72, 183 of 424, and Real Support for the Troops
In 72 words, House Democrats fashioned a narrow, cramped view of their responsibility to our troops, our country and the part of the world that looks to us for sustenance in its fight against terrorism and totalitarianism:
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that –
(1) Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq; and
In 72 words, House Democrats fashioned a narrow, cramped view of their responsibility to our troops, our country and the part of the world that looks to us for sustenance in its fight against terrorism and totalitarianism:Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that –
(1) Congress and the American people will continue to support and protect the members of the United States Armed Forces who are serving or who have served bravely and honorably in Iraq; and
(2) Congress disapproves of the decision of President George W. Bush announced on Jan. 10, 2007, to deploy more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq.
We don’t know what “support and protect” means in light of Rep. Murtha’s announced plan to strangle funding for the troops in the next round of Iraq debate. Support appears not to include confidence in our troops’ ability to complete their mission, perhaps because the Democrats don’t like the front on which they fight. And clearly Democrats have nothing to say about the nature of our fight or our responsibility in Iraq.
It took Gen. David Petraeus 424 words to write a letter to the multinational forces in Iraq that elevates, honors, respects and supports the troops; explains their mission; and gives voice to his belief and expectation that the forces he commands are equal to the challenges they face. Here are 183 of them:
Together with our Iraqi partners, we must defeat those who oppose the new Iraq. We cannot allow mass murderers to hold the initiative. We must strike them relentlessly. We and our Iraqi partners must set the terms of the struggle, not our enemies. And together we must prevail.
The way ahead will not be easy. There will be difficult times in the months to come. But hard is not hopeless and we must remain steadfast in our effort to improve security for the Iraqi people. I am confident that each of you will fight with skill and courage, and that you will remain loyal to your comrades in arms and to the values our nations hold so dear.
In the end, the Iraqis will decide the outcome of this struggle. Our task is to help them gain the time they need to save their country. To do that, many of us will live and fight alongside them. Together we will face down the terrorists, insurgents and criminals who slaughter the innocent. Success will require discipline, fortitude and initiative – qualities you have in abundance.
The Senate confirmed Gen. Petraeus unanimously. We concur in their good sense to have done so – giving the General a vote of confidence he will no doubt need in the days ahead. It would be wise of the Senate this weekend to honor his 424 words over the 72 words of pandering and responsibility-ducking from House Democrats, and show confidence in our general and real support for our forces.