Friday, June 23, 2006
Iraq
In light of the recent debate in the Congress here is what I would like to see happen. Some enterprising White House reporter needs to ask Mr. Bush what defines victory in our current situation in Iraq.
Until we know what defines victory, it is wrong for Mr. Bush to keep saying ‘Stay the Course’ because there is no course to stay.
Simply put, the current situation in Iraq is untenable. We can stay there and bleed from a thousand paper cuts because we haven’t enough troops on the ground to do anything other than that. We haven’t enough troops to secure the country, some might say that in light of the recent kidnaping and killing of soldiers at a checkpoint, that we haven’t enough troops to secure much more of Iraq other than the Green Zone. We certainly haven’t enough troops on the ground to protect Iraqi civilians from car bombs and kidnapings.
Which leaves the question what to do?
With no definition of what victory is, as the current situation stands we’re spinning our wheels in the sand while soldiers die for some undefined cause.
The only other approach I can see is admitting, at least to ourselves, that the Rumsfeld approach to a minimal ground force to secure the peace was a failure. Secondly, we have to admit, at least to ourselves, that the flower-strewn welcome that Vice- President Chenney predicted not only did not materialize to the degree expected but was thwarted but mistakes like not stopping the post-shooting-phase looting.
After finally seeing the facts as they are, we’re left with only two viable conclusions. Declare victory and turn things over to the Iraqis and leave or send hundred of thousands of additional troops to provide security for the country and root out the insurgents.
Until we know what defines victory, it is wrong for Mr. Bush to keep saying ‘Stay the Course’ because there is no course to stay.
Simply put, the current situation in Iraq is untenable. We can stay there and bleed from a thousand paper cuts because we haven’t enough troops on the ground to do anything other than that. We haven’t enough troops to secure the country, some might say that in light of the recent kidnaping and killing of soldiers at a checkpoint, that we haven’t enough troops to secure much more of Iraq other than the Green Zone. We certainly haven’t enough troops on the ground to protect Iraqi civilians from car bombs and kidnapings.
Which leaves the question what to do?
With no definition of what victory is, as the current situation stands we’re spinning our wheels in the sand while soldiers die for some undefined cause.
The only other approach I can see is admitting, at least to ourselves, that the Rumsfeld approach to a minimal ground force to secure the peace was a failure. Secondly, we have to admit, at least to ourselves, that the flower-strewn welcome that Vice- President Chenney predicted not only did not materialize to the degree expected but was thwarted but mistakes like not stopping the post-shooting-phase looting.
After finally seeing the facts as they are, we’re left with only two viable conclusions. Declare victory and turn things over to the Iraqis and leave or send hundred of thousands of additional troops to provide security for the country and root out the insurgents.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Mr. Bush On The Border
While speaking to the Border Patrol on 6 June 2006 Mr Bush said this:
*Emphasis added
Here is the full transcript.
"That makes sense to me, doesn't it?"
Is he asking the audience if it makes sense to him? Most likely he isn’t, but it gave me a good laugh.
But it takes the time, and yet, we don't have time to get this border enforced. And so, therefore, I decided to work with our state governors, Republicans and Democrats, to move 6,000 National Guard troops on the border to help the current Border Patrol do the job until the new agents are trained. That makes sense to me, doesn't it? If we've got a problem, let's address it square on. And if part of the problem is we're waiting to get new Border Patrol agents trained and we can't wait, let's move some troops in -- National Guard troops that will be able to help those of you on the front lines of securing our border do your job better.
*Emphasis added
Here is the full transcript.
"That makes sense to me, doesn't it?"
Is he asking the audience if it makes sense to him? Most likely he isn’t, but it gave me a good laugh.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Jazz Interlude
Once again from youtube.com.
This clip comes from a 1948 movie directed by Howard Hawks, called "A Song Is Born" and has a list of jazz giants in it including:
Benny Goodman
Tommy Dorsey
Louis Armstrong
Lionel Hampton
This clip features Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton. Benny Goodman - Let's Steal Some Apples.
Have a look and a listen.
This clip comes from a 1948 movie directed by Howard Hawks, called "A Song Is Born" and has a list of jazz giants in it including:
Benny Goodman
Tommy Dorsey
Louis Armstrong
Lionel Hampton
This clip features Benny Goodman and Lionel Hampton. Benny Goodman - Let's Steal Some Apples.
Have a look and a listen.
