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2008-12-05 Iraq

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Posted by ryuge 2008-12-05 06:34|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 "After all, newly sovereign Iraq is today more engaged in the fight against Arab radicalism than any country on earth, save the United States."

The next time you here some tenderfoot blather-on about GWBs illegal War Be sure to inform them of that fact.

Posted by DepotGuy 2008-12-05 09:54|| 2008-12-05 09:54|| Front Page Top

#2 The point about how long we have to be committed to these countries should not be underestimated. Look how long it took Korea to move from armistice to democracy. And I think neither Korea or Japan is firmly committed to representative government yet.

Posted by Nimble Spemble 2008-12-05 10:53|| 2008-12-05 10:53|| Front Page Top

#3 What I find most amusing about all of this are the foaming-at-the-mouth, "anti-war", Bush-bashing fanatics who are beside themselves now that the situation in Iraq has a measure of demonstrated and undeniable success. Which, if it continues on it's current trajectory, will result in the biggest foreign policy victory and advancement in the last 20 years. I think you would have to go back to Reagan's victory in the Cold War to find anything remotely comparable.

Liberals can't bear to stand it, and will never acknowledge it, for a host of reasons. To name a few of the more obvious:

1. It validates the use of military intervention to effect real political change when necessary and in the best interests of our national security.

2. It validates the use of aggressive, offensive military action as a strategy against radical, islamic terrorism. Since 9/11 we have fought two wars and in all that time, there hasn't been a repeat of that terrible and tragic day.

3. It validates Bush's core belief that liberty and individual freedom is a human desire, not just an American or Western desire.

4. It also validates his core belief that democracy is not contrained by culture or religion. While certain cultures and religions may be more welcoming or accepting of it, representative democracy in it's true form is blind to race, gender, religion, class, and creed. And Iraq is slowly proving it.

5. There is still much more to learn and know about everything that went into Bush's call to war (did he really know there were no WMDs before ordering the invasion?). But assuming the scholars and historians fail to uncover a smoking gun that incriminates him beyond a reasonable doubt, as I believe will be the case, the Iraq success could well end up securing a favorable legacy for a man I personally believe to be honorable, honest, and guided by sound principles, although he's not the smartest guy in the room at all times and ranks near the bottom in terms of his communication skills and savvy.

On a related note, last week Tom Friedman of the NYT, generally someone I don't agree with, wrote a piece talking about the newfound transparency and freedom of press that was taking place in the new Iraqi government relative to the days of Saddam. He was pointing out that it is a wonderful thing to see and offers a glimmer of hope that all was not a waste, after all.

I hope, in the end, that turns out to be the final verdict.

Posted by eltoroverde 2008-12-05 13:29|| 2008-12-05 13:29|| Front Page Top

#4 As I've said before, Bush is a principled man who does what he thinks is right according to those principles. He showed tremendous courage in forcing the Surge through against extremely heavy opposition, thus preventing another Viet Nam-like military defeat. Our nation, and particularly our military, owes him a very large debt for that alone. His traitorous political opponents wanted desperately for America to lose in Iraq; that Bush and the military, by virtue of blood, sweat and raw courage, triumphed over them is by far the most signal victory of his eight years in office.

I haven't always agreed with him and I've been quite angry with him on occasion (immigration amnesty), but I respect him immensely because I think he has returned honor and dignity to the office of the President of the United States.

That was something sadly lacking in his predecessor's administration and which I suspect will also be sadly lacking in his successor's administration.

I'd be proud to shake G.W. Bush's hand and thank him for his service. I wouldn't give BJ or BO the courtesy of a greeting, much less shake their hands. They deserve nothing more than utter contempt.

Posted by Jolutch Mussolini7800 2008-12-05 20:58|| 2008-12-05 20:58|| Front Page Top

#5 I have to agree with JM7800. I disagree with a few of W's actions (especially immigration), but on the big pic topics, he hit it right, took the heat, and handled himself with class and discipline against traitorous and scurrilous attacks from the opposition and unprincipled media

Posted by Frank G">Frank G 2008-12-05 21:05|| 2008-12-05 21:05|| Front Page Top

#6 I remember seeing the jubilant parties on Election night when Obama was declared the victor, and wistfully wishing we had the same excitement for victory in Iraq.

Posted by Glolet Pelosi5889 2008-12-05 21:32|| 2008-12-05 21:32|| Front Page Top

#7 As luck would have it, I may have a chance to meet the President and shake his hand this weekend. I've always wanted to meet the man, look him straight in the eye, and take measure of what I see behind the veil.

Really, I just want to thank him for his service to our country and let him know that there are still some of us out there who respect him and the way he's carried himself as POTUS. Per JM7800's point, he is a principled man who does what he thinks is right according to those principles.

Fact is, dude took a lot of flak for doing what he did, what I believe he had to do, what I feel I would have done myself had I been in his position. Let's face it, at the end of the day, you cannot argue with results.

As my buddies and I like to say, "Scoreboard!"

Posted by eltoroverde 2008-12-05 22:02|| 2008-12-05 22:02|| Front Page Top

#8 Please report back on what you decide about the gentleman, eltoroverde. Thanks!

Posted by trailing wife">trailing wife 2008-12-05 22:51|| 2008-12-05 22:51|| Front Page Top

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