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Non-binding resolution: A cowardly act

Posted: Monday, February 19, 2007 10:59 AM by Hardball

The Senate failed to pass a non-binding resolution condemning President Bush’s plan to increase the number of American troops in Iraq by 21,500 over the next few months. The House passed such a resolution on Friday.

What does a non-binding resolution accomplish?

It does nothing but harm the morale of American forces in a combat zone and send a message to those we are fighting that the American Congress does not support their troops. It is a cowardly act – if those supporting the resolution truly have the courage of their convictions, they would introduce a bill cutting off funding for the war and force the withdrawal of the troops. Anything less is merely grandstanding at the expense of American troops in harm’s way.

The subtle nicety of the “we support the warriors but not the war” drivel is lost on the bad guys. They see it as a victory in a war they cannot win on the battlefield – it reinforces their will to outlast the Americans. It says to them, “Keep this up and the Americans will call it quits.”

Anyone who believes that passage of the House resolution on Friday and attempts to do the same in the Senate does not hurt American troop morale and embolden the enemy has either never worn a uniform or has forgotten what it’s like to be deployed to a combat zone.

Senators, America needs heroes. Fortunately, it has them - they’re serving in Iraq. If you voted for this resolution, you’re not fit to be among them.

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Comments

Colonel Francona is absolutely correct here in his assessment that the non-binding resolution he's referring to is a cowardly act. It is also a waste of time and money. The Congress needs to get back to the people's business; that's why they were elected.

Gene Willard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 11:32 AM)

Not only was it a waste of time,and a complete moral crusher. It shows exactly what the dems. are willing to do to make something thats bad even worse...this is all political posturing,done at the exspense of our troops. They knew that the non binding resolution was nothing more than a waste of time.although..you would think by the way they celebrated that they really did something...and we want these people running the country????only if we want a pretty picture held in front of us,while in the real world s*** hits the fan....no thank you.if they were really doing what the people wanted,they would be doing something insted of wasting our time...at least when the pres. decides something he sticks to it. He finishes what he starts...to what end remains to be seen.

johanna huft roseburg oregon (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 12:13 PM)

What else does congress do? They all seemed to be stating what they believe. Some wonderful comments were made on both sides. If you think that was bad just take a trip to Walter Reed. Now there is a place where our troops have no armor against the FEDS, and the SUPPORT is waning.

JPat (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 12:20 PM)

Kind of like the Republican push amend the Constitution banning same-sex marriage? Waste of money and time on a bill that had no hope of passing from the start.

Les, Washington DC (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 12:50 PM)

This is a political JOKE. Congress needs to work on something of merit and not politics. Stop throwing tomato's at the President he made a mistake and admitted it. Pelosi and the Dems need to move on to other business like health care, jobs, economy,etc. The 100 days is a joke. We as people need to have a revote and put people in that will work instead of run their mouth and throw rocks at the past. None have suggested a solution other than the cut and run Vietnam idea. That is wrong hit scare the hell out of them and they will back off. Same problem as crime as long as the hanging stops the killing goes on it is time for some good ole fashion grit and guts. Stop pointing fingers and spreading trash-do someting or shut up and get out of the way.

cy wagner, Oxford, Alabama (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:03 PM)

When speaking of what is cowardly; does it get any more so than attacking the messenger? The voters of this country have spoken weather conservatives and supporters of this failed policy like it or not. The only people hurting the morale of our troops are the leaders of this attempt to defy the wishes of our citizenry.

Gary M. Busse (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:10 PM)

If I wanted to be a socialist I'd move back to England,and take Billyboy and Hillary with me on my dime.

Steven R. Stackpole,Austin TX. (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:12 PM)

The resolution was worthwhile. It clearly sent a message to the White House that it needs a meaningful change of direction. To argue that anything less than blind loyalty to a failed policy is not good for the troops is tragic.

Patrick Conboy, DeKalb, Illinois (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:21 PM)

The non-binding resolution was the kind of initial step that is feasible in the current political climate. What was cowardly was the inability of the Iraq War's critics to stand up and say the troops are doing a creditable job on the ground, but their mission is immoral, unwinnable and should never have been undertaken. When Republicans insisted that "support the troops but not their mission" was a contradiction, Democrats needed to refute this partisan doublespeak, but they didn't. Today's CNN report of a resurgence of al Qaeda in Pakistan underscores the foolishness of the Iraq adventure. When Republicans insist on a vote putting legislators on the record as to who will support limiting funds for expanded deployments in Iraq, the courageous will stand up and declare their intentions to do just that.

Peter Dorfman (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:22 PM)

I always find it amazing that those who profess the grandeur of American democracy and the need to export it to foreign lands and distant cultures are the first to castigate those who exercise their right to dissent. Muffling the voice of dissent in times of conflict is to truly abandon the strength of democracy and is cowardice in its own right. Going along to get along, choosing silence over a needed objection, being cowed by the thunderous cacophony of those who would swear blind fealty or yielding to those who employ ridicule over rhetoric, these are the bane to democracy. It is the dissenter that challenges our assumptions, questions are motives, and rebukes our actions that causes us to constantly reevalutate or position, our course and our goal. It is the dissenter who aids us in reaffirming our commitment our causes us to choose a more productive path. If our troops do not understand this, they really don't know what there are fighting for.

Paul H. Black Diamond, WA (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:24 PM)

It was wrong to go there. It is wrong to stay there. The surge in troops will do no more than to provide a holiday for insurgents to regroup. When and if we ever decide to pull our troops out will be sending a signal to insurgents. Why not now rather than later. Why make 3100 increase to 6200. It might be better to wait until we have a Democratic president who will not bungle the pull out, But the cost of waiting will be too many lives. Stop trying to make the Democratic party the bad guy in all of this. Just bite the bullet and get them out.

Phil Lomason, Conover, Ohio (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:26 PM)

Francona you have been right on anything yet, when should we start to take you as the absolute truth, how the solders feel, Col. North, much more of an authority on Iraq, then you are, claims otherwise, about no ending war policy that the troops face,as a military man should you not be more concerned about the equiptment they don't have, then spouting neo- con talking points. I always thought that it was about the troops, it the same old tried politics, and the spin master like you that that got into the war, no questions asked.

hollywood 2007 (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:28 PM)

this manipulative and flawed article is paternalistic and condescending. it's offensive in the context of our democracy. it obviously and arrogantly presumes that our military personnel are incapable of independent thought and deliberation. not so, sir! the obvious purpose of the resolution is a wake-up call for 43. it's called leaving the back door open folks! a majority of the congress does not support escalation of the violence in iraq. the congress reflects the voice of the american people who overwhelmingly disapprove of this misadventure. our congress is doing its job. no cowards here. Our military has already won the war. what we need now is a functional diplomatic corps to work out a solution which includes all regional powers and interests. the recommendations of the ISG are still there. they should be put to use and do what is right for America.

rick rodriguez, corpus christi, TX (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:33 PM)

All the politicians in Washington are Cowards, the American people spoke but not one listened. Esp. that President, who is spoiled and wants everything to be his way. It is so sad for all the men and women and their families that are fighting a war that they cannot win.

Brenda Johnson Kodak, TN (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:37 PM)

Congress is now in the control of the 1960s antiwar crowd. They got Congress to cut and run then and are going to try to do the same cowardly thing now. Let's reinstitute the draft long enough to draft them, put Kerry in charge and ship them to Iraq where they belong.

Terry Evers, Springdale, Arkansas (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:42 PM)

This is a "pay now or pay later" situationa. Centuries of Islamic will to dominate the world should teach us something, but Americans appear to suffer from ADD. If we leave Iraq, we will see the war come to us as the nation states Iran and Syria grow their influence in the Middle East and bring to fruition their spiritual journey. Their "jihad" is, as their daily prayers confirm, is ALL about death to the Americans and Israel. They celebrate their own deaths AND ours in this struggle for an Islamic world state. THIS is and evil we've not seen since Hitler's nazi movement. We did not seek this struggle, but, sadly, we have no choice but to accomodate their willingness to die. Cut 'n run won't work. Full-on engagement will... to include Iran and other states bent on Islamic domination of the world.

John Underwood (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:42 PM)

I disagree. It's exactly what the people of this country -- who run it, not the military, not the President -- wanted. Sending a message to the incompetent and ill advised Commander in Cief is all Congress can do at this point. For better or worse, the Pesident elected by one Supreme Court vote is the Cmmander in Cief. But as he continues to stumble and bumble his way to historic infamy, we can send him, and the real President, a message. While the real President doesn't listen to much from the people, at least Cheney fired Rummy after the election, even though nominal President Bush was still expressing his "confidence" for Rummy's incredibly inept policies. While the military may not give a dump about how the U.S. is viewed in the world, to many of us it means a lot. Those of us who want the U.S. to become the beacon of freedom again applaud what the house did. To those in the administration and the military, like you Col. Francona, who think we can simply impose our form of democracy on another country - and a country in the middle of a virulent civil war - I have just two words: Viet Nam.

Scott Tepper, Malibu, CA (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:47 PM)

In that case I am waiting for a sane military man to protest from being deployed in a combat zone because this war is not a war of freedom, as it is being touted. It was a war for the oil companies. I do not support any kind of politicians, they can be democrats or republicans it does not matter, they will not stop at anything, for them 3000 lives lost or another 5000 lives is nothing as long as then can keep their job. if only the people of this country stop supporting their political parties based on some flimsy idealogies.

ram ahuja, atlanta, ga (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:53 PM)

I moved to America (U.S.A.) the land of opportunity, if I had known, it will become the Land of Opportunist, I might have staid in France, those Senators should move overthere, they will fit right in with Chirac...

J.A.Gonzales (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:54 PM)

Yes, the proposed bill had no teeth, no moral strength and no effect at all. However, this 'WAR" has had all of the above . . . all negative for the people of this country as well as the rest of the world. A morons' war led by a group of evil doers.

John L Knoxville TN (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:56 PM)

The only way to support the troops is to bring them home; we need them for the war on terrorism, which isn't in Iraq.

Tom Collins, Houston, TX (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 1:56 PM)

If you don't wish to hurt the morale of the soldier in warfare, you should have elected a president that understood warfare and its consequences. This was a no-win situation from day one. Hey, Osama was in Afghanistan, buddy, not Iraq! G.W. lied and now he hides behind people like Lt. Col. Rick Francona, and others, that support his "Surge/Escalation." That IS what he is doing, folks. Just like in Vietnam. Escalation! Learn the word. Do what you want, pal, but I ain't sending my kids to fight the Bush war. Send your own kids, dear congressmen. What really ticks me off is that these spin doctors are trying to make us feel guilty by saying if we don't support the war, we are destroying the troop's morale. And guess what, this stuff works on people. So, wave the flag, sing the national anthem, ship off 30,000 more to Iraq, and then get the draft going, and then moan the death of another 58,000 Americans. Ignore the fact that - as happened in Vietnam whereby 2 - 3 million Vietnamese died - perhaps another 2 to 3 million new victims will be led to the slaughter. Only herein lies a caveat: Beware of further meddling in things you have no control over. This isn't Vietnam, and these folks are being poralized by our actions. WE are creating Muslim extremists from our own course of actions. The Ayatollahs in Iran took power because of us. WE destroyed democracy in the early 1950's in Iran when the CIA took out Mosadeqh, the elected Prime Minister of Iran and placed "our boy" Shah Reza Pahlavi. Since then, our meddling has only incited the extremists in the Middle East. Al-Qaeda was not in Iraq. Saddam would NOT accept these lunatics. They are contrary to his rule. But we meddled, took out Saddam, and NOW, BECAUSE OF US, Al-Qaeda IS TODAY IN IRAQ. Congratulations, G.W. You got your wish. Perpetual War to feed the Military Industrial Machine.

Luis Marti, Plantation, Florida (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:00 PM)

This war is being fought by brave and dedicated American men and women. When the American people cut and run, it leaves our dedicated troops squarely in harms way and there (Iraq and Afghanistan)and demoralized. The terrorists believe we are cowards. Are we? You may not care what they think...but they will act on this..they already are. They will undermine us any way they can. They will hold out until we cry uncle. Peace at any price is not peace at all. Freedom is costly. Freedom requires more than cheap talk and platitudes. It requires determined, unyielding focus. By the way, take a look at the background as you watch the news...this is what America will look like if we decide to fold our tents and steal away. The enemy will come looking for us...remember 9-11? Hatred is a terrible thing. Its' motive is to completely utterly destroy. Does no one listen to the words spoken against us? Do we feel they are simply exhibiting temper tantrums? We will fight this war whether the politicians pass a vote or they don't. This is real life...not a movie. I believe those in office care more about who is on the mountain more than they care about our freedom, national security, or the troops they so hypocritically "defend". Much is involved in these present circumstances, it is too vital for each of us as free citizens. We did not make the aggressive move...but we must aggressively defend ourselves and our men and women in the fight.

W.H., Richmond, VA (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:03 PM)

The President is the coward. He is hiding behind his family's and party's ability to buy support. Don't you feel coopted when you say such dumb thingsabout cowardice? We are not the police of the world. WE DO NOT NEED TO FIGHT IN SOMEONE ELSE'S COUNTRY TO PROVE WE ARE RIGHT. It is a waste of money to be out of our country fighting for nothing. If you have to wrap an act of agression in the flag YOU are the coward. Our country does not need agressive war mongers pimping for democracy.

Joanne, Durango, CO (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:12 PM)

The Majority of the voters have spoken... We want our elected officials to get us out of a sectarian war in Iraq and spend our time fixing our own problems (economy, health care, oil-dependency, etc). I am tired of the US trying to fix everybody's problems around the world. It is time to fix our own. The sooner we get out of Iraq, the sooner we can get on with a domestic agenda. This is what the majority wants...

Eric, Buffalo, NY (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:23 PM)

Moral crusher? I really wish people would stop thinking of our young people in the military as overly impressionable adolescents.

Dave H, Lemoore, Ca. (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:26 PM)

Iraq is simply a war crime and the only ones going to jail are the poor guys and girls who have to provide for there families. They didn't start this mess,there aren't a lot of jobs out there,where else are they going to go beside military? So much for the all volunteery force, they don't have too many choices. No matter what, the flood gates were opened when Bush,Cheney and Powell all sealed our fate with there lies. People that would never have thought of attacking America are now in the tens of thousands and growing,and all we ever here are the DEMS and REPUBS shift blame playing childish games with our lives. What we need to do is get rid of all the bums, they only care about some stupid party,that's the problem. One thing for sure this really shows us that anyone can do the jobs they're not doing. All you need is money and the right connections.

Frank (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:32 PM)

I am tired of the conservative media attacking the will and desire of the American people. Conservatives have decided to attempt to forcibly shape public opinion and not reflect the desires of the people. This is another example of the President and his gang using fear and intimidation to promote their personal agenda. Disillusioned Republican

Dexter Smith, Friendswood, TX (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:34 PM)

There's nothing cowardly about our newly elected congress majority telling the president that the people of this country no longer want our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers dying and getting maimed so that George, Dick and their big business and ideologue buddies can get rich. They sit back in their offices and conference rooms and make decisions that kill and destroy life’s, villages and countries. And by the way, hundreds of thousands of innocent women and children have died and are dying so Bush and his Organization can spread capitalism around the world. Who is the coward now? The Lord's Judgment Day will come and those that have caused pain and suffering will be rewarded in-kind.

Stephen Cherney, Sarasota, Florida (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:39 PM)

I'm curious...Congress-critters fiddle with this non-binding resolution, and yet the men and women of the Armed Forces in Iraq are dealing with the civil war, lack of proper equipment, and no-end-in-sight conflict caused by this administration's poor choices..so who are the actual cowards, and why? I'd like to be naive enough to believe this is a first step towards getting out of Iraq for good, but I believe I'll be an old man on my deathbed in 60 years still hearing about our involvement there. Since I'm not planning on ever running for POTUS, I can say it...the lives of our armed forces in the field have been wasted in a pointless conflict. We wouldn't have to choose between supporting the war, or our troops, or worrying about what the bad guys may or may not do, if we hadn't let the Shrub Administration get us into it in the first place. Sadly enough, the easy & cheap shot since 9/11 has been to call into question someone's patriotism if they dare object. When someone can explain to me logically, succintly, and with credible data to back them up, why we should stay, and that there is/was a point to the suffering veterans are now facing (read the Washington Post articles on Walter Reed for example), then I'll believe this Republican horse-hockey nonsense. Both of my grandfathers fought in WWII, and my own father was ROTC at Kent State in May 1970...I'm familiar with what war does to our country. Just because one is against this "police action" doesn't mean one is for the other side, or wants even 1 more member of our armed forced killed, maimed, or put in harm's way FOR NO GOOD REASON other than "they tried to kill my daddy", "blood-for-oil", or a Haliburton fundraiser. Stop murdering our troops, and bring them home!

C. David, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:41 PM)

So far Bush has managed to make a real mess in Iraq and millions of new enemies for the United States to deal with. Sending more troops only adds another log to the fire and makes matters worse. Congress needs to stop funding the war and bring all of the troops home now before anymore lives are wasted.

David Cochran, Fort Worth, Texas (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:44 PM)

COWARD, The politicians would have to be upgraded for this high rank.CYA,let the people suffer for lack of representation and the fact the big buck politicians did NOT do the job they were elected to do.Now THE SLEEZE is trying to do damage control because of the almighty $$$$, and control of the little guy.GUTLESS!

TERRY GROTE,OKLAHOMA CITY,OKLAHOMA (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:44 PM)

While all of this "non-binding" stuff was going on, Congress completely shirked their responsibilty to pass a budget for every federal agency (except Defense and Homeland Security) by passing a continuing resolution that lasts for the rest of the fiscal year. Where was the media outrage about that? I agree with Cy - let's get people back in Congress who want to do the business of the United States and not posture for the 2008 election.

Ray North Carolina (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:46 PM)

I agree with Col. Francona that this resolution does nothing to help the troops that our politicians claim to support. If those politicians believe they are right and that we shouldn't be in Iraq then they should cut off all funding for the war immediately and force the administration to pull the troops out. That would show the courage of their convictions. A non-binding resolution does nothing but show that they are more worried about reelection than they are about our troops in harms way.

John Armintrout, Leonard, Texas (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 2:57 PM)

Non-binding resolution a cowardly act? It doesn't support the troops? I'm tired of hearing this B.S. If the Republicans were in control there wouldn't even be a "discussion" and business would be as usual -- lock step with Bush. Let's do whatever our president tells us to do because he obviously knows what he's talking about. The fact that we're even talking about it is a good thing. Discussing a serious matter such as this is a good thing. Letting the world know that we're not ditto heads is a good thing. One of the main premises that has made America great is the fact that it's ok to disagree with someone else and it's ok to bring it up for discussion. So what if the terrorists think we're weak because we're arguing about it. Let them believe it. We know our strengths. Discussion is a good thing for democracy. Perhaps they'll learn something from it. It's too bad we didn't have it prior to invading Iraq.

Vic Herrera, Oceanside, CA (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:07 PM)

Hawks and lifers all seem to throw up this kind of rhetoric. Hawks and lifers don't seem to die in war, and they seem to benefit for these wars. I have learned a lot from being in the VN war. We would still be in Viet Nam, if these hawks continued to have their way. How do you stop them? You have to ask yourself a few questions. Were we of any success in VN (Viet Nam)? How is VN today? Is VN still our enemy? How have these hawks and lifers treated VN veterans? Are VN veterans being ignored? What about the people who really fought these war, not hawks and lifers, where are they today? Did these Veterans votes, humble the hawks and lifers, in our last election? What benefits do our real warriors get, other than lip service, from the hawks, lifers, Congress and the people? These HACKS, will not even give the proper medical follow-up for our wounded warriors...see veterans suicide and Walter Reed hospital just to name a couple of the elements these guys wish would go away. If these HAWKS want to support the troops, then why don't they support the warrior when the war is over for the warrior?

Mike, Elkins, Arkansas (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:09 PM)

I absolutely agree with every one of you who maintain we must get out of Iraq. We have no business fighting a war on international terrorism there when it can be more easily fought here. If we were fighting here we wouldn't have to deploy troops so far, just to the corner. If we were fighting here we wouldn't have to rely on the bleeding heart liberal press to tell us what is happening outside, we could open the window - assuming there was a window left - and see for ourselves. We wouldn't have to bring the wounded soldiers home so far - Just run over and pick them up in the family car. Of course, there might be more concern about the civillian casualties when they are us, but we haven't been too concerned about them so far. A trip to the corner grocery store could become an adventure, and every night we could go home and relax, secure in the knowledge the enemy is not going to bother us in our homes. So yeah - Lets all support the bug-out in Iraq! Join Nancy and Hillary and their ilk, and lets get this war brought here, where it can be more easily fought.

Bob Ryan, Norfolk, VA (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:13 PM)

It seems republicans would continue this war for another 10 years and 50,000 lives rather than admit they botched it and lost it. Isn't that cowardly? What message did we send the troops when they were sent over there without body armor? Without a plan? The troops should be pleased there is finally a debate about the wisdom of their mission, democracies make their best decisions after a full debate. The sacrifice we ask of them deserves no less than this careful consideration. Republicans lost this war by not questioning the Pres and SecDef when it all began to fall apart. They continue to rubber stamp failure and brand opposition as treasonous terrorist lovers, while they squander the lives of our brave fighters on their lost cause and lost WMDs. Their depletion of our defensive forces has increased our vulnerability. Tough on national security? Criminal negligence. If this mission was so important why didn't they send 300k or 500k men initially to be sure it was done right? The Powell doctrine advocates overwhelming force to limit casualties and end hostilities quickly without a break down in order so withdrawal can be accomplished before insurgencies arise. No questions were asked, no hearings held, republicans in control. The opportunity to help Iraq has been squandered, now we ‘surge’ 17k troops into a city of 6 million and hope to slow the decline into chaos. Why not more? That’s all we have. Our army is depleted, its strength and vitality squandered on poor planning, bad leadership. The exhaustion of our military resources is a rapidly approaching deadline as sure as any date on a calendar and you can bet the insurgences are counting off the days. Our democracy has responded to this crisis, after debate among the electorate that can’t be stifled by republicans, the people have elected new leadership. Still the republicans refuse to accept that they started an unnecessary war, they botched the execution of their war and now they have lost their war. The last hope of republicans is to somehow blame the new leadership sent to clean up the mess they have made.

born_7-4, Seattle,WA (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:15 PM)

Show real support. In the last 12 years, how many times has the veterans funding been timely, and adequate. The people have already spoken. Non binding resolutions are a waste of tax payer money. That time, and vote could have better served our troups. By really supporting our troups. By telling them, we not only care about them. But for them. I am against the war. But 3000+ died, many more will live with it forever. We ARE at war. Show support where we all should agree. We owe it to them. Show them, we got their backs. Put the same passion into Veteran affairs. Support our troups!!!!!

Don D. Hamilton, Ohio (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:18 PM)

This is just a continuation of a process of demonization of G W Bush which started the first day after his election in 1990. This is also a sample of that which caused me to leave the Democrats several years ago after a lifelong registration in that party.

Eugene Wills, Cleveland, OH (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:22 PM)

The cowardly actions of elected officials (re: non-binding resolution) proves once again that in a democracy, the people get the kind of government they deserve.

Gary Jacobsen (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:23 PM)

Bush has had no concern for the troops since the day he decided to lie to us and to them in sending them off to war based on lies and deceptions. The only reason he is "concerned" about them now is that he is still exploiting them to hide his atrocious failures by drawing attention to them, and not the STUPID mission he sent them on.

Walter Hoenig, Lakeway Texas (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:31 PM)

I think you have misinterpreted that vote. I believe it is a first step in a gradual withdrawal of all combat forces from Iraq. As to emboldening the enemy well blowing up shrines and suicide bombing markets seems pretty bold to me. Why don't neo-cons get it? This was a mistake, and throwing away more lives and treasure is not going to turn it around in six months or six years. 70% of the citizenry get's it,and now 60% of Congress woke up and is trying to fix it albeit tepidly but at least there trying to throw water instead of gasoline on the fire.

P.O Albany,NY (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:35 PM)

Funny. Is this the same guy who told we invaded Iraq to spread democracy, and when it comes time for our government to do its duty as a democracy, this guy cries foul? What gives?

Patty Albert (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:37 PM)

I would like to see the US as "A BEACON OF FREEDOM", but if we do not stay the course and see this through to a free and stable Iraq, we will become the poster child of "cut and run"

Bob Burde, Kansas City, KS (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:40 PM)

Sorry about the typos in my earlier post. If you read Col. Francona's other blogs you'll see that he has no interest in our democratic institutions. That's why debating and voting is cowardly to him. What he wants to do is get the U.S. embroiled in more wars, and if they're badly planned and even more poorly executed, hey we're hurting the morale of our troops if we point it out. Iran is the next war the Colonel is spoiling to get us into. He's already egging on this incompetent administration to bomb Iran back to the Stone Ages. That's easy to advocate when you aren't in the military any more but you now make your money as a "Military Commentator." Gotta stay in business, right Colonel? Your attitude encapsulates everything that's wrong about America, now being ruled by neocon religious fundamentalist zealots fighting fascist fundamentalist zealots. Wallow in it, Colonel.

Scott Tepper, Malibu (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 3:49 PM)

The same party that directly caused the death of fifty thousand GI's in Nam and then surrendered is ready to do it again. The U.S. is not a democracy(Socialist state) it is a republic.Go to Europe or better yet Red China for the country of your dreams dems.

Michael Sims, Lapeer, Mi. (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 4:01 PM)

As a former US Army Special Forces Sargeant I find it despicable that such a vote, even non-binding, would even be given consideration. Coming from a family of patriotic people it's unheard of the way a majority of Congress voted. You are the enemy's best friends!

Dale Gates (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 4:01 PM)

As a Vietnam War veteran I'm sick and tired of Repubicans calling Democrats cowards. Cowardly is chemically bombing innocent women and children so some jackass from Crawford can control Iraq's oil. Republicans don't give a flying, dead Fallujah baby about spreading democracy. What a joke. Republicans think they can murder whoever they want to control this oil. We're shooting the Sunni and Shia residents who hate us dead in the streets and call them barbarians while they're being eaten by dogs. Republicans couldn't win a war agains a field of tall grass. The G.I.'s want out. They don't want to die for a greasy, oil-stealing hick from Exxon. Republicans are parasites who hide tax breaks in war appropriations bills and the Homeland Security Act and bank war profits while murdering their sons and call themselves patriots. You are cowardly murdering oil stealing parasites from 40,000 feet. Period, idiots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob H., Pensacola, Florida (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 4:04 PM)

This is quickly becoming Vietnam all over again with the Press and now Congress eading the way. Since the Revolutionary War this country has had a population percentage that has never felt war and many have prospered from it. Now generations later, they still have no clue. If we turn and run and when the US mainland is again attacked, we will only blame each other, not the enemy who started this. The people must understand that a war is not a four quarter football game. Many of my family were New England Torries. Only two uncles served in WWII, one cousin in Korea and I in Vietnam. I understand the "world harmony,let's just get along, European attitude". I can still feel the spit on my face, the contempt,when I returned home. I still remember Lady Bird's "Pleiku Steak" night after night and more wood paneling then toilet paper "in-country" No soldier can win if support is not behind him. It feeds the enemy. It kills the innocent we leave behind. Our internal dirty laundry today is instantly all over the world enabling the enemy. Congress better wake up. Instead of the Democrats burning desire to "get rid of Bush" or the Republicans running to "what side will stay next election", we need to be united to the world. Congress, I am disgusted in you, and that goes for both sides. Republicans still do not get it why they lost the lead, self greed. Democratics are also showing their true colors. They almost had me convenced they had changed. The Roman Empire took 2000 years. Is modern technolgy going to only speed our run, will we make only 300?

Bob Kay, St.Pete, Florida (Sent Monday, February 19, 2007 4:12 PM)



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