?
I can tell you are a down right mean and dirty Hillary hating
Repukelican! So can everyone else.

Iraq

Blue state baby — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:02:19 GMT

This is old news, but lets keep in mind that this is not a war to go after bin laden and the people who attacted us. This is a war for oil, by two big oil men, bush and cheney. They lied and fabricated information to get their way. There are some politicians that voted for this war (Hillary for one). There are many Americans that were for this war in the beginning. We were all lied to and kept from the real facts.

Iraq

luigi,Tucson,az — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:07:18 GMT

ha!, hillary 's flip-flop speech about iraq makes me wonder where the heck did she's getting the news from ??all these candidates are a nothing but bored b.s.

Iraq

Scott, PA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:09:09 GMT

Van,
Can you please back up the lack of leadership that Clinton showed recently in the Senate (what issues has she really ever lead on?) I am talking specifically her Iraq funding vote for which she provided no indication on how she would vote, waited until the very last minute to cast her vote until the outcome was clear. Where is her leadership here? Politics as usual.

Iraq

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:10:01 GMT

As a veteran, I have a hard time figuring out why veteran's service groups are so supportive of Republican candidates. While military budgets have risen dramatically under every Republican President since Reagan, the fact is actual dollar spending for veterans has not. Reagan tried to tax veterans benefits in the same manner as he taxed Social Security benefits. The per dollar amount spent on each veteran's health care has decreased as the amount of veterans seeking care has increased and, while the total dollar amount has increased, the availability of services has decreased. When I first entered the DVA system, all medical services were free (other than dental care)whether a veteran was disabled by war or not. His/her service to their country was payment enough. Now, there are extra enrollment fees proposed, co-payments for some care and prescriptions in place and unless enrolled before this year, non-disabled veterans who have not served in the Middle East become the lowest priority for care, no matter how old or infirm they are. All of these changes have come under Republican Administrations who love to send young men to war but try to undermine funding for their care when they return.

If you leaders and rank-and-file of Veterans service organizations want to support war, that is your perogative, but to support the political party which has undermined veteran's benefits over three of the last four Republican Administrations (Elder Bush excepted), you are not acting in the best interests of the people you are supposedly serving.

Iraq

david,baltimore,md — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:15:24 GMT

Of course the surge is working;and if we put in more peole it will be even more successful.Of course th eproblem is that the more successful it is ,the less necssity for the various Iraqi factions to actually reach a compromise for national unity becuase after all the US troops can protect any area of the country that comes under attack from another gropup who disagrees with its views.In essence th esurge removes any incentive for any group to compromise.
You can find a lot of things in IRAQ but two things you will never find:
1.an iraqi patriot willing to die for his country as opposed to the supremacy of his sect
2.the draft dodging coward Dick Cheyney who has no problem sending your child to die for Halliburton
If the surge were really working why wouldnt Bush let Petraeus wirte th ereport instaed of the White House doing it? Nothing succeeds like success

Iraq

Spud, Delmont. PA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:26:07 GMT

Jerry-how about the phonies on the right? If all the dems are phony, would you at least acknowledge that the righties are just as phony? Shrub and Rove have sold this country and his party a bill of goods that the taxpayers will be paying for generations to come

Iraq

Darrius, Arkansas — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:29:44 GMT

Vanreuter, Hillary said....

1. That money doesn't influence her.

It is a lie because.....

Money influences everybody. If money didn't influence politicians then no one would give them any money. Hillary wants us to believe that she is the only person on the planet that is completely unaffected by money and completely unbiased toward people who give her money.

2. "...You don't always say what you think when you're running for President"

It is a lie because....

Well, actually that quote isn't a lie. It is an admission that other things she says may be lies or they may not be. It's hard to tell when someone thinks one thing but says another.

She said that at the AFL-CIO debates. You know when she got booed. She basically told the crowd that you should lie when you are running for President. If she wins the Democratic nomination that quote will come back again. You will hear that more that the now-famous Kerry quote.

That quote coming from a candidate who already has half the people committed to oppose her is practically guaranteed to lose a general election.

Iraq

bb — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:00:28 GMT

Spud, Mr Jerry has an incredibly weak identity and a highly inflexible mindset. Oh yea, just like our president. No wonder he likes him.

Iraq

Lyn, MD — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:02:55 GMT

Gosh, Van...and she voted for it anyway. All that experience (35 years) 0 judgement.

BTW she could have asked a cab driver in NY, everybody knew that fool was going to war. Except the people with all the experience, "naive".

Iraq

Gail, Dallas, Tx. — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:03:19 GMT

I`m tired of her flip flops....

The "SURGE" is working in one province in Iraq.
And that`s all????

Come now People, our brothers and sisters aer not just hfighting in one province in Iraq but many.
A nd to thiank that they ( BUSH Admin. ) will use this to solidify that the war will continue on Indefinitely.
Wake people, Al Anbar is just one province.

Did anyone even give thought to the religious village & people that took a BIG hit last week?
Hillary should just stop with all the BOLOGNA, she is a REPUBLICAN in Democratic clothing, she knows nothing but what they tell her. Let her take a trip to Irfag and find if this is absolute the truth ( take BUSH & Chaneny with her)they all have the same way of thinking anyway.....

Iraq

Hard Right — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:05:01 GMT

Bsb writes "This is a war for oil, by two big oil men, bush and cheney."

So what if it is? What do you put in your car? How do you heat your house? How would Hillary handle the middle east if she was President? Barack? Edwards? And please, lets not talk about alternative fuels. There will be no alternative solution for decades that will provide the amount of energy we require today.

People that say we're at war because Bush and Cheney are "big oil men" are totally naive. The problem is the same whether it was Bush II, Clinton, or Bush I. Peace and stability in the mid-east is essential for our energy needs, both now, and for next 20 years.

Bsb - "They lied and fabricated information to get their way."

More moveon.org crap. Hillary saw the same information, how did she vote? Edwards? Biden? Yes, the poor Democrats got fooled by Bush. The same guy the libs have been calling stupid since he showed up. So I guess stupid people can fool Dems. Doesn't say much about the Dems.

Iraq

Curt, New Jersey — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:11:12 GMT

Van

“So it is with conviction that I support this resolution as being in the best interests of our nation. A vote for it is NOT A VOTE TO RUSH TO WAR; it is a vote that puts awesome responsibility in the hands of our President and we say to him - use these powers wisely and as A LAST RESORT. And it is a vote that says clearly to Saddam Hussein - this is your last chance - disarm or be disarmed."

Hilliary was giving this power to Bush to “use wisely and as A LAST RESORT’. This is a president on record as saying he already had all the authorization he needed to invade Iraq and was initialy opposed to this resolution being considered. A president who was trumpeting the case for taking out Sadam Hussien.

At the time of this vote I knew Sadam Hussien had no connection with 9/11. I knew Sadam Hussien had no ties with Al-Qaeda. There was no doubt in my mind that if this resolution was approved George would invade Iraq.

But Hilliary thought Bush would use these powers wisely and as a last resort.

And now she wants my vote for president?

Iraq

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:11:26 GMT

Darrius - You said: "It's hard to tell when someone thinks one thing but says another." That is a complete misstatement of what Hillary said. She did not advocate speaking contrary to what you think; she advocated keeping your mouth shut on certain issues when what you say may have consequences around the world. She advocated being smart and responsible in what you choose to say. Totally different than thinking one thing while saying another.

Iraq

Spud, PA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:12:17 GMT

Short memories we seem to have-in the wake of 9/11, remember, being on the other side of the President was considered unpatriotic. Just the way that Rove twisted Kerry out as in 2004 through the Republican 527s

Iraq

Jennie Denver,CO — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:16:00 GMT

Van, Darrius is right. And the fact that she won't admitt that she made a mistake with that vote dosen't mean she's strong, it means she's just like Bush. Can't ever admitt a mistake. Do we REALLY want another president like this again?

Iraq

bb — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:17:01 GMT

No stupid hard right, Mr. Bush is clever and that is different from stupid. This clever politician conned some other politicians in both parties as well as people in other parts of the world with rotten horrible lies. So that makes him great? And I can see you still defend the big lier so what does that make you? A big dumb assed, lying hypocrite. How impressive you are! NOT.

Iraq

Jennie Denver,CO — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:17:48 GMT

Carrie- read the quote. She advocates holding back your thoughts when running for president. A lie by omission is still lying to the American people. Hillary advocates whatever she thinks is popular at that second.

Iraq

Tired of the sloganism and Jerry, CC — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:17:59 GMT

Jerry, CC: "All you anti-war libs out there better start realizing that things are getting better in Iraq, thanks to the surge..."

No, J,CC…all you pro-Bush supporters out there better start realizing that you can't take a part and make it the whole. You can't take the little picture and make it the big picture. Yet still you try.

How many times have we secured a province only to lose it later? How many times has the following sequence happened: 1) The good-doers oust all the evil-doers" from the "worst area in Iraq”; 2) the administration spotlights that area as a shining example of how the worm has turned; only to 3) have it collapses later into chaos? Do you think this surge is going to change that pattern in any real or permanent way?

How many times do you have to be told that our military is not the issue, or the question, or the problem or the determining factor in winning the war? When do you "get it" that this is a war that only the Iraqis can win? And the only way they can win it is politically…diplomatically.

And the really big question: Why can't you see that the insurgents, the militias, the whatevers are primitive people who do what they have been doing for centuries to settle disputes...not talk...not negotiate...not discuss...not compromise...no. They go to war. They kill each other. And the last one standing wins.

Every time I hear the republicans say, "Well, you cannot deny that things are much better with Saddam gone," I have to wonder. With the area imploding and Saudia Arabia, Syria and Jordan on one side…Iran on the other side…all waiting to step in and proxy the war, the answer is probably no, not in the context of what has followed and what we can realistically accomplish in the area. It really doesn't matter when we leave...the militants have plenty of support, plenty of money, plenty of equipment and plenty of patience. On the other hand, the government in place to keep the peace and tamp down the violence doesn't even have the ability to control its own agenda. They can’t stay at the table long enough even to make small, lasting progress, much less control the evil-doers.

Great administration this Bush group is, buddy. Fine mess they’ve gotten us into. The more you guys try to defend and justify their governance, the more ridiculous your positions and arguments become.

It’s time to reduce the number of combat troops we have in Iraq, leaving a smaller footprint in the area. There is no debate that in the wake of an American pullout, Baghdad would quickly be dominated by Shi’ite militias. Why? Because they have remained largely unbloodied by the American campaign. But at some point, the Iraqis have to step up and be responsible for their own future. There are many who say that even with half as many troops in the area as we have now, we could still keep outsiders from further stoking the fire.

Iraq

Susan, Miami — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:20:49 GMT

Gail you've been conned by the right wingers. The Clintons are left of center and most persons know this. Probably even farther left than that. And yes shes acting like a politician because she is one. What a surprise.

Iraq

Steve, San Diego — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:41:49 GMT

Good job Tired.

Iraq

Desmond — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:42:04 GMT

Terry, a few weeks ago, I read an article which said one idea floated to Bush was to put all the cabinet ministers in a room and lock the doors until they came up with a political soulution. Fortunately, this idea was discarded as the government of Iraq is democratically elected. Elected with the backing of our government and pushing for certain leaders to be in certain positions. Funny thing about that, the people we are backing (anyone not connected with Saddam) seem to have their own ideas about the country they want.I still say all power in the government currently resides with Grand Ayotollah al Shistani.Can we get around that fact? I don't think so.

Iraq

Dave M., Miamisburg, OH — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 16:48:41 GMT

Mike A, Oceanside CA thank you for your wonderful post.

Iraq

jjg, ms — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:02:08 GMT

jerry, jerry, jerry - <sigh>. As in the past, you are taking only pieces out of something that an individual has said, and using that to puff out your chest and say, "I told you so." Hillary did not say that the war is going well. She stated that there were some areas of improvement. DUH! When you send in an additional 30k American troops into Baghdad, the security will improve - again, DUH! However, there has been no political progress, and there has been no reconciliation. More safe? Obviously, with our troops. Progress that justifies our being in the middle of this civil war? Absolutely not. Iraq war going well - give me a break. Blind, ignorant and closed-minded to the point of absurdity. Keep cherry-picking your facts... that will surely get our country back on track.

Iraq

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:18:39 GMT

Desmond, I recall seeing that as well. To bad that did not happen and then they decided to go on break. The problem we face with this fiasco is that people continue to buy that bs line of "fight em there instead of fighting em here". Our borders are so pourous that if they wanted to they could already. It is just shameful and dishonorable that thousands more will have to endure a life with severe disabilities or the loss of a loved one over what? "Saddam went after my daddy so I had to get em for it"

Iraq

IntheMiddle, Texas — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:22:58 GMT

Robert Catalont: As a card carrying member of the VFW, I find your accusations offensive. First of all, the military fare far better under republican Administrations, all of these so-called DAV cuts are laws that were passed during the Clinton years. You know Clinton didnt give one rats azz about the military. When bad laws are written, it is always the next administration that has to implement them. Im through I dont feel like arguing with idiots.

Iraq

Rufus Gibbons, DC — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:31:08 GMT

For as long as I can remember the democrats have torn each other to shreds during the primarys and then come together after a candidate is nominated. The republicans then quote some of this during the campaign. I am for any and all of the candidates and will support whoever wins. Some of you so-called liberals are doing the republicans work for them.
Remember some people think if you tell the same lie long enough people will start to believe it.
In my opinion Senator Clinton is leaning to the right in order to pick up some of the disaffected republicans. President Bill Clinton won by being a moderate democrat.

Iraq

Paul D. Orange City, IA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:44:25 GMT

I wonder if the Dems are ever taken aback when they see their daily talking points repeated by Al Quaeda and vice versa. No one is doubting the Dems' patriotism, only who's cause they are displaying their patriotism for. (Can you say in bed with Al Quaeda)

Iraq

Desmond — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:48:53 GMT

Terry, "c'est la vie".

Iraq

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:05:06 GMT

jerry, corpus christie tx.....you wouldn't know a fact if it jumped up and bit you on the @$$.

Lyn, MD.......................NY was attacked on 911, Illinois wasn't. Obama has the luxury of; a) not serving in the Senate when the 2002 use of force in Iraq authorization vote was taken; and, b) not representing the people who were the targets of the 911 attacks.
These are just two more reasons why Obama doesn't have the experience, and Hillary does.

Iraq

bb — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:16:35 GMT

Rufus, wow you are so smart! Hillary is leaning to the right to get votes. I have NEVER in my life heard of such a thing; a politician saying things and shifting positions to get elected. Hmm, I remember that Bush runnning as a moderate republican the first time. AND, Mr Rufus, have you been watching Guiliani and Romney tearing each other to shreds lately?

Iraq

Real soldiers don't lie — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:18:30 GMT

Jerry and all you other bush supporters..explain this please. If the war is going so damn well, why than are the soldiers coming forward to dispute your claims? C'mon on now....don't be shy

http://www.harpers.org/archive/2007/08/hbc-90000932

Iraq

Robb, STL — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:21:34 GMT

Robert C - Can't you see? IntheMiddle is right. Just look at that Walter Reed Hospital. It's a friggin' Palace! A Palace I tell you...if you're a mold spore...

Iraq

INDY — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:22:50 GMT

InTheMiddle,

I'm sure that after 7 years of Bush the repub's could have reversed whatever "bad laws" that were passed by Clinton. If they had time to plan this war they could have also planned to take care of the troops during and afterwards. Even having not supported the war I would have honestly commended Bush for taking care of the troops.

There has been example after example that troop funding for armour, health services, even deployment size was grossly underestimated. The Pentegon even acknowleges this fact!!!

If in the end you have narrow business minded people running the show (rep or dem) you always get the mentality of squeezing the workers or troops and taking the credit. Unfortunely for Bush and the republicans there will be no credit to take. Even as this war will be strung out past the election, Rep's will have only begun to feel the reprecussions of this debacle.

Hard core repubs are in denial if they think anything good will come out of Iraq. I haven't heard latetly from Bush what "winning" over there will achieve. By the end of this year "winning" will just mean saving one more soldier or Iraqi life.

After we pull out is when the hard work will really start. At least I hope we won't still be short sided enough to think radical islam can be contained by concentrating the fight to a single geographic location.

Iraq

HOT DAM — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:23:03 GMT

OH promise you are through, Inthemiddle we idiots will not miss you. Good bye, good luck with all you do. Peace and understanding go with you our hero!

Iraq

Still Crazy After All These Years — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:24:57 GMT

A song for our citizens, our soldiers away-"Dedicated To The One I Love"-Mamas and Papas

Iraq

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:25:26 GMT

Jeannie - YOU read the quote...she advocates not saying every flippin' thing that comes to your mind. That is not a lie by ommission - it's called DISCRETION, and it's kind of necessary if you want to be president.

I doubt you speak aloud every opinion that comes into your mind. It was VERY clear what she meant, to everyone except those who want to twist her words around. Be careful what you say because your words can have consequences. Now that's pure evil talking, let me tell you...the NERVE of her to suggest such a thing. Off with her head!

Iraq

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:25:49 GMT

inthemiddletexas, during the Clinton years, how many were governed by a Democrat party led congress?

Iraq

ABC (Anybody But Clinton) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:26:16 GMT

A simple question. If I were on the Board of Directors of a major corporation and needed to hire a CEO, I would never hire someone who had previously led a major corporation and led them in a disastrous direction.

Hillary Clinton's test of leadership on a national stage leading a national effort was when she was First Lady leading the effort to reform health care in the US.

And what was the result of that? She did a horrible job with that Health Care task force and the group she led had a terrible solution to the US Health Care system.

So this is who a lot of you want to bring in as the next President? This doesn't sound like someone who is ready to be President to me.

Iraq

Rufus Gibbons, DC — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:26:37 GMT

"I am not worried about bin Laden he doesn't have any army" George W Bush 2003.

Iraq

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:29:23 GMT

Paul D. - I wonder if you might be the anti-public school, judge-hating right wing fanatic that is so infamous in that part of the state.

No matter, really. Just for the record, though, that whole "Dems = terrorist supporters" mantra has kind of gone out of fashion.

Iraq

Bob. Lipsett Sr. North Attleboro, MA. 02760-4388 — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:30:05 GMT

jerry, 40 outpost in Ramida with our troops and the Iraqis. Our troops don't dare turn their backs on the Iraqi forces or they will steal their eye teeth. jerry just how many years and manpower just to secure one section. Just how did 199,000 weapons become unaccounted for?
The Sunni already own Arbar prov. and our troops are constantly losing 1/day, total now is 3,707 since this all begun. Petraeus was sent in 4 years to late and the only reason was he learned how to read that 1943 manual of how our GIs should conduct theirselves in Iraq during the WWII. Petraeus was to be the "Doug Flute" of this administration, remember the "Hail Mary Pass that won the game for BC? This administration had no clue as to what to do if a insurgency arised. Their only project was to build the First "Colossal Embassy" in the Midd;le East as a tribute to Cheney/GW for being the first to establish what the French and British failed to do before them. It was to be "Compassionate Colonialism". Get all the Capitalism out of Iraq before they realize what the US is doing.

Iraq

Desmond — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:41:00 GMT

Rufus, mention bin Laden and I will tell you a story told on a pile of rubble.

Iraq

Lee in CA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:59:22 GMT

" No one is doubting the Dems' patriotism, only who's cause they are displaying their patriotism for." If only you had the nerve say that to my face, chicken hawk.

Iraq

Josh — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:01:56 GMT

"Lyn, MD.......................NY was attacked on 911, Illinois wasn't. Obama has the luxury of; a) not serving in the Senate when the 2002 use of force in Iraq authorization vote was taken; and, b) not representing the people who were the targets of the 911 attacks.
These are just two more reasons why Obama doesn't have the experience, and Hillary does."

J. Merle,

Yes, New York was attacked. So was the Pentagon. So were the passengers on Flight 93. So were the families of those victims. So was every American who has any shred of morality and respect for their country. While I realize that I will not have to bear the burden of grief over losing a loved one that day, I take offense at the implication that only those who do have to bear that burden are qualified to lead our nation.

Shall we disqualify every candidate that did not represent a person who was directly attacked on 9/11?

How dare you suggest that simply because Hillary had the ability to vote for this fatally irresponsible resolution (and did) and that she represented the state of New York on 9/11 is in itself a qualification for the presidency. This rubbish is no better than Bush's "you're either with us or against us" rhetoric.

And to suggest that not only does Obama lack experience because of this, but that NO ONE has enough experience unless they meet your qualifications is Rove-esque and is exactly what we need to get rid of in Washington.

I have read your posts before, and although I disagree with some of your statements, I have always respected your opinion and your right to post it. I regret to say that I have lost a little bit of that respect.

Iraq

kenn"I got a bridge I ll sell you"O — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:06:28 GMT

If the surge is working INTHE MIDDLE and JERRY had better sign up for the army because the army cant maintain the surge without some new cannon fodder.How bout signing up you need oh about another 100,000 of you patriots so start asking your friends maybe we can draft your kids and send them,or your friends thats if they arent there already,where are your new troops coming from.The insurgents only have to wait bush out and they have won thank your man georg for a spendid plan KUDOS it has worked so well"we are winning"bush 03 04 05 06 07

Iraq

Bob. Lipsett Sr. North Attleboro, MA. 02760-4388 — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:10:10 GMT

in the middle of texas, as I remember it was "throw the bums out in '94" and all the cuts were a process of the past Sec. of Def., guess who, Dick Cheney. All the cuts have been under control of "good ole Newt" and for 12 out of 14 years the Rebs have slashed and crashed our economy. In recent memory I recall Alan Greenspan and GW boosting that everyone would have their own house and business. The Providence Journal shows some 4 pages full of foreclosure notices and the rate in forclosures are 97% higher than last year. It was called by "DiTech and the other Hucksters" as "EASY MONEY" as realestate prices would only double and many could retire comfortably. That is if you bought your home 25 years ago and sold it presently, but where do you go to find bargins now, the foreclosure notices and deal with bargin prices, I guess that is the free enterprising system. I call it kicking some while their down and this adminstration and their "Duke Cunningham and Tom Delays" surely ripped off the working stiff. Wall street kept the trolling lines our and reeling in the fish and when the barrel was fill they pulled the plug. Only now is that 1.75 trillion dollar tax refunds starting to take hold. Goldie Locks economy for who?
inthemiddleoftexas it has often been said "you can't have a battle of witts with a unarmed person"
I spent 8 years in the Air Force in the service of my country, but never had the chance to tour overseas, 1954-1962, but I can't go drinking with your buddies at your bar, does my service count less than yours. It only counts when it comes in the mail with your plea to help the VFW with a donations. The only one worth any salt at all is the Paralized Veterans in Wilton, NH. Your membership will grow as those 163,000 more kids are being sent to fight this insane war. Was there a reason for this war and How much background work was done to set the stage for the illegal invasion before Sept. 11, 2001. What was know and When was it known. Read the PDB of Jul. 10 and Aug. 6, 2001 and tell me who was in "DERELICTION OF DUTY" for not protecting our country against a attack. Curt Weldon R-PA. was hung out to twist in the wind by your Repb. establishment in 2006.

Iraq

ripsophia, Miami, FL — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:13:14 GMT

"to feed the cat rose" - dorothy, golden girls

Iraq

Truck Driver — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:20:14 GMT

Well unlike all of you that post on here I actually worked in Iraq from May 05 to June of 06 as a truck driver shipping supplies to areas south of the Green Zone in Baghdad and East. I made a lot of money doing this (tax free) but I would never do it again. I lost 5 very good friends of mine. Three by roadside explosions and the other two were shot and killed when they were enroute to their destination. I’ll tell you this…there are not enough troops in our entire military to stop the violence in this area. I myself was threatened by gunpoint and forced to my knees thinking my life was over. They went through my pockets and grabbed about $200.00 in American cash I had on me then fled. I fell to the ground and couldn’t believe I lived. Anyone that has been over there bears some kind of scars whether it be physical or mental. When I hear people say that things are great and we are making progress it tells me they have NO CLUE what is happening over there. Don’t believe everything your government tells you because they care more about getting elected then they do about getting those guys out of there.

Iraq

ken"my wife is smarter than the administration"O — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:23:50 GMT

lyn the fool. I too thought he would wait till afganistan was done deal, not be, like most of the plans the fools made.Why did we make Genie Garofalo a genius ,she knew there were no weapons of mass,but us other fools belived our president ,my wife loves to point out how wrong I was to belive the CIA and the president but I refused to think they would lie or shade the truth to commit me to a war we had no intentions of tryingf to win,rummys iaction with troop levels and when the looting broke out ,yes I was a fool,but fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me ,Flip flop whatever Im not whit stupid

Iraq

Brenda - Marine mom, Boise Idaho — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:42:28 GMT

Everything works for a short time until the insurgents move elsewhere or come up with something new. Lets face it Iraqi's will never agree on how to run their country as long as they are divided by religious sects.

Iraq

H P Boston — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:48:54 GMT

WoWHOOOO Carrie you go girl. Time you told some of the lesser gifted brain power a thing or two. Most of the time it is very exhausting and futile.
You have noted that jerry is totally without a sense of shame, can not grasp any thing, hopeless. I have given up on him completely. Worse than training a puppy, a puppy is at least cute.

Iraq

IntheMiddle, Texas — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:01:14 GMT

ken: Dont question my patriotism. I spent 24 yrs in the Army in SF. Lets see you walk one day in the life of a SF soldier. Probably wouldnt last 2 minutes. Man go some where and stick your head back in the sand. "Slap" to the top of your head. Little twerp...

Iraq

juan,ftl lauderdale,fl — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:11:40 GMT

All you progressive people out their why are we wasting our times trying to convince the narrow minded 30% of the ignorant masses like Jerry and In the Middle that the war has been lost and will continue to attack us regardless of the insurmountable evidence in front of their idiotic faces. The only thing they got left is to attack the messengers. We the voters will simply go to the polls in droves and make The Republican party under the neo-con rightwing fascists the ash heap of history.

Iraq

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:39:16 GMT

inthemiddletexas, if you don't want people to question your patriotism, you might want to start with the repuk party who had already done that to a lot of us who disagreed with the dunce in chief.

Iraq

Desmond — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 21:16:11 GMT

juan, I care because our President made a promise on a pile of rubble.I care because he did not follow through with his promise to find bin Laden, al Zwahiri and Mullah Omar. I care because he is raising pots of money for the Republican Party. I care, because you care juan.Money talks. I ain't got any so I vote.

Iraq

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:25:04 GMT

Desmond, your right about "C'est La Vie". We still need to continue the march and voice our displeasure as loud as we can and I know you are. We all should.

Iraq

Still Crazy After All These Years — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:41:02 GMT

"You can say the soul is gone
And the feelin's just not there
Not like it was so long ago
On the empty page before you
You can fill in what you care
Try to make it new before you go

Take the simple case of the sarge
Who wouldn't go back to war
'Cause the hippies tore down everything
that he was fightin' for
Or the lovers on the blankets
The city turned to whores
With memories of green kissed by the sun

You can say the soul is gone
And close another door
Just be sure that yours is not the one

And I'm still singin' for the stringman
Who lately lost his wife
There is no dearer friend of mine
That I know in this life
On his shoulder rests a violin
For his head where choas reigns
But his heart can't find a simple way
To live with all those things
All those things
He's a stringman
A stringman
All those strings to pull "
"Stringman"-Neil Young

Iraq

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 13:56:07 GMT

".....Yes, New York was attacked. So was the Pentagon. So were the passengers on Flight 93. So were the families of those victims. So was every American who has any shred of morality and respect for their country. While I realize that I will not have to bear the burden of grief over losing a loved one that day, I take offense at the implication that only those who do have to bear that burden are qualified to lead our nation.
Josh (Sent Tuesday, August 21, 2007 3:01 PM)....."

Josh,
Truthfully me friend...I don't give a damn what you resent, or what you relish.
I'm am sick to death of people who watched 911 on TV (while we lived through it) telling us in NY how we should behave in it's aftermath.
Likewise I'm fed up with people like Obama and his supporters, who run around yacking about how he didn't vote for the war.
First off, Hillary didn't vote for the war. She voted to give Bush the power to use force in Iraq if necessary. He abused that priviledge.
Secondly, Obama wasn't in the Senate and didn't have to face the decision of whether or not to vote in favor of that measure.
Last, Hillary represents the people who were attacked and their families. Her first responsibility is to them. I don't really care what you or anyone else thinks of me personally. She had a tough decision to make and she did what she felt was in the best interests of her constituents.
If you want me to stop saying that Obama doesn't have the kind of experience that Hillary does, then stop using Neo-Con, Monday Morning Quaterback tactics about her vote on using force in Iraq.

Iraq

Kenn"thats one mungus mistake"O — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:07:47 GMT

well in the middle how do you maintain the surge without you and your friends.I m still waiting for an answer? oooowwww did someone just slap me in my head rhetoricaly,thats as well as your fighting this war you started with your friend and leader George Bush rhetoricaly pretending you committed enough troops,you needed at least 500,000

Iraq

kenn"Save your reply for the converted"O — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:09:50 GMT

and in the middle the second Bush admin can blame the first for 911 yea always the other guys fault

Iraq

H P Boston — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:10:16 GMT

Kenn great posts. I have enjoyed them all! Thanks.