Several days ago, John McCain "mistakenly" said that the United States had drawn down Iraqi troop levels to where they were before the so-called "buildup." The Washington Post used the word "mistakenly," which given the WaPo's past pandering to the "maverick," was likely purposeful to give the impression that he really knew what he was talking about but was momentarily "mistaken."Bah, humbug!
McCain's ignorance was made obvious to all in what he said to reporters: "I can tell you that [the troop increase] is succeeding. I look you in the eyes and tell you it's succeeding. We have drawn down to pre-surge levels. Basra, Mosul and now Sadr City are quiet and it's long and it's hard and it's tough and there will be setbacks."
You'd think he'd shut up when he doesn't know whereof he speaketh! But, noooooo. The facts are, as the Obama people quickly pointed out, that troop levels are around 150,000 which is quite a bit more than the 130,000 of pre-surge days! Furthermore, the Pentagon said last February that its goal was to get troop levels down to 140,000 which is still 10,000 short of what McCain claims they are now!
McBush, following his leader's lead, refused to admit he made a mistake! My god, this is deja vu! "I said," he said, "we have drawn down. And we have drawn down!"
The Republican poohbahs said it was just a matter of semantics. But any fool knows that isn't the case. It's about knowledge and McBush doesn't know what he should know.
As Obama said, "anyone running for commander in chief should know better." In reference to Republican claims that criticism of McCain was nitpicking, Obama said, "Well, I don't think tens of thousands of American troops amounts to nitpicking....It's time for a debate that's based on the truth, and I can't think of anything more important than how many Americans are in harm's way."
We should also note that on the very day that McCain claimed things were calming down in Mosul, 30 Iraqis were murdered via suicide bombings in the Mosul area.
1 comment:
Well..you must allow for the excitement of running again for President. Bush also misspeaks as does Cheney but they are in charge. They were voted in by our super patriots that all wear flag pins to show their patriotism. They couldn’t all wear uniforms for some reason, but they are patriotic.
After all these are just numbers. They are only people to their families. We also use the words troops in a very impersonal way. Each and every one of them is someone’s son or daughter or parent. They deserve the best equipment in the world but don’t get it on time. They deserve the best treatment from an under funded VA and do not get what they deserve. The dead are sneaked in at night and do not get the honor and respect they deserve. We have a difficult time putting faces to our troops except for propaganda purposes. War might be noble but it should never be pursued for one day beyond necessity unless there is a reason that can be explained to all. Sacrifices should be made by all citizens as long as a war lasts. Our leaders should level with us and tell us what the goal is so we are all on the same page, as we were in WW2. McCain should know the numbers and should not keep making such “mistakes” if he wants to be Commander in Chief.
Bob Poris
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