I can understand the sentiment.

I know what is trying to be accomplished by Congress in the debate over military appropriations currently taking place on Capitol Hill. On one level, it certainly makes sense to examine the direction foreign policy has taken and the use of the military in particular in regard to overseas activity. That we need to have a debate about what is currently happening in Iraq is something we unquestionably need to do as a nation. Entreaties to ‘stay the course’ aside, we should always examine our motives and decisions for actions on the world stage. It’s a good thing.

Personally, I’m getting to the point where I grow weary of hearing comparisons made to Vietnam. However, since we have this brand, spanking new government in Iraq, duly elected by its citizens - I think we are at the point where one of the things we need to put up as part of the referendum before the Iraq electorate is whether they even want us there. Instead of drawing us in ever deeply into a quagmire, we should put it out there before the Iraqi people and make it apparent to them we do not want to stay in there country even one day longer than our help is desired. I think it would be a good thing for the people of both our nations (even if the idea might sound a bit simplistic to some).

It would illustrate our nation has no ulterior motives or designs upon Iraq, putting to rest the biggest objection to our presence there. It would make it clear to the rest of the Arab world we stand behind the ideals we purport to be advocates of. I would think it’s a win-win situation both overseas and here at home. Most of the opposition here in this country is about wasting lives but, are we really wasting lives if people ask us for help?

In the meantime, although Congress may have its heart in the right place, I can see how in some quarters their actions in holding up funding for the troops can be viewed as a betrayal and I would advise Congress to step lightly as this is a very sensitive area. Not only does it affect the health and well-being of people who have sacrificed much in defense of the tenets of liberty but, it could cause the families and loved ones who are praying for them to return great consternation because they find their loved ones are not receiving all the support and protection we as a nation should be offering to them.



I was reminded of this by an email I got from my friend Bill this morning (who has family serving currently). Just a few of the images, which while they were funny underscored there is another way of looking at the battle between Congress and the President and in the end the people who may wind up paying the cost of that battle are the very same people both sides fervently claim to support.