http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx By Bob Shrum Brackets indicate what Bush was really thinking. Italics indicate my sense of what’s really going on here.     BUSH: Good evening. Tonight in Iraq, the armed forces of the United States are engaged in a struggle that willen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30440Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:48:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30440EH Gerritsen, Amsterdam, NetherlandsSo ... you are actually paid for making this kind of comments? I would love a job like yours. I think this way 24/7 and have not found a way to capitalize on it. Chapeau. And have fun.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30447Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:56:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30447muhammed, chicago, ilBRILLIANT!!! :)http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30464Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:04:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30464Dan D. kienker, Blythewood, South carolinaI do not think it hyperbole to suggest President Bush will be viewed by historians as one of the worst US Presidents in modern history. The premise for invading Iraq was false and the rationale to committ 20 plus thousand more troops is absolutely insane. I agree with Senator Durbin's rebuttal remarks that we have done more than enough for the people of Iraq. Its time to begin the orderly withdrawal of US forces now.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30465Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:05:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30465Carl H. JamesWe have a president who is thwarting the will of the people, violating the constitution and the laws of the land, thumbing his nose at the judges who disagree with him when he violates our laws on wire-tapping, torture, opening mail, etc. This is a leader who is out of control who believes he is above the democracy that elected him. It is time to exercise our duty. He should be impeached.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30469Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:07:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30469Teri KowalskiAmen!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30471Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:09:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30471Stacie Brunnett Oxford Ma I cant believe the audacity of this man . He actually thinks the american people will fall for this business again . i watched him last night ( not because i wanted to) and all I could think about was when he sent Colin Powell to the un with all the "evidence" about wmd's i cant wait until 08 !!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30472Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:09:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30472T. McDonaldAny logician would similarly destroy Bush's speech. he continues to link Iraq to 9/11 and the war on terror, ignoring that that misconnection was exposed long ago. And of course his solution is the only solution--it's either this way or no way. There are other options available here. To refer to those who disagree as merely pessimists is insulting. And why does he think he gets kudos for admitting mistakes? Should we say, well, let bygones be bygones. Truth is, if this country hadn't turned out against him during the last election, he'd still be hugging Rumsfield and marching toward victory on that battleship he stood on several years ago. I still think all of this is due to some weird esteem game he plays with President Dad, and once again he is losing it. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30475Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:11:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30475Alan Shade, Seattle, Wash.Rob Shrum's article is a big waste of time. It is simply an angry liberal repeating past criticisms. He needs to get over himself and spend his time doing something constructive. What is the overwhelmingly obvious strategy for Iraq?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30476Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:11:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30476Dan, MichiganHow amazingly disrespectful. Disagreeing and voicing opinion on policy is one thing, but personal attacks are unwarranted, unnecessary, and entirely uncouth. Thank you and goodnight.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30477Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:13:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30477Rick, Lake In Thre Hills, ILDear Mr. Shrum, All I can say is BRAVO!!!!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30481Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:16:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30481john burtonOh how easy it is to be a back seat driver. Bob Shrum should be ashamed of this type of childish digs at our President obviously attempting to make himself out to be funny or intelligent neither of which was successful. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30486Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:21:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30486windrider, Columbus OHBush may claim to believe in democracy in Iraq, but he doesn't believe (or practice) democracy at home. In fact, Wednesday night's speech was nothing more than a f**k you to the millions of voters who made it crystal clear...de-escalate and get out of Iraq. Instead, he's burying us deeper by sending tired and burned out remaining troops to Iraq, laying the groundwork for war with Iran and Syria and, oh yeah, invading Somalia with the Ethiopians...another undeclared war. How many wars can George Bush lose in the next two years? Plenty, if we don't stop him. It's past time to impeach this lunatic and his blood-thirsty cullies before a REAL enemy wakes up and realizes we no longer have an army to defend us, and enjoys a cakewalk down Madison Avenue.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30491Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:23:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30491John Sykes, Lewes, DELet us expand this discussion beyond the confines of Iran. I am very much concerned that this surge is a part of a greater escalation that will subsume the whole region. While the president strongly warned Iran and Syria, about seeking out and destroying their arms networks, he was literally capturing the Iranian consulate in the Kurdish region of Iraq. With a new aircraft carrier in the region, another 20,000 troops in Iraq, and leaks about Israel using tactical nukes against Iranian nuclear development site, are we about to take this to another level? It reminds me of the command of the Roman general Maximus, in the movie "Gladiator". "Unleash Hell"http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30497Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:30:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30497E.Schmidt, Litchfield CTWe talk about the lack of respect for human life in the middle east --- our president doesn't seem to have respect for the lives of our own service people. How could he do this ! Shame on him !http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30498Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:31:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30498dbraeuer Brooklyn NYJust another half wit politician, willing to trade human lives for his wrongful place in history. I have already approached my House and Senate people to initiate impeachment and felony charges for crimes against humanity, mass murder, illegal invasion of a sovereign nation, and felony fraus perpetrated against the constituency that is the America Public. He should be sent to Abu Ghraib as a resident---and his shotgunning side-kick as well....http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30500Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:33:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30500George, Long Beach Ca I will believe he (Bush) is serious when his daughters are in Bagdad.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30501Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:34:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30501Annieo, Johnson City, TNAtta boy, Schrum!! You must have been listening to my rant at the TV last night!!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30507Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:39:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30507Jamie, VAyou read the minds of 75% of Americans.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30511Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:40:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30511Adolf Shitler, bush's ranch, txGeorge Bush is a great president. See it isn't Bush that screwed up Iraq. It's all the protesters like cindy sheehan and also the cowardly iraqi ppl that messed up iraqhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30513Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:42:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30513bob lucas, pittsburgh, PASurely all of you die-hard conservatives who somehow still support this president after 6 years of lies and mismanagement ascribe to the time-honored capitalist wisdom "don't throw good money after bad." Why then should we throw 20,000 more young lives, and hundreds of billions of more dollars, after this ill-conceived and ill-conducted war? http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30515Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:44:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30515Timothy Steele, Dallas, TXThere is no man more dangerous as a man who is so absolutely assured of his own self-righteousness. Bush can justify any action he takes as a moral right. The funny thing is, he actually thinks he is helping.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30519Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:47:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30519Diane Allen, Arroyo Grande, Ca. Instead of personally bashing the President, how about having his dessenters come up with an alternative strategy other than just opposing anything the Bush administration wants? Anyone can just be contrary. Anyone can name call. Where's the alternative strategy? By the way, how many of you dissenting bloggers have access to the information the President of the United States has? That's right, none of you. Dissent away, but keep the personal attacks out of it. And next time you write about the worst president in modern history, don't forget Jimmy Carter and the head of the Clintonistas, Bill.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30520Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:50:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30520Chris Tulsa, ok I only have one question, can anyone say they are happy with the country and the president and his decisions? ( i ask this as a unopioned third party) And if yes, why?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30523Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:50:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30523Victoria Savannah, GABush is wrong, we know he's wrong but we aren't able to stop him since Congress gave him the okay to start the war 4 years ago. Empeachment would only leave us with Chaney and who wants that? We should make it a requirement that a president who wants to start an unprovoked war and has children is required to enlist his children in the military with the rest of the American citizens' children. Maybe that would give them pause?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30524Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:50:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30524Nancy TaylorWe Americans have got to speak out to stop the Bush administration from making their colossal mistake even worse. President Bush once said "bring it on," the insurgents listened and did, and now Bush can't face the fact that he lost and the insurgents are winning.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30525Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:51:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30525Terry Nelson, Granbury, TexasAmazing that a journalist is also a military strategist, CIA analyst, field general, and Nostradamus all rolled up into one. If we lose this mister are you willing to take the responsibilities for future losses? It is much easier to criticize than to do but then you would not know that as all you ever do is report on what other do. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30527Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:53:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30527Linda, Bolivar, MoI am sick of folks like you undermining our (my) president. You should be ashamed of yourself. If anything is causing this war to be more difficult than it should be, it is crap like your blog. It's a pity and I feel sorry for us all.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30534Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:55:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30534GeorgeRight you are Mr Shrum, on every point you made. The scariest thing about the speech to me is that Bush seems to be ready to level his guns now on Iran, having gotten into an unsolvable situation in Iraq. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30540Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:01:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30540F. Castellanos, San Juan, Puerto RicoVery good. Muy bien. Molto bene. In all languages, Mr. Bush strategic in Irak is foolish, to say the least. I long for more articles like this. Well done. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30541Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:01:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30541tq, potomac, mdImpeach bush now before he kills the entire world.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30543Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:02:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30543Timothy Steele, Dallas, TXIs it possible that the people who support Mr. Bush, the war, and his campaign in Iraq either don't know anyone killed or injured by the war, or lost someone very dear to them, and don't want to think they died for nothing.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30544Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:04:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30544W. Peter Dean, Yelm. WashDoes Bush really think that a democratic Iraq will stabilize the Middle East, that Iran & Syria will co-operated, applaud and say that's the way to go? Bush's legacy is already shot, he should have the courage to admit that his plan was phony, resign and apologise, to the world. Maybe, then, the United States can get some international backing and respect for it's previous government's policies. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30545Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:04:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30545Kay, Woodlands, TexasPerhaps President Bush has been smoking something he grew on his ranch in Crawford Texas and he thinks he is on some sort of vision Quest. Would somebody please turn him around and point him in the right direction! I'm from Texas and Bush does not make me proud! Didn't the "Dixie Chicks" get banned from country music for speaking their mind as well!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30551Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:07:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30551Patrick HWhy, People presume you a responsible person, Mr. Shrum you and the Europeans man the Maginot Line. Get a copy of a movie of the British experience at Dunkirk. That is where the British Illusions were punctuated. You mock the Bush's military service, I heard that they have fought in most of Americas wars over the last 200 years? Often with distinction. Since you know combat so well, do you know how many fools get up out of the foxhole and expose themselves to risk, ridicule, and death. Most of the dead are this kind of fool, unwilling to lose, refusing to retreat, ignoring the odds, and forsaking everything. What you saw is a President who has spent himself, and his party for people unable to grip tightly the freedom he is forging for them. They are slaves whose children will grow to become free men. Some will become educated. And then the comments of history on this speech will be written. Your prose is benath the Office of the President of the United States, and far beneath the Dignity of our Armed Forces, and the Bushes who have served in them. I propose you will weep like a scared child on the day our arms are broken as at Dunkirk. If that day comes I hope your best friend breaks your fingers for your part in it.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30552Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:09:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30552Ron Phillips, Orlando, FLSadam killed 1000s upon 1000s of people. People disapeared into the night never to return. Terror griped people in the same fashion the Jews were terrified in the 1930s. History records we did nothing until forced. Are we not at least tryuing to do something here? Yes it seems it could be done better. But I am glad we are not sitting by and doing nothing. And I can also say I spent 8 years of my life in the Army when it was my turn. What have you done?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30553Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:09:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30553Sam PI think you should make this a video rather than text. You should insert a video of yourself commenting during the speech at the bottom of the screen. This will make it more appealing than having to read this lengthy text.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30556Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:10:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30556Jay DanielI am sick of you mindless Bush babies support for this unmitigated disaster of a pResident. Fire the dude & send him packing! Back home to NEW HAVEN, CT please. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30557Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:10:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30557David, Chicago, ILMany words and nothing said. If Saddam was still in power, people like you would be ranting about how our President hasn't done anything to overthrow him. As for WMD. Saddam had the time to send them to Syria because the UN wanted to write more worthless resolutions! We will probably experience them someday.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30559Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:10:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30559Michael G. Brown, Kirkwood, MOWhen I read the concept of this approach to editorial comment by MSNBC I considered it though provoking. After having read the above editorialization of the President's speech, I concluded it was lame and just uneducated opinion. Keep working on the concept, but look for journalistic balance. I don't know that I agree with the President's strategy, but I have not heard brillance out of anyone else. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30560Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:11:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30560Sam PLinda Bolivar thinks this article (free speech) is the reason the war is more difficult to fight. Brilliant :-Phttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30563Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:13:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30563rich, winter garden, flSounds like all of you against us who support this fight to avoid another 9/11 would be the same people who sign off to give new york to the british because George washington had faced defeat so many times!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30564Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:13:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30564Steven Box, Bozeman, MontanAre you people stuck on STUPID? You need to get over the fact that you hate President Bush and start realizing that although you do not want to be at war, Islamic Jihadists are at war with us. This is another example of what occured with Adolph Hitler. If you continue to try and pacify these types of people, they will just smile and continue to run you over. At some point you are going to have to realize evil for what it is EVIL! Instead of just saying everything the Bush admnistration has done has been wrong, why not actually try to come up with a real solution to the problems. You cannot continue to just say "he's wrong" and not come up with a viable solution.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30565Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:16:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30565bellbivdavoeI think wars are cool. We get to go into other people's countries and invade them for oil. In my third grade class I learned how to lie and start a war without permission from the teacher. It was fun!!! Freedom is cool!!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30567Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:18:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30567Jay Daniel Houston TexasI am sick of you mindless Bush babies support for this unmitigated disaster of a pResident. Fire the dude & send him packing! Back home to NEW HAVEN, CT please. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30568Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:19:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30568Phillip BunnellAll of Shrum's comments are right on. What he missed is the main reason for the present escalation and the refusal to end this war. He simply has to keep it going until he can dump it on someone else when he leaves office. If it ends ignominiously (as it will)before he leaves office, he really will be portrayed as the worst president this country ever had.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30570Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:22:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30570Chris Tulsa,okMost of america is not smart enough to really understand, nor care enough anymore to really understand whats going on. And in that we shall fall like the romans. Ignorance and laziness mixed with patriotism will be the demise of america.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30574Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:23:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30574Kristina, NCThank you! Your keen humour kept me from screaming in frustration as I reread that transcript, I was too busy laughing. Who does that guy think he's kidding anyway?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30576Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:25:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30576Mary CooperAll I have to say is if all of these arm chair quarterbacks, Mr. Bush included will get off their ####'s and go, instead of making decisions about our future (the people who are dying and horrendously wounded) it might make everyone think. My Grandmother used to say 'The truth will stand when the world is gone' beware Mr Cheney and Mr Bush. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30581Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:28:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30581Dudley Sargent..Disgusting article of second guessing...it truly burns me that our great President is under the hammer wielded by ,basically by liberals,such as the writer, who don't have a clue about fighting to save America.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30582Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:29:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30582Robert AdamsIt's about time someone called a spade a spade. Bush invaded Iraq to secure his own re-election and to reward the corporate rich who supported his campaign; national security had nothing to do with it, and never did. The escalation of the war is strictly intended to postpone defeat until the new president takes office. Bush is a liar and a coward.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30585Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:31:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30585Tim, Dallas, TXThe alternative strategy is to get all of our people the Hell out of Iraq and apologize to the World for the village idiot that the blindfolded majority put in control.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30586Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:31:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30586Jim Swayze, Las Vegas, NevadaThis is hilarious (and true), but what is Bob Shrum's plan?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30587Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:32:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30587Sharon, Phoenix ArizonaI am afraid. Very, very afraid... as we all should be. Most afraid because there does not seem to be a way to stop the madness. Everyone's children are at risk, not just those in the military. We do not understand, nor can we change, the history of the Middle East that has brought the region to this state of affairs. And our self-centered smugness that all we believe should be believed by all may be our undoing. I am afraid. Very, very afraid.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30590Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:36:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30590Tony Roles . Towson . MDHi Bob I am Englishman living in the USA ( 23yrs ) I found your comments very amusing ,and ( unfortunatly )true. I feel GW is a very dangerous man and even more so as he feels cornered with the Iraq situation. Maybe Bin Laden is hideing in Iraq (under the Weapons of Mass Destruction !! )http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30591Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:36:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30591Timothy Steele, Dallas, TXBLOGGING is a freedom that we enjoy in this country. Ironically, those who would have it censored, also support Bush. It is my right to condemn the actions of George Bush, and I love this country.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30593Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:38:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30593G Man, Portland, ORTo all of the neocons who are ditto-ing their way behind this failed president and his mis-guided (no, make the UNGUIDED) foreign policy, tell us, the 75% of the country that disagree with him, how we have made Iraq a better place to live. Any president who boldly proclaims "Mission Accomplished" and "the end of combat operations" as prematurely as W did obviously did not have a handle on the politics of the region. And why aren't you as fiscally conservative when it comes time to feed the war machine? What do you think the fine citizens of the ravaged Gulf coast would do with $350 billion? dollars? W plays this off like we are spreading democracy, but what he is really spreding smells a lot worse! http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30595Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:39:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30595Lea, CaliforniaBush IS a national disgrace. period. He would be funny, if his mistakes had not had such grave consequences for so many of our young men and women. I could almost feel sorry for his stupidity if he weren't so belligerant, refusing to accept his culpability in this war, continuing to support a group of people (his "base")with no conscience, and an ideology which sends our sons and daughters to their deaths (for what?) while thinking a clump of cells is sacred. God help us all if, in his great wisdom, he decides to bomb Iran......If you truly want PEACE, you have to "be" peace.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30596Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:40:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30596Troy H. , Minetrista, MN Mr Shrum, Interesting take off of the speech. I wander now how much home work you did in your Annalise? First - As for " Cooked Intelligence" why in 1998 Bill Clinton said the exact same things? And why did so many Dem's say they had WMDs? AS for course change what would you like him to do - give you a step by step plan? First Step that should be taken is How do we win- Their is no other QU, then do it. As for run a muck presidency - look to history and nothing that is happening now even approaches what happened before. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30597Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:41:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30597Phil, Athens, GAI'm sick of the President of the USA undermining my country (the USA). The pathetic response I often hear from Bush Koolaid drinkers is that "I don't have the information that Bush has." (He gets his information from raving lunatics). Well, I didn't have access to the information available to Bush before this disgraceful invasion started. Yet, it was clear, for numerous reasons, that there was no 9/11 connection; that Iraq had nothing to do with Islamic terrorism; and that any WMD found would be minimal (that's why, although it was stated "we know where they are," we offered the U.N. weapons inspectors no help). The lies and incompetance never stop. The criminal aspect of Bush's performance is reflected in his complete ignorance, as noted by Iraqi visitors a week or two before the invasion, that Iraq had two types of Muslums. Bush was too criminally negligent to take the time to read a one-page synopsis--which could be found in the World Almanac-of basic information about the country. As a result, we have started a civil war with horrendous consequences for Iraq and the USA.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30598Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:42:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30598John Costa New York CityBob Schrum and his ilk are more concerned with a political agenda than the truth. Iraq is a battleground in a larger global struggle against a facist ideology that will not be appeased by negotiation. We either fight and win now or lose later. I thought the President's speech was an honest assesment of the situation and the proper solution. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30602Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:45:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30602L Humphries, Dallas, TXTo all of the American's who are standing behind Bush. Do you have a child, husband or friend serving in the war? Would you still have Bush's back if they died fighting this war. See you have a different outlook when losing loved ones directly affects you. He is one of the worst Presidents in history. I would rather have a President who is unfaithfull to his family instead of being unfaithfull to his country.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30603Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:45:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30603Mary Hemmer, Cary , NCIf Congress approves any of President Bush's plans then they are just as guilty of going against the wishes of the American People. Whoever approves these disastrous plans should be required to send their children and grandchildren to Iraq.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30606Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:46:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30606Mary Hemmer, Cary , NCIf Congress approves any of President Bush's plans then they are just as guilty of going against the wishes of the American People. Whoever approves these disastrous plans should be required to send their children and grandchildren to Iraq.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30609Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:48:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30609American Taxpayer -- California What would Baby Bush do if he Iraqi gov't told the US to leave? They are, afterall, a duly elected gov't...Isn't that the reason we invaded? Isn't that an example of "Nation-Building"? I can see it know: Dateline...Bagdad. The gov't of Nouri al-Maliki has requested that the United Sates Military vacate Iraq (to preserve peace). Wouldn't that just frost George! http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30610Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:51:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30610Joe Intel Shame on all of you! Bush is a brilliant man motivated by needs of the people he serves. Thanks to Bush we have the oil I need to run my SUV. I need the extra space and security. I don't care about the cost. Also, when are we going to do away with welfare? Dirty poor people who are too lazy to work shouldn't get a penny from me. I don't sit in a cozy office all day to flush my money down the crapper... unless it's on my 4mpg SUV. I can't wait for my tax return so I can trade up for the 2007. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30613Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:54:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30613Kerry, Houston, TXLiving in this greatest country on earth is so very frustrating when the Dems have no constructive things to say. When a Dem says anything about Iraq past or present its OK. If a Rep says the same thing it is a lie according to the hypocritical, un-american in my opinion, condescending, malevolent, good for nothing, liberal lying pieces of ... I've got a great idea. Let's make California a country and send all Libs there. I am absolutely serious. All truth be told Bush is by far one of the bravest, ethical and best presidents this country has ever had. Compare him to Carter - the defacto worst president ever and Clinton the most un-ethical, lying, immoral president we have ever had, and Bush looks like saint. If we did not have the diseased Bush hating, no idea of their own Libs to worry about the war in Iraq would have already been won. Please let the Republicans do their job so that we win this thing and move on.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30616Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:57:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30616Bob RutkowskiI voted for this "clown" twice...I regret it. Tell DUMMY to send his daughters to a combat unit in Iraq. See if he waits for the bad news every minute.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30617Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:01:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30617K. Nance. Salida, ColoradoI'll tell you what upsets me the most is seeing my friends that are in the military seperated from their family members. Some of them can't even take miltary leave to see their newly born children. This country sickens me. Especially those conservatives who like to be lied to repeatedly about the same issues. It is impossible to win this ongoing conflict in the Middle East. I just want my friends returned to their families. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30618Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:01:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30618Melvin Klausner Fairview NJ Americans with an honest opinion base on fact.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30619Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:02:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30619Kathy Tye Wichita, KSIt is time for America to stop trying to run other counties. We do not understand their beliefs, religion and their way of life, so why butt in and try to make them what we want them to be. We need to mind our own business and quit feeding bogus information to the American people about our justification for going to war. Bush is completely out of line and needs to be impeached and he can take Cheney with him too. God save the U.S. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30622Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:04:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30622Grant, FloridaFor those of you bashing this piece as some form of liberal propaganda, I direct you to Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), former deputy whip for the Republican Caucus, who has come out in opposition to the troop increase and has said in reference to the Iraq War, "To question your government is not unpatriotic -- to not question your government is unpatriotic." This issue is not partisan or ideological-- it is about common sense versus blind loyalty. Oh, and to those of you arguing that Bob Shrum does not know what the President knows, I refer YOU to Richard Nixon's "secret plan" to win the war in Vietnam. Yes, that one turned out well, didn't it? All kidding aside, though it is admittedly possible that President Bush has evidence that suggests that this course of action is necessary, his track record clearly demonstrates his lack of credibility (uranium from Africa, WMDs, etc.). I am not a Democrat, nor am I a Republican-- both parties are too polarized. I label myself only as an American, and as such, I will question my President because if do not, he is no less powerful than a King.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30624Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:08:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30624Daniel, Whitewater, KansasYou know, I try to stay respectful toward the people that write these articles after reading them, but it's so tough. This is some serious garbage. But congrats to you Mr. Shrum, because over the past few years with continuous statements,newscasts and articles about how we are losing the war being jammed down the public's throat, we finally are losing the war. The public believes it, so the terrorists believe it, and all they have to do is keep pulling their little shananigans in Iraq because they know Americans aren't patient any more. If we lose this war, it won't be Bush's fault, it won't be our magnificent men and women in uniform's fault, and it won't necissarily be the Iraqi government's fault. It'll be you're fault Shrum, and the many other reporters and journalists with a liberal "I hate Bush" agenda. So go on, continue to screw your country over, and make sure that when somebody reads this, anyone, to keep up your hate filled babble and excuses that this is just another chunk of conservative B.S. Personally sir, I like to think of it as a chunk of American B.S. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30634Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:21:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30634xrepublicanHow did more troups help in Vietnam? Didn't we learn anything? I think we helicoptered off the roof there and claimed "peace with honor". As mighty as we are, there are things we can not accomplish, even if we were well intentioned. Grandpa once said, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30637Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:23:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30637 P Revere,,Boston MABash Bush Blah..Blah..Blah...thats all you got...no solutions as usual...Just more liberal dribble from the blame America first crowd...you people just talk to yourselves and slap each other on the back for your irrational hate of GW...You have no idea how to defend a nation...and will not talk responsibly of what will happen in the middle east and to the USA if we cut and run...you never talk about the consequences of that short sighted defeatist policy..."redeploy" is code for cut and run it will only require us going back in and costing more lives...What do you want to do? wait for a thermonucleor device to go off in Boston??? Please just dont spit on the soldiers after you cut their financial support....Bostonhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30639Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:28:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30639Derek Reid, New York, NY I think Bush has finally woken up to the fact that his time in office will be viewed as a total failure. There is not one thing he can point to that has gotten better under his tenure, including security. Bush is desperate which makes him more dangerous.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30640Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:30:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30640Leslie, Edmonton, ABWow! I am Canadian (known for our anti-American attitude) and even I have more respect and admiration for your President than you do. Do you not realize how screwed the world would be without the US (ie. Bush) acting as the police force? None of the other democratic nations, mine included, have the balls to do anything about the unrest and turmoil in the middle east. And now the only leader that is strong enough to take a stand is being undermined by his own people. Clap Clap Clap. Good job America.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30642Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:31:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30642M.S., Brooklyn, New YorkBush is the Village IDIOT!!!!!! The sad part is, the Village Idiot is in control and is both equally and genuinely delusional. He is the True Narcissist and unfortunately the American people (and the rest of the world) will continue to suffer because of him. After all, he did once say : He is the decider. Mr. Shrum's piece was very well written, concise, and to the point. He DECONSTRUCTED every detail of This SOCIO-PATH'S speech and it every bit was enjoyable. Mr. Shrum , unlike good-ol'-boy DUBYA was not afraid to speak the REAL TRUTH. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30643Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:33:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30643Shay Why is it that, when anyone expresses an opinion contrary to the President's point of view, the course to take is that "we" are responsible for the mayhem and "we" are the problem? I haven't checked in the last 15 minutes, but I thought we still enjoyed freedom of speech...or did President Bush take that away from us, too, while I was typing this? The day we cannot criticize our government officials without reprisal, is the day that ALL who served their country though the years, served in vain.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30645Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:33:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30645Devils advocateCompare Bush to Saddam....... Read wikipedia's bio on Saddam...."consolidated power in a nation riddled with profound tensions...ethnic, religious, and economic...improvement of living standards...fostered the modernization of the Iraqi economy...creation of a strong security apparatus...the administration of state welfare and developement programs...providing social services that were unprecedented among Middle Eastern countries...a 'National Campaign for the Eradication of Illiteracy'...a campaign for 'Compulsory Free Education in Iraq'...universal free schooling up to the highest education levels...the government also supported families of soldiers, granted free hospitalization to everyone...gave subsidies to farmers...one of the most modernized public-health systems in the Middle East, earning Saddam an award...implemented a national infrastructure campaign...electricity was brought to nearly every city in Iraq and many outlying areas...invested oil profits into industrial expansion...mechanizing agriculture...distributing land to peasant farmers...improved the living standard of the peasantry...considered an enemy of Communism and radical Islamism...integral to U.S. policy in the region...a social revolutionary and a modernizer...gave women added freedoms and offered them high-level government and industry jobs...created a Western-style legal system...making Iraq the only country in the Persian Gulf region not ruled according to tradional Islamic law (Sharia)." I guess Saddam was a "uniter" ("...following the Nasser model.") instead of giving tax cuts to the rich!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30646Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:34:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30646James HufferThis idiot actually proves the old proverb that you can fool some of the people, all of the time. BTW, if you don't believe in conspiracy theories then how do you explain organized crime, or gang warfare? Texas sure has played a pivotal role in the destruction of morally responsible democracy since 11/22/63 and every time we try to retake the government by and for the people there appears another threat to frighten us into submission. From Prescot Bush's bankrolling of Hitler to the killings of King and the Kennedys to DOD government purchases of &7,000.00 Allen wrenches ectera, a Bush is always in the path of the money laundry ala Donald Nixon and the $200,000.00 MIL spec mobile homes tricky Dick ordered back in 72. Only the foolish follow a fool!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30647Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:36:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30647Curt Granger, Birmingham, AlabamaI am sick of George Bush undermining the will of the American people. This is a democracy, or at least it's supposed to be. Fortunately, much of Congress still believes it is too.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30649Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:39:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30649Amy, ColoradoTo the few (I think I read 3?) people who still support this evil man we are forced to call Commander In Chief... you read the whole thing, must have been a trial for you. The fact remains that in any other country, Bush and his cronies would have suffered the same fate as Hussein. His crimes are equal to those of other dictators and he should be tried and punished for them. Bravo Mr. Shrum.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30651Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:41:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30651Deconstruct, Alameda, CAI don't respect nobodies support for this president until they have a dog, or a kid, in this fight. It's real easy to support the president when it's somebody else's kid doing the fighting and dieing. The decider still has 2 years to make mischief and the world as we know it may never recover. IMPEACH NOW!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30654Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:46:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30654Charles, Chester, VTI'm ashamed of profoundly ignorant Americans who have blind faith in corrupt leaders...http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30658Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:51:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30658Tim, Orange County, CAI have one question for the few people that still believe in Bush. Why do you trust a man that still brings up 9/11 when discussing Iraq? http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30661Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:56:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30661A. C., St. Louis, MOComing from a college student, fresh in the world of adulthood -- I find myself disappointed. Disappointed in our leaders and disappointed in journalists who waste time complaining with childish remarks, instead of, I dunno, writing something productive? We, the American people, live up to the stereotypes placed on us. Our President sounds foolish and arrogant. It's embarrassing. But - who elected him?? And what's worse... the responses of the media and people who would rather critise than offer a solution. Stop wasting everyone's time and help fix the mess we got ourselves into.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30662Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:56:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30662Bill Davis, Kansas City, MOAfter six years of lies and enriching halliburton, I think it is time to quit asking commentors to come up with an alternative plan, or blaming Bill Clinton for the problem. This Republican administration is the problem. Bush 41 and Colin Powell pointed out the danger of occupying Baghdad and Iraq, and now that those exact problems have happened, you Republicans want to justify putting more lives and treasure just to solve this President's image problem for his mistakes. Sorry, why should we trust the guys who said WMD in Iraq, Iraq was connected to 9/11, etc..., etc.... Fool me once, shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me, and how does that Bush 43 line go, "won't get fooled again..., which is the exact message from 70% percent of the American people.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30665Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:58:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30665Lane Friesen, Seoul, South KoreaThe United States is running current account and budget deficits, on a continuing yearly basis, that are now approaching a trillion dollars a year. Mathematically, it seems certain that the American dollar *must* eventually respond with a massive drop in value. If that happened, then the United States might have no option but to withdraw its forces in Iraq - it wouldn't be able to pay for them, if dollars were no longer wanted outside of its own internal borders. A withdrawal triggered by this kind of a serious financial crisis could happen quickly, within a matter perhaps of months or even less. America, in other words, might conceivably lose its military freedom of action, because of the way in which it is managing its economy - the current debate would then be irrelevant.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30669Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:02:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30669Steve Holle, Gig Harbor, WashingtonMr. Shrum.....You took the words out of over 75% of the American's mouths watching "Dubya's Standup Comedy Act" last night! What a joke his speech was!!Great job!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30671Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:03:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30671John Doe, Seattle, WashIt is every Americans civic duty to question their representatives and hold them accountable. It is also those representative's responsibility to act according to the wishes of the majority of the people. 71% of us do not want an escalation of this war. 65% of us do not think we should be there at all. If anyone is doing any 'undermining', it is the president undermining the mandate of the American people. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30675Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:07:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30675Cindy This is for everyone that thinks we should just sit this out and see what happens. The one thing that every one is forgetting is that War is Hell. Sending young people over there to kill innocent people is going to affect them every day of the rest of their lives. There is not a person on this earth that is not affected when they cause someone to lose their life, even hit men and serial killers know this. Sending the soldiers that have already spent time in the war zone over there again and again is only going to destroy what is left of their strained psyches. I don't care how we get out of there I just want it done.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30682Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:16:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30682Loyann Keoke, Las Vegas, NVI loved your blog about the speech. I can't get myself to watch this man speak anymore. The only thing he has done is start a war to suit his own purposes. That sure back fired on him! It's too bad that he did that at the cost of everyone else's loved ones who have died in his war. He really needs to send his daughters to Iraq and THEN see how long it will take him to pull out our soldiers. I have alot of relatives who served their country, but thankfully, that was when we had an intelligent President. Shame on George Dubya.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30687Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:20:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30687Brian, Westfield, NJ....why be ashamed? This is called "Freedom", the ability to express personal opinions - both for and against any given subject. Don't forget that thousnds of Americans have died to protect that right for all of us. Be proud of it! And yes, I have served. Personal Opinion: the USA has neither the citzens nor funds nor the RIGHT to to be stomping across the world because a given location has oil or any other made-up or unjustified reason! US Citizens first with foreign intervention second: not the other way around! (think of Katrina, we're #2!)http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30689Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:26:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30689Bill JohnsonWhy is it that you think it is acceptable to keep on refering to American Troops as "Bushes"? By saying that I belive you are disrespecting some of the most brave and honorable people in this country. While you don't agree with the war you shouldn't attack those that are fighting it for our Country. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30695Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:29:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30695SharonTo Linda: If ANYTHING is causing this war to be more difficult than it should be it is Bush and his cronies. Many of the original henchmen have left, however, and now it's all on his shoulders, along with Cheney and that crabby faced looking lady... uh what's her name? Oh yeah, Condoliza Rice (sounds like a sidedish to me).http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30698Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:32:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30698Simon, Mesa AZDear Linda from Mo. Your president has got us into this hole. Time for us to get out, not pour more young lives into the fire!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30700Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:33:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30700Paul, Tauranga, New ZealandAttacks on Bush are in a different category than disagreeing with any former US president. For those of us who have become appalled, this is not just a matter of ordinary political disagreement. This is a case of deep psychological schism. As sad as it is, and as shrill as it can seem, I feel it is important for people like Shrum to undertake the public decoding of Bush's language, and to point out his unprecedented level of incompetence, dishonesty, stupidity, blatant pandering to corporate and other private interests, arrogant disregard for science, the cavalier destruction of the environment, loss of separation of church and state and the elevation of the office of the presidency to that of mystical visionary in direct touch with God. Shrum's comments point these sad fact out all too accurately. When things get this bad, it is extremely important to push for change and to share this kind of analysis with others. Thank you, Shrum.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30704Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:36:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30704John marsal(Metairie,La)How many of those who supports Bush's war have been in the military---I am willing to bet that they like their president and vice president have never served in action---They never saw their buddies get killed or their bodies placed in what we called Body bags. Bush has put us in a situatuion where we lost our prestige and good will on the world stage and he lost a war in Iraq and adding two thousand more troops won't changed that-http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30721Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:57:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30721Gary Cameron, Cape Neddick,Me.What continues to amaze me is how Mr. Bush,(I can't call him President,as that is reserved for a position of diginity and respect of an elected democratic American leader), can continue to ignore the will of a majority of the people,(as shown in the last election), the legislative & judical branches of our country,as well as the rest of the world. But unfornatatly we really can't do anything to stop him. Impeachment only leaves us with Chaney. Stopping the funding only hurts the military, who are only bravely and honorably doing their job. The only recourse I see is to investigate him, and make sure that his policies are then made available to the public and a part of historic record. Thus hopefully exposing his total disregard for the benefit of a truly free society and open democratic republic which had made this country the envy of ALL the world for decades. Also benefiting our children and grandchildren so that when the next generation of Bush & his cronies DNA is properly contained. Remember they have successively bred.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30726Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:00:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30726Robert Pike Santa Clarita, CaliforniaAs a former United States Marine who served with the 1st Marine Brigade's Heavy Helicopter Squadron HMH-463 operating off the U.S.S. Hancock (CVA-19), during Operations Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind, the evacuations of Cambodia and South Vietnam in April 1975, I am opposed to the continued U.S. involvement in the Iraqi conflict. No matter what the President proposes to do with our military, no matter how many future tax dollars we waste, the United States is going to suffer a military defeat in Iraq because like Operation Market Garden at Arnhem, it is a bridge to far. If Americans want to turn on their televisions a year from now and view U.S. helicopters again pulling our political puppets off of roof tops as they did in Saigon, then stay the course. The U.S. has lost the battle for Iraq because we have lost the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. The United States lost the war in Vietnam because its people chose not to have an occupying army resident in their nation sustaining a government not of their liking. The citizens of Iraq have reached the same level of contempt for the presence of U.S. forces and the government they protect. According to a poll conducted between September 1-4, 2006 by the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland fielded by KA Research Ltd/D3 System Inc., a full seventy-one percent of Iraqis favor a commitment by U.S.-led forces in Iraq to withdraw in a year. Our forces in Iraq are not fighting to disarm that nation of Weapons of Mass Destruction as we were told back in March 2003. Because Iraq was invaded behind a bodyguard of lies Congress ought to be following the lead of the 1970 Congress that repealed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and cancel Public Law 107-243, the resolution authorizing President Bush to attack Iraq. Lets get out now with dignity and save some American troops lives and a whole lot of future tax dollars. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30728Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:02:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30728Patrick D. GaulHe so reminded me of Johnson at the end and this conflict so reminds of that other conflict that we should never have engaged.......I am a proud conservative.....have been all my life.....served in the Marines and Vietnam and I'm proud to be an American and I proud of this Country. But I'm sorry to say that this President is wrong.......have the conversation with Syria and get our troops out of there before the whole region explodes. Do it in a practical manner that doesn't expose the troops remaining to inordinate danger, but plan to get out and get out. This has reached insanity and it is time for the American people to communicate very clearly their disconnect with this Adminstration.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30731Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:03:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30731Joe F, Bloomington, MNThe few remaining Neo-Conservatives have begun repeating the Bush line of "so where is your plan?" How about the ignored Iraq Study Group Plan? Of course there are other plans out there, even including cut and run. Of all the dumb arguments from this crowd of dumb people who have caused such a mess with foreign policy, this is the dumbest retort yet. With Bush's track record, and the track record of those that follow him and lie for him, this will also fail miserably. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30738Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:16:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30738Bill Peters Richland WA I know a lot of people who have come back from Iraq, and Most of them say that if we pull out the hole country is going to go to hell in a hand basket but they also say that if we were to stay we could win it. a lot of the troops I know want to finsh strong and not turn chicken and dishonor the 3,000 people who have died in Iraq. Secondly, I see a lot of people who think that people under dictatorship can overthough the dictator without help from out side military force, earth to people, the Kurds tried that after the first gulf war and thousands of them were killed in Revenge killing by the Bathist goverment. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30739Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:17:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30739Phil, Anchorage, AlaskaLet's see, we went back to our "toolbox" and lo & behold when opened found more "hammers".http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30741Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:24:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30741jon.martyn.prescott.azPeople seem to listen little and understand even less."He who calls a fool a fool is even a greater fool"Constructive and destructive criticism are different.One leads to sucess the other to failure.One responce gives a solution to the promblem the other responce screams failure-failure-failure. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30743Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:26:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30743Barry E., Reality, EarthAnyone who would support Bush's continued mismanagement of the Iraq fiasco clarly places the interests of this nation far behind that of propping up the chimp-in-chief. They are not patriots, and are every bit as dangerous as al-Qaeda. They also have no brains or analytic abilities, being the proverbial suckers born every minute. Here's the constructive "alternative": WITHDRAW. Stop throwing American lives away to support the creation of an Iranian-controlled Shiite state. Bush-supporters: The magic of your lies has worn off. Give it a rest. IMPEACH NOWhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30744Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:28:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30744Rodney King, Los Angeles, CAcant we all just get along? ten years ago or so i was beaten by cops and almost ripped this country apart. now look at us. lets just agree to disagree and see what happens.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30750Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:38:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30750Lew. CAI listened to the village idiot's speech last night with hope that he would do something more than just increase troop levels. But alas, there was nothing but more of the same BS. He said nothing about diplomacy. Just "beatings will continue until morale improves". This man seems to think staying the course will work until the next President takes over, then he or she will get the blame for the failure. He is. living in a dream worldhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30752Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:40:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30752Luke, Jamestown, NYI find it funny how die-hard Republicans say "Ok, so come up with a better plan!" How about this? Forget what Bush said and come up with your own plan. There's the challenge. Stop hiding behind the President and come up with your own strategy. My plan is simple: 1. Impeach the President, and preferably the Vice President also, for authorizing the invasion of a sovereign nation, lying for said invasion, and the desecration of the Constitution (for destroying a basic fundamental legal right - habeas corpus - which those who founded this country firmly believed in). I don't care who would be put in as President. Sure, I lean towards the Democrats, but I'd have no qualms if, say, McCain became President. Don't think I suggested this first point solely to appoint a Democrat as President. 2. Initiate a phased withdrawl of US troops NOW, with all of them gone by July. I'm tired of the "if's", "when's" and "maybe's" that we keep hearing from Bush. Will that be detrimental to Iraq? Probably. However, they're already in a civil war, so can it really get any worse? Let's face it, the way things are going, we'll see a division of Iraq between the Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds, similar to the division of Yugoslavia. By doing this it will force the Iraqi government (and all those Iraqi people who allegedly want a democratic society) to step up the recruitment, training and deployment of their own forces. Besides, if we do withdraw, and things do deteriorate, you can blame the liberals all you want, but just remember who actually got us into this mis-guided war in the first place. 3. The billions of dollars that we're currently throwing away in Iraq could be used to, I don't know, maybe try resolving the problem of - what was it? - 775,000 homeless Americans - some of those include children. We're so busy helping other countries that we're neglecting the poor, homeless or starving of our own nation. I've no problem with helping other nations, but we should try to resolve our own problems before preaching to the masses, you know? Think about the massive Federal debt this administration has put us in, then look at the costs of this needless war. You do the math and work out where we get the debt from - it doesn't take a genius to figure it out, honest.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30757Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:44:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30757S. Downie Plymouth Massachusetts Thank You Mr Shrum !!!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30762Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:54:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30762Barbara, Silver Spring, MDBush and the Republicans keep referencing the lack of a plan on the part of the Democrats to get us out of Iraq. I have two questions: Why should the Democrats HAVE to come up with a plan to get us out, since they weren't the ones who lied all over the world to get us in. Second: Why can't the Democrats make more of an issue of this in their rebuttals to this madness? Please make the issue, not just the lack of any ability of the Republicans to govern in general (the country is quickly becoming a disaster itself in case anyone else is looking), but that they led us into this whole mess in Iraq and if they can't lead us out, then we need to force this train off the tracks as quickly as possible. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30763Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:54:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30763Mike Shermineh, CA.Live by the gun, die by the gun. Empires rise and fall with one simple concept, power. The Persian Empire experienced it, as did the Roman Empire, the British Empire, and so on. People living in those empires BELIEVED with all their hearts that their country was the light in the darkness. Sound familiar? The more powerful an empire becomes, the godlier their leaders and their people become. How many of you truly believe that an Iraqi life is the equivalent of an American life. How many innocent people have died around the globe in the past 50 years for the power of this empire? Those people might not be worth an American life to you, but every one of them is a part of the human race. And the human race has destroyed many Empires. The American empire includes liberals, conservatives, congress, governors, etc., not just King George. Were you see democracy the world is starting to see empire, and that basic misunderstanding is the beginning of the unavoidable destiny of the American Empire. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30764Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:54:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30764Barbara, Silver Spring, MDBush and the Republicans keep referencing the lack of a plan on the part of the Democrats to get us out of Iraq. I have two questions: Why should the Democrats HAVE to come up with a plan to get us out, since they weren't the ones who lied all over the world to get us in. Second: Why can't the Democrats make more of an issue of this in their rebuttals to this madness? Please make the issue, not just the lack of any ability of the Republicans to govern in general (the country is quickly becoming a disaster itself in case anyone else is looking), but that they led us into this whole mess in Iraq and if they can't lead us out, then we need to force this train off the tracks as quickly as possible. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30765Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:55:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30765John McClurg, Martinsburg, WVTo John Marshall: I hate to disagree with you, but the majority of us supporting our President and our troops in Iraq were former miltary and have seen combat action. I for one served on river boats in Vietnam and came home only to be spit on for my military service so that people like you could poke fun at our President who is only thinking of America and its people. More people have been killed by drunken drivers in one year in the U.S. than all the people killed in Iraq since its inception. Our troops are fighting over there so we don't have to fight the terrorists over here in our own country. They are also fighting to preserve the freedoms that you now enjoy and abuse so very well. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30771Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:05:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30771J. L. VanHOOKEMr. President, I support you and your decisions. I support you most of all because I know that our CREATOR knows your heart and intentions. I feel that you have asked for guidance in the actions you have taken and I trust GOD. I guess most Americans are unaware of what the Bible teaches us, that being that without sacrifice we all would have no hope. I guess America really has forgotten that we are one nation under GOD. I pray America becomes convicted to our Evil Path of Destruction or we will be just another empire to destroy itself from turning its back on GOD. The Devil is a Great Deceiver and many are allowing him to gain ground here in America. WAKE UP AMERICA- TURN TO GOD FOR YOUR GUIDANCE AND NOT THE MEDIA. We can choose to be the following: 1)United we stand, divided we fall, one nation under GOD or 2) Divided we stand, UNITED STATES WILL FAIL. I SAY FORGET RUPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRAT, I SAY FORGET LIBERAL AND CONSEVATIVE AND SAY INSTEAD GOD BLESS AMERICANS. WE NEED TO REMEMBER THAT WE ARE NOT EACH OTHERS ENEMIES. WE ARE ALL BLESSED TO BE AMERICANS AND WITH THAT I HAVE VOICED MY OPINION. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30773Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:06:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30773judi donnellythe evil wizard strikes again! wouldnt it be nice if the american people got up a petition signed in every state sent to every congresman and senator demanding a drawdown of our invasion without provacation of the cradle of civilization and the war game murder of thousands of citizens in that desert area this 'war' is not a war it like viet nam and korea was never declared a declaration of war by our congress. the congress simply gave the admininstration a resolution in both these distructive engagements of thelast 40 years before that with korea it was a 'police action'and that with provication by the north koreans against the south 5 years after the end of ww2. we other than the empire loyalists among us have no inborn right to invade or occupy any country other than our own of course here we have posse comitatus so what is a large army of men to do with all that expensive technology and what is wall street to do without return on investments in armaments companies producing this stuff for our'safety' with out a patsy in the white house to create ways to make money from death and distruction. this war as the two before it have all been to make money for various corporations and others feeding from the trough of abuse and death. death is a big money maker satans little helper. the congress should eliminate all funding for this operation freedom except essentials necessaryt to the security and care of the troops in the field. they dont need halliburton, tv email service telephone home cards laundry service expensive aircraft floating overhead wasting fuel and scaring everybody half to death drones officers in kuiait with computer terminals directing with electricity their daily forays with death. was it mc carther who said death is always with the infantry with the soldier he lives with death on his shoulder and exactly what is the interpretation of commander in chief we took a little bacon and we took a little beans and we chased the british down the mighty missisipi we fired our guns but the british kept a comin we fired again and they began a running right down the missasippi down to new orleans. that commander in chief general stonewall jackson listend to and loved his men and the nation this commander in chief loves himself and money. is he nuts probably mental health would be a good idea with medication jdhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30776Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:17:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30776Luke, Salt Lake City, UtahOkay everyone, write, call, fax, email your elected officials. Enough is enough!!! our ranting lunatic of a president must be impeached before its too late. Im contacting my elected officials you all do the same. Lets show the Iraqis how a democracy is supposed to work. Bush is ignoring the will of his employer (the united states citizens) who by the way dont agree with this ridiculous war. If majority rules in a democracy, why is this insane man still defying the majority and getting away with it? IMPEACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30778Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:24:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30778Troy La ManaHow two-faced of the Liberals to yell for more troops in Iraq when they didn't have power but cry and lament about it when Bush does commit more troops after they take back Congress.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30779Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:29:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30779Emlee LageMy only concern is.... we made a mess over in Iraq, so do we leave the people there to clean up the mess we made by invading their country based on erroneous intelligence. And we have created a base for terrorism, do we just let it grow until it really is a threat to us. We had no basis to start this war but having made a mess, don't we have some moral obligation and responsibility to the Iraqi people than to just leave? And to Bob Shrum: What a wasted opportunity. You sank to the level of an immature 8th grader. How disappointing. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30780Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:37:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30780jimplease somebody stop bush. do we have to wait to 08 to get rid of him. if he worked for any fortune 500 company he would have already been fired for his incompetence. he just putting more brave young american soldiers in harms way for no reason.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30781Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:41:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30781Rich Arnold, Scottsdale, AZ"THE MOTHER OF ALL BATTLES" -- Saddam Husseinhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30783Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:43:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30783Waldo, COI strongly suggest that those who keep supporting this administration's actions with such vigor pull their heads out, grab a clue, and start paying attention to the overwhelming amount of evidence that is out there that exposes the ineptness and dishonesty of the leader you are so willing to blindly follow over the edge of the abise.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30784Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:43:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30784Brad, marcus hook PAI read all these blogs and think to myself. Why? We have spent millions if not trillions of dollars on a country (Iraq) for what again? I forget. Lets say Bush and his "cronies" do do everything they say. Then what? What exactly does Iraq have we want so badly? Oil? That it? So thousands of our brave young men and women are dying and scared to death over a barrel of oil? I wonder what would happen if our "President" takes a good look at "his" own country? Dying, killing each other, unemployed, no medical, no nothing, etc, etc. Makes me wonder when a real president looks at his own people before looking at other countries people. The war was a mistake from the getgo and here we pay or should I say our troops and thier families pay for a mistake that our "president" tries to make right.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30785Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:50:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30785JPCusackI support our President. I have seen the body bags in Nam and came close enough to have one as my transport. Two thousand more troops is a good start. In combat it always made sense when you take an objective you hold that objective. That can only be done thru manpower. I served and I know that under LBJ we took positions on one day only to take the same position the next day. Many died in vain then. Don't repeat it.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30787Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:52:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30787Karen, Chugiak, AlaskaGood read, except I think you let one little hint go by: "We have to explore ways to mobilize talented American civilians and deploy overseas..." Uh-oh! Do we think he really means for all the "talented American civilians" to go to work for Halliburton and make lots of money? I don't think so, especially when preceded by increasing the size of the military and followed by a salute to unselfish and discerning young people who gladly make sacrifice and "understand their calling". Get ready for the draft.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30790Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:04:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30790Heartlight, Maui, HIIn response to Bill Johnson, I don't think Mr. Shrum was referring to the American Troops as "Bushes". I think he was questioning how many of Bush's relatives were among the American Troops serving in this war. (I don't think there are very many.)http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30794Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:10:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30794Marie Goodchild, Petersburg, KYMr. Shrum, thanks for one more piece of journalism that will hopefully help get the point across that Afghanistan and Iraq are not synonomous, that Bin Laden was responsible for 9/11, NOT IRAQ, and that this ongoing diatribe about ridding Iraq of Al Qaida is utterly manipulative. If we keep hammering these points home, surely the American people are going to wake up and refuse to be misled further.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30795Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:10:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30795Don Myers, Phoenix, AZGive me the money that has been spent in war and I will clothe every man, woman, and child in an attire of which kings and queens will be proud. I will build a schoolhouse in every valley over the whole earth. I will crown every hillside with a place of worship consecrated to peace. Charles Sumner Truly the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expeting a different result. The Bush charade is bonafide living proof of this age old addage. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30797Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:10:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30797former gop, Chicago , ILYou miss many of the positive things bush has accomplished with his iraq policy. As an example, I'm no longer concerned about social security. With his masterful foreign policy initiatives, we can no longer afford social security since we will need to field a 4 to 5 million man military for the next 25 to 50 years to keep the world stable enough for all the successful democracies we are establishing. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30798Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:11:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30798bo, vancouver bcQuite simple, if a nation goes to war and loses, historically, it gets to surrender, conditionally or unconditionally, and gets to pay reparations to the victor. Is this not where the U.S. is heading now? And who will pay, the ordinary citizen, the taxpayers.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30801Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:24:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30801jeff seattle, wawhy aren't people demonstating in the streets against this president and his war?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30802Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:25:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30802Josh Brunner, Everett, WAAll of you ultra-conservatives are reading this accusing liberals of mearly Bush-bashing yet not having our own ideas. How's this for a bloody idea: PULL THE HELL OUT! That is the liberals idea, and the way I see it, it looks like this concept is catching on. Bush deserves to be impeached. All of the facts were laid before him showing him (and us) that there were mistakes. I admit that I was eager to go to war and make an example. But in hindsight, this war has nothing to do with our original intentions. So stop accusing liberals of not acting. We gave our 2-cents, it's time the "President" started listening and acting on the best interest of OUR country, not Iraq.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30803Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:30:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30803Bill, Topeka, KansasI was in the military. I did not serve in combat, but I did serve. My personal opinion is Bush is a moron. It's one thing to make mistakes - we all do - in quite another thing to put one's head in the sand and perpetrate those mistakes on and on. Truthfully, Bush should be impeached, but, think of it, Chaney - what is the gain? If there is anyone more idiotic than Bush, it's Chaney. All we can do is wait two years and maybe, just maybe, sanity can be restored to the White House. It's really a sad situation. Bush is the worst President this nation has had, bar none!!!!!!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30809Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:38:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30809Daniel Doren, Coronado, California.Dear John Marsal, I am a supporter of the President and I have served in my past. I understand your anger however I disagree with your idea that a supporter of this president is somehow less compassionate or a person who has never seen conflict. I work with several reservists who are continually recalled to train others as well as serve in Iraq themselves. These great leaders of men return with pride for what they have accomplished and have expressed repeatedly their support for the President. I listened as they reverently spoke of young men serving with honor coming back in flag draped coffins, but never referred to as body bags out of respect possibly for the dead. Perhaps you can use some of the respect or insight from these leaders of men when including others who are not in public office in your comments. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30811Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:41:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30811Donna Pollack, Frederick, MDYou said what I have been saying since I first heard that Bush wanted to go into Iraq. My husband calls me a Bush hater. Now I'm in the majority. I only hope our country can recover from the the Bush Administraion, the War in Iraq, Made in China, and illegal immigration before it is too late.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30841Fri, 12 Jan 2007 05:08:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30841Gene Lakewood CaliforniaIt's been 6 years of being in the Bush league & 2 more years won't get us to the majors.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30848Fri, 12 Jan 2007 05:29:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30848Austin Lanser, Prescott, ArizonaThanks to Alan Shade for saying so well what I couldn't and to K. Nance i have limited sympathy to soldiers who willingly signed up for the military being away from their families. They should have known that they weren't signing up for chess club. The only sympathy I have is that they're fighting for a cause they don't believe in, but they should have known that risk. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30849Fri, 12 Jan 2007 05:30:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30849AnonymousI read and interesting blog today regarding GWB’s speech on his new plan for Iraq. What’s interesting is the way the speech is annotated. Heck, I even got to put in my little 2 cent comment (I think Greg Denny would be proud).http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30850Fri, 12 Jan 2007 05:41:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30850BobbyThis is sad..........http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30852Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:16:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30852Margaret St. James, Madison WIHas it occured to anyone that the leader to be feared is the one no one questions? George W has stood in the face of all of our criticisms and actually claimed responsibility for his mistakes uh,i am pretty sure the last time that happened was when kennedy admitted to screwing up over the bay of pigs. And why is it that so many so called enlightened people think its alright to send all the hate vibes to our president? I mean, energetically thats really bad luck. I see him as a person who knows he's flawed yet is doing his best. Do you really, honestly think he's living it up with all the good old boys while we're at war? Take a look at his eyes. All of this is quite a load for an aging wild frat boy. God bless him in his willingness to accept his own destiny. I hope when this is all over he DOES get to go home and smoke something. He deserves to.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30856Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:18:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30856Thomas Miller , Luray, VARemember a few years ago, the great moral majority was calling for the empeachment of a president,in a time of great prosperity for the country, because he had some sort of sexual encounter with someone other than his wife in the "holy" white house oval office. Where are they in all of this death and destruction that is taking place in the "holy land" which is the middle east. Pat Robetson is trying to scare his flock into believing that a great catastrophy is about to fell the USA. It could happen at any time, and this true. For the leaders of our great, and mostly united country have failed us (the legal american people) at almost every level. We as a free and democratic nation proved last fall that we believed it is time for change, not stagnation and more innocent lives lost for personal cause and gain.Think about it america, who has benifited most from this war, you and me,the average mid-40's, middle income,trying to make ends meet, american family or those who have ties to oil, halliburtan and other influencial speial interests groups who have the white house in their back pockets. I support our troops 100%, but they don't belong there anymore. We are not going to change a way of life that has exsisted for hundreds of years in short time span as predicted. This is and always has been their battle among themselves to determine if they want to be a part of the civilized world or destroy themselves. That should be their choice not ours. We need to increase more attention to the defense at home, of our country, not close more military bases and lose more american jobs to outsourcing, while corporate america makes a major profit at our expense. We need to take care of our own first and worry more about the exsistence of the human race in general and stop trying to push "our way of life" on other cultures in the world. Listening to president bush's speech, i was thinking just about the same as you wrote. This guy must take us all for idiots, but he knows that if he's gone the consequences would be worse. ie cheney He got saddam and he has been brought to supposed justice. he got what he wanted,at a measly cost of 3000+(and counting)american lives. Declare what you have a victory and get our people out of there.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30857Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:21:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30857Jim Ullrich, las Vegas nvshrums blog is right on the money. sadly enough. How can anyone still support bush's iraq policy. he lied to congress and to the American people taking us into this war. Now he wants to repeat that process and send more troops under the same pretense same policy with a differant name! WAKE UP AMERICA. Iraq was better off before the invasion and the middle east was more stable than it is today. We accomplished NOTHING. other than running our military into the ground and leaving us more vulnerable.Throwing more lifes and money at it won't change anything. The begining to the solution is to stop listening to and supporting the very thing that got us into this mess in the first place. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30858Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:26:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30858Michael L. Goslin, Mexico, Mo.I have been worried for a long time as to how W was going to get out of this mess. We as americans should look to ourselves for the answer to our problems and let the people of the world that don't like us go down the tube. Why should we bankrupt our country for people that will stab us in the back as soon as we quit giving. So many people in this country are living below the poverty line that it is so wrong to spend so much to kill imaginary enemies and friends. We need to help our own. Please, let's git rid of this administration and all of it's friends in our gov. I wish we could put Bill Clinton back in charge. All he did was lie(i do not condone this)about a sexual incounter. I'm sure Hilary made him pay at home for that. I would much rather have a lover in charge than a killer!!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30859Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:34:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30859M Strawn, Sacramento, CADear Arroyo Grande, Ca., Bill Clintonista left office with an approval rating of 68%. I don't think that this presidents will. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30863Fri, 12 Jan 2007 07:23:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30863Jarret, Luray, VirginiaI think you missed a spot: "We endorse the Iraqi government’s call to finalize an international compact that will bring new economic assistance in exchange for greater economic reform." What in the "author of liberty's" holy name does that mean? The best translation I can garner is "Give us money and in exchange our economy will get better" That dosn't sound like a very fair trade....http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30871Fri, 12 Jan 2007 07:53:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30871Deborah, SeattleFunny how all the right-wingers here are saying 'it's not nice to call names'. Is that all they can say in defense of Bush's intent to slaughter more American servicemen and women (and for what)? Do they think they're in Jr High and this is just politics and name-calling? Have they not noticed how the GOP has been waging elections for 20+ years (hypocrits)? How deluded can you be? And the big question: Don't they care about our troups? How callous can you be? http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30873Fri, 12 Jan 2007 08:06:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30873Dan SIt's nice hearing from people who can think for themselves instead of blindly following a President who cares for no one but himself and his corporate buddies. Reading some of these blogs defending GW with comments of " Why don't you come up with a better plan, instead of ripping on the Presidents", don't they realize people that don't agree with GW are unamerican. Now that the Dems have control of both houses, watch GW use that VETO, something he hasn't used but once in six years with the REPUBLICANS in control. Hopefully this country will still be here in '08 for a new leader.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30878Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:12:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30878Dennis Linn, Portlandf ORIt is not possible to impeach The Village Idiot unless "Halliburton" Cheney goes as part of a package deal. Those of us who think things are bad now - they are worse than that - need only imagine Cheney in the Shyte House. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30879Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:12:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30879Joseph M'bama , Blantyre.I wonder why Americans had given Bush a second term of office.Before the invasion a lot of people across the entire globe had marched and protested against this war including the late Pope John ii and Koffi Annan.Despite this logic the American public was totally in support of it.And here we are now its the same AMERICAN public which is crying.WAKE UP AMERICANS or else you will continue to be a nation full of CRIE BABIES.All the best to you for creating enemies across the globe and wishing you all the best as you prepare for the invasion of Iran and Syria.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30880Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:28:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30880Greg, Baghdad IraqAmen. I cannot wait for the next Presidental election. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30881Fri, 12 Jan 2007 11:20:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30881PutDown PeteThis Shrum guy is funny. Get him a job on SNL. With a few years in journalism school, he might even be able to be a junior reporter. Nah, cancel that. He's too funny to be wasted on anything serious. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30882Fri, 12 Jan 2007 11:24:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30882Bill, Roselle Park NJIn 1991, George Bush Sr. went to war and his popularity ratings went through the roof. By 1992, the war effect had worn off and he lost his bid for re-election. In 2002, George Bush Jr. went to war and his popularity rating soared. But the election was still a long ways off. The dilemma was "how do you avoid what happened to the old man?" The solution, of course, came from puppet-master Karl Rove - you simply STAY at war through the next election. We are in Iraq because George Bush needed the trappings of "commander-in-chief" in order to win in 2004. This war is not about national security, it is not about weapons, it is not about Saddam, it's not even about Iraq. It has always been nearly 100% about getting a third-rate political hack re-elected.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30887Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:01:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30887April summers, Johannesburg"The first sign of madness is to do the same thing over and over while each time expecting a different result." - Albert Einstein http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30888Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:09:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30888bob, houston, tx"We have no interest in oppressing other people. We are not moved by hatred against any other nation. We bear no grudge. I know how grave a thing war is. I wanted to spare our people such an evil. It is not so much the country of Czechoslovakia; it is rather its leader, Edward Benes. He has led a reign of terror. He has hurled countless people into the profoundest misery. Through his continuous terrorism, he has succeeded in reducing millions of his people to silence. The Czech maintenance of a tremendous military arsenal can only be regarded as a focus of danger. We have displayed a truly unexampled patience, but I am no longer willing to remain inactive while this madman ill-treats millions of human beings." --Adolph Hitler, April 14th, 1939 sounds kinda familiar...http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30889Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:16:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30889g ktown tnyou know allso the majority of the world thought that the sun revolved around the earth too it took century,s before the truth was known war is not a fast drive tru restaurant http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30893Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:42:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30893Daphne LawtonMy response to those like Linda who think Bush is saving the country: Millions of Americans are without health care; it was estimated there are over 700,000 homeless in the US and HUD has been gutted, only the rich can afford higher education, middle class jobs have almost all been outsourced and immigration at all skill levels is out of control; global warming is going to doom the planet sooner rather than later and Bush chooses to launch a world wide crusade against Islam that will cost trillions of dollars. And you think that is saving the country?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30895Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:46:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30895Roy Comfort, London, Britain There is a similar anti-war clamour here in Britain, based mainly on a Chamberlain-type approach that Iraq is a far-away country of which the average Brit knows and cares nothing and just wants low taxes. It would nonetheless be somewhat cowardly to walk away now and leave Iraqi democrats, friends and minorities to an uncertain and probably unpleasant fate. The Sunni leader in the south and a Shia police commander have both said today it will be hell if the Brits pull out now. I hope we will hang on until stability ensues, which is feasible in the Basrah area, though I recognise that the US has a harder battle in the west. Bush's strategy is quite good and, whatever the reasons that got us there, it's worth trying. Shrum's commentary adds little to a serious debate and rather grandstands to the isolationist and pacifist tendency, which certainly does not represent 70% of American or British people. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30900Fri, 12 Jan 2007 13:56:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30900Nina Toles, Louisville, KentuckyThere is a complete difference between supporting the TROOPS sent to the war versus supporting THE WAR. Thank God for the troops that are willing to fight for our country, and the people still enlisting in the forces, because after this is over, we will need it. But this war is pointless, and hopefully, we will be withdrawn by 2008, because I cannot picture another president having to come into this mess.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30901Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:00:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30901Suzanne, West Hartford, CTAMEN AMEN AMEN!! GREAT read!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30908Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:13:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30908rubyIf and When Bush is ever stopped on this rampage.. watch him suddenly decide to enter a rehab for drinking and seek help for his mental disorder to prevent being charged with war crimes and many mistakes as president. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30923Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:42:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30923edward miller,Salem OR Exactly, how many times are Americans willing to be "Bush Wacked" ?http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30926Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:45:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30926Sam M Loyd Jr, Indianapolis,INIt must be great to be able to second guess what, why, and who. Even if mistakes were made, is it right and fair to just critize without viable solutions? It is good to critize but what else do you offer besides let's just leave. Your point is made do you intend to just continue to point out that no WOD's were found and that we shouldn't be there. I for one am glad that we KNOW FOR SURE that there are and were not any there. That is what the sanctions and resolutions were about.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30933Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:54:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30933John M, New York CityPeople wake up………..Bush is simply buying time………He is tiring to provoke Iran into the Iraqi conflict so he can launch an attack on Iran without the need of Congress approval. Why would he add missile defense systems to a country that has no missiles, or mine sweeps and a Battle group if not to engage an enemy with missiles, under water mines, and ships (Iran)? Our Military could not withstand an attack on Iran at this point; we do not have the troops or the equipment. But say in ten to eighteen months, we could increase the size of our military to carry out just such a mission. Watch the news, Bush is going to blame Iran for a lot things in the up coming months. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30946Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:07:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30946Brian Kansas City MoWow!! what riveting commentary! Did you come up with that all on your own? It too bad that the main stream media would love nothing better than to see our country seem weak and unable to succeed in this battle against this radical muslim extreamist enemy. You lib ppl dont understand that they use our media and the United States self destructing need to be politically correct in this war against us. Our freedom and the freedom of others to have views that differ from theirs is exactly what they dont want us to have. Remember if your not with the radicals then I believe you are an "infedel" in their view and all you deserve is death!! MAKE NO MISTAKEhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30949Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:09:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30949Christie, Alexandria, VADoes anyone here want Iraq to experience the same selfish pleasures that all of us have here in the US?... where you can bash the president and not be killed with the rest of your family for treason, you can buy things that you don't have the money for, you can sue someone for them shooting you while you burglarize THEIR house, and where we don't have to give the goverment half of our income and have a MAXIMUM yearly amount that we're allowed to earn (ex. Germany)...? Come on now... We know Saddam supported terrorists and was capable of transporting weapons of mass destruction. Knowing his history with the Bush's, he probably got them all out of there when the President was elected the first time... My brother-in-law is in the Army. My sister-in-law is in the Air Force, was deployed for 7 months last year and is being sent back in June. My father was in the Navy. I love our military and our country. I dread the day when a 'Hillary' or other left-winger gets into the White House, tranforms all of our hospitals into VA's, won't retaliate if another 9-11 happens, won't do what's best for our Nation if faced with opposition, and won't help another country to have the same freedoms that we have... Praise God our Nation's primary language isn't French or German... Hitler was put to an end so Germany wouldn't take over the world and innocent people could be saved. I guess most of you want to speak Arabic(?) or a dialect of it... According to the Bible, God appoints our leaders-whether we like them or not-whether we know the purpose or not... I don't think this reason is to divide our country. So shape up, don't be a wuss, enjoy the tax cuts, and pray for our military that is so PROUDLY serving. If they didn't want to serve, they wouldn't enlist...http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30950Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:11:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30950J.Lonneman Tampa FlAnd now our Sec'y of State is being referred to around the world as "Pretty Puppet". http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30952Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:12:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30952Anne L. Sinclair, Farmingdale, NY Great Piece! I loved it. The man liked to us from the beginning and continues to cause more havoc that has just snowballed through this whole mess! I too feel like Donna Pollack from Frederick, MD. I was against it from the beginning. I hated the "Support our Troops" magnets on almost every car I saw. Not because I did not support the troops, but I did not support the death and maiming of young men sent to a needless war. Shame on the Congress that allowed this action to begin with. May they all have many sleepless nights. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30961Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:22:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30961sd, californiaRepublicans wanted to impeach Clinto for having oral sex and lying about it, well what do you say about a president that started a war that has caused thousands of death and is still lying about it after almost four years.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30983Fri, 12 Jan 2007 15:55:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30983Linda Stokke Kent WAAs I read these blogs, I am amazed Americans are writing such disrespectful divisive comments about our President. Agree or disagree, liberal or conservative division is the best weapon for our enemy. What is more amazing, most of you who are so critical and think you have all the answers can't even manage your own home or life’s. Unless you are perfect and have never been guilty of a mistake or a regret, perhaps you should try to support our President instead of our enemy. The number one job of the President is to keep all Americans safe, regardless if you like the policy. Thank goodness for a President who has the guts to try to defeat an enemy who truly wants all Americans dead, even those who disagree with the president. I do not understand the answer for many of you is not to do anything and hope it will just go away. Wake up before it is to late! Thanks goodness your misery has company now you can feel better.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30990Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:05:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30990Iraq War VeteranI can't believe Americans still try to defend this president. I spent time in Iraq, and what for? Certainly not to defend this great nation. Nobody over there posed a threat to us. Defeat of America will only come from within. Most Americans would rather turn their head the other way. I imagine they will as long as we have TV, sports, and fast-food.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30991Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:06:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30991Ken Williams Pembroke, Ky 42266 Leaving President Bush aside, We the (USA) do not need to send any more Troops to Iraq./ We are already there helping IRAQ learn to defend themselves, We are trying to protect them and gave them help rebuilding,etc. If the IRAQI's can't show that they can build an Army big enough to protect themselves, then we could hole what we can temporarily and then turn it over to IRAQ. During this time the IRAQI's can show us with a couple areas that they can get these areas secured themselves and at this time, be able to build their own forces to successfully go forward while protecting each ares when secured. Not going to happen tomorrow, however they could 'START TOMORROW' and continue to show the world that it's possible. If they can and still need help, Then we could help them some with the troup strength from their secured areas that they are holding and send troups home that exceed the #'s from secured areas. But don't let Haliburton back in ever. They have been overpaid already!!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30992Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:06:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30992Dave , Tacoma WAIsn't it ironic that conservatives are against personal attacks except when they are used against Clinton.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#30996Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:12:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:30996Paul Korbitz, Omaha, NEWhat a bunch of whining, self-righteous traitors. So let's pretend we leave Iraq - then what? Have any of you "geo-political/military strategists" considered what would happen if we just pulled out? No, you probably haven't. It's much easier sitting at your computer - thousands of miles away - and pretending to know what you're talking about. I'm so sick and tired of you "cut and run" whimps. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31005Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:31:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31005Ken, Dallas, TXTo those supporting Messrs Bush, Rumsfeld, Cheney et.al; (1) No WMD, (2) No connection to 911, (3) Halliburton no bid contract (7 billion I think it was), (4) Hijackers were not from Iraq, (5), Administration will not let coffins or body bags be shown to the public, (6) The Jessica Lynch propaganda {not her fault}, (7)"I am the decider", (8)Republicans/conservatives jumping ship, (9)"Bring it on"...then oops, I shouldn't have said that., (10)"we will be seen as liberators". I could go on but why. Even if you believe the rhetoric, you have to question the lies, the cronyism, and the utter and complete failure of this administration's policies in Iraq.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31026Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:14:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31026Micah Toland, Nashville TNThe single most patriotic thing American's can do today would be to impeach if not imprison George W. Bush. To those that support Bush and his supposed “war on terror” all I have to say is if you really want to be supportive; then why are you sitting in that comfortable chair reading this. You want to support the troops, get your backside down to your local recruiter and become one of the troops. If you’re too old or they won’t accept you, take one of the daily commercial flights to Bagdad, grab a gun and do yourself proud. Oh so you’re not quite THAT supportive huh? You don’t agree quite THAT much eh? Then sit there, shut up and let those of us that have been there, done that have our country back.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31035Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:25:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31035Jean, OhioSomeone in the White House knows exactly what he is doing. Since when has a U.S. President so masterfully and tightly linked himself to the military and God, that to disagree, is to be generalized as an unbelieving, unpatriotic, liberal? Perhaps a democratic Iraq will fight terorists, but I am not seeing a future of peace for my children and grandchildren. I also agree with Chris, Ok. Hopefully the system of checks and balances set up by some extremely farsighted patriots will prevail. If not our democracy is in jeopardy.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31048Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:38:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31048LarrySomeone said "if we withdraw, Iran will become stronger then what?". I say that's an assumption. There's probably less of a chance they will become stronger if we leave than if we stay. They can become stronger either way. Maybe we need to deal with situations as they manifest themselves rather than out of fear based on assumptions. Fear may breed the worst scenarios.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31055Fri, 12 Jan 2007 17:48:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31055Lisa, Indianapolis, Indiana Absolutely, Positively, Brilliant!!!! This sociopath who calls himself "president" is dangerous and CLEARLY has his own agenda. My god, the countless lies told and laws broken by this president are just unbelievable...he makes Nixon look like a choir boy! We MUST IMPEACH before any more of this madness ensues! This guy is completely CERTIFIABLE and the rest of the world must be wondering why on earth the American citizens and their government are sitting idly by just watching it all happen. Frankly, it's embarassing! How much are we willing to take? Should we sit back and let him completely destroy the credibility of this great nation? The fear campaign is over-most people have caught on and are weary of it. If Mr Bush is truly concerned about the security of this country as he'd like for us to believe then why are our borders to the south wide open to anyone? And if this "war on terror" as he likes to call it, is as critical to our secuity as he'd like for us to believe it is, how can we NOT have a draft? I think we all know the answer to that question... The question isn't what will happen to Iraq if we "fail" (we already have by invading a sovereign country & enciting more violence and further destableizing the entire region). "Victory" isn't an option, let's get into reality here...the real question is, what else does this maniac have planned for us and are we going to sit by and allow it to happen? Mr. Bush is DANGEROUS-I've always felt that way and unfortunately he's proven me right. Start the impeachment hearings immediately!!!!! http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31074Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:01:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31074Jennifer N., Woodstock, CTThank you, Bob. Bush is no longer exempt from personal attacks due to his lack of character. Now we need to act. Tell your representatives and senators that if they don't move to impeach Bush followed by Cheney, you will march on Washington, DC on Friday, April 20, 2007 (Earth Day). Bush is bad for the entire planet! LET'S SHOW HIM HOW WE FEEL, BECAUSE HE ISN'T LISTENING!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31079Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:08:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31079John Bohemeth chipiton, IrelandThis Country needs someone who will stand up to the "world" and I think bush, even if he has made mistakes, Is the only leader right now who knows the costs. I wish the democrats would find someone will big gahonas, but it doesant look that way for now.... I would support a Democrate if only there was a noble one to be worth supportinghttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31084Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:14:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31084Tonya, Richmond, VAHow many more lies and how much more wistful thinking must we endure from this moron at the White House? Why must we continue to have his Administration lie and attempt to defend their creation of this madness to Congress? I'm so sick of it. Bush is still not listening to the American People. He's still in his own little world, with its own version of the U.S. Constitution. Pray for our men and women serving in the Middle East to come home safely. Enough is enough.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31092Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:20:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31092Helen Smith Newfields NHI am in my 70's and I do not want to see my grand children sent home in body bags from a war that should not have happened.We are not defending the United States. WE are helping the big Oil companies and company's like Halaburton to make huge profits at the expence of the middle class citizens of this country.What we need is better health care for everyone and a decent wage to support families.Not a war to kill our talented young men and women who have thier whole lives ahead of them.Bush must think the American people are stupid. It is the same old retoric that he has been spouting for the last 6 years. We need to get him and Cheney out of office now not in two years.I say that they should both be impeached for all the lies and cover ups they have perpertrated while in office.Bill Clinton had an affair but he never put lives in danger.No one died on his watch..Does Bush ever wonder about the thousands who have died on his watch.Does he care?Apparently not!!All he seems to care about GEORGE!http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31168Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:55:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31168Donna, DetroitI find it wildly amusing that the rules for submitting comments to this blog ask that the writer not attack the comments of others!!! I guess Bob Shrum is exempt from that rule. Unlike so many of our politicans, I believe Bush has a moral compass and that is what I support. In our world and our country, we need people who want to do what is right, not what is popular, expediant or gets the least amount of criticism. I voted for the man and on this subject that means voting for his policies. Eections are made for democracy to speak. Vote in 08 but in the meantime, try not to give the enemy more amunition. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31174Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:00:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31174Alan Christopher, Baltimore, MD For those who think that we should all shut up, remain silent, and support the President: "All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent." (written by a former president named Thomas Jefferson) For those who think its a good idea to write a black check to Bush & Halliburton: Read the piece "War is a Racket", written in 1935 by a former U.S. Marine Brigadier General (and 2-time Medal of Honor recipient) Smedley Darlington Butler. For those who don't want to venture to a library (it can be hard to find) the online version: http://lexrex.com/enlightened/articles/warisaracket.htm For those who don't see the true dangers the "War on Terror" poses to the American Way: President Eisenhower (a Republican and former General, in his Farewell Address to the Nation on January 17, 1961) "In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together." Eisenhower warned us 40 years ago about stuff like the Patriot Act; we just didn't listen. For those who want to go a little further back than Eisenhower, how about what James Madison wrote in "Political Observations", April 20, 1795, (Madison, IV, page 491): "Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few. In war, too, the discretionary power of the Executive is extended; its influence in dealing out offices, honours, and emoluments is multiplied; and all the means of seducing the minds, are added to those of subduing the force, of the people. . . [There is also] an inequality of fortunes, and the opportunities of fraud, growing out of a state of war, and. . . degeneracy of manners and of morals. . . No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare. . " Sounds like to me the War on Terror fits the definition represents continual warfare. The War on Terror (terror is a tactic, so it makes as much sense as 'The War on Landmines' or 'The War on Amphibious Warfare') has its origins not in Sept 11, 2001 but in December 25, 1991 (dissolution of the Soviet Union for those who don't know history). It is as an attempt to replace the Cold War Soviet Union with a new enemy. Perhaps Bush believes as Hitler stated in Mein Kampf that "Mankind has grown great in eternal struggle, and only in eternal peace does it perish." If Sept 11 and all of its victims was more than just a convenient excuse for war profiteering and a grab for power, OBL would be dead in a cave, and al-Queda would be completely dismantled and discredited. If Bush was truly worried about WMD and democracy, he could have invaded North Korea (which made no bones about having WMB) and dismantled that dictatorship. I personally think America can thrive without having a long-term opponent to struggle against. I'm not not so sure of corporations like Halliburton, Bechtel, or Raytheon thriving, though.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31183Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:06:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31183Sun Devil, Phoeniz, AZTwo wrongs do not make a right. Sending more troops will not make our invasion legitimate. The Shiites and Sunnis do not need us to carry out their civil war. Pull our troops out, let Iraq break up into Shiite, Sunni, and Kurd regions. American forces should be avenging the death of Americans on 9/11 by giving us some footage of Bin Laden hanging on YouTube.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31184Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:06:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31184shane, oklahoma How does crow taste? altho like most liberals you probably eat so much, its rather tasty. is barbara boxer a relative? this war is about a bigger picture than oil and Iraq, this war is the start of stopping extremists behavior, that is intent on toppling the world! big picture my friend is that if we didnt go to Iraq when we did, we would have certainly been there soon. And by all means if you don't like what's happening, pack your bags and move to Iraq, Iran, syria or any other of the extremists nations and see how many steps you could take off a plane, before these people you want to defend...killed youhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31185Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:06:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31185Louis SmithThe old and tired wing-nut response that its all hindsight when so many of us less boot-lick oriented clearly remember describing the invasion over WMD's and 911 stupid at all levels troubles me, that I actually get out in traffic with you people everyday rattles me to no end.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31192Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:12:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31192Charles Carman Mustang , Oklahomato all those who don't know it yet, we are not a DEMOCRACY. Who do you all think picks the president? the Easter bunny, Santa Claus? no, it's the trilateral commission. we don't own our country, nor have we since before we were born. the president is following his orders as much as any of the other yes men, puppets that have been put into the White House before him, especially his father. this country will be destroyed by secret men in secret meetings behind closed doors. mark my words. there were no terrorists, except the ones we trained, years ago. let's forget that we gave IRAQ a rail gun, and told them to point it at IRAN. let's not forget,also, that all this started because of the oil embargo of 1973. charles carman, mustang, oklahomahttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31195Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:17:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31195Doanh ChauPresident Bush insists to send more troops to defend democracy far away in Iraq, when he ignore the will of Congress and voters right here at home. We must respecfully declare that Bush is a clear, present danger to our national interest. How about our own border? Mr. Presidenthttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31197Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:21:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31197Chad M., Denver, COIt's stunning to me that people still find ways to support this President. My personal favorite is the argument that people against the war and against Bush are just complaining without delivering alternate solutions. Why should WE have to come up with solutions for Bush's parade of f**k-ups? This is HIS war and his pack of lies. We NEVER should have invaded a sovereign nation. They had no connection whatsoever to 9/11 (yet Bush still keeps invoking it), there are plenty of other oppressive regimes in the world (but we don't go attacking them), and if we haven't learned the lesson that you can't force Democracy on a nation, then we're as stupid and ignorant as the rest of the world thinks we are. Bush is easily the worst and most dangerous President in my lifetime and, in all likelihood, one of the worst in U.S. History.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31200Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:23:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31200Anthony, Detroit, MIThe Iraq war has only two posible solutions. First, we hire millions of miltia to hold the whole country, and install a dictator. Reason: Sunni and Shia are going to fight because they have unnegiotible differences. Republics don't work when factions can't compromise. The country must be run with an iron fist to stop the fighting. Second, leave the country and hope the civil war doesn't turn into a middle east war. The iraqis themselves have to want to stop the hate and blood shed of the waring factions, and if they can't the sunni will lose and the shia will have half its normal shia population. Bush has only one accomplishment for this whole war. That was the removal of Sadam, and that could have been done with a missile with the proper intellagence.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31202Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:24:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31202jj, rochester, mnThe whole question of the war is a difficult one to grasp. I think part of the problem is how it was originally presented to us. After the first gulf war, the cessation of action was due to saddam's agreement to abide by certain stipulations. Which he did not. We did not need the wmd mumbo jumbo to go back into iraq. It was already justified. It would have been better perhaps to wait on the UN to actually do something about it, but that was never going to happen. I am guessing the planners of the war were looking much further down the road, like 30 years or so, when deciding to take the action. A bold plan with potential but it has been a rough road thus far. Hopefully we can see this thing through and it is successful. It is far to early to tell at this point. Tough decisions either way, hard to say what would happen if we pulled out. I do not envy the president's choices nor do I delude myself with thoughts of grandeur and believe that I have all the solutions. One note to some of you-just because it is not reported in the media, does not mean that wmd was not found.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31210Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:30:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31210tom bullard marshall missorii laugh at how you liberals cant see the truth. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31222Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:37:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31222Louise Edmond, OKI would suggest to Mr Shrum that an open mind is a gift from God and possible he ought to search for one. I believe in God and I believe George Bush believes in God and practices what he preaches. Hatred from the media and the liberals will bring this country down. America is worth saving and I sincerely believe patriotic Americans and Christians should stand up and take our country back. Iraq is our battleground against Radical Islam. Quit denying it and accept it and we will all be a lot safer. God Bless the USA and God continue to lead our President and keep him strong.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31227Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:45:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31227Dan Switzer Ilion NYI think we should impeach the president and not send anymore troops over to Iraq. Spend more time within his own country and people to square out the situations out here first. He should put his daughters in the war, and see how that feels like , (like many other young adults that are fighting over there for our country.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31362Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:44:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31362LaTonya Robinson, KCMOI have a 4 step plan for Iraq: 1) Impeach Bush 2) Withdraw ALL our troops 3)Drop a Hiroshima sized (non-nuclear) bomb on Iraq 4) Let them rebuild etc on their own. That's what I would do.http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31368Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:48:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31368Dan Garcia, College Station, TexasFor the last five years we have been engaged in an ideological war pitting the ideals of individual freedom and democracy against the violent ideology of extremism. This has been a long and difficult war for the American soldier, but it has proven more difficult for Americans in the homeland. Americans have grown weary of this war and the constant bombardment of death and violent images on the television reinforce the fear that we may not win this war. It seems that in these trying times Americans have lost their faith in the very institutions that made this country great. Ideals that once inspired individuals to seek out greatness within themselves have been replaced by the fickleness of partisanship. Foreign policy is no longer a tool used to spread democracy and strengthen individual rights, instead it is used as a tool to ensure the longevity of an elected office. This past Wednesday the President outlined his new plan for Iraq. He took responsibility for the failures while crediting the successes to the men and women in the field. More importantly, he has addressed the pitfalls associated with building a new democracy while fending off an unseen aggressor. The president's speech was more than an attempt to woo an already tired American public, it was an attempt to fan the flames of freedom that currently reside as embers within the Iraqi people. The message was clear: we will not abandon the Iraqis; not now, not ever; so long as their desire to become a peaceful nation remains strong. The new democratic congress is failing to realize that this war is not about polling numbers or election results; it's about the causes of freedom; a freedom that can only be experienced with a proudly held ink-stained purple thumb. As President Bush explained on Wednesday, our security, and the causes of freedom around the globe, all rest with the outcome of this war. This war will be won, but it will only be won if we strengthen our faith in the very institutions that guarantee our liberties. We cannot be fickle, as fickleness only gets you elected to a democrat Congress. Now more than ever the immortal words of Sir Winston Churchill ring true to our current conflicts, as he said, "Still, if you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than live as slaves." We must remain true to our support of our troops in the field as we remain true to this country, our family, and our community. God Bless you and may God Bless America. Sincerely, Daniel Alonso Garcia http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31369Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:48:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31369Josef Balzer, Askeaton, Ireland...There was a Phillippine Cardinal once who said something about talking to God. He said: "When you talk to God, then we call this a 'prayer'. If he answers you in person, it's usually called 'schizophrenia'..."http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31370Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:48:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31370r o neal kennewick wa idiots abound???? how can some people believe that mr bush has any idea of what the north of africa is about im sure he had really no idea where it was when he started the war with iraq.he must have got through college.with the same help he had with the national guard//// daddy /andy vet of three wars ww2 korea ..vietnamhttp://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31386Fri, 12 Jan 2007 22:01:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31386Joe Z I was in opposition to the war, and am apalled by the way it has been prosecuted. As a die hard democrat, I find it frankly tragic that our collective response is to abandon the Iraqi people to 50 years of civil war and chaos. It is unacceptable. Send more troops. Guarantee security. Send aid, rebuild their infrastructure and reinforce their government. And those of you in the rest of the world who watched us destroy their country COULD finally step in and help us rebuild it. We were wrong to go in. We can't leave now. http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31388Fri, 12 Jan 2007 22:02:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:313881ST Lieutenant C.M 3RD Lancashire DivisionComing from a British Royal Marine's point of view, President G.W. Bush has ruined my life. (P.M Tony Blair, loves taking order from the big bad America) I didnt have a choice to make a difference, I was stationed in Iraq for three years, and i have seen horrors none of you could ever imagine. It sickens me, Bush's speech claims America is pursuing freedom for the middle east, yet, he doesnt give his country a choice in that decision, from what i've heard, 75% of all americans are against this war. You must ask yourself why are you sitting back, relaxing at your computer whilst your noble citizens are fighting a war in which they dont beleive. (P.S an undeclared war on somalia? Nice, George). http://hardblogger.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/11/30328.aspx#31389Fri, 12 Jan 2007 22:02:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:31389Daphne LawtonI notice none of the pro-Bush posters disputed my point about the population without health care, the homelessness, the inaccessibility of higher education to the poor. How much health care and how much housing could have be built with the money spent on Iraq? Why do Americans not deserve health care, education or housing, when Europeans have access to all these things. No to mention what Saudis have access to! Why do Americans have to be the world's police?