[Rhodes22-list] Re: Rhodes22-list Digest, Vol 536, Issue 2

[Loumoore at aol.com]

Give me a break, Steve.

The fact is Kerry has a moderate voting record on defense issues--not at all 
out of synch with mainstream Dems and Republicans.  Cheney himself recommended 
the cancelation of a number of weapons systems in the early post-Cold War 
period that he pillars Kerry for opposing.

The fact is John Kerry supported Bush post 9/11, including the authorization 
to use force in Iraq to strengthen our diplomatic hand and to serve as last 
resort.  This was not flip-flopping; it was a responsible position to take.  In 
contrast, President Bush has acted recklessly in his role as commander in 
chief.  The evidence is mounting that the president rushed to war without a plan 
for the peace.  Bush cannot claim "miscalculation" or defective intelligence in 
regard to the post-war mess in Iraq.  The president was warned by military 
officials and others who served him that the war plan was seriously flawed.   
The administration's course in Iraq is emerging as the greatest military blunder 
since the Vietnam war

Bush's missteps post 9/11 have placed the United States in a dangerous 
position:

1. A large portion of the our troops are on riot control duty in Iraq 
fighting a war of attrition against 20,000 insurgents.  Bush has no plan, no policy, 
no program to improve the situation.   Innocent Americans are murdered and the 
administration does NOTHING.  American military personal are in danger and 
nothing is being done to improve matters as the the situation continues to 
deteriorate. 

2. Al Quada has reconstituted itself in Afganastan and in over 50 countries.

3. Kids in Iraq are being paid $150 to throw bombs in part because there are 
no jobs.  The administration had nothing in place to accelerate recovery in 
Iraq after the collaspe of the regime.

4. On balance, when taking into consideration the safety of the United 
States, I will take a contained Sadem verses the mess that has been created in Iraq. 
 As of now less than 5,000 Iraqi police officers have been trained.  How the 
hell will they be able to hold an election in a country where vast regions are 
in the hands of crazed thugs, who harbor terrorists?

5. The credibility of the United States has been severely damaged by the Bush 
administration's mishandling of the situation.  Like it not we need allies.  
We have lost friends and strengthened our enemies.

6. Bush has failed the America people.   Only sometime blinded by intense 
partisanship could commend Bush's failed leadership.  

7. Kerry offers a new direction for our country.  A new administration will 
refocus our efforts on the real enemy--Al Quada--and rebuild our position in 
the world.  Kerry will not attempt to fight two wars on three tax cuts but will 
ask all of us to share the burden.