Put It On A Bumpersticker
“I think we should just drop it.”
Harry Reid’s finally laid out his Iraq strategy in bold and uncompromising terms.
It came out of the big debate over whether Reid called Peter Pace “incompetent,” which raged all over the Internet yesterday. Not sure why.
None of the liberal bloggers on the conference call remember him saying that. Doesn’t matter. He was soon enough on the record here:
The majority leader stopped short of calling Pace incompetent and declined to confirm a report in “The Politico” that he had done so earlier in the week in a private phone call to a group of liberal bloggers.
But he essentially said as much when he told reporters that Pace “had not done a very good job in speaking out for some obvious things that weren’t going right in Iraq.”
Reid said he also was concerned about Petraeus, who told USA Today this week that there are “astonishing signs of normalcy” throughout the majority of Baghdad. Petraeus was quoted as saying, “I’m talking about professional soccer leagues with real grass field stadiums, several amusement parks, big ones, markets that are very vibrant.”
Reid said the remark “gives you a feeling that he’s not in touch with what is really going on in Iraq or just trying to make the president feel good.”
Then Fox claimed Reid confirmed the “incompetent” remark.
Still doesn’t matter.
We’re talking about an American political leader who has already declared a war “lost,” when it is far from that. Someone who has offered no realistic plan to stabilize Iraq, but wants to exit as rapidly as possible with no regard for the strategic interests of the United States or the humanitarian interests of the Iraqi people. He has been doing his fortunately lame best to to undercut American troops in the field.
But I’m glad he speaks his mind so honestly, so the American people can know where he stands. I don’t think he is in anyway fit to serve in a leadership position, but the nature and structure of our republic, which also thus far has allowed George Bush to frustrate Reid and his ilk, says otherwise.
That’s why I was encouraged when I saw in the Fox report that Reid had said:
“I believe that General Pace would not be if he had come forward to be reappointed the chairman of the Joints Chiefs. It wouldn’t have happened and I’m not going to get into what I said or didn’t say. There is a long list of people including Senators (Carl) Levin and (Jack) Reed and others who have talked about General Pace long before I did. I think we should just drop it. The fact is, he’s not going to be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, for which I’m happy,” Reid said.
You might consider that to be a narrow statement about Pace and his suitability to be chairman of the joint chiefs, as one who has endeavored to prosecute this war, more specifically about Reid’s annoyance with having been caught unpolitically saying what he really thinks.
But really, it’s about the war. And it’s perfect.
That bumpersticker I saw driving to work yesterday afternoon … “Endless this war” … I had to look at it a couple of times. Confusing layout, a little too clever. The eye doesn’t know which part to zero in on first. ”Support the Troops, Bring Them Home.” Lame. “Bush Lied, People Died.” Yeah, if you say so. Here’s a whole bunch of them. All sort of generically against war, against Bush, but none really laying out a strategy.
Not like “Just drop it.” That’s good. It says it all. I like it.
Lorie Byrd at Townhall: Harry Reid, working overtime for failure.
Taylor Marsh: I’m not entirely sure what she’s trying to say in this ramble, but eventually it appears to be that Reid’s a moron. OK! Nice half a boob, by the way.
Instapundit reader Stan Smith, re lefty bloggers who expect Scooter Libby to remember what he said when there years ago: ”And these folks can’t
even remember what someone said mere DAYS ago….”
Blackfive: Uh oh, Uncle J beatdown.
Confederate Yankee: Let’s review … who didn’t hear him say “incompetent?”
Cassandra’s letter to the spousal unit.
Posted by Jules Crittenden at 12:55 am Comments (29) on Friday, June 15, 2007
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June 15th, 2007 at 1:46 am
Where’s The Street-Wise Hercules To Fight The Rising Odds?
Jonah Goldberg writes that, like Bonnie Tyler, the media are holding out for a hero–and they found not just one brave warrior, but two of them!In an age when Fox News is a ratings juggernaut and Katie Couric is…
June 15th, 2007 at 3:09 am
We’re talking about an American political leader who has already declared a war “lost,” when it is far from that.
ONE MORE GENERAL SPEAKS OUT
(From Yahoo News)
US can forget about winning in Iraq: top retired general
by Sig Christenson Sun Jun 3, 4:53 PM ET
SAN ANTONIO, United States (AFP) – The man who commanded US-led coalition forces during the first year of the Iraq war says the United States can forget about winning the war.
“I think if we do the right things politically and economically with the right Iraqi leadership we could still salvage at least a stalemate, if you will — not a stalemate but at least stave off defeat,” retired Army Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez said in an interview.
June 15th, 2007 at 3:44 am
As an Englishman it is fair to say that Reid, Pelosi and the rest of the Demoncrats pose a serious and long term threat to the security of my country. We are a lot closer to the Middle East than you and our military has been reduced to the bare minimum the Government can get away with. Losing in the Middle East is not an option we can live with. Even the French are starting to worry about things. The good news is that they are even closer than we are!!!
On a separate note wait for the Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria joint offensive against Israel coming soon.
June 15th, 2007 at 4:03 am
Did He, or Didn’t He?
Did Blind Harry Reid, in fact, call Gens. Peter Pace and David Petraeus “incompetent?”
June 15th, 2007 at 5:40 am
[...] you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!The right wingers are in a tizzy, feigning outrage once again, in an all too familiar pattern, as Harto noted below. The whole mess has been blown out [...]
June 15th, 2007 at 8:38 am
theospark
On a separate note wait for the Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria joint offensive against Israel coming soon.
This is good news, for after the operation that Israel performs, they all will be candidates for the Vienna Boys Choir. Those that live, of course.
June 15th, 2007 at 8:51 am
Theospark says: “As an Englishman it is fair to say that Reid, Pelosi and the rest of the Demoncrats pose a serious and long term threat to the security of my country. We are a lot closer to the Middle East than you and our military has been reduced to the bare minimum the Government can get away with. Losing in the Middle East is not an option we can live with. ”
Oh yeah, Theo? Iraq’s failure is a threat to your country? Then why are you blaming it on Reid and Pelosi? Get going and send your people over there! Losing is not an option, you know!
June 15th, 2007 at 9:47 am
He’s blaming Reid and Pelosi because they won’t get their heads out of their asses. That’s perfectly fair for him to say, because (1) it’s true, and (2) Theo castigated his own country in the next sentence of his post.
June 15th, 2007 at 10:01 am
TRJS
Reading and comprehending, then translating selectively, such a fine and transparent art, you know.
June 15th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Web Reconnaissance for 06/15/2007
A short recon of whats out there that might draw your attention.
June 15th, 2007 at 11:42 am
“Even the French are starting to worry about things. The good news is that they are even closer than we are!!!”
Jeffy,
The castigation of his own is… where?
As to blaming Reid and Pelosi, this goes back to our discussion yesterday, where you (and I would guess this guy) would say that they’re incompetent, feckless, etc. And I say, this must mean, per force, that they have no power, no influence, and thus, everything going on in Iraq right now is the result of the mighty, mighty Republicans.
June 15th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
“The castigation of his own is… where?”
Here.
“We are a lot closer to the Middle East than you and our military has been reduced to the bare minimum the Government can get away with”
That help?
He isn’t seeing it as just Iraq you know. There is a bigger picture he’s concerned with. Iraq is a battle in a war, not the war itself. This important fact escapes you.
By the way, minimalizing an Englisman’s concern over what he sees in US politics as a downside for his country is rather trite coming from a BDSer. Your fellow travelers have never hesitated to crow about any western Europe demonstration, news article, or utterance from any policy wonk that criticizes the US administration over the GWOT as proof positive of the validity of…whatever the stupidity of that argument being made. The same goes for any UN utterance out of vested interest driven committees.
Why the sudden defensiveness over the counterpoint view?
June 15th, 2007 at 12:55 pm
On a separate note wait for the Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria joint offensive against Israel coming soon.
Yes, unfortunately that’s next. However, I also look for the usual condemnations of Israel to be a lot weaker this time, when Israel kicks the crap out of them.
June 15th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
The castigation of his own is… where?
“…our military has been reduced to the bare minimum the Government can get away with.”
Of course, you probably see that as a feature, not a bug.
And I say, this must mean, per force, that they have no power, no influence, and thus, everything going on in Iraq right now is the result of the mighty, mighty Republicans.
BUAWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Yeah, everything is to be blamed on the Rethuglicans. Even after the Dhimmicrats “gained control” of Congress, by God, sit in the leadership positions (Pelosi is #3 in the succession to the Presidency, I’m sure that you know), control all the key committees, and set the agendas, BLAME THE RETHUGLICANS!!!!
BUAWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!
Sounds like you know the Dhimmicrats have royally screwed up, and you are grasping at straws to deflect the blame away from them to protect your own ego, ‘cuz God knows lefties can’t be wrong! And admit the DNC hasn’t a clue about what they are doing is WRONG and STUPID? Heaven forbid that such honesty might be seen from the left! Because, y’know, that might mean admitting that the Rethuglicans could possibly have some glimmer of an idea as to what needs to be done.
Denial is not a river in Egypt, corndog. And dodging responsibility is not the hallmark of a mature person.
June 15th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Why the sudden defensiveness over the counterpoint view?
See my post above, OMT. corndog is frantically spinning blame away from the Democrats, since they have shot themselves in the foot. It’s like that old saw, shout a lie often enough, and people will start to believe it.
June 15th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Sorry, Jeffy, I thought that when you said the castigation was in the next sentence of his post, you meant that the castigation was, well, in the next sentence of his post. I guess you really meant in the Previous sentence of his post. I’ll know that next time.
As to my “frantically spinning away.” Jeffy. I’m not spinning away a thing. I’m buying what you say. You’re right. The Democrats can’t do anything, they’re feckless and incompetent.
And you know what that means….
June 15th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
This is a big part of the problem: everyone sitting around pointing fingers. We are one country, remember. It won’t matter one whit who was to blame when we’re all enslaved or beheaded. We desperately need thoughtful, rational debate and we aren’t getting anything but schoolyard bickering and finger-pointing. Both sides suck and both are to blame for whatever happens.
Just once I’d like to hear something from the Dhimms besides childishness and cowardly defeatism, which does nothing but play into the propaganda of the enemy and get our own people, and lots of others, dead. If you can’t offer anything positive–you know, like a plan instead of assiduously ignoring the words and actions of the enemy–then go teach your grandmother to suck eggs, but don’t pretend that you are giving the subject its due reason.
June 15th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Very, very good point, cousin salty.
June 15th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
From corndog:
Sorry, Jeffy, I thought that when you said the castigation was in the next sentence of his post, you meant that the castigation was, well, in the next sentence of his post. I guess you really meant in the Previous sentence of his post. I’ll know that next time
Theo said:
As an Englishman it is fair to say that Reid, Pelosi and the rest of the Demoncrats pose a serious and long term threat to the security of my country. We are a lot closer to the Middle East than you and our military has been reduced to the bare minimum the Government can get away with.
In order, Theo slams the Dhimmicrats, and then England. First, Surrendercrats, next England. I suppose corndog is right if one assumes that “next” = “previous” and “previous” = “next”. Which is in line with the usual shifting standards of the left, where “terrorist” = “minuteman” and “Hamas” = “rational government”.
For example:
As to my “frantically spinning away.” Jeffy. I’m not spinning away a thing. I’m buying what you say. You’re right. The Democrats can’t do anything, they’re feckless and incompetent.
The Dhimicrats “can’t do anything”, and thus aren’t in control. Yet they are in control, as they occupy the seats of power in Congress, as elected by the people of the United States. Therefore, the Dhimmicrats aren’t responsible for any problems, it’s the Rethuglicans.
This is possible only if one equovacates, and changes the meaning of words. In this case, corndog carefully glosses over the reason why the Dhimmicrats are “feckless and incompetent” (i.e., they don’t have a clue on how to run a country, as much as they want to), and sets “control” semantically equal to “not responsible”.
And in corndog’s little fantasy world, unicorns dance and sing in the sun all day long. At night, they study hard, so they cab be “responsible” Dhimmicrats like Pelosi and Reid.
June 15th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Very true, salty. Personally, I want the old Democratic party back, the one that I voted for now and then. But until they eject the nutballs from their ranks (and I’m looking at you, Reid), they are the Dhimmicrats to me.
June 15th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Jeffy, please listen to me. I do not “carefully gloss[ ] over the reason why the Dhimmicrats are “feckless and incompetent” (i.e., they don’t have a clue on how to run a country, as much as they want to)”. I pay no attention to it because the reasons why matter not at all to my point. What I care about is the fact that, as you see it, they have no power. Will you please focus on what that means?
No power = no influence. I’ll just stop right there before I go further. Do you agree with that formula: Democrats = no power = no influence ?
(As to the Theo quote, when you said “next sentence” I could only assume you meant the next sentence after what I was quoting, since that would be the only way your sentence would make sense.)
June 15th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
corndog, you say that the Dhimmicrats have no power, period. I say that they do have power, and simply can’t apply it effectively.
In either case, they are not absolved of the responsibilities that they actively and aggressively sought out by running a national campaign against the Republicans. Nor can they deny having responsibility, short of resigning from office and leaving the country.
This is what you are asserting, that they have no responsibility for the current state of affairs. And I am not accepting that assertion. Both the Republicans (Bush, et al) and the Democrats (Reid, Pelosi, et al) share the responsibility here, whether you admit it or deny it. Pretending otherwise is known as “The Emperor’s New Clothes Syndrome”. The Dhimmicrats are completely naked* here.
‘Tis no middle ground here, and clearly demonstrates what salty said a couple comments back.
==================================================
*: For which I need a couple gallons of bleach for my mental eye.
June 15th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Ok, Jeffy, now we’re moving forward, finally.
You say, “they do have power, and simply can’t apply it effectively.”
But, in a new (and welcome) argument, you now say they can’t be absolved of their responsibility for the fact that they can’t use their power effectively.
Now we’re in newer and more interesting territory. Here’s what I say to that:
If they WERE able to use their power effectively, then they would attach timelines and other oversight to the Iraq fiasco. That hasn’t happened. So, are you saying that they share responsibility for a state of affairs that is unlike the state of affairs they would have if they were less, as you say, feckless?
June 15th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
That’s an interesting post. At least Senator Lieberman’s on point:
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010212
http://burkeanreflections.blogspot.com/2007/06/resisting-retreat-joseph-lieberman.html
Take care!
June 15th, 2007 at 11:40 pm
Dear Troops:
You guys are doing the most amazing job. I am totally in awe of your professionalism, maturity, integrity, honor, respect, loyalty, faith, optimism, courage, restraint, power, and the ability to love like mother Theresa, and be the baddest mother f***ers on the battlefield in all of human history. I know you hear about the negative crap on tv, radio, newspapers, etc. from the surrender monkeys in DC. You persist without exception even though many of your countrymen have lost hope along with some of our allies. Despite the loss of your friends, the loss of your brothers and sisters in arms, and missing your loved ones, you risk it all and soldier on.
Despite the constant barrage of negativity and from the godless murderous thugs who pervert god’s words and the words of his profits for their own evil deeds, you persist ever so diligently. These cowards manipulate many of god’s devout followers into killing for “god’s” sake when it is really for their own selfish perverted desires.
I never thought I would see a zombie right out of the “Night of the Living Dead” movie in real life, but he exists. You know who I’m talking about. I talking about the corpse senator from Nevada (he needs to get laid, smoke a fat one, and have a beer).
You see and deal with things I can not imagine nor would I. I simply am totally grateful for all that you do despite all of the hostility towards you. I am so glad that you guys and gals do what you do. I can sit here in safety and comfort writing as tears roll down my face in gratitude for what I read about the great things you are doing for the Iraqi people, each other, and your country. Hearing and seeing your former enemies breaking bread, smoking Monte Cristo’s with you, and referring to you as “brothers” is a testament to your fine leadership. The Iraqi’s are a proud people and more and more of them every day are becoming proud to call you their friends. You are showing them the finest that America has to offer. Hearing about a sheik saying that “when any one points a gun at anyone of you, they are pointing a gun at a fellow Iraqi” is heartfelt. WOW!
It is totally breathtaking the heroic deeds you do that mostly do not get reported in the mainstream media. I know you are winning the war and bringing peace to Iraq. You guys area changing the world and bringing true love and brotherhood to the Middle East. Ten years after you complete your mission in Iraq the people there are going to love, respect and have gratitude for the prosperous nation you have given them. Mark my word on that!
You are going to bring this war to a close with a victory and I can taste it. I know you are seeing that too. Ramadi? Wow! Diayala? Bagdad? Yes General, I agree it is truly “breathtaking” progress from what I read in the mil blogs and other internet blogs and sites.
I know General Petraeus that you know what a putts the corpse senator from Nevada is but you have too much class, honor, dignity, duty, and self-respect to sink to his level. Just because you could crush him with your words like the cockroach that he acts like does not mean you would because you are a real man and he is a poser. You truly lead by example.
You even treat those with respect who would curse you, not believe in you, berate you, give up on you, and desert you because of one simple fact. You Sir are the greatest military leader in our history and EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOUR SOLDIERS follows your exemplary example.
I am a free and proud American because of one force in the world, and that is the United States Military. I know you are risking it all for me and every other American. You do it gladly. Every day I wake up and one of the first things I do in the morning is think about the senator from Nevada and it makes me take my morning dump (I do it on purpose… you should all try it!… it works!… I promise!). Then I start my computer and get my morning fill of patriotism and optimism, for the day. Why? Because without you I would have no hope for the world, but because of you I know that one day there will be peace on earth and a brotherhood of man like John Lennon sang about.
I know you won’t ever consider giving up in Iraq or any other theatre of operations you are currently deployed in. Why? Because you are all leaders and our heroes (even if many in the world take you for granted). Do you know what the word “lead” means? The word “lead” means to go first! You are the ones showing us the way and setting the standard.
Do you know where all the negativity comes from in the world? It comes from people who are looking for leaders. Even those who attack you really want to love you. You prefer to give them the carrot but incase they refuse you and try to bite you; you also carry the biggest stick on the block! They are all starting to see that you really have been trying to help them all along.
At the end of the day what the corpse senator from Nevada is really looking to do no matter how many times he tries to attack you… is really trying to be a leader. Even though he has a long way to go, you are patiently showing this guy no matter how much he protests and tries to convince you to the contrary; you are winners. Why? Because he is a very unhappy, lonely, depressed, miserable, despicable, venomous, vengeful, hateful, selfish, self-centered, bitter, lethargic, mindless, thoughtless, sexually inept, incompetent, and boob of a leader. I said it because I would rather sink to his level then have any of you lower your standards (my sacrifice for you!). Yes he acts like a turd in the punchbowl but he can’t help it. He just likes to be miserable and you giving him victories gives him less things to be miserable about.
You may already know this but I just wanted to remind you all of this truth. No one will ever do or say anything that is not a direct reflection of how they feel about themselves in a moment. So whenever he calls any of you one of those things or anyone else for that matter, that is what he and they are trying to do. They are trying to project their own crap on to you. Why? Because you remind them of everything they are not. They hate you because they don’t feel like they are good enough to be like you. You set the bar so high in their eyes that they just feel like they could never be as good as you are.
However, every day you all stand up and say to them through your actions, “yes you can.” “No matter what you do I am going to keep leading by example and believing in victory until you believe yourself.” Why? Because “We are American Soldiers” and that is what we do.” You further go on to add by your actions…
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
I know you are going to give us, the Iraqi’s, and the rest of the world a victory for Freedom and Democracy and all that is holy in Gods beautiful world. One day sooner than most people think, the guns of war will become silent and there will be a lasting peace in the world.
Iran’s government will cut their crap, Syria’s government will do the same, and the rest of the extremists will disappear.
I know that is a tall order. But you know what? I believe you will do it. Why? Because I know you always finish the mission. That’s what you do. You give hope to those who do not have it.
As September gets here and “The Great” General Petraeus reports to Congress on the progress, they will be faced with what is starting to trickle thru in the mainstream media and that is… we are now on the shortening road to victory! We want victory… not what the unbelieving surrender monkeys are crying (remember, they are scared and many hate themselves).
During WWII we were winning the war, but the public was starting to lose interest in the war. War bond sales were falling and the country was months away from running out of money to fund the war. International banks were refusing to lend us more money (they had ulterior motives-some friends they were!). When the picture was taken of the Marines at Iwo Jima raising our flag, that picture united the country and war bond sales sky rocked. America won the war because an earlier generation of your kind united us and led us to victory. It’s the Presidents and Congresses (Congress is not showing united leadership or support for you AND YOUR MISSION even though that’s what they promised us all that they would do) job to rally the people behind you and its your job to deliver the victory. I apologize for the lack of leadership in Congress to unite us behind you. But please forgive them, you guys are setting such a high standard that they so far just can’t touch. I mean, they are not perfect but at least when they stand next to you… they are standing close to perfect.
You know the mainstream media can provide you with something useful. You could make any prisoner talk and give up the other bad guys by making them watch continuous broadcasts of the evening network newscasts. They would either talk or commit suicide. Well, maybe that’s not such a good idea. Why? That would be cruel and unusual punishment. That is why I do not own a tv anymore. Who wants to look at useless trash anyways? Besides, it’s too big to be a paperweight.
I digressed, sorry. Every day I wake up and see so many blatant signs of victory on the internet. As “The Great” General Petraeus said, “if you don’t give them anything bad to report they will have to report the good news” (I think I got the spirit of what he said). That’s what we are seeing in Iraq now. More and more good news. But please be patient with them too. Al-Qaeda has more talent in their press corps then they do.
I know they will catch up… especially when they actually start embedding with you heavily again like in the beginning of the war.
Keep up the great work and keep the victories coming! I believe in you all!
I hope someday our leaders in DC will have enough class to offer you a victory parade when your mission is complete. Please forgive them in advance if they fall short of honoring you appropriately.
I would like to offer some final thoughts…
I want to share with you all what my life is about. You all are dedicating your lives for each other and your country which includes me personally. That is why I have dedicated my life to honoring your sacrifices and good works.
I work to offer the world hopefully as much as 1/1000 of what you do in hopes of honoring your collective sacrifices. That is why I dedicated my book “How To Be A 3% Man, Winning The Heart Of The Woman Of Your Dreams” and all of my future works to you in my efforts of follow the great example and standard you set for us all…
HONOR
This book is dedicated to the American soldier. No matter whether the cause is popular or not, I am in awe of the fact that when their country calls them, they go, and they go willingly. They take our place on the battlefield, risking everything they have, because it is part of who they are. They all are my heroes and I owe all of my success, happiness, and opportunities to past, present, and future generations of their kind. May god keep them safe and speed the day to us when their sacrifice is no longer required because humanity has learned that the real enemy is hatred itself and the way to real happiness is unconditional love. Until that day comes I take great pride and comfort in knowing they will continue to stand up and show us what real honor and integrity is. I dedicate my life to helping bring humanity closer together, and always giving my gifts to the world in hopes that I may honor all of their collective sacrifices so they are not in vain.
Humbly and truly in your debt now, daily, and forever!
Love in action
Corey Wayne
Hoooooooooo-raaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Hoooooooo-yaaaaaaaaa, Semper Fi, etc.
Proud American because of you!
June 16th, 2007 at 7:22 am
The conservative commenators, Republican voters and independents surely taught the Republican politicians at the last election. We are now so much better off with the Democrats in the Congress.
June 16th, 2007 at 7:24 am
PS:
The Bumber sticker is a great idea. We are loosers – Reid, Democrat
June 22nd, 2007 at 4:35 pm
“The Army strives for a “rule of threes”: for every combat unit on a mission, a second is recovering and a third is preparing. But today, more than half the Army’s fighting units are deployed abroad…
…Deep inside the Pentagon…a nightmare scenario hangs in the air, unmentioned but unmistakable. With 140,000 U.S. troops tied down stabilizing Iraq, 34,000 in Kuwait, 10,000 in Afghanistan and 5,000 in the Balkans, what good options would George W. Bush have if, say sometime next spring, North Korea’s Kim Jong Il decided to test the resilience of the relatively small “trip-wire” force of 37,000 American troops in South Korea…
…America’s military has been shrinking for the past 35 years…All four services have been cut in strength, and leaders of both parties have overseen this decline. President Bush’s father reduced the number of Army divisions from 18 to 14; Bill Clinton cut it further, to 10…The Bush team’s vision for the U.S. Army involved making it learner, faster, more efficient and more open to change…” – TIME ‘03.
The impression I had was that the surge amounted to 30,000 more troops. However, I think that means all troops and not just “combat” troops. I have heard before that if the military has around 1,000,000 people, somewhere around 1/2 are support personnel. So, if there are only 500,000 “combat” troops and they are supposed to have an equal amount at home to rest and recuperate as they do at war, plus taking into consideration the other commitments such as Korea and Japan, etc., you have a better idea of what is really being asked of the troops:
“Inside a fortified conference room, through the prism of U.S. and Iraqi
military officials, a security plan to pacify the country was working on
Wednesday…Outside, extremists blew up mosques, lobbed mortars into Baghdad’s heavily protected Green Zone, and generated a steady drumbeat of violence.” The Kansas City Star – 6-21-07.
Conditions in Iraq will not improve sufficiently by September to justify a
drawdown of U.S. military forces, the top U.S. commander in Iraq said Sunday. Asked whether he thought the job assigned to an additional 30,000 troops deployed as the centerpiece of President Bush’s new war strategy would be completed by then, Gen. David Petraeus replied, “I do not, no. I think that we have a lot of heavy lifting to do.” The Kansas City Star – 6-18-07.
“In Washington, Pentagon officials urged patience…But Pentagon planners
privately expressed concern. ‘We don’t have enough troops,’ one said. ‘It would take another 100,000′ to properly protect Baghdad.”
(That day there was an inset saying the troops would get extra days off in lieu of extra pay for the extra deployments. I guess times are tough all over.) The Kansas City Star – 4-19-07.
“Last summer the U.S. military in Iraq, led by Gen. George Casey…increased the U.S. forces patrolling Baghdad’s neighborhoods by 3,700, to a total of more than 15,000…The current surge was to be different. U.S. forces in Baghdad were to increase by at least 17,000, bringing the total U.S. force in Baghdad to more than 30,000. The troops were to work alongside 30,000 Iraqi army and national police forces and 21,000 policemen…That hasn’t happened as rapidly as U.S. commanders had hoped…” The Kansas City Star – 6-09-07.
“Most Iraqi military units arriving in Baghdad…have only 75% of their assigned soldiers…About one in six Iraqi policemen trained by U.S. forces has been killed or wounded, has deserted or has just disappeared…”
The Kansas City Star – 6-14-07.
August 10th, 2007 at 12:35 am
[...] Reid’s mouth…again. [...]