To the Republican Leadership:
A republican form of government exists because opinion polls are not always correct. The “will of the people” at any given moment is not always what the people want when they pause to consider.
The Founders in their wisdom allowed the people (us) to elect representatives who could look at the big picture and vote for what was best for our nation . . . without being swayed by the temporary.
Especially in the Age of New Media when a story is old by mid-day, we need leaders who make decisions based on what is wise and not on fluctuating polls . . . and do what is best for the nation in the long run.
This is especially true in the War on Terror.
There is no good that can come of the political posturing of passing useless resolutions that will not stop the fighting in Iraq, but will aid and comfort our foes.
If the Senate opposes the War, then it should strip the President of funds needed and bring the boys home. There is an argument to be made for this position, I do not agree with it, but it at least does something coherent however wrongheaded.
The Senate non-binding resolution is the worst of all positions. . . the act of cowards.
It does nothing but telegraph weakness and undermine morale.
Yesterday I heard a video DJ proclaiming the day that the Vietnam War ended for America a victory. I suppose the defeat of our Armed Forces was a victory for those who hate our nation. It was a victory for the butchers of North Vietnam and Cambodia who killed millions in their ideological rage.
We can be certain that if we abandon the fledgling democracy of Iraq the result will be even worse. We broke it and now we have to fix it or the genocide that results will be our fault. 9/11 shows that we cannot hide, cannot avoid the fight . . . and that this time we will not just lose a war and take in a few boat people, but lose a war and be bombed at home.
Isn’t our commitment to victory worth allowing the President the chance to finish what we started in Iraq?
My family has voted Republican since Lincoln fought for the Union. I am no fair weather party member . . . but I will not support in any way candidates who stab the Armed Forces in the back uselessly.
I have taken the pledge and I urge my friends in New Media to do so as well.
John Mark Reynolds