'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Greg, Texas — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:18:42 GMT

I appreciate anything that anyone can do to communicate the horrors of war, and to communicate the heroism of our soldiers. It's important that we all understand the desperate need to end this war, and that we all understand and appreciate the sacrifices of our soldiers.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mosi A. Bundu — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:19:47 GMT

Sounds like remaining in a bas marriage...for the children..who benefits from that?

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

John Hunt, Fall City, WA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:20:46 GMT

The military hasn't lost. They performed there job well under the poor leadership of Rumsfeld, Cheney and Bush.

They will leave this field of battle with honor.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mark Krell, Oregon — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:25:22 GMT

The only reason Bush has redefined the job in Iraq is because the left-wing media and the left-wing Democrats keep changing it. You left-wingers are sickening. The only people that buy into your c r a p are the morons you have created through your educational (indoctrination) programs.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Charles Hennessy — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:28:39 GMT

In the face of all we know now only blind faith or stupidity could support this war. We sent our men and
women their for no justifiable reason. There is no
disputing that any longer. For all the soldiers killed and wounded and the dead civilians......shame
on this inept / pathetic administration.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Donna, Tacom — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:31:10 GMT

If Bin Laden wants marters why doesn't he volunteer??

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

N.C.D. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:31:12 GMT

If the civilian leadership would each take one step back wards and turn around and leave, the military could work just fine. When there are too many chiefs and not enough indians nothing gets done anywhere. Leave the military alone politician, go take care of your districts...

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Jack, Fairfax Station, VA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:31:28 GMT

Just pack up and leave. There will be fighting and killing in Iraq for decades. The longer we are there, the more of our blood will be shed. It ain't going to get better. I was in Vietnam. I know combat and our administration doesn't.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

c. kermes — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:31:59 GMT

The way to end it is to win it. If not these folks will be making truck bombs in Newark......

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Rick R., Waukesha — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:34:33 GMT

How many more have to die to make the sacrifices made before them "worthwhile?" The arrogance of our country to assume Democracy can be instilled in a sectarian environment is mind boggling. Doesn't anyone see we are committing The Crusades all over with the same inevitable outcome? Honor those fallen by leaving with heads held high and remembering they were sent there under false pretenses.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

SrA Bryan Smith, Iraq — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:35:25 GMT

I am a proud member of the US Air Force, and have usherd in and out many Angel Flights, and it is an inspiring thing to see.
All I want to say is it is my duty and honor to follow the orders set out before me by our President. I am blessed that we have a Christian man commanding this nation. And to all who bad mouth President Bush, the only reason this war fell in his lap is because Former-President Clinton was a giant pansy who wouldn't do anything while he was in office. I am definently not saying that President Bush is perfect, because he isn't, but he is more of a man then Clinton was!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Chris, Kansas City, Mo — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:35:27 GMT

Unless you consider terrorists to be legitimate emmisaries, the "politicians" did not start this war. Radical Islamists did. God bless the USA.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

John Lambert, Salt Lake City, UT — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:38:37 GMT

The problem with not leaving until "the job is done" is that that job description has had many changes during our time in Iraq. According to our original objective, to remove Saddam from power, our job is done. Since we remove a leader of a sovereign country, and consequently sent that country into near civil war status, we have a responsibility to stay until the mess we created is cleaned up.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Harvey Bergeron, Loudon, NH — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:39:40 GMT

As a veteran, it's hard for me to understand why if it's so important that we not lose face by leaving Iraq before we can declare some level of victory, then for God's sake why haven't we poured in enough personel to do the job? From the beginning one military official after another, including McCain, have said we don't have enough boots on the ground. You can't half ass a war! It's all an attempt to pass this war and it's consequences on to the next administration. I'm ashamed that our government would put our kids lives on the line without the necessary manpower and equipment to crush this thing quickly, and then treat them the way they do when they return.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Raul Cano, Pocatello, Idaho — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:40:15 GMT

Please President Bush listen to the people who voted for you. It's time to pack up and get out. We love and support our troops but it isn't just about winning it never is. No one wants to see their Dad, Son, Mother or Daughter for the last time at a military service. We've just recently buried two of our native sons in a town of 50,00. That's two to many. Please sir listen to the people. It's time to come home. Time to heal our wounded and pray for those who have given their lives.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Steve, Palos Verdes, Ca — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:41:29 GMT

Not even Republicans buy into Bush's poorly thought out Iraq policy anymore I guess that leaves the right wing fringe morons in Oregon and the uneducated as its support base...

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Karen Moseley — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:42:20 GMT

It is amazing how "simple" people seem to think it is to just pull out. we are talking civil war on a level we have not seem before with Iran waiting in the wings. No one likes war. It is a necessity of freedom.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Johanna Dallas Texas — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:45:46 GMT

Rick has it right. We are sending our most precious into a Bush/Cheney/Rumsfield Crusades. We are trying to change an entire culture and enforce Christianity on those who are as dedicated to their own faith and culture as we may be to Chrisianity, Judaism, or other non-Islamic faiths. This is not a matter of left or right. It's a matter of common sense. As long as we are there, the Iraqi sectarian forces will let our men and women die for them. Whether now or ten years more, there will be a civil war and our military will have died, or even worse, been sent back home incapable of living well, for naught. Stop praising stupidity, everyone. Let's get our men and women home. A former US navy medic

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Don — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:46:36 GMT

If this were the first war of mankind we might talk about the benefits of "winning". . . .but as we know. . the nature of mankind is to "war". . .endlessly and constantly. . . if not Iraq . . it is somewhere else. . .There is never going to be nor ever been enduring victory and peace.

Attacks on 911 were simply another stupid act of mankind. . .as have our responses been. . .

Cut and Run. . . .seems like a good way to save some American lives. . .we won't settle anything even if we "win". . .Humans really are pathetic. . .

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

James, Rising sun MD — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:47:11 GMT

We need to keep in mind that no matter what you believe the reasons for te war were -- justified or not -- the fact remains we are there and we are fighting. Soldiers are not to fight and succeed. I keep hearing people say they support the troops - if that is true we need to be sure they come home - but come home feeling they accomplished something. If they leave and Iraq goes back the way it was, to them they would have failed -- and nothing you can say will convince them otherwise. We like to blame Bush for this war -- fine - blame him, but don't rip everything he can do to finish it away because of politics and trying to get in office. Sending in a boxer with 1-hand tied behind his back - does you no good when fighting to win.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Alexandra, Santa Fe, NM — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:48:58 GMT

The only reason we have a war in Iraq is because
of the ignorance of our leader who declared war
on the wrong country.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:49:28 GMT

This war is a continuing legacy of European colonialism of the Middle East (and rest of the world). If Iraq didn't have oil, we wouldnt be there. Radical Christians can continue their crusade. Fat-cat capitalists make money. 9-11 anger is vented out. Everybody's happy.
Just remember what happened to the crusades.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

I.E.Z., Scranton, PA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:50:16 GMT

Bryan Smith, you are the right man in the right place. Better you than my son. Good luck and may you someday see the light.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Ron, Pittsburgh Pa. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:50:19 GMT

Leave war to warriors.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Captain America, Washington, DC — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:50:25 GMT

The blind allegiance of rhetoric reading-right wingers never ceases to amaze me. When will you get it through your heads that religion and politics don't mix. That's the problem in the middle-east and it's the problem here. Wake up and smell the separation of church and state while you still can.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Joe Sevigny, Lowell, MA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:52:01 GMT

Wow, what a wide swing of opinions! We've failed, let's get out! We are all leftists and morons if we don't blindly follow the president! My president right or wrong (he's a real man! Clinton was a wimp!) This country is sooo polarized. What a unbelievable mess this has turned out to be. I don't have a good answer on how to prodceed but maybe that's because I am not an absolutist who is completely convinced one way or the other!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

pclaude, the bronx — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:52:17 GMT

Bryan Smith, read the bible and you will know the meaning of being a Christian. The president claims to be a Christian, but his action does not testify to that. Would Jesus order his fellow country to go to war for no reason? I do not think so. Bush is nothing but a polician who lied to us for his own advantage

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

ken — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:52:17 GMT

you guys are crazy! the only way to win is to kick there butt. some of you think that they are going to stop hahah ok your crazy. go do 12-14 months i did you will see.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Thomas Urick — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:52:26 GMT

Iraq was a mistake. Six years ago, after the 9/11 attacks, all of Europe and indeed most of the world was on the USAs side. There was wide support for the invasion of Afghanistan, which is now dwindling as it, too seems to be beset with complications. The invasion of Iraq while simultaneously fighting in Afghanistan was a significant error in judgement.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

SMSgt (Ret. USAF) Steve Clough, Acton, Maine — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:52:54 GMT

I want to congratulate SrA Bryan Smith on recognizing the balanced truth of the matter and having the courage to speak it, when he said, "All I want to say is it is my duty and honor to follow the orders set out before me by our President. I am blessed that we have a Christian man commanding this nation. And to all who bad mouth President Bush, the only reason this war fell in his lap is because Former-President Clinton was a giant pansy who wouldn't do anything while he was in office. I am definently not saying that President Bush is perfect, because he isn't, but he is more of a man then Clinton was!"

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Nathan, Seattle — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:53:26 GMT

I think God would bless the entire universe...not just he USA. I love bible thumpers!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Greg, Texas — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:54:51 GMT

First, for Mark Krell - I'll bet you have a stockpile of weapons somewhere and if YOU haven't servered in combat as I have. Shut you idiot's mouth

I honor what the military has done, but the point is it is a losing battle. We can't win and this should have never begun. This is a region that has been in conflict since the time of Christ. We can't step in and end it in a few years or a few decades. Hated learned over generations dies just end. We were the catalyst for civil war and it is best we step out and let it take it's natural course as it inevitably will.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Vietnam Vet, Chicago, Il — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:55:00 GMT

This all brings back Vietnam in full color. I remember so well the body bags--hundreds a month--but as soldiers, we were so determined to leave the Vietnamese a government they could rely on. But the Congress, and ultimately, the American people, let us down. They sold out to the peacemongers...and all our deaths, injuries, pain and suffering went for naught. I have always held that against my fellow citizens. You abandoned us, folks. You cut and run. And now you're setting yourselves up to do it again.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Jamie Rodriquez, Lexington, Oklahoma — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:55:19 GMT

The war in Iraq is an invasion and occupation based on a conspiracy of lies hatched by the Bush gang. It is Bush's War-his personal vendetta-a neo-con project. Al-qaida was not in Iraq until Bush opened the door for them-complete with easy prey both American and Iraqi. Iraq did not attack us on 9/11. Bush has managed to put the US in a lose-lose position, while undermining our own democratic values of truth and justice. Now,having never been held accountable,he is dancing toward the door while the rest of us try to figure out what to do with his bloody mess. There will be no winning, just escape-if we are lucky.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Jack Senich, Woodbury, CT — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:55:21 GMT

We are told over and over that we must win. What constitutes winning? The Bush Administration needs to be asked and, forced to answer, what the hell exactly is our objective here and now. Forgetting all the past mistakes or arguments, what are we trying to accomplish in the future? And, what do we need to do to accomplish the objectives?

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Paul Karsh, Martinez, CA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:55:23 GMT

Those of you who want to praise the Bush regime should go see the movie "No End In Sight" to see how the top leadership of this regime messed up the Iraq campaign from the get-go. Among other things, this movie notes how many Iraqis were glad we invaded at first. If you insist on praising the Bush regime after seeing this movie, then so be it.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

t.davis whitesboro tx. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:55:38 GMT

HEY charles hennessy, (small letters for a small man)I juess you are calling OUR (not your) troops stupid! The dimwit dems said we cant challenge their patriotism, I have news for you and them. I am not doing that! I know where all of yours lies. You are all antiamerica,american haters. TRAITORS. If you hate this country GET OUT!! You are obviously to STUPID to vote, so why get into the process? Go to where your communist ancestry originated, where ever that may be, because you are NOT americans!!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Vietnam Vet, Chicago, Il — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:55:59 GMT

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Elliot, Detroit, MI — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:56:06 GMT

I hope that we, as a nation, can show the families of these brave young men and women that their sacrifice means something to us. Throwing more lives at an endless war shows that we feel our troops are disposable. It is time for our government to admit its mistakes and move on. The new mission should be to leave no one behind.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

PJC, Portland, OR — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:56:17 GMT

to c.kermes, what would "winning" look like?
to Bryan Smith: good Christians do not start immoral wars. And what was Clinton supposed to do? start an immoral war a few years earlier? People who behave morally are not wimps, nor are they weak. They are our only hope.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mark, Orlando, Florida — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:56:24 GMT

It doesn't matter what previous administrations did, we cannot keep throwing away lives chasing a goal that cannot be met - no matter how much blood and treasure is spent. There weren't terrorists in Iraq before we got there - now there are. We've liberated no one and thrown a whole country into a low-grade civil war. When will our government realize they have made a mess that they can't fix and bring our soldiers home where they belong?

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

ruth baltimore,md — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:56:53 GMT

the civilian leadership has let he soldiers down...they need to come home and live their lives knowing they did more than was required by just going over there.....no one can fix this country for decades to come..if ever

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mark Brickens — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:57:16 GMT

The occupation was doomed to fail immediately after we defeated the organized Iraq Armies. Rumsfeld insisted on using 50% less troops than the 1st Iraq war and browbeat General Franks and anyone else he could to get them to do it! On top of that they disbanded the entire Iraq military which they could have done HAD THEY SENT IN THE 500,000 troops General Polwell did! Our military has been trying to catch up ever since!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Kathy, Little Rock, Arkansas — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:59:36 GMT

Interesting to see our politicans go for a "visit" for ONE DAY! I think they should stay there, see what it is REALLY like day in and day out! I know there is alot we do not see nor does the media. I am a proud Mother of an Army Pilot that flys the Black Hawk Medivac Helos... He tells me all the time "its my job" ! God bless each and everyone of these soldiers and their families here in the USA!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Andrew Thorby, Dallas TX — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:00:51 GMT

Any student of history knows that Iraq is not one country but three. Partition in practice if not in name is the only realistic option open to us at this stage of the game. Ethnic cleansing is absolutely inevitable. Hopefully the temporary security gains produced by the surge will be used to facilitate the type that involves moving vans instead of mass graves.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike P. Casper Wy. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:02:46 GMT

Those who have bought into a war that should never have been started......are as deluded as Bin Laden. We chose the wrong targets to avenge our lost compatriots.
No one in Iraq, or Afghanistan ever attacked us before this charade began.
We should have been attacking Saudi arabia, Iran, and Syria.......but George had to avenge the family honor for the first time, or something...who knows.
Turning loose a fractured region of religious fanatics in the name of freedom solved nothing, and cost us thousands of good American lives, and counting.
Support the troops by electing leaders that value them as much as their money and friends.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Pam, Westminster, Maryland — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:03:18 GMT

America will never again win another war; this began with Korea, continued thru Vietnam, and now Iraq. Why? Politicians...they won't LET our troops win. God forbid, we may offend someone or there may be civilian casualties! WWII was won because our military was allowed to do their job. They rooted out all enemies they could find and killed them. We aren't allowed to do that. Not that the terrorists (aka, cowards) wouldn't be allowed to do it to us. Remember: 9/11 victims consisted mostly of civilians. Doesn't matter to the politicians, though.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Jamie Rodriquez, Lexington, Oklahoma — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:03:46 GMT

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

SrA Groundrat, Tinker Air Force Base, USAF — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:04:24 GMT

There will always be too many Angel Flights. Watching or hearing about your brothers and sisters in arms going home draped in our nations flag is always a hard day for any soldier. There will always be the arguement that leadership sucks, we shouldn't be there, etc etc. Almost everyone I know has family or friends or people they know that have VOLUNTEERED, yes, the military is volunteer, to go overseas and defend what we believe is a great nation. Sometimes, things don't go as planned, and the going is harder than we think it'll be, thats just life. You get to a point where everything you do is wrong, because somewhere someone won't like your decision. In the end, it doesn't matter if you have a christian, muslim, jewish, or agnostic person leading your people, its that your people follow that person. Thats why we're in the military, we're in it for the long haul, we knew it woudln't be a drop 2 or 3 bombs, send some guys in to kill certain people and we're done. This is going to be a long war, but we have to stick with it so that something like this is less likely to happen again.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Chris, Kansas City, MO — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:05:26 GMT

It's unfortunate it's come down to us leaving before our goal was achieved. Clinton didn't do any favors for Bush before he came into office regarding terrorism.

Now Bush has made mistakes but he's picking up the pieces other politicians left behind.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

jeff maine — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:05:42 GMT

iraq had NOTHING to do with 911

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Jan Browne — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:05:46 GMT

I never believed Pres. Bush should have started this war in Iraq, but now that we are in it, so the lives of our soldiers sacrifices are worth it, we must win it. I believe that Pres. candidate Joseph Biden has a great plan. As for our soldiers, doctors and Angel Flights, God bless them and keep them!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Proud US Voting Tax-Paying Citizen — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:06:16 GMT

Don't forget, Pres. Clinton wanted to bomb Osama in his Afghan terror camp but Congress voted that down claiming he was distracting the US from the "real" issue, namely Monica! Ha! What a joke. If Cheney didn't put US troops in Saudi Arabia we would not be in this mess. Time to divest from the Middle East mess.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Young, Tacoma, Wash. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:06:19 GMT

The politicians DID start the war, with false precedence... they lied to us, and the administration took the country to war with Iraq while forgetting their promise to get the real guy to start the terror war, bin laden. While we honor the fallen on this 6th anniversary, what does Iraq have to do with bin laden, nothing... but distraction and he is still free. Let's say we never went to war with Iraq, I believe we would have caught bin laden by now. Our resources and troops are being wore thin due to the multiple conflicts around the globe now. Especially Iraq. And also, Bill Clinton was a good president, he didnt cause Bush to get this on his lap, Bush did what he did to get what he got. Clinton was actively pursuing terrorist, but not by full scale war, by covert operations. You are ignorant if you blame Bill Clinton for Bushes mistakes.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Dan Weinert, San Diego, CA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:06:35 GMT

Put down the pipe and stop sipping the Kool Aid, Mr. Krell. The left in this country was villified by the Administration and its supporters for pointing out the truth--that Iraq had no WMD's, that they had nothing to do with 9/11, that invading was a folly and would result in a long protracted war. WE didn't change the mission 23 separate times, WE didn't invade with too few troops to secure the country, WE didn't proclaim turning points every few months that were illusory pipe dreams, WE don't support sacrificing more than the 3750 that have already lost their lives. This is Bush's war--the blood is on his hands and those supporters too stubborn to rescue our young men & women from a civil war. Mr. Bush has changed the rationale for this war on 23 discrete occasions--talk to him about what he's left here--the dead and wounded, the 4.2 million displaced Iraqis, the 600 billion spent to deliver less public services than existed under Saddam. Blame yourselves and YOUR president for being thick headed, incompetent, and unwilling to accept responsibility or provide accountability.....schmuck

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Chris Dexter — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:06:56 GMT

I always love the talking point parrots claiming if we don't win in Iraq the terrorists will follow us home. What they're saying is the billions we've spent on Homeland Security has bought us nothing. That the thousands of border patrol agents, Coast Guard, FBI and DHS are all useless and the money wasted. So, we either spend billions a month in a no-win war or waste billions on security at home that doesn't work. You guys are the champions of the incompetent either way you slice it.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

John, Boston, MA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:09:01 GMT

God Bless You, SrA Bryan Smith.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike, Macungie Pa — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:09:34 GMT

Too quickly we American's have told, preached, harped on how we do not like the war. How we think the leadership is faulty. How everything is backwards and bad. As an ex-soldier, I can say that this is very disheartening to hear so many American's attack the government on this. I liken it to when I was a child and when children would tease they would say bad things about the parents, siblings, relatives and friends of other children. While this is nothing bad or against that child, it is a demoralizing method that could only be read into as a negative remark against the military (by the military).

Regardless of the politics, a job has been asked of the military. A job that is obtainable and one that will come at a price. Some think the price is too heavy, others do not. Most of the military (the people actually in the war) do not think the price is too high. Most in the military think that they are doing what is needed; what should be done; what is right.

The real sad thing is how we Americans have so quickly turned on each other. How quickly we fight over this. Life, Liberty and the pursuit of being able to blame someone else????

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

EH, Freehold, NJ — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:09:56 GMT

It's easy to break rather create an object. this is the nature of law like newton's apple fall from tree- not eject from tree. annyway, we deserve better leader to think 100 times to act on a serious job.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Oldfarte, Medford, OR — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:12:32 GMT

What was it Sec. of State Powell warned the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld crowd about invading Iraq? "If you break it, you own it"? We broke it - unleashing all the sectarian and racial hatred of centuries, hatred which had only been held in check by the repressive viciousness of Hussein and his Baathist thugs - shades of Yugoslavia post-Tito. Sometimes only a dictatorship (even a brutal one) can keep even worse horrors in check. One really must wonder at the hubris - or ignorance - of an administration which can destabilize a country like that and expect it to become a functioning democracy overnight. Did they not realize that those Iraqis welcoming us did so only in the expectation that we would give them free rein to murder their ancient enemies and, the moment we put ourselves in the middle, both sides would despise and attack us? Did no one in this administration even bother to look at what happened in Najaf as late as 1922? Santayana was right and we have a President who is woefully ignorant, if not outright disdainful of history. And now, almost 4,000 young Americans and hundreds of our allies have paid the price of that errant stupidity. It's time to reassess Iraq in light of the Powell Doctrine (which was ignored in the rush to war) - identify our own, critical national interests, reconfigure our forces and presence to protect those interests, and then let the Iraqis murder each other until they are sated. We have created the occasion for the new "Killing Fields" and only when those fields have been fully planted and harvested will the situation resolve. We gain nothing by adding more of our own blood to that soil. God bless and protect the troops. They deserved better of the country which sent them there.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike Santangelo, Turnersville, New Jersey — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:12:38 GMT

god bless our troops. the bravest,toughest,troops in the world.This war is a war on terror not to liberate iraq.this war must be fought on their turf not ours.today is 9/11 ,do not foget the sacrafice,do not forget the loss,and do not forget why we are in iraq.pray not for the return of our troops but the success of the misssion to end terrorism.god bless our troops.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Tim Wasyluka, Jr. Birmingham, AL — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:12:44 GMT

I have heard folks comment about the absurdity of this conflict and claim there is no justifiable reason and claim that only blind alligience exists among those who support the war and I tell you that they could not be further from the truth. I am an attorney who joined up with the National Guard to help serve partly because of this conflict. I am a progressive, some would say liberal, Democrat, who realizes it is right to bring freedom to another people. I understand that if our soldiers don't stand and fight over there, our civilians will die over here. I understand that the taliban, saddam, or whomever may rise up as a dictator or "Islamic leader" in either's place would only go on killing, oppressing, and funding terror if not for the US fighting for change. I understand there is more history, and there exists more reasons, that show we must stay there and achieve a stable democratic government with a viable economy, than we can discuss in one or one hundred blogs on the internet... and I invite those opposed to this conflict to consider the alternatives to our success.

...and by the way, I vehemently disagree that the conflict is Clinton's fault, come on now.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Jim Gouge, Petersburg,Tn — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:13:32 GMT

Either bomb their citys & holy sites as we did in WW2 with the germans and japanese until they figure jihads not worth it anymore or, pickup and/or destroy all of our equipment then totally destroy their oil feilds and leave. You know, that bombing business is a two way street;its time we did a little bommbing of our own. That.s what wars all about , Fight to Win.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike Santangelo, Turnersville, New Jersey — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:14:24 GMT

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Jim Gouge, Petersburg,Tn — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:17:07 GMT

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Andrew — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:18:30 GMT

There's no question that the war needs to come to an end. I don't think any military personnel need to feel like they didn't do their job. The war was started and predicated on false pretenses, but the men and women on the ground have done thier duty. An unwinable war has nothing to do with the strength or drive of the military. The leadership in Washington needs to wake up and realize that we're sending soldiers over there to die, not to liberate a country. Bill Maher said it best when he said (and I'm paraphrasing here) "Iraqis don't care about Iraq. They care about Sunnis, Kurds and Shiites. Iraq has only been a country since 1932, Paul Newman is 7 years older than Iraq." That really puts it in perspective. Nothing we do can calm the violence that's existed between these factions for hundreds of years.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Greg, Chicago IL — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:19:24 GMT

1.) 9-11, while horribly tragic, was a mere spanking in the eyes of the radical jihadis, and they don't want to spank us. They want to destroy us completely forever.

2.) If you think the war in Iraq is about oil and not freedom, than explain to me why the Taliban so enjoy beheading schoolteachers publicly.

3.) If you found a den of snakes living under your kitchen, you would need to remove it. In essence, the only way to do so would be to remove them one by one by reaching in and grabbing the snake least likely or able to strike you fatally, and remove it first. After the first, and each additonal snake, it becomes easier to remove the remaining snakes. That first snake is Iraq.

Semper Fi!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Kristy, CT — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:19:52 GMT

Thank you to our troops who selflessly serve their country. You guys are doing a great job and I am behind you 110%. You are all in my prayers. Stay strong and proud!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Soldier in Baghdad — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:21:43 GMT

The military will do what it is ordered to do. I am presently in TF 1-26 in Baghdad. We have had an unheard of number of Soldiers die here....and while the Iraqi Army is not capable of surviving on their own yet, we have had them offer their "services" to find the insurgents responsible for the deaths. We are constantly told by the Iraqis that our tactics will not win this war. If we catch someone detonating an IED and that insurgent just accuses us of rough handling him, let alone hitting him, we are investigated and have to jump through hoops to clear ourself. I am sick of the left and right pointing fingers, when they are both responsible for sending us here and abiding by rules that the very people we have liberated say will not win this war. Iraqi soldiers have said let us have the guilty and we will take care of them but our rules don't allow us to do this...Who's country is this anyway? we do our job and do it well, but in this environment...our rules are way too lax to properly make the enemy afraid of us...It's time for some changes before we lose more men and women.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mr. Kigeil — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:21:57 GMT

I swear right wingers R lambs. Throw in a prayer during a speech to stir up some emotion and mention patriotism and honor and thats all they need. How quickly we forget all of the money these corporations are making of of all of this death. 3 billion a week for this war. No end in sight. They fired all of the opposing generals and statesmen who voiced oppostion. Outed intelligence agents. Illegaly spied on American citizens. Refuse to explain why they should be exempt from being included as a part of the executive branch's protocol for classified documents. And they have the nerve to quesion one's patriotism. The list goes on and on. A patriot stands up for their country not their party. Dems and republicans alike need to wake up.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

jim, warner robins — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:22:27 GMT

The military has performed exemplary--in spite of the LACK of leadership of Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld. and they have not reaped the rewards of multi-million dollar contracts awarded to Bush, Cheney,Rummy friends.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Ken LeBrun, Stony Brook, NY — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:22:54 GMT

When you do brain surgery with a chain saw, you create a mess somewhat similar to what we see in Iraq and the Middle East.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:23:00 GMT

Let's have a war where the people who actually put themselves in mortal peril must be:
(a) over 35, and
(b) atheist.

Yup, nobody'll show up.

Any fool can stay over here and be pro-war.

However; it takes a young fool, filled with fantasies about life after death, to actually allow himself to be sent far away, and then agree to let complete strangers determine the time and manner of his death.

Keep it up, dumbshits. Makes great entertainment for those of us sane enough to just sit back and watch the show!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike Conley, Oakland Michigan — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:23:40 GMT

TO: MSNBC - Use common sense - STOP giving valuable space to pcitures and rehtoric of bin-Laden as if to "promote" his cause. This happens far too often. Also, those who "bash" the Christian religion need to first take the time to understand the person of Christ and remember it was mis-guided people who caused the crusades - not true beleivers & followers of Christ.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

chaosanarchy — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:23:41 GMT

We will continue to fail in the Middle East as the collective beliefs here (U.S.)are not accepted there. We just dont understand eachother. Seems like a modern crusade to me..We embrance democracy and freedom separation of religion and state. That is not the case with Islam. The two are inseparable. The Iraq invasion and subsequent misleading information leading to it is treason!!!! Putting soldiers in harms way for no apparent benefit to the American people is a crime!!!! Where is the oil, lower oil prices, etc. After we pull out of Iraq, the insurgents will take over and Iraq will certainly become a terror state.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Dan Shaw, Des Moines Iowa — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:23:56 GMT

In reply to SrA Bryan Smith. --I'm not sure if you used the correct word to describe how the Angel Flights affect you but I really hope you don't find them inspiring. I also wish you would realize that the events of 9/11 changed how we viewed people like Osama. Before 9/11, to assasinate any person was politically and some could argue, morally wrong. Once 9/11 happened the entire viewpoing of the nation changed and such actions are "acceptable". Nearly everything a politician does is governed by the majority opinion except in rare occasions. Clinton's administration may have wanted to act more strongly, and records show this, but their hands were tied by current standards.

In reply to Chris of Kansas City. I didn't realize we invaded Iraq due to radical Islam being rampant there. I thought the invasion was sold as Saddam's regime had weapons of mass destruction and was supposedly willing to use them against America. Obviously, we found no WMD and Radical Islam DID NOT have a strong foot hold within Iraq until after we invaded. (Note: I'm not arguing that Saddam's regime wasn't horrible, it just doesn't have a place in this dialogue) It is because of faulty logic like yours that America can't come to one sane solution and act upon it. Afghanistan is a different scenario. We did invade because of the strong terrorist connection. However; why did we not send enough troops to complete the mission effectively, and instead fight two wars on two fronts? (a huge no-no in war fighting)

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Susan Jones, Chillicothe, Ohio — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:24:00 GMT

Only a wimp would have declared war on Iraq to divert attention away from Osama Bin Ladin. The Iraq war was never intended to be a war but rather a means of getting rid of Sadaam Hussein. It doesn't matter how long our military stays there - you will not win - but there will certainly continue to be "Angel" flights.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

empyrius, Spokane, WA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:24:38 GMT

Too bad the U.S. military wouldn't truly fight for the American people, and raze Washington D.C. and "liquidate" the federal government; then we could take the battle to the local aristocrats . . .

Then we could start to genuinely talk about freedom and responsibility like human beings.

Amen

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike Clarke — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:25:27 GMT

Every American should be honored to enjoy the freedoms and liberties that are protected by the bravery of people like "SrA Bryan Smith, Iraq" above.

However, if he or those with similar beliefes to his were to research the original Gulf War, you would see that the same politicians, Rusmfeld, Cheney and even Bush Sr. all described Iraq in the early 90's as it has been seen for the past 4 years as their reasons for not taking Baghdad and leaving Saddam in power.

Amazing how right they've all been proven!

Iraq is being used as a training ground. A war college, if you will. Not by us though. Iran, Syria, Lebanon and, of course, Al Queda (the real one, not the "al Queda in Iraq" puppet's) are all there in small numbers.

They've aligned with the various sectarian fighters and are using them against each other and the US so that they can study our various operations, our methods of deployment and our responses.

It's the mission and those guiding it that are horribly flawed; not the valor or the honor that those following it live through.

God Bless you SrA Smith and all the troops you serve with. May you all live long enough to reach the age where these realizations become clear.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Gill — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:26:09 GMT

I am a member of the US military and have been to Iraq and will be going back very soon. I also will continue to go back as many times and for however long it takes to "get the job done". Which at least to me means stablizing a country that was once an enemy in hopes they will be an ally. Because to me that at least will give me hope that my children with not have to return to that part of the world and finish something that I (and the rest of my generation) started. I do not worry about dieing in Iraq, I worry about my son or daughter dieing in Iraq in 15 years, and that is what i'm fighting for.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Antonio, Va Beach, VA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:26:18 GMT

Most republicans seen to forget that this war was started under misleading allegations and some straight lies. We can not and will not change an ethnic war that has been going on for over 1000 years. Bush and his administration failed to persue the guilty one "Osama Binladen" (who is still leading his followers to inflict damage to the United States) instead they persued their interest and the interest of powerfull corporations & companies. It is a shame that military men & women are giving their lives for wrong reasons. The ex-Republicans congress is to blame for their support and lack off check-balance of Bush.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Tim R., Michigan — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:26:27 GMT

A couple of responses to people posting here...

Mark Krell: "The only reason Bush has redefined the job in Iraq is because the left-wing media and the left-wing Democrats keep changing it."

Well-done for actually admitting that Bush has moved the goal posts at all, something many people won't admit to, but attributing that to the Democrats? Utter BS. First off, what is the 'it' that you accuse the Democrats of changing? If it is the mission or the reason for being there, you are demonstrably in the wrong: you already admitted that Bush redefined the mission himself. Democrats have wanted to change the mission (to training and CT only, with no policing), but that is a far cry from the rolodex of reasons Bush has tried.

c. kermes: "The way to end it is to win it. If not these folks will be making truck bombs in Newark......"

Really? You assume that our presence in Iraq does anything to stop someone from making a bomb in Newark. How, exactly, does that work? There's nothing about our presence in Iraq that is preventing terrorists from coming over here and enacting their plans... anything we can do to stop that will take the shape of intelligence and law enforcement, not military engagement.

And, lest you think we are somehow 'tying down' their resources by engaging them in Iraq, remember the hydra-like nature of the enemy... separate cells operating independently. Our own government acknowledges that Al Quaeda in Iraq is not even under the control of OBL, that they are distinct groups, so how much are we stopping OBL's AQ by engaging AiQ in Iraq?

If you want an answer, take a look at the recent plots that intelligence services have disrupted outside the borders of Iraq. By your logic, we should never hear about these.

SrA Bryan Smith: "I am blessed that we have a Christian man commanding this nation."

Interesting take. Christian or not really isn't a delineation that matters to this discussion. So, while you say your blessed with a Christian, I'd say the country is cursed with a stubborn moron.

SrA Bryan Smith: (continues) "the only reason this war fell in his lap is because Former-President Clinton was a giant pansy who wouldn't do anything while he was in office."

Really? I think you conflate anything that happens in Iraq with the war on terror (an interesting notion... how, exactly, do you fight a tactic? Get back to me on that one). Any resemblance Iraq has to the war on terror (and definitely to 9-11) is a post-engagment development. So, even if you want to drag out the boogey-man of Clinton and somehow claim that he should have done more, you're forgetting that there was no 'there', 'there' as far as Iraq... there was no reason to take on Iraq. Not to mention that Clinton tried to get OBL. Bush? You can go back and find the quote where he said that OBL didn't really matter, that Bush didn't really spend a lot of time thinking about OBL or worrying about him.

And just who is closer to the center of the war on terror... OBL, or a pre-invasion Iraq?

Iraq was a war of choice, driven by Cheney and Rumsfeld. No spectre or legacy of Clinton dropped this war in Bush's lap. Bush chose this.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Peter Celentano — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:26:55 GMT

How quickly we forget the lessons learned from the Viet Nam war. People wake up!!Years later you will be talking about how the politicians lost the war for us. Dammit, support the President & his commanders. Otherwise we will continue the fighting amongst ourselves..And who will win ...the enemy again!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

A PROUD AMERICAN! — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:27:01 GMT

It is shame that so many liberals who (yes you do!) want to protect the rights of a child molester, but to defend a country from people trying to kill your family is not worth it. We WILL be attacked again, and again until you yellow liberals get up and stop blocking the funding to give the soldiers what they need to do their job and stop believing that all we have to do is talk to Bin Laden and he will stop! Go talk to him, but I won't be coming to your funeral!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Peter Celentano,Freehold,NJ — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:28:33 GMT

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Tom, Manhattan Beach, Ca — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:29:16 GMT

The mistake the U.S. is making is not understanding the Iraqi people and culture and the influence of Iran on the Iraq people. We continue to make that mistake.

What will happen is clear, no matter what the U.S. military and politicians do. We can either go with the flow and try and shape the stream and make friends and build up good will, or we can swim against the current for as long as we can and drown at some point. Even if we stand up a country exactly as we want it, nothing can prevent that structure from it falling apart once we leave.

So we need to make sure what we are striving for is stable and what the population wants. Right now, that is not what we are doing.

The inevitable and only stable outcome in Iraq is a federation composed of semi independent Sunni, Shia and Kurd states with a strong Irani influence.

There is no stopping that Iran will have a strong influence in Iraq either. Period. Iran is a strong rich neighbor that has an interest in what goes in their neighboring country.

And perhaps it's a good thing, as Iran is a stable country with a semi democracy - isn't that what we want in Iraq?

Let these people determine their own destiny, as they will anyway and let us get out of their way. Instead of insisting on telling them what to do, we should ask them what it is they want to do - and respecting that.

What Bush and the military are trying to do is define the outcome on our terms, how we would like them to act, etc.....it just doesn't work that way and it's not heroic trying to force something onto people that they don't want. Not understanding what they want is the mistake we are making all over again. We did that in Vietnam too.

The recent peace in Anbar is a temporary lull of the warlords, because we are training and arming the warlords that are in open opposition to the Maliki government and that say the will fight the Central government if they continue to be ignored. Sure they now fight Al Quaeda as well. But they won't stop there. So we are building the foundation for more violent future conflicts between Iraqi's by arming and training these warlords.

We need to set the tracks for a divided Iraq and invite the Iranians to contribute and participate, rather than trying to force them out and fighting them too.

Then fighting will stop and we'll make friends with Iran. Isn't that a good thing?

If our leaders would tell the soldiers they lead, that this would be victory and honorable, then it will be so and we can all get out with our heads held high and even the rest of the world would appreciate our involvement - even some Muslim countries.

For Bin Laden wants nothing more than the status quo in Iraq. The status quo is the worst case scenario for us and the most dangerous. Even just leaving without doing anything would be better than staying and following the wrong track - causing more untold deaths .

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

cdugga — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:30:10 GMT

It is worth any price to bring democracy to the shiites and sunnis. However long it takes, no matter how many casualties, no matter the cost, we must provide democracy for all Iraqi's. They need us and would be awfully offended if we just up and left before finishing the job we started and which they support. Or maybe its just that if we left, Iran would jump in and grab all that oil. The lies of ommission in this debate are still just lies.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Bob W., Prescott, Arizona — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:30:30 GMT

Anyone who has ever served in the U.S. military understands the mindset of our troops and the focus on "the mission". The american populace needs to look past all of the political rhetoric going on in Washington and let our guys and gals do their job. I assure you that they are our best and brightest and I have absolute confidence in their ability to win this thing if we will simply stay out of their way. God bless them all.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Ben, Pasadena, CA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:31:07 GMT

To T.Davis and Viet Nam Vet:
You vent your anger at the people who want to stop killing that has no justification. You sound like bullies that want to beat up everyone on the playground, and anyone who doesn't want to fight is a chicken. Calm down and read a little history - we should not have invaded Viet Nam and we should not have invaded Iraq. There was no justification for either. To allow one more American or Iraqi to be killed because of our actions is wrong. It is not unpatriotic. It is not cutting and running. It is WRONG.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Dan Ramsay Toronto, Ontario — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:31:17 GMT

There have been a lot of American Soliders killed. They seem to be doing work that they are not properly traind for ie: police work. I would have thought their training was in the field of making war not occupation.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Robert Potter, Minnesota — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:31:33 GMT

We tend to have ignorance manifesting itself on the left, and on the right of our political spectrum.

Until our elected officials can start acting like adults instead of overly entitled and overly influenced (by lobbyists/donors/bribery) underlings of corporate America, we will be no closer to solving the problems our country faces, domestically, and internationally.

We need to draft our congress from middle America, not the privileged elite on both sides of the aisle.

Start electing people who live paycheck to paycheck and make our politicians as accountable to us as our children are.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Robert Smith, SLC, UT — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:31:33 GMT

I think everybody can agree that we went in with good intentions. Removing Saddam Hussein and removing any chance of him using nukes or biological weapons was enough of a cause to get large portions of the world behind us (including some democrats like Hillary Rodham Clinton). We didn't find the weapons we were looking for for various reasons.

But we DID remove one of the most hated dictators in the world. In doing that we created a power vacuum that will cause more terrorism and hatred if we don't stabilize it. We do have to finish the job. Maybe this war isn't a "moral" war to those who say that Christians wouldn't start a moral war. Christians also wouldn't leave the people of Iraq in the situation they are in. Of course, that means humanitarian efforts. It also requires providing security while the country (or countries) sort out the mess that Saddam Hussein left. The alternative is going back to deal with a larger, wider mess!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

SFC William H. Swartz, Jr, Ft. Knox, KY — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:31:39 GMT

To all my brothers and sisters that are serving or have served in Iraq, my salute to you all. To all the veterans of other wars, no matter your feelings for this one, my thanks and again my salute. To all others who feel that they have the right to criticize me or any other veteran of Iraq or any other war/conflict do me a favor and please STFU!!
We have made tremendous strides in a lot of areas in the 4 years we have been in Iraq, I know having been there when we first went in and again in 2005 to help with the first sets of elections. Have mistakes been made yes they have, and we have learned from them and we are making great progress. Should we abandon what we have gained simply due to the loss of life we have sustained, HELL NO. History seems to be repeating itself again just like in the Vietnam War when Congress and a liberal media painted the whole thing as being lost and us needing to get out at all costs. Look at what that got the people of South Vietnam.
We must not allow ourselves to be "scared" to finish this, the cost in the end would be more than we can ever recover from.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Troy — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:32:40 GMT

This administration started this war by and continues it blurring the lines; too many Americans believe Iraq was involved with 9/11, that Saddam posed more than an idealogical threat to the U.S., and that Iraq is the central front in the war on terror for any other reason than because President Bush said so. Ask yourself how and why the administration deemed this to be. WMDs? Evil dictator? COnspiring to obtain nuclear materials? Do you believe that Iraqi school teachers, doctors, civil engineers, scholars and the like are waiting for us to leave so that they may bring the fight here? Oops...Did i just mistake an average Iraqi for a terrorist? We are not at war with Iraq, yet we label this war. Who is the enemy? The Iraqi school teacher? The only terror present in pre-invasion Iraq was that of Saddam Huisen and his ruling party. He's gone...Mission Accomplished! Right? No, then what? It is ridiculous for this administration to expect it's citizens to accept this mission changing, mis-management, misleading justifications and down right inconsistent explanations for the course the war has taken. Let alone conservatives and the GOP's refusal to respect any disenters opinion, even those of regarded military and political experts. The horrible and declining situation on the ground is not the result of disention. Nor is disent a sign to the enemy. For they want to destroy that very right, constitutional right I might add, no?

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

RICHARD GREENLUND — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:32:49 GMT

This is the same crap we went thru when we were fighting in vietnam everybody thought they knew more than the military and how the wars should be fought, they want their freedom but they don't respect the men and women that win it for them my only complaint is that we take prisoners, they want to see allah GREAT IDEA!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

SB, St. Louis, MO — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:33:36 GMT

Too many of the supporters of Bush and his fiasco in
Iraq continue to fall for the same illogical arguments
over and over..From day one of this mess this regime
in D.C. has put forth nothing but a ball of lies and
logical fallacies to defend and justify it's actions.
Not once has this regime in DC played straight with
the people. It's been a constant barrage of lies
and half truths based on THEIR definitions of
words (e.g. "torture" and "civil war" and what constitutes "casulties") and THEIR muddled and contorted "facts" follow the same pattern of white
lies. And this article continues the tradition of the
use of the Sunk Cost Fallacy in referring to
Iraq. Sunk Cost Fallacy is the notion that,
your compelled to get their "money's worth," even if it makes you suffer. It's faulty logic, especially
in war.. It was poor logic in Vietnam,
and it's still bad. But lets remember, Rumsfeld,
Cheney and a lot of the Neocon think tankers were
Nixon advisers during Vietnam that lived by this
fallacy of logic.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

John Doe — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:34:03 GMT

Never should have went to war, especially over the World Trade Center. It will all be forgotten in a couple more years. The media keeps bringing it up every year. Remember 911. I do, but its for an emergency, so screw NY. Maybe the next time they'll do Boston and we can hear Ted Kennedy whine some more.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Zayas — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:34:20 GMT

Bush has fragmented Iraq--he is trying to buy time--so when the next administration comes along, he or she will get the blame. Bush and Cheney have destroyed Iraq and they can't fix it!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Dick Starie — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:35:14 GMT

As a Vietnam Vet I see way too many ways the two wars are alike. I watch the war on the digital cable TV and it is like being there. I understand that many of the others watching don't have the stomach for that. It is graphic. What gripes me is the very politicans who endorsed starting it are the same ones holding back funds to the latest technology, The same tv channel that shows GI's with marginal equipment fighting for their lives also features all the new high tech weapons that are not there yet. Like a 400 round per miniute gun that shoots shotgun shells that are small grenades. These are the same politicans wanting to end it in the same type of disgrace we left Vietnam in.

We have the commitment of the troops just like we had it in Vietnam. We don't have the commitment of the Congress particularly on one side of the asile.

I think the next time the politicans want to start a war they won't try to win that we should send them to fight it and keep the troops in reserve!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike Hallam Bradenton, Fla — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:35:22 GMT

All the Kings horses and all the Kings men cannot put Humpty Dumpty(Iraq) back together again without Humpty Dumpty wanting it so.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Jim, Princeton, NJ — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:36:02 GMT

It seems to me that the problems on the ground in Iraq are greatly exaggerated. The country has a population of over 25 million. If 25,000 of them are engaged in violence, and I think that is a high estimate, it is only 1/10 of one percent of the population.Bad enough, but I cannot believe that the other 99.9%, more or less like the rest of us, will not prevail given more patience and asssistance.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

tom, manhattan beach, ca — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:36:42 GMT

To Vietnam Vet:
I know I won't convince you, but for other readers - the Vietnamese got a government they could rely on all by themselves without our help - even with our government trying everything to undermine them.

Have you seen what the Vietnamese have built up for themselves? They now even have favored trading status with the U.S - and they did it by themselves.

To assume that countries can't build up their affairs without our input is just ridiculous. As a matter of fact, only they can govern themselves and only they can build up their country. Nobody can do it for them.

That was true in Vietnam and is true is Iraq. The mistake is to think that they have to do it our way.

Well, the Vietnamese did it their way in it worked out just fine for them. The same will be true in Iraq.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

G.B. Perry,Wilson, NC — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:37:44 GMT

Mabe we are the "paper tiger" Osama Bin laden said we are; If we cut and run out of Iraq, that would tell for sure. As a proud member of our nation's armed forces, I do not want to believe it.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

ericd — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:39:08 GMT

Right or Left we need to do something to get out of Iraq . Attacking one another will do nothing to solve this. One person says it was President Bush's arrogance another blames President Clinton. It makes no difference we are the people who elected these people, including congress, to act on our behalf.

I personally believe that this war was a mistake from its inception to the handling of the country once the government fell. President Bush and the others in his administration misjudge or just did not understand the situation. I also blame congress (both parties) for not doing their constitutional duties.

So now we are stuck in place that we should not have gone to, in my opinion. But, now we are there, we destroyed what government, army, and infrastructure there was now we have to rebuild like it or not we are now a nation builder in a nation that many do not want us to be in.
We need to find a way to rebuild this country and let it survive on its own, it may involve reassigning military, more reliance on the Iraqi Army, splitting Iraw, it probably will involve most of the world including Syria, Iran and many countries we do not like, but the goal is to leave this country in better shape than it is now in. I do not know what is the correct combination but we will never get anything done with the rhetoric that goes on between the two parties.

So do not accept anything that is not a real discussion among your representatives demand real discussion with everything on the table.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

George, Tampa Bay, FL — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:39:29 GMT

We Broke it - We Fix it - Nuff said.
Have some back bone America, remember who we are!
Sure we have given plenty, but in case you forget, there is a reason they call "War Hell"!
I love this country, I just cannot understand why it is that many Americans like history - as long as it doesn't last too long.

Be pround, be strong, BE AMERICAN

Thanx for your time,
G.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Albert — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:40:00 GMT

The war is going better? Better than what? There were never any WMDs. That was a lie so how does the war go better in light of that minor detail? Even if the violence ever ends it won't erase the fact that we invaded a souverign country for false reasons?

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Maria Domingue Buffalo, Wy — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:40:44 GMT

Being a mother of boys,men in the military, I would
love to see them come home, but they are fighting for
our freedom. Yes a fight that is not ours, its been going on since the beginning of time. We cannot force countries to follow our way of life. Let our families, sons, daughters, dads, etc come home. Protect our borders, defend our country this war will continue long after we leave. Why send more body bags home. Didn't we learn from Vietnam? And why not send some of our political folks over there. They would change their way of thinking if they had to stay and
fight, or lose a child or love one. we need to come home and protect our country, our home our loved ones.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Ron, Tacoma WA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:41:04 GMT

Sorry, Right-wingers, but you are still trying to frame yourselves as the righteous farm family gathered around the old Philco Radio for the nightly address from Mr. Bush. The rest of us, who may not be quite so deluded by naivety see this war as an over-waged risk assessment that needs to be reeled in because one more life is too much, another 10 money appropriations for George is too much, and if you haven't noticed....we are alone out there. No one is at our shoulder. Time to reel it in, regroup, re-arm, build up our defenses, sharpen our vision and wait until there is a real threat to our nation and then let them have it with both barrels!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

L.E.Ott — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:42:02 GMT

The rest of the world has abandoned us-- the war in Iraq (and eventually in Iran) should be a global effort to smother and bury radical Islam. Invasion of Iraq was key to surrounding Iran, the real culprit. We have succeeded. Now, on to Tehran. The Saudi royal family surely approves (so far anyway.) Let's face it: promises made are not promises kept by Middle Eastern governments. Just ask 'Lawrence of Arabia' since the whole area is, and has been, nothing but a den of thieves for centuries. Want to win? We have the capability via cruise missles and B-52 bombers. Both Roosevelt and Truman saw the advantages of nuclear bombs to end a war. Hopefully someone in D.C. will also have the guts to see it soon. We can wipe that area off the face of the Earth anytime we choose. We should be applauded and appreciated by the world community for our restraint. Instead, we get crap about Guantanamo, CIA shuttle flights and the like. I said on 9/12/01 this would go nuclear at some point. Let's hope we have the foresight to do it before they do. And yes, eight years of Bill Clinton did us no favors, and led to the three biggest bankruptcies inhistory, among the other numerous scandals. Hillary cannot be trusted either since she has no ethics-- not a one. I say we reinstate the military draft, send what it takes to stabilize Iraq, and then on to Tehran. By the way,the U.S. Marine Corps trained me in 13 weeks to defend my country and go to war. Why has it taken Iraq five-plus years and they still aren't ready? There's more to that story than anyone knows.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

tim — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:42:31 GMT

These journalists sicken me....these are soldiers....soldiers live and die for this great nation. Consequently the world is full of violence and it needs to be eridicated. In doing so there will be blood shed you morons. This is war....that is the by product of war....lost of lives....so what is too much? And what is acceptable? So....show some cahones and stop writing about stuff that already is known. Don't cater to our emotions....just write about their bravery and not worry about crowd approval. Voice your real opinions and not what you think people want to hear...you are allowed you know!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Robert McGeein Bowling Green, OH 43402 — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:42:54 GMT

First Korea - then Vietnam and now Iraq -- when will the mental midgets in Washington learn what President Roosevelt knew in 1940.
When you go to war you go to crush the enemy AND their supportors where ever they may be.
PS I was in Korea

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Cliff Hipsher USN (Ret.), Richmond, Virginia — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:43:19 GMT

So sad. Still only a few "get it". This wasn't Bush's fault, and it wasn't Clinton's fault either.

The left and right are both to blame for the mess we are in. All of this bickering, whining, back stabbing, and plain out right lying by BOTH SIDES is just making the situation all that much worse.

As the Japanese have been known to say, "Do not try to fix the blame. Fix the problem instead." This is definitely a "win-win" philosophy, and one we as a nation should be following.

As was previously noted, this war started in Egypt about 80 years ago with the formation of the Muslim Brotherhood.

At the time their stated objective was to drive colonial infidels out of Arab lands, but as time went by that goal has evolved into a desire to rid the planet of ALL infidels.

The bottom line is that regardless of where we are fighting, be it in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, or even our own soil, this is not a political conflict. The fighting cannot be resolved through political or diplomatic means. The truth of the matter is this fight is for the survival of Western civilization.

We are on the front lines because we as a nation have held the torch of liberty high for all to see.

At the turn of the last century the light from that torch drew millions to our shores. These new Americans fled poverty, religious and political persecution, and certain death at the hands of despots in the hope that coming to "The New World" would lead to a better life for themselves and their families.

Do you REALLY want the hope for a better life to come to an end? If you do, then all you have to do is keep your eyes and ears closed to what is really going on.

So you have a choice to make: Do we turn tail and run, leaving the American Dream to fade from memory? Or, do we stand and fight?

I choose to stand and fight.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

TERESA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:45:45 GMT

AS A MOTHER OF ONE OF THE FINE SOLDIERS SERVING OUR COUNTRY, I ALSO WANT WHAT THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WANT. THAT IS TO FINISH THEIR JOB WITH PRIDE AND COME HOME SAFELY TO THE ARMS OF THEIR FAMILIES. MY SON IS ON HIS 2ND TOUR IN BAGHDAD, AND HAS MISSED LAST CHRISTMAS AND WITH THE 3 MONTH EXTENSION, WILL MISS THIS COMING CHRISTMAS ALSO WITH HIS YOUNG FAMILY. WAR IS NOT FAIR, THIS IS TRUE. YES, HE VOLUNTEERED FOR THIS JOB AND HE IS DOING IT WELL. MY COUNTRY IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND I WILL STAND BY THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN SERVING IN IRAQ AND WHEREVER OUR COUNTRY SENDS THEM AND NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES THEM. WHATEVER GEN.PETRAEUS DECIDES IS BEST FOR OUR SOLDIERS, I WILL ALSO AGREE TO HIS RECOMMENDATIONS AND PRAY THAT HIS DECISIONS ARE THE RIGHT ONES.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Pete Moss — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:46:18 GMT

The issue here is not victory or defeat, but whether we will leave Iraq to Iran. I guess that is not such a bad option if you don't mind another 30 year cold war with radical Islam, and the very good possibility of atom bombs going off anonymously in various USA cities.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Dave Kramer — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:46:32 GMT

People are so short sited. Remember when everyone had flags on their cars and there were flags on ever over crossing. 70+ percent of the country was in support of going into Iraq. Yes the WMD argument turned out to be wrong. But we knew he had tons of nerve agents in the early nineties, and he had kicked out the inspectors. He was in violation of the terms of the first war settlement. Regardless, Sadamm was a brutal dictator with aspirations beyond Iraq. At any rate, we are there, and to leave the job unfinished would be a disaster. These extremists would love to wipe the western word off the face of the planet. Better to face the terrorists over there than over hear.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

ScoutsOut, Baghdad — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:46:39 GMT

We do want to go home. That being said the progress made Militarily here during the last 3 months is astounding. The streets seem more secure, the Iraqi population more willing to help, and the insurgents on the run. However We cant stay here forever, especially not at surge strength numbers. Our elected officials in Washington need to do their jobs and figure out a way to bring us home, while making sure all our hard work and sacrifice isnt lost the second we leave.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Drewcrewof2 — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:48:47 GMT

No matter wich color your undies are (blue or red) we all must admit this has turned out very badly. So nice that the blue undies folks are trying to make political hay out of it. Hindsite is always perfect 20/20 right? Lets all put on white undies and figure out how the best way to exit would be.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Dan Stone — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:48:49 GMT

Soldier in Bagdad: Don't worry, we understand, but please don't give up hope. Yes, the Iraqi soldiers would take care of the guilty. Lynchmob style. Remember, not only are you asked to be our heroes, but you're asked to do it professionally and the same way you'd do it in NY, LA, Miami, or Podunk, Idaho. That is the real lesson we're teaching the Iraqi's, and it won't be a fast easy process, but then Mr. Bush never did say it would be fast and easy. Keep doing your job, we love you and are proud of you, and remember the small things you teach the Iraqis will eventually catch on. God bless.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Lal, Irvine, CA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:49:49 GMT

Hey, Chris, Kansas City, Mo: You are dumb. Islamists did not start THIS war. They started the Afghan war and we started this war. Start to think yourself rather than parroting what you hear the leaders or TV speakers say

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Casey, Oregon — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:49:50 GMT

Like others, my opinion on this "war" is two-sided. Yes, it could...and should, have been done differently. And we probably never should have gone into Iraq. However, these are the cards that we were dealt by an irresponsible President. If we were to go home now, it's possible that the so-called terrorists could infiltrate into the USA. If we stay, we'll continue seeing bloodshed. It's a catch-22. But, if we focus on national security, and bring our troops home...it's likely that so-called terrorists won't have much of a chance in the USA.

As for the proposed government in Iraq...I don't really care much. I think that a small (US) military and political presence should remain in Iraq, but only for the purposes of protecting it's own people.

I hate this situation. Bloody hate it.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

uno man — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:51:17 GMT

Dear Robert Bazell
The politicians did not start this war. The Moslem terrorists did. Have you forgotten already.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Paul T., Sedalia, MO — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:51:57 GMT

One thing most people don’t seem to remember is that we are not at war with or in Iraq. The war ended when Saddam was overthrown. What we have now is anarchy. The Bush Administration went into Iraq with no predetermined exit strategy. It seems, as though, they thought that the Iraqi people were going to be so happy to get rid of Saddam that they would have naturally remained peaceful while the US decided what would happen next. They should have done their homework and prepared for all the possible outcome of the aftermath of the fall of Saddam.
We really shouldn’t have been there in the first place. The Saddam regime was in no way attached to the attacker at the World Trade Center. The actually people that we should be after are still out there taunting us every year on September, 11 reminding us that we can do nothing to stop them.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Eric, Falls Church, VA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:53:52 GMT

Here is a solution to both of our problems.

If you say we need to fight them over there, then YOU get over there with your weapon and kill every Al-Qaeda type you find, until there are no more. You do this with your own money, not the taxpayers money.

When you get over there, we send a soldier home. I bet there are at least 160,000 of you eagles ready to go over right now.

You get what you want. I get what I want. To hell with what the Iraqis and the rest of the world wants!

Have a nice day.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

RICK POFFENROTH — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:54:35 GMT

WAR IS FOR THE YOUNG, AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN; I BORE IT IN VIETNAM. WHO ELSE BUT THE YOUNG WOULD PUT UP WITH THIS INEPTNESS?

BOTTOM LINE: WHEN THE SOCIAL ELITES CHILDREN, OF THIS NATION, HAVE TO SERVE, WE'LL PUT AN END TO THIS TRAGEDY QUICKLY!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

tom, horsham, pa. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:54:39 GMT

Same with the Holocaust....no one cared....everyone ignored the obvious...and America only got involved when it had something at stake! let them do their job and be grateful you have what you have! Get some more fast food and fatten yourselves! It's what you do best other than complain about every little thing!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Doug Go — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:54:51 GMT

Strange that while thousands are routinely killed due to an overstock of arms and arms operators in Iraq, no one ever thinks to ask when we will be hauling the criminal-in-chief up by his petard for lying so reliably and to such national detriment. Shame on those of you who would scapegoat your fellow citizens rather than prosecute those who have committed the crime we call the "Iraq War." What a great nation of amnesiac chickenhawks.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Bob, Atlanta — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:55:10 GMT

None of you lefties or right-wingers still comprehend the atrocity of what had happened and what had the support of most of you at the beginning. The real cost of this war is innocent lives lost and frankly I don't see a bad thing in Vietnam repeating itself so that you can learn yet another lesson and maybe again withhold aggression for another 40 years. Think about how many lives will be saved? The Christians from both sides of the argument neglect human suffering for personal or political gain and that is frankly hypocritical since you don't follow what you preach. It's too bad sometimes God doesn't exist and you won't go to hell

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

A. R. Noroflk, VA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:55:38 GMT

Why can't anyone see this for what it really is? Afghanistan was a jumping block to get us right into Iraq. President Bush's lies are the reason we are in Iraq. We had and still have no business being over there. Those men and women have died in an attempt to free people who really weren't asking for our help in the first place. If they really were would we still be over there? As a sailor's wife I have done deployment after deployment and can honestly say I see no reason for Bush to continue to sacrifice those brave souls for his vendetta against the Middle East. Go back to Afghanistan and do the job we were supposed to have done 6 years ago. There is a reason Saddam Hussein is now DEAD and Osama Bin Laden is not.... Saddam Hussein was Bush's real target from the very outset. Osama Bin Laden was merely propaganda to get us there!!!!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Rob, Cypress, Texas — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:58:07 GMT

I spent 9 months in Afghanistan.

If we leave Iraq and they will come after us....not right away....they will first work on removing any "moderate' arab leaders in the region....after that, they will go after israel.

Europe is half in the bag....

Then they will come after us.

Many people will not believe this scenario. In 1938, many people thought Herr Hitler would stay in germany....

Pack up and leave now,,,,,,trust me,,,,,we will have to go back eventually. And the price will be higher.

That is the truth. Sorry for the bad news.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

chris, ambler, pa. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:58:41 GMT

Again why do you misinformed libs keep blaming the Bush administration for starting this war? The Dems voted for it as well....hmmmm! So why do you idiots continue with your ridiculous banter?? Dems are the weakness of this country....silly flower children!! Go smoke a weed and shut your mouths up!!!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

barbara kimball kittery maine — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:59:18 GMT

Our troops have most certainly not failed, nor would
they. Even if we could be out of there tomorrow it
would not be a failure of the troops. The failure
was the President's (and his administration) going
into Iraq in the first place.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

James Hill, NYC — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:59:28 GMT

Hey Greg,

Read the news you idiot! The Taliban are in Afghanistan not Iraq. That sort of sums up the right wing gung-ho jarhead mentality. Invade the wrong country and blame it on the "terrorists". Also most Texans are morons!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Deb Omaha, NE — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:59:43 GMT

I might be out of the loop here, but I am responding to those who state, "there weren't terrorists in Iraq before we got there..." and so on and so forth. Uhmmm... YES THERE WERE, how about the Hussein family? And don't tell me they weren't helping the terrorists, they might not have BEEN there (they WERE INDEED but we will go with your theory) but they sure as heck were passing through on a severely regular basis!!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

CPT Tadd Vanyo, New Brighton, MN — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:00:02 GMT

We tried "pulling out" and having our troops deployed to American bases before, it was called the 1990s. The result of that was 3,000 dead in a single day.

Those who believe that we can ignore the threat of radical Islam truly do not understand the worldwide threat we face. Not a single attack on American soil in 6 years, HOW IS THAT A FAILURE!!!

I spent the last 16 months in Al Anbar and I have seen first hand the success that General Petraeus is now being bashed for bringing to light. Keeping the troops "safe" in America, will ensure that 1,000s of civilian Angel flights will follow.

We truly do not understand the threat we face.

CPT Tadd Vanyo, New Brighton, MN

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Joe Doe, california — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:01:30 GMT

The only solution to fighting terror globally, and ending the war in Iraq and elsewhere, is to undertake a swift methodical military operation against Iran and Syria.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

R. Hershey, Birmingham, AL — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:02:25 GMT

We don't want to leave before the job is done and there is no political will to make available the necessary tools, including troops, to get the job done. The military has performed brilliantly, while the politicians have done just the opposite, both American and Iraqi politicians.

Unfortunately, it will be the military, and the military only, that will bear the brunt and shame of failure. Politicians will be able to dodge their responsibilities and lay it at the feet of the military. Can anyone say Viet Nam? Viet Nam was a political defeat, yet most everyone believes it was the military's defeat.

The military is simply one arm of execution for the political machine that is in power. Democrats use it (wrongfully) to attempt and quell civil unrest and prevent genocide (see Bosnia, Kosovo, Somalia) and the Republicans use it as a weapon to pursue political goals.

The real problem is that Americans continue to elect to Congress members that have no military service, disdain that service for their descendants, or simply equate the military with political power to be wielded only in attaining power for their party.

Stop using the military to achieve political power and get someone, anyone, into civilian-military leadership roles that understand and care about the military instead of those that care only about taking care of cronies and rewarding nepotism.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

SHB — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:03:47 GMT

I am appalled that people continue to blame Clinton for everything. We went into this war blindly. I support our troops and I certainly applaud their efforts. The current administration led us to war under false pretenses. We now suffer for that. The Bush administration should admit their poor decisions and start to get our men and women home to their families and loved ones. The honorable service men and women have not FAILED. It is the administration and its leadership that has FAILED them. Because I don't agree with the Bush administration does not make me less a patriot or Christian. God loves everyone. Why can't we? Read the Bible...

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

ted, east falls, Pa. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:04:56 GMT

Psssttt...I believe a vast majority of americans were for this war before it started. We needed payback for 9/11. We cheered!!! Now it seems that Americans just don't have the staying power for anything that takes longer than a day! The mortgage meltdown proves this. We want everything now....we don't want to have to wait for results...and it shows with the war! Cut and run....we did it with Vietnam....and we didn't learn then...and we surely will not learn today! Shame on You!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

keith k, Ashland Oregon — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:07:27 GMT

This war has not polarized us, we already were devided by Carl Rove and the Corporate media. When will we see how much of our problem is Fundamentalist of any stripe. We the people of this earth are always at risk when the powerful leaders are directed by Religion or Nationalism to seek to destroy the other side. Truth is only true if it is true for me and the other, you. Hatrid of liberals and liberal tolerance are a form of demonizing the people who just want to get along with the other humans of our world. Osama needs Gw Bush or better yet Bush needs Osama. Fundamentalist are evil.Fear is a powerful motivator for evil doers, ours and theirs.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Larry Reynolds — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:07:53 GMT

I too am a Vietnam Vet, 1968 thru 1969, and we had enough troops to stand them shoulder to shoulder and go from one end of that Country to the other and win the thing, but our politicians saw it differently. All for NOTHING, Let's get this over with and come HOME, Now!!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

James82nd — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:09:11 GMT

"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too." What happened to that American can do spirit? We can do anything we set our mind to! Bush did not lie-a lie is something you know is untrue when you say it. Every other country said the same thing that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. It now doesn't matter if we should be there or not... we are there and if we leave there will be a void that Iran will want to fill. When Iran gets fully involved, then Saudi Arabia will come in, then Turkey, then Syria. Yes, we will have a World War and yes our interest will be oil and it will be your interest too if you still want to have a job!!! Staying now is the best course...give the surge a chance.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Amy B Portland, ME — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:09:33 GMT

Reading this board I see two sides who do not listen to one another: one side unthinkingly supports George Bush, and the other side thinks clearly but cannot figure out how to assert its will. What we need but do not have is a savvy leader who can finagle a political solution to the Iraq civil war and re-order our national priorities.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Roger Kelly Mount Carmel, TN — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:17:03 GMT

Dick Cheney knew what was going to happen in Iraq
if we went after Saddam......and he was right!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9YuD9kYK9I

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

r. hoiseck,, Los Angeles,Ca. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:17:19 GMT

Regarding the question of WIMPS...Tell which of the leaders that started this illegal and undeclared war is the great American military hero,,,Bush??? Rumsfeld???Cheney??? Only one "Powell" and he left the administration early on and holding his nose after smelling the deceit of the present administration...These are undisputed facts and we as a nation unfortunately must live with these ignoble deeds...You can rant and rave call people whatever you want or tell them to leave the country but we're all stuck in this stinking mess because we voted for an ignorant man plain and simple... Best regards,,,Senior/82nd AA vet PS...God Bless America..We really need it and maybe we need to learn the 10 commandments again...

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

David, Des Moines, IA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:18:32 GMT

Stop blaming Clinton, you conservative types. Clinton never decided to keep the troops in Iraq year after year after year. Republicans spend money on Iraq like they print it in their basement.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Edwin, Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:18:57 GMT

Bush is working the Iraq war toward October/November 2008. So we can expect to see a significant drawdown targeting the election. Need I say more about Bush's war? You may blame Clinton if it's convenient but Iraq had nothing to do with Al-Quaida. Did you hear that? Nothing!!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

John Doe — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:19:29 GMT

I say we just start negoiating... start at 50 kilotons and work your way up from there..

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Edwin, Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:19:40 GMT

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Denise,Ft Richardson,AK — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:19:42 GMT

Listen Mr.President enough is enough seriously!!How many more soldiers must sacrafices themselves so that you will be happy..I just dont get it not only do you ask these soldiers to go fight in Iraq once but two,three,four times.My husband is on his 3rd tour in Iraq now why must we continue to suffer becasue of your bad decisions? It's not about winning its about the American people we have people living in low income, poverty,abusive homes,kids with no medical or dental insurance where is there help?? Maybe because there families don't have oil in there back yard!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Sean, Torrington CT — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:19:48 GMT

Told you so. So did many others. Every person who beat the drums for war in Iraq is responsible for the utter failure of our country to build a nation. You all supported a stuttering coke-head who had no exit stratergy(sic!) and thought democracy was some magical spell that would un-do a thousand years of conflict.

There is no honor in this 'war'. We never even declaired war. The war is not even neccessary, else there would be a draft.

*shrug* Let's get out while the getting is good. An internal revolution would produce much the same violence. You war-mongerers had 6 years to show your incompetancy...now let's try a different tack.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Phillip Kelley, Tucson Arizona — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:19:59 GMT

This is not a war of religion, politics, or allowing every country to do what is right in their own eyes, in their own land. They came to America on our own land and declared war with us. If they all wanted to stay in their own land and country and do as they please, that wouldn't affect us at all and we couldn't care less what they think or do. But we as Americans will stand united together and not tuck tail and run from any threat or action against our own people. May God Bless America!!!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

ruth jones, austin texas — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:30:36 GMT

Who is the enemy? What is "victory"? The Iraqi government did NOT make it's bench marks. The Sunni's do NOT want us to control the oil and that's why we are there, that's why the lie to go there, and that's why we'll stay their forever. I would love to see pictures of the billion dollar embassy, golf courses, swimming pools and entertainment centers on TV. That in constrast to the fact that the water is polluted, the electricity non existent and only tiny pockets are shown of kids on swings...yet the kids brag about how they escaped from being killed. Talk about Mess O pot amia!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

D. Morris, St.Louis, Missouri — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:32:05 GMT

To Captain America, Washington D.C.

Here here, well put...

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mom of One — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:32:18 GMT

If the administration, or namely the powerful few, truly wanted to 'win' this war, we would have. Except for a few bumps (namely the waning support for our occupation), this war is going the way it was planned by the administration that orchestrated our presence in the region for many years to come, many years ago. I do think the 'powers that be' expected the 'enemy' to roll over and submit a little more easily. Now civilians are 'insurgents', just protecting their own. And the holes in the borders have let rebels in to fight on someone else's territory.
It is still going the way it was written, I think if we pull out troops then more of our 'private army' will be sent in to do the work. ie contractors. Private army, that is the direction we are heading, folks, much more discrete, zero accountability.....And our presence is still there, as it was written by the authors...... rummy, cheney, wolfowitz, and the rest,

just my thoughts
Peace out, jeans

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

James Casad, Seattle, Washington — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:34:06 GMT

Those that support this occupation step forward, join the military. It's easy to be an arm chair patriot! If you haven't served yet, do it. Support our troops and give them a break.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Big O, Texas — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:34:25 GMT

You can say that all you want about Clinton me i respect what everyonre is saying but the same people that got us in this war ie (CIA- FBI) and friends of this administration is the same people that was there when Clinton was in office. So if Clinton would have started this war the same thing that the people is blaming Bush would be the same for Clinton you people are stupid think about what you are saying and do your research and maybe you would retracted what you said and understand what this is really about. I'm not republican or Democrat but common sence can go a long way if you just think of the problem that can arise when or if we should invade. First it was WMB oops didn't have them and remove Sadam did that now it turned to something else we have had about 6 or 7 new strategy has changed so many time the soldier don't even now what is going on and what they are suppose to be doing there now. I've been in the Navy for 17 years and i wouldn't do it again nowing that we have someone in office that is a cowboy and can;t speak and is the stupidist President we have ever had in The American history. There is nothing wrong with supporting this man but when you are wrong you are wrong it doesn't matter if you are republican or Democrat and you know if Clinton was in office the same thing the Democrat is doing to Bush the same would be going on to Clinton if he was in office. It such a ashame that pople don't see it and is what is wrong with the US and we as a nation will reap what we so in the long run. I'm for helping people but only when it is truely needed and what being going on in Africa has been going on for a long time has anyone from this administration done anything no since Sudan people don't have anything to offer us we will turn a blind eye to them and let them suffer, this country has a bunch of hipacrits in it and don't care about know one but it self and what it can get from them if we help them out instead of doing what i right.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Sgt. 1st class Lopez — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:36:10 GMT

I hear all this bad mouthing about Bush and how it was so great when clinton was in office the truth is that clinton took care of the lil things per say the taxes medicare gas prices and so on but just rolled over when al queda attacked the Navy Ship and brushed it off like it was nothing when it was really the begining Clinton didnt do anything to assure that your grand kids could have a future without having to worry about someone blowing up there school or a bomb going off at a Friday Night Football Game where Bush is looking at the Future and fighting back before were all just to afraid to go to the grocery store the truth is the world our parents group up in is not the one we get to live in The World Is A Violent Dog Eat Dog World its not Smallville and never has been. Peace is a Fantasy that will never occur Not On This Planet.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

C. Wilson, Colorado Springs, CO — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:36:28 GMT

Hindsight is always 20/20. I agree that WWII would not have been won if politicians had got into it. Also we knew who was the enemy,and civilians died, and cities were completely destroyed. But it was worth it to have again a continent free of Nazis. Let's be careful about the decisions in Iraq, not too fast, not too soon. A big problem there is their government that can't get along and important figures getting murdered, people being afraid to be next. Iraq is made up of people, ethnic groups who lived separately decades ago until the British decided to create new borders and new countries. That's where the problem is. I suggest that we let the Iraqis reorganized their frontiers. the other countries should stay out of it (Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia,etc.). And let's start bringing our troops back home slowly but surely and make the Iraqis start standing for themselves and take care of the insurgents.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Greene, Northern Virginia. — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:37:59 GMT

I spent 19 years 8 1/2 months in the Army Special Forces (Green Beret to laymen). I was an instructor at Fort Bragg, and West Point. When people say we ought to let the Military fight unabated by Politicians what does that really mean? Go in and slaughter men women and children, torture and execute any and all who dont aquisend to us immediately. Maybe bomb them (the enemy)with nukes unmercifully. Prior to any mission we studied the our advasaries to understand their values, mores and history of their society. In other words you have to know and understand your enemy. You roll play and brainstorm possible outcomes and ramifications of actions. The study of Sociology tells us about men and for eons man has not changed. Any situation we find our selves in now has a historical equivelent. But thats the problem nobody wants to study history and learn. Every generation thinks their smarter and new methods and weaponry will make the difference with out regard for the history of man. The French tried Vietnam and failed. The U.S followed and failed. It was the same battlefield as Burma. To understand and breaking the Iraqi resistance study the Battle for Algeirs. How many years did the British fight the IRA. I could go on and on. War should be the last solution. War should require every able body to take up arms. From children to geriatrics. Not volunteers (thank you for your service) while others take vacations and earn money. All of those able bodied college kids should bare arms during a time of war and not shake their behinds at spring break. Vietnam did not end because of peaceniks. It ended when the college deferments were eliminated and all that had blindly supported the war started to wonder if Vietnam was worth their children not graduating from college and the cushy life that was ahead of them. World War 2 was a real war women sent their sons of to war men lined up it was for survival. Thats war.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:38:48 GMT

What goals?? Every time we look its a new "goal". First it was to "save" the people of Iraq from Hussien and his WMDs. Fine there wasnt any, then it was to enable to have Democracy in Iraq, Ok done. Then it was to help stabilize them, and to get rid of Al QaDUH, when is it going to end when will the task stop and more BS reasons to keep our family members and friends on the ground there.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Rick, Nashville, TN — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 21:39:12 GMT

Harvey Bergeron, in Loudon, NH, has a great point! There were not enough boots on the ground. Why? Because the Congress and the Administration.....and THE COUNTRY have not provided adequate funding.....or enough VOLUNTEERS. Ideally, a draft should not be needed.......but, one day it might be needed........and, talk is obviously very CHEAP.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

F. R., Dover AFB, DE — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:26:32 GMT

I wish that President Bush could read this. He would see that he has divided the nation on all levels. The candidates had better realize what they are getting into.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Tony Costello Pittsfield, MA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:27:25 GMT

I'd like to Pres and VP Bush and CHeney do a front line patrol one weekend a month in Sadar City. Then we can see how long we keep our heroes in Iraq.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

vonn — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:29:19 GMT

As a retired air force personell, I do not see the need for the continuing of this war. The iraq's have been fighting wars since before Jesus came and they are going to continue fighting. It is not about oil it is about land. We do not belong there. We are losing too many lives and nothing is improving. We need to deal with issues on the homefront. The United States can not save everybody.
We need to pull out now.
SRA Ryan I can tell you are not actually in the war area. It is easier for us to say that the war is needed, when we are not losing someone close to us. For Bush saying he is a Christina, I am a Christina but I don't beleive Bush is praying and listenening to God, remember he is going on the advise of his cabinet. Chron 7:14.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Dan Portland,OR — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:29:36 GMT

Finally we have a leader who will fight back. After 30 years of Americans being killed worldwide by these savages we have a leader with enough courage to fight back. The American people are spoiled so bad they can't see it. It will take a much larger attack to get their very short attention span.Convert to Islamn is the only solution!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Sean, Forest,MS — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:30:54 GMT

wait, wait, wait a minute here. People, just six years ago this nation was attacked and OUR people were killed. Our servicemen and women answered the call to bring justice. Anyone remember "Let's Roll"? As a veteran, yes, I want our soldiers home. Not one soldier lost is worth thousands of saved Iraqis (in my opinion). But I can assure you, that everyone of us here was happy at the prospect of payback. Who cares what the president said to get us in it. We are all guilty to some extent. Our problem, Congress' problem is a lack of unification on any level. The fact remains, soldiers are still on the ground, and I'm willing to bet that not even half of you take the time out of your busy lives to even think about them, let alone pray for their safety, unless that is to blog about it. Reading this has made me realize that the word United States is truly an oxymoron. Yes it's hard to see our soldiers hurt, killed and/or return home to face the problems of trying to readjust. But for God sakes, stop whining and remember we voted for our leaders. Fellow vets, thank you for all you've done for this country. Yes, Vietnam was poorly recieved by civilians, but as soldiers we defended their rights to protest, you know that. Parents/spouses of soldiers, you are in my prayers as are your loved ones. As for everyone else, Love our troops, welcome them home, support them when they need help, prove you support the troops. You cannot change everything, just change yourselves. May God Bless you all, and remember our fallen.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

don't believe everything you think, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:32:54 GMT

there are two major points that no one seems to mention. first, daily life in Iraq is now worse than anything we can image. What used to be one of the most educated, historic, and cosmopolitan countries in the Middle East (even under Saddam) now has essentially no schools and has the majority of the population living without running water, electricity, schools, or useable roads. of COURSE our soldiers are justifiable targets in the eyes of the majority of the Iraqi population; they are the visible face of the entity responsible for turning their thriving nation into a third-world country. that's the real shame, that our soldiers must now bear the brunt of the consequences of poor planning and mismanagement. a mere fraction of the billions spent on the war effort could easily have made enough of an appreciable difference in the lives of the Iraqi people that they would see us as the liberators we claim to be.
second, and perhaps more importantly, no one seems to remember that the one common sentiment among our founding fathers was the necessity of limits on governmental power. they were so afraid of a central government with too much power that they initially created so many limitations on such powers that the government couldn’t function! (high school history class; anyone remember the Articles of Confederation?) the purpose behind the Constitutional Convention wasn’t to create a nation equipped to police the world and spread democracy; they wanted to create a nation in which the people did not have to worry about their government oppressing them. that’s it. period.

“Those who would sacrifice an essential liberty to purchase temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
- Benjamin Franklin

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Norm, Red Lake ON — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:38:17 GMT

The military has nothing to be ashamed of wether they finish the job or not. They did not make the decision to start this war that cannot be won. The middle east has been fighting against each other long before most european nations were born, and cannot be understood by any westerners. The politicians have to decide to put their ego aside and get out, it's as simple as that it's in their blood to hate each other, it has nothing to do with politics. It a family feud from way back.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Elias Indio Ca — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:40:12 GMT

OOOHH please, Bush rushed to war and he did at record breaking speed. He is not innocent of the war, it is pathetic to say that Clinton did not do him favors, He was more into the look at me Iam going to war cowboy, he just rushed and does know where he is at.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Vincent — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:40:37 GMT

Foolishness, Ignorance, It's clear that liberalism is caused by an abundance of these and what would cause one to possess such an abundance? The scriptures are clear about wisdom and how precious it is. I understand why as I read the entries here. If you fight a war you must fight fearlessly. Not fearfully. Look at a map then you might figure out what were doing. Easy to see from the direction our country is turning as to how even america went to war against Israel. Prophecy of Joel. Leftist should read and practice the proverb "Better to remain silent and assumed the fool than to speak up and verify it."

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Kathleen, Philipsburg, PA — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:42:37 GMT

Rick R., Waukesha You are exactly right, my friend.
I think our elected officials have become unable to see reality as it truly is because their perception of reality is a fantasy about the way they want reality to be. They all could use a world history refresher course as well. The crusades, Rome, Vietnam ..... How many times does history need to be repeated?

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Brandon, Boise ID — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:36:15 GMT

Almost all of the 9/11 terrorists were from our supposed ally Saudi Arabia...NONE were from Iraq. Oil companies and Defense contractors with ties to Bush and Cheney have made tens of billions of dollars off this war. Even the reasons given for going into Iraq have been shown to be flimsy and flawed. Why in the heck are we there, do you think it is really possible to stop different factions from fighting it out now that we have destabilized their government? The invasion of Iraq has cost our country thousands of American lives, Trillions of dollars, and badly damaged our credibility in the international community. I think Bush will go down as the most inept President of my lifetime.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

DANIEL, Albuquerque, NM — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:37:18 GMT

I am a retired combat veteran, serving proudly in both Iraq and Afghanistan. This is for all those Monday morning quarterback that haven't had their boots on the groud. Please enlist in the military so you can have an opinion if not just be happy you have won the lottery because you are 1 of 18 people in the world that is American, be proud of your nation, your government and your military. You may not agree, but please don't bad mouth us or your President. Just say you don't agree and keep it at that. Even in this challenging time we have to stick together. Please, I ask you as one American to another. Question, but don't waiver from being a proud American. We need to be one to defeat this, I have talked to the enemy and this is what they want,, for us to be divdided. Don't let that happen and don't ever forget. God bless America.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

student one — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:39:00 GMT

It is important to think about the Iraq war both strategicaly and logisticaly. The US economy is a transportation and energy based type system. It has evolved and grown in compexity and strength based on these two fundamentals. Poeple often become to emotional or philosophical, it is more important to stay analitical. Ponder this?

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Arif Kachalia — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:48:53 GMT

Such a tragedy and all because of a misguided and arrogant Bush, Cheny and Rumsfield, most of all Rumsfield. Such a great Country, such short sighted leaders.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

oussaid el-jabri, belgium, vlaams brabant — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:53:53 GMT

too many angel flights?! your readers say? so what about the thousands more unmentioned iraqui dead? they get no angel flight and the us authorities, let's face it don't give a damn, many won't even have a name tag on their coffins nor on their tombstones.. and you expect us , arabs to have sympathy for your dead when you don't even count ours? what is this life evaluation worth? get out of iraq and don't count your flights angel or not anymore.. for heaven's sake stop discriminating like american lives are more worthy than muslims or arabs'. nobody asked these guys to go to iraq except the american oil industry interests and the bushites neo cons. and those who did go there , well they just got an extra 20000 us $ bonus last month. so they got they money worth baqck.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Roberta Rogers, Webster, Fl. — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:00:51 GMT

By focusing on a military solution to "getting the job done" the real issue is ignored. There can only be a diplomatic solution, a fact even the military acknowledges. We should have learned that in Vietnam. But since the current administration is too dim to pursue that path along with a military presence, our soldiers will continue to make sacrifices. It is frustrating to see people continue to equate the invasion of Iraq with 9/11. Even Bush admits there was no connection, folks. But we have created a dangerous situation by the ill-advised, poorly planned, and poorly managed course of action. The ranks of those that hate this country has swollen tenfold because of our actions in Iraq. We can't just pull out now; we owe that to the many Iraqi's that will die if we do. But to continue to think the miliary can ultimately 'solve the problem' is shortsighted and unrealistic.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike 0, Seattle — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:08:24 GMT

I thought this was going to be an article about clothing in the late 70s - Angels Flight was a brand name for skintight polyester.

Seems they STILL are available, they need to change the article title, to at least include the word IRAQ

And, yeah, petroleum isn't worth dead friends, I'll walk

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Iraqi who hate what your government is doing to his country,Baghdad — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:08:51 GMT

You should correct the title to "Too Many Devil Flights",becuase what would make a dirty US soldier an angel?I mean you guys came to my land and every day we have tens of peaceful Iraqi Muslim young men and women losing thier lives because of your stupid government,we didn`t ask Bush or you to come and save us from Saddam and please don`t tell me that you did it for my sake,you did it becuase you can`t stand seeing other nations specially a Muslim nation getting developped,you came to destroy 6000 years of civilization because you don`t have history and you want all others to lose theirs,stop the shit now.....

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike - PNW — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:10:35 GMT

Bin Laden doesn't volunteer for the same reason Bush's daughters don't

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Tim Hull, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:31:50 GMT

Congrats to SrA Bryan Smith! You are absolutely correct about Clinton. He had so many opportunities to take real action against terrorism. And now everyone blames President Bush! Although I never really liked Clinton, I would never say some of the hate-filled things I have heard from liberals about Bush.

I think history will prove Bush was correct in going into Iraq. I'm not a war monger but I don't think this planet can afford to have any closed societies like the middle east has. We need to have a presence in the middle east so that Muslims can start to learn the word "tolerance".

And in the end perhaps we will end up creating more terrorists and we get attacked anyway. In that case, at least I will have the satisfaction of knowing that our brave President and brave soldiers went out in the world and tried to do something about it. Unlike Clinton who was more worried about looking good than protecting the American people.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

J. Ross, Richmond, Virginia — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:32:01 GMT

The military is doing there job. Where are the politicians? We are doing everything we can and have expressed that though it is tough and we want to go home we will remain fighting and doing our job. Where is the rest of the administration? This can't be solely a military victory and requires the efforts of the whole administration, congress, and the citizens. This has become a darn sideline war with armchair quarterbacks and couch potatoes bickering and complaining. Hey, it isn't going to be won solely by the military. It isn't going to be won solely by the military. It isn't going to be won solely by the military. What the heck is everyone else doing? It was sickening to watch General Petraeus getting cruicified and the senators saying all the nice things about how they support the military but what are you going to do. WAKE UP! It isn't only about military battles. IT ISN'T GOING TO BE WON SOLELY BY THE MILITARY. This country is being run by a bunch of selfish lame ducks.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Peter Barrett — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:41:49 GMT

Saw something the other day..guess we'll call it the ultimate bumper sticker > "If you can read this-thank a Teacher > AND < if it's in ENGLISH - THANK A SOLDIER !! "

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Margie Wallace — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:50:32 GMT

What has our Government turned into? What we saw with our illustrious law makers this week should tell us the whole story. Was it not GENERAL worship? And Bush fired all his predecessors untill he found Petraus. No good Congress, all a bunch of liars, pretenders, bathroom huggers, and no leadership at all. Let's just raise taxws and give them more play.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

ANIS, TORONTO, CANADA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:01:06 GMT

If Bin Laden wants marters why doesn't he volunteer??
Donna, Tacom (Sent Tuesday, September 11, 2007 2:31 PM)

RESPONSE:

IF GEORGE BUSH WANTS SACRIFICES FROM AMERICANS WHY HE DOES'T VOLUNTEER OR SEND HIS DAUGHTERS TO IRAQ?

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Sean, Las Vegas USA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:14:32 GMT

Very interesting reading no doubt. Everyone wants to blame someone, oh it's al qaida, oh bin laden, oh clinton, oh it's definitely saddam, oh bush is evil, everyone has their favorite punching bag obviously. In the end we will stay too long, and too many will die and no matter how much of the population agrees or disagrees all this anger in multiple directions is just proving that too many people have misdirected anger. How about the US stand together as a people, and be patriotic and use their votes to change the leadership. Way back 235 or so years ago there was a Government set up "Of the people, by the people, for the people" Of course back then people actually had to do more then create half thoughts based on media blurbs. Now people think, oh, its not my fault, I did not vote, I just whine a lot in forums. If you did not vote, then you really have no voice to criticize the government and its actions. Get back to watching Lucy and Ricardo and let people who care about the US enough to vote and contribute do the work while you sit on your sofa, chewing on your chips, sipping your bud in those size 48 waist pants claiming you know whats best for the country.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Sam, SA, TX — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:19:07 GMT

Its kind of sad that too many US troops are being killed in Iraq. Many more if it wasn't for the lifesaving kevlar and body armor. As a former navy corpsman treating my fellow marines in Afghanistan and Iraq, and also innocent civilians caught in the crossfire, I've seen the dark side of the war.

One thing Ive seen in the military is that they are usually extremely loyal and hardworking people that unaforturnately can be exploited by the politians for their own gain.

Almost all investigations point out that Iraq was never tied to 9/11. They was so battered by economic sanctions for a decade, that it wasnt possible. Its pathetic that they used the 9/11 tradegy and exploited to justify invading Iraq when we haven't even finished the real mission. Get justice for the 9/11 victims in afghanistan.

Why is it that when we did invade Iraq, our 2 goals was to protect the oil minstry and oil fields, and topple saddam. And ignore everything else, i.e. museum in bagdad that had priceless artifacts that was ransacked. (remember that one?). If there was oil in africa, we would have stopped the genecide thats happening and committed our troops over there too.

Who is benifiting the most in the prolonged war? Iraq dont care. They want us out. They are in a civil war and killing each other. Iraq politians don't either, thats why when they knew the progress report suppose to come out soon, instead of trying to pass legislations and meet most goals, they decide to say screw americans and went on vacation. I think thats a slap in the face jesture.

Halliburtion, KBR, Blackwater, etc? Hell yeah. They are getting awarded huge contracts worth billions to work in Iraq and Afghanistan while our US Troops are being used to protect them. Ask ANY US Troops about them and you will find your answer. Hell, there is even people just sitting in the phone center on base, all they do all day is call out names of people that are next to go on the phones getting paid 100,000 a year. There are as many as them as the US Troops.

The Bush administration is not enclosing the true cost of this war. I bet if they match the US Troops pay to the contractors pay, 80,000 tax free, I bet americans will start listening. I also bet once Cheney is done with vice president, he is going back to halliburtion.

And once the loyal and hardworking troops are exausted, who is going to replace them? I hope the draft comes back. Because the "patriots, love the troops, support the war" people will quickly backstep and change their tunes if they get drafted. Its easy to yell in the sidelines instead of experiencing it first hand.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Nelson Roth, Dayton, TN — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:25:17 GMT

Comment to Rick R. of Waukesha, re: the Crusades.

You are ill informed. Historically, the Crusades were a response to Muslim aggression.

This is not a political statement. This is a statement of historical fact. Yes, there were abuses and evils. Yes, on both sides, but, the Crusades were not, I repeat, were not without justification. The Europe we know today would not exist if it had not been for the Crusades. Europe would have long since been a Muslim country had it not been for the responsive, i.e., defensive efforts of the Crusaders.

Study your history.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Steven, Lancaster County PA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:31:14 GMT

We don't leave because of the oil, if Iraq implodes, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will follow. Its that simple. Its the reason we don't have 160,000 troups in Africa protecting the people there who are getting murdered every day. I am glad we got rid of Sadaam, it was the right thing to do, but in the end, its all about the oil. The Dem's won't be any different if they get into power, if we pull out of Iraq and the country blows up, the entire worlds economy will risk collapsing. Leave your political BS behind and face reality, until we get free from oil and the rest of the world does as well, we have to stay. For the record, I am a vet, I used to be a Pub, I now am an independant. Yeah, I know, they tell me I am wasting my vote, but personally, I think both sides are full of crap and only care about getting re-elected so they can get their great retirement packages and feed their power hungry ego's.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Alberto, Tampa, Fl — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:35:31 GMT

I'm not happy when Iraqi pastriots kill Americans soldiers,but I feel satisfaction because American soldiers are invaders and are killing innocents and Iraqi patriots, I wish some day god send instead of water rain, tons of bullets rain over the criminal in the white house and our troops whatever they are invading other countries, when they are doing that only for treasures and money, as this war is. A general with integrity must think and know if a war is just or not, military puppets is less acceptable that politician puppets.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Wade Tampa,Fl — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:51:15 GMT

For those of you that cast blame and judge others to what they have done or what they cant do shame on you. Look around you and what are u seeing? Do U not know that every war had a reason and an ending? Just because u truly do not understand what it truly is we are fighting for doesnt make Bush and idiot for starting it....I do not care for Bush's decisions but face it....God is in control not Bush....There is a much bigger reason we are over in Iraq right now and only God knows why.....I think most need a good history lesson in the Bible not to cast judgement for that is Gods right and no one elses!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Dale Parker, Mary Esther, Fl — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 10:53:05 GMT

600+ civilians that include a smattering of ex NCOs and Lieutenants know how to conduct a war? A stupid joke with the BOOTS ON THE GROUND taking the hit. Butt out and let the military handle it and then the civilians can clean up what's left.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Le Cruzet — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:08:03 GMT

Humanity is doomed.

We have learnt nothing in the past 1300 years. The Crusades? It's happening today. Vietnam? Same deal. Hatred, animosity, sectarian strife, all the proof it is inherently impossible for any human to 'live in harmony with another'?

Right. Here.

The human race should die, along with our politicians and our soldiers and our naive public and our hard-boiled experts. It would, at least, do our earth a great service.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Maj Joseph Posato, Camp Fallujah Iraq — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:12:43 GMT

I am not sure anyone who hasn't been here can truly understand this war. The reasons we enter Iraq was for all the right reasons, the US Gov failed after the war was won. The CPA did not come close to achieving a goal of Iraqi self control. We are getting closer, but there is no easy solution. I work outside the wire everyday as the Deputy Team Leader of an Embedded Provintial Reconstruction Team. I interact with all members of Iraqi society and the thing that strikes me the most is their interest in Western Culture and Western Society. I see it with th young boys and girls, they watch tv and search the internet. Its their society and culture that will be in conflict with ours. It woulod not have matter if we invaded or not 9/11 saw a Islam Culture that fears Western Cultural influence. Globalization will create the tensions around the world, as I write western corporations are bidding on contracts with the Government of Iraq do you believe they will leave western society and civilizationa at the door. It may take decades for the Islamic world to find a balance with western society and I don't mean just the United States. We could pull back but the fundamentalist will follow us back home. A positive note is by us being here the Iraqi people have interacted with us and we are not the monsters some would like them to believe. I can't wait to get home myself and I have watch "Angel Flights" leave and you feel terrible, but I didn't join the peace corp and when called I am expected to fight and we have. The media is killing us more than AQI, they are breaking our hearts and beating down our moral. Rarely do we watch anymore, we rather watch ESPN or a movie than have the news lie to us.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Siobhan, kusadasi, turkey — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:12:57 GMT

I am an irish catholic living in an muslim country where both my faith and person is respected. it sadens deeply to see that hatred ouzes from this blog against all peoples that run contary to the present administration. War only serves the people who make money from it. We send our youth from disadvantaged areas and use them as cannon foder to feed the war machine. We all should be ashamed

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

juli54 — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:13:14 GMT

The politicians need to stay out of it and let the military get it done.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Barry, B, Bristol Q.C. Canada — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:18:18 GMT

One angel mission was too many !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(9-1-1) Happened,it was not an overnight plan.
It will take a change of mindset to make loving hearts from a hateful society.
When I was a child I thought as a "to nuke them all would be the only answer".
Now I,m 60.
My hearfelt condolances from Canada to all the millions upon millions of 911'ers whom have paid the ultimate cost with their lives. Our minds will never forget those burning images.I pray! pray! pray! I could erase them.
And never forget who caused and why that indelible day happened. Not because we are trying to change minds in Afganistan or Iraq or Iran or anywhere else in the far east. Hatred of democracy. And may all of us remaining here remember we are brothers and sisters living in the freeworld loving each other.
Fighting against evil here and there.
May our prayer be God bless and protect all defending freedom,and may they wear His armour keeping His son in their heart. For we know not the moment of His return.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mary Jane, Honolulu, HI — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:27:08 GMT

Mr. Bazell,

Well said -excellent. What you have written here is truth and what news should be. Thank you!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Jeff, Dublin, CA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:37:48 GMT

It's amazing how facts never seem to sway the opinions of Bush supporters.

Clinton WARNED Bush bin Laden was America's number one enemy when he left office. Bush sat on the intel until 9/11. Now you guys are blaming Clinton. Bush can do no wrong can he?

"Bush has made mistakes but he's picking up the pieces other politicians left behind."

Again, facts escape you. Iraq was a functioning country when Bush took office, now it's a big mess that others have to fix (does anyone believe Bush can fix it?). Unfortunately the Pottery Barn rule (you broke it, you fix it) won't apply in this case.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Larry McIntyre, Haynesville, La. — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:59:47 GMT

This war, just like Vietnam, can be won. But, to do it, the politicians have to sit down, shut up, and let the military do what they do best. They are not the police. THey are not mediators between two opposing sides. If the politicians will give them tne manpower, and authority to do what it takes, they can win. We need to fight like the enemy is fighting. If they have insurgents in a section of city, take out that section. If they are everywhere in a city, take out the city, by whatever means is needed. When the people have no water, no food, no homes, and no electricity, they will give up the terrorists, or die with them.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

mickey davis — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:03:34 GMT

The bottom line is Bush is killing American boys and girls, Iraqis of every kind, so that he doesn't face these outrageous claims of cutting and running. In other words, he is killing people for personal reasons. We have names for that, and often put people in jail, or worse, for that. Think about it.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Barracuda1, Miami Fl — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:05:44 GMT

"Someday soon Men Like ME will decide the Fate of men like you"

(Special Forces Green Beret's response to a liberal news media correspondants remark on War being immoral)

(Jesus never told the Centurion to drop his sword or turn it into a plow either, He said "No Greater Faith have I found, No, not in all Isreal"

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

p.g. staff — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:11:26 GMT

our troops are doing the best possible job they can.
but they are being feed white house propaganda daily.
g.w.'s ego war should be stopped now. but we owe the iraqi's a debt. we did remove a dictator but we destoryed thier country which was not a threat to us.
bring the troops home now and then help rebuild iraqi

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Tom Murphy, Boston, MA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:27:58 GMT

"...And to all who bad mouth President Bush, the only reason this war fell in his lap is because Former-President Clinton was a giant pansy who wouldn't do anything while he was in office...."

This, of course, is how good Christians justify the killing of innocents. An eye for an eye and all that.
The facts matter little to them: Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. Of course, our presence there has made it a hotbed of jihadi activity.

Bush II wanted a war and found a reason, an attack which - had HE and his administration been on the ball - might well have been avoided. It's pointless to point fingers and assign blame today - there's plenty to go around including the many opportunities the Republican Congress walked away from - but it's important that our secular republic not devolve into what "Christians" like Airman Smith would prefer: a theocracy answering to a God whose directions they alone can divine.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Martin, Middleburg, FL — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:33:56 GMT

Too All Americans,
What you'll never realize why we do what we do over here, I fight so my children won't have to. I am here with all my brethren because this was unfinished the last time. Everyone in the world can monday morning quarterback this war all they want. But we came here because we believed that Iraq was a threat. If we never did, then we would always be wary of what Saddam is up to. Here's the gut check America, what are you doing for those whom have served you? Are you giving them back their jobs, are you foreclosing on their homes. Are you more concerned about the bottom line of your buisnisses than by doing what's right by "Joe"? I know that we're fighting for one ungrateful nation, but at times I wonder if its two.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Earl Marlin, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:39:44 GMT

I keep hearing, "if we don't fight them in Iraq we will have to fight them in America". So are we occupying all the terrorist in the world at this point? NOT!
What a lame excuse to beat ones chest like a pack of monkeys.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Harry, Norfolk, VA — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:43:15 GMT

To those who think that President Clinton did nothing, (Byran Smith, et al) you should know that his bombing campaigns that were, at the time, dismissed by the conservative press and politicians as merely cover for the Lewinski scandal, were in fact highly effective and were the cause of Saddam both losing his ability to manufacture weapons of mass destruction and losing his ability to conceive of having a weapons manufacturing infrastructure. Source is "Fiasco - The American Military Adventure in Iraq" by Thomas E Ricks and the reference sources contained in that book. This has also been borne out by the complete and utter lack of WMD or any other large or CBR weapon manufacturing capability found in Iraq after the US military entered the country.

As far as the contention that the military should wage war separate from the oversight of the President and the Congress...well, that's the way the Founding Fathers set it up. You don't like how the Constitution works, then get an amendment to it. And do you really want an independent military doing whatever they want whenever they want? Perhaps you also like coups d'etat and military juntas.

Or, for that matter, a President who does whatever he wants whenever he wants? We have a tri-partite system of government with attendant checks and balances so that no one branch of the government is more powerful than the other. Mr Bush's Imperial presidency is undermining that basic fact of the United States' system of government.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

David DeManio — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:50:57 GMT

I believe rural America has a blind faith in their elected leaders. These Americans are the backbone of Fox news and have a group think mentality. There is no discussing policy with them as it's their way or no way. It will pass much like all political winds, just another stain on the fabric of America. Being open to new ideas and oversight of our leaders was a hard fought right we won in the 18th century seems many Americans have forgotten our revolutionary past and the lessons learned dealing with King George and forming a new republic

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Michael Onger — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:56:16 GMT

Perhaps we should recognize the gallows humor of the neocons - OIF stands for Oil & Israel Forever. Has nothing to do with Iraqi freedom or our brave warriors who are now being sacrificed, including the reputation of a superb General.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Rich B — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:06:43 GMT

SrA Bryan Smith of the Air Force says ...."I am blessed that we have a Christian man commanding this nation. And to all who bad mouth President Bush, the only reason this war fell in his lap is because Former-President Clinton was a giant pansy who wouldn't do anything while he was in office. I am definently not saying that President Bush is perfect, because he isn't, but he is more of a man then Clinton was!".
Bryan, you've got this all backwards. This war in Iraq is not about the President being Christian or Catholic etc. This war was a travesty and a disaster right from the start. Whenever a "Christian" starts a war in a predominantly Muslim country, you're in for some major repercussion, and that's what you're witnessing. Former President Clinton was too smart to start a war like this in the Middle East, while tending to the more urgent demands in the homeland.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Linda, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:07:45 GMT

Okay, pointing fingers is not helping anyone or anything! Send as many troops as it takes, wipe out all insurgents, secure the borders and stop other countries from sending in fighters. All the men in my family were or are in the military. God Bless them and our country for doing what is right to help humanity!!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Pierce d'Bubble — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:08:15 GMT

The press briefings in Saigon were aptly referred to as "Jive at Five" by ANYBODY even close to being a realist with an operational B-S-O-Meter.
NOT all Viet Vets (or Korea Vets) buy the crap sandwich served up daily by The Maniacs That Rule.
Also,Anbar Province gained a semblance of peace only because The local Sunni Sheiks,just like Saddam,view the al Quaeda lunatics as the biggest threat to the common good.
Lazy minded Americans batch ALL Islamics together and are more than willing to spout support for The New Crusades,complete with a lot of indiscriminate Shootin'and a-Killin'(Ya-Hoo).
Western Rulers with Big Plans For Everybody were behind the old Crusades just as they're behind The New Crusades (Ref: The PNAC Scumlords).
The really sad part is the multitude of Doltic Warriors (armchair version) that are lined up behind the current travesty of a mockery of a sham.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

gil State of Maine — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:10:39 GMT

It is interesting to note that not one message here against the war considers the murder of civilians and soldiers by al queda in Iraq. I guess they are the "good guys". They must be, or you wouldn't be supporting them. When we left Vietnam, the power vacuum ensured the murder of 2 million Cambodians. But that never seems to bother you traitors either. The problem is that fools like you just get in the way when you try to be serious. God bless the souls of our honored dead. God bless the souls of the Iraqis who have perished in this conflict. And God bless the men and women of our country who have taken a stand in Iraq until VICTORY is achieved.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Rich B, Oxnard, California — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:11:07 GMT

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Mike H. Greensboro, NC — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:34:29 GMT

"Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001?

Were people from all over the world, mostly Americans, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan, across the Potomac from our nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania?

Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they?

And I'm supposed to care that a copy of the Koran was "desecrated" when an overworked American soldier kicked it or got it wet?...Well, I don't. I don't care at all.

I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11.

I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere possession of which is a crime in Saudi Arabia

I'll care when these thugs tell the world they are sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat.

I'll care when the cowardly so-called "insurgents" in Iraq come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques.

I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs.

I'll care when the American media stops pretending that their First Amendment liberties are somehow derived from international law instead of the United States Constitution's Bill of Rights.

In the meantime, when I hear a story about a brave marine roughing up an Iraqi terrorist to obtain information, know this: I don't care.

When I see a fuzzy photo of a pile of naked Iraqi priso ners who have been humiliated in what amounts to a college-hazing incident, rest assured: I don't
care.

When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank: I don't
care.

When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and fed "special" food that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being "mishandled," you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts: I don't care.

And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled "Koran" and other times "Quran." Well, Jimmy Crack Corn and-you guessed it: I don't care !!

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

SS — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:23:06 GMT

Writing as a moderate republican spawned from a Democrat family. My position has always been: Something needs to be done with the Islam- a- Nazi’s and their ideas of ethnic and religious cleansing….The “what” I left up to the great minds.

The how did we get here is the question is the troubling question. I am certain we will not learn from.

Why is it the US has a history of placing or appeasing despots on the world stage?

Placing: The Shah of Iran, Saddam Hussein, Marcos, Devaul etc…
Appeasing: Adolf Hitler, Stalin, The President of Iran, etc…

The moral devastation that total economic ruin and zero opportunity (Nazi Germany, Iran Iraq, Palestinians etc…) that these people bring to their populations only create hot beds and hatred for the Pol Pots of the world to rise.

This will never change until the rules change giving all an opportunity to at least make a living. Until then social revolutions usually in the form of violence which take many years to develop will continue. See US revolution, Bonaparte, Recent Eastern European History, Radical Islam, etc…

Because wealth corrupts any system; The wider the disparity between social classes the rules change between the have and have not's. See OJ Simpson and the impoverished minority support he received for his deeds.

The lack of opportunity and the rise of potent Leaders (See all of the above) create an atmosphere where despots can rise. Lack of opportunity has a tendency to create an illiterate class of people they can appeal to for their own political, egotistical or power grab.

Therefore as long “we let them eat cake” there will be problems.

Bush and his compassionate conservative let us down, let alone the alleged corruption of the buddy network that is profiting from this war.

Clinton, yeah right.

Was it not a democratic congress who lynched Regan via Oliver North during Iran Contra? Who was Oli afraid of at the time? Osama Bin Laden and Al Quida.

I am not a religious man but regardless of your beliefs. It would be nice if everyone in the world that means you and me and particularly the future leaders of the world at all levels Political, Business and Social level. Stop and ask them selves before taking any action and ask themselves…What would Jesus do, what would Buddha do, what would the Prophet do?

God Bless our Troops and console their Mothers.

The humanity of it all…Disgusting.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Gene D, Southbury, CT — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:09:11 GMT

Bring all the troops home, because only a small portion of the country's population is fighting this war. Unfortunately, mostly the white sons of the former working class is suffering in this unwinnable war. Bring them all home and let the country unite when the world explodes around us and attacks us from within and from without. Why should one small group of people protect the majority. If the majority is not mindful of the dangers we face and it is business as usual for most people then let the majority rule. In addition, we have 37 million immigrants here who come to work, who care only for themselves and the survival of their loved ones in foreign nations, we have another large minority group here who have been hurt in the past and are still hurting, themselves for the most part now but others also. When we all realize that we face the same dangers then there will be some unification but it will not be complete and it may not be enough to win. Revenge is the word that unites the minorities here and the others abroad. Can a small group of formerly blue collar sons withstand all the revenge out there? I don't think so.

'Too Many Angel Flights' in Iraq

Ron, Chapel Hill, NC — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 05:57:01 GMT

The 'radical Islamists' were Saudi's, SAUDI's Saudi's. The pilots of those planes hitting the twin Towers on 9/11 were Saudi Arabians. Iraq is not Saudi Arabia. It is an ill-directed initiative, based admittedly on failed intelligence. What this war is accomplishing is fostering future enemies. You won't have to deal with it so much as your grandchildren will. Meanwhile, allies of the most powerful nation on earth who listened to us preach 'peace'and 'human rights' watch our entanglement in an immoral war against an improper 'enemy'. We are fighting Iraquis who are fighting other Iraquis, hence contributing to the Civil War. Selectively referring to some as 'insurgents' is purely political and psycological contrived justification. There is no end there, there is no 'win' there, unless it is someone's pre-conceived measurement of body count or spilled blood.