Notes on Mr. Murtha and More Amazing Media...
First point: One piece of the John Murtha plan that seems to have mostly escaped the attention of the media: He didn't call for a full retreat from the Mesopotamian region. Specifically, what Congressman Murtha asked for (in his own words) was-
"My plan calls: To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces.
To create a quick reaction force in the region.
To create an over- the- horizon presence of Marines.
To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq"
War in Iraq by John Murtha
Specifically, what Mr. Murtha requested was a strong rapid response team based just over the border in Kuwait, ready to jump in when the Iraqi armi can't cut the mustard. This is neither difficult to imagine nor is it 'cutting and running'. Kuwait is right next to Iraq (a country roughly the size of California, and not nearly as oblong). Airstrikes and quick deployments to aid embattled Iraqi soldiers would be relatively simple logistically, and our troops would be based in a reasonably non-hostile section of the region. Less troop strength would be required. The Iraqi security forces would have a further incentive to stand up and take responsibility. WE CAN'T HOLD THEIR HANDS FOREVER. The plan is, in my opinion, fairly logistically sound (leaving aside unforeseen problems). Whether or not you agree with Murtha's position, perhaps having a better understanding of what that position actually IS will help you to make a better informed decision in favor or against. This post has been inspired by Poldark Maximus, an excellent blogger and a scholar in his own right.
In other amazing stories...
A few days ago, the veteran picked up a copy of the Wall Street Journal for the first time ever. While WSJ is certainly a bastion of conservative capitalist thought, the ol' veteran finds it to be worth a read by anyone with the time. The amount of detailed stock information available is stunning for a daily paper-based publication, and some of the Op-Eds are enlightening. For example (and I can't remember who the writer was), there was an article on the philosophy and ideology of John McCain. Friends, whether you like McCain or not, I think you'd find this to be quite an objective perspective. The author compares McCain to Teddy Roosevelt (the vet's favorite President of all time) and to Robin Hood. Check it out if you get the chance.
For those in the arena for a 'what the f*ck, over?', the Gubernator has hired on Dem Susan Kennedy (not one of 'the' Kennedys) as his Chief of Staff. Reps in Orangeland are pretty upset, and understandably so. While Schwarzenegger ran as a moderate Republican, he's been keeping Cali Republicans happy recently with his hard-right initiatives (they failed) and his H2. Unfortunately, while keeping his conservative base happy, he also threw himself out of favor with the other half. By hiring on Kennedy (former Deputy Chief of Staff to Gray Davis), Schwarzie may be showing regret at leaving the center and alienating his largest base. Hopefully, this will work in his favor. I hear she's a great advisor. The article can be found at the NYT.
That's all for now, folks. Come on by, and tell your friends! Also, remember: real webheads don't use Internet Explorer. Click on that little Firefox link at the top of the page and see what security and speed are all about.
"My plan calls: To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces.
To create a quick reaction force in the region.
To create an over- the- horizon presence of Marines.
To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq"
War in Iraq by John Murtha
Specifically, what Mr. Murtha requested was a strong rapid response team based just over the border in Kuwait, ready to jump in when the Iraqi armi can't cut the mustard. This is neither difficult to imagine nor is it 'cutting and running'. Kuwait is right next to Iraq (a country roughly the size of California, and not nearly as oblong). Airstrikes and quick deployments to aid embattled Iraqi soldiers would be relatively simple logistically, and our troops would be based in a reasonably non-hostile section of the region. Less troop strength would be required. The Iraqi security forces would have a further incentive to stand up and take responsibility. WE CAN'T HOLD THEIR HANDS FOREVER. The plan is, in my opinion, fairly logistically sound (leaving aside unforeseen problems). Whether or not you agree with Murtha's position, perhaps having a better understanding of what that position actually IS will help you to make a better informed decision in favor or against. This post has been inspired by Poldark Maximus, an excellent blogger and a scholar in his own right.
In other amazing stories...
A few days ago, the veteran picked up a copy of the Wall Street Journal for the first time ever. While WSJ is certainly a bastion of conservative capitalist thought, the ol' veteran finds it to be worth a read by anyone with the time. The amount of detailed stock information available is stunning for a daily paper-based publication, and some of the Op-Eds are enlightening. For example (and I can't remember who the writer was), there was an article on the philosophy and ideology of John McCain. Friends, whether you like McCain or not, I think you'd find this to be quite an objective perspective. The author compares McCain to Teddy Roosevelt (the vet's favorite President of all time) and to Robin Hood. Check it out if you get the chance.
For those in the arena for a 'what the f*ck, over?', the Gubernator has hired on Dem Susan Kennedy (not one of 'the' Kennedys) as his Chief of Staff. Reps in Orangeland are pretty upset, and understandably so. While Schwarzenegger ran as a moderate Republican, he's been keeping Cali Republicans happy recently with his hard-right initiatives (they failed) and his H2. Unfortunately, while keeping his conservative base happy, he also threw himself out of favor with the other half. By hiring on Kennedy (former Deputy Chief of Staff to Gray Davis), Schwarzie may be showing regret at leaving the center and alienating his largest base. Hopefully, this will work in his favor. I hear she's a great advisor. The article can be found at the NYT.
That's all for now, folks. Come on by, and tell your friends! Also, remember: real webheads don't use Internet Explorer. Click on that little Firefox link at the top of the page and see what security and speed are all about.
posted by Mad Mod at
12/02/2005 11:10:00 AM
3 Comments:
Hi Vet,
Merry Christmas back at ya, and a big THANK-YOU for your service.
Now down to brass tacks. The problem with the Murtha plan and its "Rapid Response Force," is little different from our current deployment. The first time such a force is needed, more of our troops will unfortunately be killed and/or injured. At that point we are back where we were when the debate began. Does the American populace have the cojones to stay the course? It will be much easier for Americans to just say ****-it at that point than it is from our current deployment. The Democrats and Murtha's of the country know this and that is their goal.
Having the perspective of history (being an old cuss) I know that this was what happened in Vietnam. It was not a case of their military not being competent to defend themselves, it was their need of logistical support to combat that of China's help to North Vietnam which, in the end beat them. Our Congress, which at that time-around '74-was over 65% Democrat, refused to fund the commitment it had made in the Paris Accord. Once our main force was out of the country, they cut the supply train.
Do you really believe their intent is any different now?
Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. America's already been fooled once by the Democrat Party in a time of war.
Interesting perspective. I haven't heard that particular one before. Do you have links to any further information on the subject?
Will, this is not Vietnam...this is not WWII.
These are not people backed by any legitimate government, and they do not comprise a standard "military" or army.
They are tag teams, made up of desperate, religious, fanatical people with no idea of what the world is beyond their limited bleak reality. In their minds, they are doing what is right to drive infidels from their part of the world.
The nature of these people will not be contained or extinguished by having the 'cojones' to stay and fight them. There is a neverending supply, and I guess you just don't get that?
As long as George W. Bush continues to have such strong ties with the Saudi's (as evidenced by his holding hands with the Crown Prince of Saud, after he just arrested 40 Christians) and the fact that Usama bin Laden is the son of Bush family friends), you mean to tell me that devout muslims that Saudis are, they will welcome the democratization of Iraq, and the eventual effects?
Please. Supporting a President who speaks out of the side of his mouth, with no military experience, who cuts veterans benefits, and talks about the deaths of 30,000 Iraqis then LAUGHS, LAUGHS in the next breath, over people who want to protect American in an INTELLIGENT way is disgusting. Y'all act like neanderthals swinging hammers at roaches.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home