To Be Announced...

I keep hearing that we are "stretched too thin" and our Iowa homeland is at risk of a natural disaster that could leave us on our own...because the Iowa National Guard has had to deal with long deployments, low recruiting, morale, funding, equipment, and a host of other problems.

Usually after each complaint, statistics refute each and every one of them.

It's funny how our leaders like Culver and Vilsack before him never seem to listen to the Generals...and complain that Bush is or isn't listening to the Generals with regard to the plan in Iraq, troop levels, etc.

Democrats are all over the board on this. Thankfully, they rely on the short memory lapses that most Americans have. Here's the latest example:

Leader says Iowa Guard is strongest it's been in generations

The leader of the Iowa National Guard says the Guard is "quite possibly the strongest" it's been in generations. Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Ron Dardis delivered the annual "Condition of the Guard" address this morning at the statehouse. Dardis told lawmakers the Iowa Guard is setting recruiting records, but Dardis warned soldiers are worried the public's support for the military may wane as the war continues.

Recruiting records. Write that down along with today's date...because you're bound to see a Letter to the Editor or carpet-bagging candidate say just the opposite.

"How can the Iowa National Guard be in such good shape? The answer is simple: its people," Dardis said. "We are blessed with remarkable and talented members who are committed and they believe in what they are doing, who are supported from understanding families and employers and communities, and who benefit greatly from the benefits and incentives provided by the state and nation."

Just days ago, former Governor Vilsack had an Op-Ed in the Washington Post. As most of you probably missed it (along with the rest of the country), here's some key points he made:

Congress Must Act On Iraq

By Tom Vilsack
Saturday, February 10, 2007; A17

Think of the last time you were in a public place with 1,000 people -- a sports event, a Fourth of July parade, a concert.

Now imagine all 1,000 of those people dead.

If the number of American military deaths in Iraq in recent years is any guide, that's how many Americans will die in that country in the next year if Congress doesn't act immediately to take our troops out of harm's way in Iraq's civil war.

Now imagine the 5,000 more Americans likely to be wounded and maimed if Congress doesn't fulfill its duty to get our young men and women out of Iraq's war zone.

Vilsack has gone completely bonkers on this one. Just imagine anyone dead! We shouldn't be there!

That's totally insane.

The next time you're at a basketball game with 15,000 fans...imagine all of them dead. That's how many are murdered every year in the United States. Withdraw NOW!

I urge you to read the entire enfuriating article. It's full of the most left-wing raise the white flag mentality I have seen yet...

Members of Congress have a constitutional and moral obligation to exercise their authority to stop funding President Bush's failed policy in Iraq. Not eventually, but immediately.

The war in Iraq and the president's mismanagement of our military resources have recklessly endangered our national security and depleted our military and National Guard units across America. By nearly every standard, the homeland security of our country has been weakened and compromised by the president's policies and a lack of congressional oversight.

See? Our state is in danger...don't pay any attention to that nutjob Adjutant General in po-dunk Iowa!

Nearly a year ago, I went to Iraq to hear firsthand from U.S. troops, military leaders and Iraqis.

This is what I heard from our military commanders: If the Iraqi government can't provide better security for its people in six months, U.S. troops in central and southern Iraq should leave...Unfortunately, this administration refuses to listen to our military leaders or our citizens. So the question is: What will Congress do?

Nevermind what that whacko nutjob of an Adjutant General I had in Iowa says! I'm not going to listen to some Bush-loving military commander in Iowa says...

Congress has the constitutional ability and the moral responsibility to pass legislation cutting off funding for the status quo.

Not one soldier will or should be deprived of ammunition or armor.

So, cut off the funding for the status quo the troops, but don't cut off the funding for ammunition or armor the troops.

Which is it?

We'll give you armor...but we don't want you there.
We'll give you bullets...but don't use them.
Withdraw the troops...but don't withdraw them.
Don't get in the middle of a civil war...but maintain the peace.

I'm getting dizzy just thinking about it.

A modest number of peacekeeping troops would temporarily remain in northern Iraq, protect civilians against sectarian violence, discourage Iran from border incursions and help maintain regional stability -- without recklessly endangering American lives.

The writer, a former governor of Iowa, is a Democratic candidate for president.

Soon, that will read:

The writer, a former governor of Iowa, is a former Democratic candidate for president.

Vilsack has lost his marbles.

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Labels: iraq, vilsack