Time to Rally Around President Bush

Time to Rally Around President Bush
Written by John Lillpop
Thursday, January 11, 2007
ChronWatch.com

In one of his finest speeches in recent memory, President Bush announced a
new plan for fighting the war on terror in the Iraqi theater. The president
appeared sincere, contrite for past failures, and firmly committed to
winning the war.

Although the president announced the deployment of more than 20,000
additional U.S. troops to fortify Baghdad, he made it abundantly clear that
the new commitment is not open-ended, and that the Iraqi government has been
so advised.

Iraq will be required to meet several performance measurements, both
military and economic, to secure the nation and to end the sectarian
violence that has ripped the fledgling democracy to pieces for far too long.

American troops will be on hand for a limited time to help the Iraq
government achieve its performance goals.

Importantly, the president reminded the American people that accepting
defeat is unthinkable. Rather than stabilizing the Middle East, leaving Iraq
without finishing the job would do the exact opposite.

Surrender would embolden and empower Islamic extremists seeking to destroy
western civilization through the use of global terrorism. Imagine a Middle East dominated by the likes of Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

It is not a comforting thought, is it?

Almost without exception, Democrats are rigidly opposed to the president's
new plan. Most of them want the troop level in Iraq reduced, rather than
increased. None of them have proposed a formula for winning; rather,
"Retreat and Surrender" seems to be the operative theme for Democrats.

Aside from all the political posturing, wrangling, and partisan attacks from
both sides of the aisle, there is a human element to this story that must be
considered.

Namely, as a result of a change in plans by the U.S. commander-in- chief,
acting to fulfill his constitutional responsibility and authority, more than
20,000 dedicated Americans will have their lives disrupted in the most
dramatic manner imaginable.

Unfortunately, some of those patriots will go to Iraq, but will not come
home alive; others will be injured or disabled for life.

Imagine being one of the Americans called upon to sacrifice his or her
education, family, career, and even life in response to a call from the
commander-in- chief.

Imagine also the emotions and hurt that must race through the hearts and
minds of those brave Americans upon hearing elected politicians dismiss the
plans of their commander-in- chief, and openly predict failure and defeat.

Everyone acknowledges that Democrats are entitled, even obligated, to
question and provide opposition ideas and oversight. In our democracy, that
is their responsibility.

However, this nation is engaged in the most serious and dangerous war in our
history. And while many disagree with the new Bush plan, the plain truth is
that the president is acting within the U.S. Constitution.

There is no debate about the president's authority to act as he has.
Consequently, it is time for all patriotic Americans to unite behind the
president and support his new plan.

If nothing else, do it to encourage the 20,000 Americans who tonight are
facing a very difficult and uncertain future. Remember that they will be
headed into harm's way to protect and defend we Americans and the freedoms
and way of life we cherish.