Regardless of whether or
not the Bush Administration was disingenuous in presenting the case for war,
nearly all members of Congress voted to send this nation to war. Nothing can change
that fact. I just received an e-mail from my local Democratic chapter with a
link to an article wherein Senator Biden indicated he thought we should
withdraw or begin to withdraw our troops from Iraq if the newly elected
parliament cannot form a government by summer. I informed the senator’s office
that I completely disagree with this stance, and urged him to change it.
I can
assure you that every time I consider that we voluntarily attacked a sovereign
nation under false pretenses I am caught between feelings of rage and
heart-sickness. But, how can we Americans, as an honorable people, allow
ourselves to throw our hands up in despair at the colossal mess we created and
casually walk away? "So sorry about attacking you guys . . . deposing your
government . . . and . . uh . . . exposing your nation to a civil war, but the
Bush Administration lied! Since they're not playing fair, and seeing how its
gotten so bloody and all, we're goin' home. Bye."
My personal
feelings on how poorly we would be viewed by the international community aside,
withdrawal from Iraq early, and especially now, is a Republican strategist's
dream. The Bush Administration and the GOP love to harp on about how resolute
and steadfast they are in the face of adversity. However, there are already
many indications that even within their rank and file there is a desire for the
war to be over. Preferably, victoriously, but if not, hopefully with Democrats
calling for the troop withdrawal. That way they can look resolute and steadfast
and we can be made to look weak on defense and security issues - again.
As an
American citizen, I feel morally outraged that we were pulled into Iraq with
intelligence that had been cherry-picked to support a particular political
position. But, abandoning the Iraqi people is not the answer. If we
leave before Iraq is at peace, Americans, Iraqis, Britons – indeed all the who
have lost their lives, and those who may lose them yet – will have died in
vain.
|
|