Mr Bush,
My regret for casting a vote for you seven years ago is exceeded only by the disappointment I feel knowing that my uncast vote three years ago was not the one that prevented you from retaining your position. Not that you care, but let me tell you why I no longer support you. I have watched wire taps and an absent-minded attorney general. I've listened to a man named Scooter and I've carried my shampoo in a clear plastic bag. I didn't say much because those weren't "big deals" . However, enough is enough. You've crossed an offensive line with me.
You are building a legacy on the strong but overworked backs of our armed forces. I find this as distasteful as it is unfathomable. This volunteer army is not a life preserver for you to cling to as you tread water through the rest of your term. With benchmarks unmet and goals ever-shifting, when will "more time" be "enough time"? Buying time with American blood until you can wash your hands of a failed policy is surely conduct unbecoming the Commander-In -Chief.
Both a general and ambassador came to Washington this week to provide you cover by half-heartedly defending the current policy. They, despite their colorful charts and reams of statistics, were unable to say whether Americans are safer for having prosecuted this war. If that one fundamental question can not be answered in the affirmative then riddle me this-For what has America spilled her blood and why should she continue to do so?
You have the power to stop this. Oh, sure, you addressed the nation Thursday, peddling your plan to have some troops return home. You let us know that your plan allows those who view victory in Iraq as essential and those who want the troops home to be on the same side. I almost forgot, you are a uniter not a divider. Too bad your idea to bring troops home falls woefully short. And never mind that you do not clearly define victory.
Now before you hastily judge me, know this: I am not a Democrat nor an unpatriotic hippie or any other condascending label you may wish to apply. I will not be made to feel weaker, smaller or less intelligent simply because I do not support this war. I am a reasonably smart citizen who understands that freedom isn't free and that sacrifices are necessary to defend America. I also know that it is possible to both support our troops and disdain this war. Leaving Iraq now does not dishonor those who have lost their lives there; continuing to push forward in uncertainty does.
You might appreciate Peggy Noonan's column from Friday. She mentioned something to the effect that Americans are a patient people, but we are also a practical people; seeing the lack of responsibility being taken by the Iraqi people is frustrating to the extreme.
ReplyDeleteWell said as always. I was sitting here on my couch with a cup of coffee and a delightful guest, and she asked if I had read the most recent addition to your blog. Very ashamedly, I admitted that I had not. And so we read ...
ReplyDeleteOutstanding. You tell him! If I weren't behind in my own posts, I think that I, too, would have to write G-Dub a letter. Perhaps I'll get to that after I address the OJ book deal again. :-)
p.s. While reading we are watching Chris Matthews, who just played clips of our friend the general referencing his charts 32 times. If it weren't so sad, it would be funny.
Well said, there are many people that are waking up to the fact that we are adrift, no rudder, no direction...I actually changed my party affiliation to Dem because of W. I was a military guy. Weeks after I turned 18, I joined the army, two months before I got out of high school. Months before Gulf War I and as the build up started, I felt that I was doing what I was meant to. My sense of pride and honor is still based on my service. Thats just how I come to identify myself. I would not be the man I am today if it wasn't for my service. This admin has pushed us so far right, my politics became left. How crazy is that? People like Sen Webb, Reagan republicans, are now lefties. W and his posse don't know how to fight a war cause they never wore the boots. Not knockin the nasty guard, but full timers know what the service is all about and have deeper insights into it. I don't even know what I am saying anymore,just frustrated with what he's putting these soldiers through. The job is done. Saddam is toast and elections have happened. Time to come home and rebuild the military. This war is grinding the equipment apart faster than it can be replaced. Sand is a bitty.
ReplyDeleteGood letter.
Thanks, historical wit. I have never served, but greatly appreciate the hard work and sacrifice that men and women like you give.
ReplyDeleteI will absolutely never again argue politics with family again but I want to point out a few bothersome details about the writing stlye.
ReplyDelete1. Why is that you can tout your own observations as completely honorable or free of ulterior or scurollous motive but you impugne the President's Motives, intelligence and honesty? Do you know him, been privy to meetings we have not or sat with him while he pondered these very difficult decsions? Why can't there just be a legitimate disagreement among differing viewpoints. I think it lessens the arguments of the other side of any argument when they start using ad hominem attacks as a starting point, instead of arguing facts and using legititmate examples.
2. Then you also assume that he, if he were reading this, would dismiss you as a anti war flunky. Why pre ascribe or fortell the actions or reactions of people. What is the point of that?
Love always,
Mary
1- We can always argue politics; our family love is stronger than any debate. No doubt about that.
ReplyDelete2-My thoughts needn't be categorized as honorable or filled with ulterior motive. I put it out there plain and simple: I want him to end this war. No hidden agenda or ulterior motive.
3-You're right, I don't know for sure that he would dismiss me as an anti-war hippie. However, and I don't have concrete examples in front of me, this administration has tried to paint people who disagree with this war as unpatriotic and unsupportive of the troops. I'd love the opportunity to speak to him in person so I could ask him what really motivates him. But since I don't have that opportunity I'm left to base my opinions on what I can see- his press conferences, White House press briefings, etc. I watch the suck-ups at Fox and I watch the haters on MSNBC. It's a big mess in Iraq and I want us to get out. Everyone is free to disagree.
And I don't think I ever questioned his intelligence or honesty in this post. I question his motives for prolonging the war, but I don't think the man is stupid.
ReplyDeleteThis volunteer army is not a life preserver for you to cling to as you tread water through the rest of your term. With benchmarks unmet and goals ever-shifting, when will "more time" be "enough time"? Buying time with American blood until you can wash your hands of a failed policy is surely conduct unbecoming the Commander-In -Chief.
ReplyDeleteThis clearly and vividly implies that you believe his intentions are dishonest. He swore, under oath twice to protect his people against enemies both foreign and Domestic. Yet, you imply he stupidly and against all the reason you can see, continues to fight this fight for utterly selfish and dishonest reasons.
This war was started under false pretenses, with incorrect intelligence information.
ReplyDeleteIt continues on, after "victory" was declared years ago and after General Petraeus cannot say that we in America are safer now than before 9-11.
How about pulling some of the troops (whose death toll has now surpassed that of the 9-11 victims) out of Iraq and place them in different areas. Like Afghanistan. Where Bin Laden supposedly is. You know, the one who actually was behind the 9-11 attacks. The head "terrorist".
How about a President who can actually speak clearly during a press conference. Learn how to say nuclear sir. Or for that matter, not snear and smirk at the media and the nation when addressing us. That's my opinion. Whenever he addresses the nation ON THE WAR, he answers reporters questions with a condescending tone.
People can have differences of opinion. That's fine. I don't understand everyone's point of view and I am sure not everyone will get mine. That is why each and every one of us are unique and have various perspectives.
However, I will not feel small-minded or "naive", because I truly feel that this war is just plain wrong now. I do not agree with nor do I support it. That does not mean that I do not support our troops.
I don't know all the difficult decisions the President has to make. And I know he has to make many calls that I could not nor would not want to make. Then again, I'm not supposed to. I did not run for office and I have not taken the Presidential Oath of Office.
I simply don't know why we are still in this war, IN THIS CAPACITY. I don't understand the President's intentions at all. Which makes trusting him difficult.
Amanda
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteIf you specifically give me permission to anwer your arguments either by email or in this blog I will. If not so be it. I won't discuss this face to face or over the phone because I believe that voice tone can be misconstrued. Additionally, I think better on the computer because I can go back and edit myself before I hit "enter."
One thing though...someone may claim your opinion or arguement is naive, small minded or just baloney but they can't MAKE YOU feel anything about yourself. It is important, I think, to not internalize other people opinions.
The only thing that gets me is when people accuse me of of a false character trait in an argument...eg mean spirited or accuse me of condemning them personally when no such words have crossed my lips or have been written by me. I never, ever use ad hominem attacks in any argument. It is pointless and unchristian.
Love,
Aunt Mary
Mary,
ReplyDeleteThis is Bryan's blog, not mine. You can most certainly address my arguements whichever way you wish.
And, I know no one can make me feel any particular way. I can only let what someone else says get in my own way. I simply meant that those opinions will not alter my opinion of the President and this war or how I feel about the President and this war. Period.
Please feel free to discuss.
Love,
Amanda
Great letter Bryan.
ReplyDeleteI have always voted Republican but I am just so upset with W on a political level because his bad decision to invade Iraq has ensured Republicans will be the minority party for years to come. We have also lost hope for a solidly conservative Supreme Court because Hillary will win in 2008 and the Democrats will keep the Senate - all thanks to W's legacy.
Too bad W was so headstrong he didn't seek advice about Iraq from his Dad, who would have told him not to go in because you can never get out. Too bad he even didn't listen to his generals, who didn't want to invade in the first place, but who at least wanted 2 to 3 times more troops to invade. But Rumsfeld said no and essentially fired the Army Chief of Staff for insisting.
I just came back from visiting the Walter Reed and Brooke Army Medical Centers (DoD centers of expertise for amputees and burns)and have seen the broken bodies and shattered families that W's miscalculations have caused. I know W grieves terribly about the casualties but that will never free him from the responsibility for this nation's greatest strategic blunder - which used to be the decision to send troops to Vietnam. After reading former SecDef McNamara's book, it's deja vu all over again. Our intentions are noble but we don't have the will to stay for decades, and we just can't find a way to disengage.