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"Far better to think historically, to remember the lessons of the past. Thus, far better to conceive of power as consisting in part of the knowledge of when not to use all the power you have. Far better to be one who knows that if you reserve the power not to use all your power, you will lead others far more successfully and well." A. Bartlett Giamatti (1938 - 1989), President of Yale University
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Bush to Iraq - Right or Wrong?
by Harry G. Riley, Col, USA, Ret.
The answer depends on who gives the answer – conservative, liberal, democrat, republican, scholar, commentator, soldier, or others. There will likely be dozens of responses ranging from branding President Bush as stupid to brilliant, ignorant to courageous and even selfish by charging that he put others in harms way for the President’s own political gain. I agree with many of the positions the Bush Administration takes and disagree with others, but the trip our President took to Iraq was the right thing to do. The President’s Thanksgiving trip to Iraq is a positive morale boost to the troops that only one who has been in harm’s way can fully understand, and perhaps his trip will influence other issues with major positive impact. Having spent considerable time in a fox-hole, I understand what the trip meant and means to America’s fighting forces. Our troops see the incompetent planning and lack of problem understanding in dealing with the situation after the combat mission was won in Iraq. They wonder, will this be another winning of the battle but losing the war? While all the talking heads in Washington take meaningless shots at all quarters, the troops are left in harms way, being killed in a sort of holding pattern while some politicians use them as fodder for their political gain and bureaucrats try to figure out how to build a nation. The President’s presence with the troops was a measure of confidence building needed for those in harm’s way. President Bush’s decision to visit the troops, as positive as it was, points up a dichotomy that has been a thorn in the side of thousands. Why does the President make promising speeches, visit troops, laud our military, clearly demonstrate outward compassion for our troops, and on the other hand, allow his Administration to oppose earned medical care for military retirees, limit funds to Veterans, allow his staff to initiate programs that would reduce combat benefits, and other actions that seem in opposition to his stated, verbal positions? The trip to Iraq on Thanksgiving appears to have been conceived and decided by the President. He simply indicated “I want to do this, get it done or convince me it is not the right thing to do”. This is the attitude we need our President to engage. Take charge, be more forceful, direct the staff the way he wants to go, don’t let the staff pursue policies that conflict with personal messages he presents. When the President makes a statement, “Promises made will be promises kept” and then his staff actively uses the full force of government to oppose promises made to military retirees, the dichotomy raises its ugly head. Is the President sincere or is he just being another politician with meaningless words? I think President Bush has a special place in his heart for warriors and believe the trip to Iraq for Thanksgiving is a true example of his commitment, not only to our troops but our Nation. It is also an example of leadership, bold decision making, and a decisive trait we need our President to aggressively pursue.
Harry Riley, COL, Ret
Responses to Topic
Yes I believe that Bush was right to visit the troops. I also
believe that Bush is morally bankrupt in that he and Blair concocted
evidence to persuade Congress to invade Iraq.
As a side note, just look around you at the people that are unemployed,
those without medical insurance, illegal immigrants (in particular Mexican
Gangs) coming into the US, etc. and ask yourself if you are not tired of
Bush's inept stewardship of our country. If you are, demand that your
representatives in Washington begin impeachment now!
R. J. Lyons
Former Republican
From: Robert Thompson
The reply made by Harry Riley is that of a Retired Military Veteran and
echoes what most of us would like to think of our Commander in Chief. If
only it were true, and if only President Bush would live up to his many
Campaign promises to the Warriors who made it possible for politicians to
serve in a Free Country, then maybe we wouldn't question his motives.
My first thoughts, following the word that Hillary Clinton, (I hesitate to
even use Senator when mentioning Her Name), was the Presidents trip only a
preempted political move, knowing that a Democratic Senator would do a
political up- man- ship if he failed to go? After all it was a secret,
unexpected move.
Bob Thompson
From: Pete Giese Very well done! From: Les King, Jr. I think it was a wonderful thing for the “President” of our nation to do. I believe if we had had more like this president, we most likely wouldn’t be in the “Sorryful” over all state we are today. “God Bless America & God Bless President Bush”. May he ever watch over out “Young Warriors”, Amen!! From: Ed Campbell
Harry I have agreed with you in the past but this time I have to disagree
on some of your outlook. Yes we do need leadership by those in power.
But when "leadership" uses their position to insure that he is elected is
not leadership. He did not want to be upstaged by some Democrats who
were already in country. He has done nothing but use our troops to his
betterment. He has lied to us over and over that our Government would
insure that promises were kept and than with the other half of his forked
tongue screws us every chance he gets. To me that is not leadership.
What outlook does the current or future wounded men and women have to look
forward to. I guess they have to look forward to a continuation of the
screwing we got. I served under 7 presidents during my tours and we were
never lied to like we are being lied too now. I do not believe him and I
damn well don't trust him or have any respect for him.
Ed Campbell. Navarre Response From the Author:
Appreciate your thoughts but on this one we
disagree. I don't think the President's motive in the visit to Iraq was
for political purposes, to me it was a heartfelt exercise to lift our
troops. Granted, nothing the President does is without political
spin-off, but that was not the purpose in his trip to Iraq, in my
opinion.
Frankly, I don't think Hillary Clinton could
upstage anyone when it comes to relating to our fighting forces. She is
an opportunist, is only interested in Hillary, and thinks Generals get
things done. There is no way President Bush would have exercised the
system with all the potential for failure, to upstage Hillary Clinton.
As I indicated in my observations, President Bush
gives the appearance that he is not exercising strong leadership over
his staff. He talks "we're in Iraq to stay" and his staff is
constantly telling the public of initiatives to draw down forces. This
is worrisome and it appears to me he does not recognize the dichotomy
involved.
I believe President Bush has shown weak leadership
in the face of seasoned, tried politicians, such as Rumsfeld, Cheney, et
al., but he may be learning. I expect Rumsfeld will not be around if
Bush wins again and the President appears to have learned valuable
lessons. He needs to take charge and fire some people that get off
course publicly. The fighting/discussion should be finalized in private
and then march to the plan without personal agenda.
The bottom line as I see it is he has been
shielded from issues; has not shown mature leadership at the level he is
at; has been bullied by staff to take their positions; and basically has
been a front man. I hope someone may be whispering in his ear to take
the bull by the horns..........maybe????? Let the mistakes be his.
I like you am suspicious of all politicians but I
don't see anyone on the horizon or in the bleachers that can do a better
job than President Bush. I perceive shortcomings, but then, we all have
shortcomings.
Harry Riley
Response From: Ed Campbell
I agree with you on no one stepping up to the plate who even comes
close to showing any leadership and what a shame that is. I also
agree with you about Hillary. Come to think of it I have to agree
with you on just about everything you said. However, I still believe
he made his trip for his sake only as he has been getting to much bad
publicity of late. I still think he is a poor excuse as a President
and does not have any leadership ability. Keep up the good work
Harry. You have done great. Ed
From: B Geasland Well said, Harry. Made me feel good just reading it. From: Kim Marks
While I question some of the policies of the Bush administration, I
believe the President's trip to Iraq was nothing more than a sincere
effort to boost the morale of the troops. Was it a good photo op?
Probably. I like to think that it was more of an "in your face Saddam"
trip than an effort to boost poll numbers. After all, it is nearly one
year before election day and in this current American society which is
void of a decent attention span, few people will remember this trip.
We must all remember that the war on terrorism isn't like a
"conventional" war. We will be at this on all fronts for decades to
come. The saying "Rome wasn't built in a day "comes to mind when I think
about the rebuilding of Iraq. Why do American's believe we can build a
democratic nation in a hostile environment in a matter of months? I
believe that most Iraqi's want our help and that the recent violent
outbreaks are a result of imported terrorists finding it an opportune
time to shoot at Americans without leaving the Middle East.
We need to trust our leadership or exercise our privilege to vote for
leadership that we do trust. Frankly, I'm more afraid of the cast of
characters that are challenging our leader for the presidency next fall,
than the current Commander -in -Chief .
Kim Marks
Military Dependant USAF
From: Bob Geasland Don't be fooled for a minute that Hillary Clinton and Reed
were in the middle east for any other reason than to get a little publicity.
What the hell business does Slippery Hillary have in Afghanistan, Iraq or
any other Islamic State?
BECAUSE HE KNOWS THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE TO VOTE
FOR, AND HE IS NOT RUNNING FOR RE ELECTION. HE HAD RATHER GIVE THE MONEY
TO AFRICAN AIDS INFECTED PEOPLE THAN TO THE PEOPLE WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE
FOR HIM TO BE IN THE WHITE HOUSE.
GENE MATHEWS, USN, RET
Hear, Hear-----Good information.--- Jerry French
Right, but for the wrong reason (for political gain). I wish l
could view this man with your rose colored glasses, and make excuses for
him, however was brought up to believe that 'A man is only as good as his
word' - and Mr. Bush's word, is no damn good. I could cite many
example's of this mans greed and untruths, during his rise to wealth and
power, after arriving in Texas with a $10, 000 doller loan from an uncle,
however few would believe, and even less care, unless maybe you happened
to be a stockholder in one of the shady deals he prospered from.
As our President he has fought and given a huge tax break to the very richest
of our society, and is now pushing to get even more tax relief for them,
by doing away with the death tax, as they call it, but only applies to the
very richest of Americans. Of course middle class Americans will see a
change also, as they get to pay for these breaks. He was bought and
sold, like so much meat on the hook, by the very wealthy of our society,
and they are now being repaid.
Then their is 'Halliburton', and a few big oil companies., but enough
said. Who cares anyway.
Harry Boone, Eastport, Me.
Air Force
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