Nathan discusses a poll suggesting that support for the surge is “on the rise”.

I don’t know enough to comment on the validity of the poll.  But, I have to laugh at some of these polls.  This poll asks the people polled whether the troop surge was “making the situation better”.

Let me provide some analysis as to how this poll might have gone down.

Pollster:  Excuse me, is this Joe Bob?

Joe Bob:  Speaking.

Pollster:  I am polling people [which I might interject that nobody has EVER called me about any poll … unless it was a telemarketer disguised as a pollster]… and I wanted to see if I could ask you a few questions.

Joe Bob:  Shoot.

Pollster:  First of all, are you happy with the job the President is doing?

Joe Bob:  President of what?

Pollster:  the United States

Joe Bob:  Oh, okay…. uh, I guess…

Pollster:  Is that a yes?

Joe Bob:  Sure, why not?

Pollster:  Next question, do you believe the troop surge in Iraq is making the situation on the ground better?

Joe Bob:  [Joe Bob scratches head]  Well, I guess so.  I haven’t heard about it a lot lately.

The bottom line is that the American people are in no more position to comment on the state of the war than I am in a position to comment on what kind of impact Beckham will have on American soccer.  Regardless of what I say, it will be uneducated because I don’t know.  Nobody but the troops knows what is going on in Iraq.

And, to poll them on their opinions on the effect on the troop surge is … well … ridiculous.

Share This

This Sunday, on Meet the Press, Robert Gates attempted to provide a continued justification for this war.  I actually feel very sorry for him.  He didn’t start this disaster.  He wasn’t responsible for the incorrect facts that we based our entire justification for this war on.  And, he was not responsible for the shameful and negligent execution of this war.  Yet, he is stuck now defending it.

Based on Gates’ discussion with Tim Russert, it is clear to me that we can expect more of the same in Petraeus’ report in September.  And, we can expect the administration to ask for even MORE time.

The part that angers me the most about the state of this war, at present, is the Iraqi leadership.  In all this time, the Parliament has produced no meaningful legislation.  They go on vacation while Americans are spilling their blood in the streets of Baghdad to protect their country’s freedom - when they should be working and taking responsibility for their troubled nation.
I look in my crystal ball and see that we will be pulling out of Iraq, opening up a void that will, most certainly, be filled by a plethora of murderous thugs and terrorists - greatly because the Iraqi parliament and leadership have been disgraceful in their performance.

We cannot help these people, because they will not help themselves.  A country is only as strong as its leadership.  And, the weakness of the leadership in Iraq will be responsible for the destruction of that government and the whole new realm of danger that will be opened up in the Middle East (and throughout the world) when Iraq completely falls apart.

Share This

On Face the Nation, yesterday, Senator Chuck Hagel announced that he may be considering a run for the White house.  He also suggested that he might be interested in serving as Michael Bloomberg’s VP.  In either situation, he would be an Independent.

Clearly, Hagel is “fed-up” with Bush’s failed policies in Iraq.  I wish that we had more independent-minded Republicans in the Congress and the Senate who were willing to part ways with the President when he is dead-wrong (as he has been for years on Iraq and immigration).
Hagel also commented that Republicans in the legislative branch are starting to part ways with Bush.  And, by Fall, Bush may be standing alone.  I completely agree with him.  Even the most loyal have hung on to these Bush policies as long as they possibly can without feeling a backlash from the electorate.  The President’s policies in Iraq have become a national and an international disgrace.  We need more Republicans in leadership who are able to confront the situation and the facts, at hand.

Share This

Fred Thompson, the politician and actor considering a White House bid, said Friday he favors helping the Iranian people overthrow the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad if the chance arises. The former Tennessee senator accused Tehran of “playing a larger part in killing our soldiers” in neighboring Iraq.

Many Iranians don’t like their government, “and I think we ought to capitalize on that,” Thompson told The Associated Press. “There is a chance they may mobilize themselves, and we need to assist them if that happens.”

Wow, I was a little surprised with this release.  At this point, Americans are overwhelmingly uninspired about Iraq.  I don’t know if it is the best move for Fred who hasn’t even declared to be talking about, basically, an expansion of the war.  This does not seem like a great political decision… though it, certainly, may be a good tactical one.  I would ease off on this position, if I were him, right now.

And, this time around, before we expand a war, I believe that it is critical that we have all the facts and know damn sure that someone is involved or doing something before we just assume that they are (e.g., building wmd).  If we don’t have hard proof, I feel that the world community will be completely opposed to anything that we do, at this point, in the Middle East.

Share This

Look, I am sick and tired of hearing people like this who question the patriotism of people who oppose the President’s policies in Iraq.  I have always supported the President.  But, I know that reasonable minds can differ on the issue of the most recent troop surge. 

Let’s face facts.  The President’s policies in Iraq have been a disaster.  A certifiable disaster.  Our leadership in this war effort has been deplorable - from the President down to commanders on the ground in Iraq.  So, for someone to say that they “don’t quite trust the President’s decision to send over more troops”, does not make them a “red” commie or a Frenchman.  Use your brain.  Think for yourself - and not in your blind allegiance to party loyalty;  realize that we have a problem.  And, guess what, a lot of really smart people will have different opinions on what should be done in this war.

Share This

They have attacked us.  And, now they are attacking Ronald McDonald.  Radical islam has now gone way too far!  They are now officially over the line!  What is wrong with these people?

Share This