Honesty Deserves Respect
Representative Brian Baird voted against the war in Iraq. He has been an unyielding critic of the conduct of the war. That is why his honesty on the situation in Iraq is an outright disaster for the Reid-Pelosi strategy of failure at all costs. Because he, despite his longstanding opposition to the war, is forcefully arguing for the troops to remain. Because they are really making a difference and really making progress.
The invasion of Iraq may be one of the worst foreign-policy mistakes in the history of our nation. As tragic and costly as that mistake has been, a precipitous or premature withdrawal of our forces now has the potential to turn the initial errors into an even greater problem just as success looks possible.
As a Democrat who voted against the war from the outset and who has been frankly critical of the administration and the post-invasion strategy, I am convinced by the evidence that the situation has at long last begun to change substantially for the better. I believe Iraq could have a positive future. Our diplomatic and military leaders in Iraq, their current strategy, and most importantly, our troops and the Iraqi people themselves, deserve our continued support and more time to succeed.
It is a very, very well written piece and worth taking the time to read in its entirety. Baird makes several important points:
Those problems notwithstanding, to walk away now from the recent gains would be to lose all the progress that has been purchased at such a dear price in lives and dollars. As one soldier said to me, "We have lost so many good people and invested so much, It just doesn't make sense to quit now when we're finally making progress. I want to go home as much as anyone else, but I want this mission to succeed and I'm willing to do what it takes. I just want to know the people back home know we're making progress and support us."
From a strategic perspective, if we leave now, Iraq is likely to break into even worse sectarian conflict. The extremist regime in Iran will expand its influence in Iraq and elsewhere in the region. Terrorist organizations, the people who cut off the heads of civilians, stone women to death, and preach hatred and intolerance, will be emboldened by our departure. In the ensuing chaos, the courageous Iraqi civilians, soldiers and political leaders who have counted on us will be left to the slaughter. No American who cares about human rights, security and our moral standing in the world can be comfortable letting these things happen.
Baird is honest enough to admit what would happen if we pulled out. He is not mincing words here. Read it all. Coming from someone with Baird's credentials the words have added power.
A side note here: Baird also is clearly signaling that any attempt to undermine General Petraeus or Ambassador Crocker by the left is a very, very bad idea, indeed. So that strategy should be abandoned at once. If Reid or Pelosi attempt to attack or disparage Petraeus or Crocker, they may be looking at a full-scale mutiny.
Other Links to this Post
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Wake up America — Friday, 24 August , 2007 @ 10:36 am
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Blue Crab Boulevard » O’Hanlon Fires Back — Saturday, 25 August , 2007 @ 6:46 am
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Blue Crab Boulevard » Burn The Heretic — Wednesday, 5 September , 2007 @ 7:01 am
By syn, Friday, 24 August , 2007 @ 9:12 am
What Cogressman Brian Baird is unwilling to see is that the Progressive Left base of his Democrat Party does not care about Iraq, they want to see President George W. Bush’s head hacked off and stuck on a spike set up in America’s public square for all to see the powerful influence of the Progressive Left.
Under FDR the Democrat Party was wise enough to purge the Progressive Left from their party however, since the death of JFK the Progressive Left has re-inserted itself back into the political landscape. Today the Democrat Party is beholden to the monster they allowed out of their closet and their monster wants to taste the blood of victory in seeing President George W. Bush destroyed.
At the 2008 Democratic Convention the Democrat Party will experience first hand just how rabid and full of hate is the Progressive Left base.
Forget Iraq, the Democrat Party is in for some severe blowblack for failing to get President George W. Bush.