http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/02/11/iraq.rumsfeld/index.html "BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Donald Rumsfeld has told U.S. troops in Iraq they have shown the world America is a land of liberators not occupiers, and that they can return home once Iraqi security forces are trained and confident." Hmm. This brings up a few questions. Once Iraqi security forces are trained and confident? Any timetable on when we can expect that to come to pass? And didn't we believe the ARVN troops were "trained and confident" when we pulled out of South Vietnam? Now that we've gotten ourselves into this quagmire I'd like to see some plans (if any) that we intend to give the country back to the Iraqis, but not if it means our absence will result in a huge uprising which installs a fanatical fundamentalist regime. Or could it be, by an incredible coincidence, that the Iraqi security will be ready around the same time that we use up all of Iraq's oil? Or...is this just a diversion comparable to General Westmoreland telling us in 1967 that the Vietnam War is nearly over and the enemy does not have the means to mount a massive offensive? (Just before the TET offensive proved him and LBJ wrong).
sadly, i belive you are right & this is the new vietnam for my generation. after the 9-11 attacks i said that i believed that terrorism is the new communism and sadly, i may be right. is it any surprise that oil production is supposed to peak by 2010? our country is going to screwed when that happens! Peace & love
There is no real plan to give the country back to the Iraqis. That is the big lie regarding Iraq. We are in the process of building 12 or 13 permanent military bases there, so I am confident that we are never going to leave Iraq. Sure, we might not be involved in Iraqi affairs like we are now, but we will always be stationed there. One of the big reasons we invaded Iraq is to gain control over the country and build military bases which can be used as a launch pad for future military operations in the Middle East.
Considering that Colin Powell said in 2004 that the US plans to keep 100,000 troops in Iraq after the occupation formally ends, I wouldn't expect to see troops coming home any time soon.
You know, just a few millenia ago every king had a suit of armor and a sword. If a king decided to send his country into war, he would actually take part in the battle and bust heads like everyone else. Kings were expected to be great warriors, and while they usually stayed to the rear to command, they were ready with their sword if need be, advisors were battle hardened old greybeards who led troops in every war, generals and commanders were men who started as lowly soldiers and through their cunning managed to live through many battles and the king's sons were always in the thick of the fight. What I would like to see is Rumsfeld in a Flak Jacket commanding an elite sniper squad, I want to see the Bush twins mending mangled limbs in the MASH, I want to see congressmen and their sons carrying M16s on the front lines and I want to see Cheney flying an attack helicopter, and of course, I want to see George bush staying with the troops in Iraq to give orders, the first one there and the last to leave, and when they captured Saddam, Bush would have dueled him. Perhaps there wouldn't be as many wars if the people who start them were the people who fight in them.
That would be nice if that would happen,but all those you mentioned had the chance to "prove" themselves on the field of combat,,,and pussied out bigtime.Self rightousness and greed has taken over.Big brother is firmly entrenched,and the sheeple are content. "and the bleat goes on........."
I also believe that whole familys went too war ?.. men women and children , not all fighting but in some way 'helping'.. would you like that as well. When a son or daughter signs up, heck the whole family joins up.. As we live in the 21st century what your saying is only funny, nothing more. Tell that to winston churchil and every other gallant president or prime minister.. I understand what you getting at..its still bullshit though.
Rumsfeld creeps me out with his clawing hand gestures, grimacing, and his very existence ! I think he is a senile old coot, and an evil wind bag.
