Withdrawal from Iraq

Murtha's plan isn't quite "cut-and-run," but the effects look to me to be essentially the same. The screaming of the politicos over the proposals and the various name calling was just fascinating. I find it especially interesting that Democrats can criticize the present methodology, but state that no one can criticize them. The screeches over patriotism is just pathetic.

On the floor of the Senate Friday, Senator John Kerry, who lost the 2004 election to President Bush, lashed out at what he called disgusting efforts by Republicans to discredit Mr. Murtha in particular, and label Democratic criticism on Iraq unpatriotic.

"We have seen the politics of fear and smear too many times," said John Kerry. "And whenever challenged, there are some Republican leaders who engage in the politics of personal destruction rather than debate the issues. It doesn't matter who you are."

This response came from Arizona Republican Senator John Kyl.

"I don't think anyone is trying to crush debate or dissent, or prevent questions from being asked," said John Kyl. "But it is a fact when the president of the United States is accused of deliberate manipulation of intelligence to bring us into war, some have even said lied, in order to bring us into war, that deserves a response. That is part of a healthy debate."

Emotions about Congressman Murtha's statement were evident in the House of Representatives, where South Carolina Republican Joseph Wilson and Massachusetts Democrat Jim McGovern spoke.

"Instead of proposing winning solutions for the global war on terrorism, some Democrats are throwing up their hands and waving the white flag of surrender," said Wilson.

"The American people want this Congress to debate the war in Iraq. We should have had a debate before we entered into this war, instead we rushed into it," McGovern claimed.

"Politics of personal destruction." That is just pathetic. What has Kerry been doing with wide spread speeches calling the President a liar? Is this a campaign of reasonable dissent or political mud throwing? Kerry's glass house is a touch cracked.

Beyond the political crap, Murtha's whole plan is amazingly flawed for someone who was a leader in the military. Here's the crux:

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

Think about this. Would you move the forces and limit them in the area where violence and/or civil war could break out? What logistics and support would you destroy by having all supply and intelligence out of the country? He claims that they could respond within a couple of days. Yes they could, and when they did they would be the most vulnerable to attack. Tanks just don't appear in a theater of war, the related support doesn't either. Quick reaction forces are fine for small conflicts, but when the action could require response to multiple areas all at one time, you're asking for chaos when responding.

As for diplomatic pursuit of security and stability, can you honestly tell me that the people that make up the insurgency would be open to this? Some people need to pull their heads out of their back sides.

QandO has an interesting bit related to how this whole topic is spinning.