McCain’s Iraq Policy
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Yesterday in a press release from the Democratic Party of Virginia, party chairman Richard Cranwell asked the following question of Sen. John McCain:
“The American people know that 100 years is not a plan and that a Commander-in-Chief has to explain not just what he’ll do in Iraq, but also how we’re going to take care of an already overextended army and National Guard. If Virginia voters can’t count on a plan from McCain while he’s running for President, what should they expect if he were to become President?”
Despite this incessant emphasis on “overextended”, which is a highly subjective, and “100 years”, which is a quote taken out of context, the question is a pretty darn good one.
And what’s good for one is good for all.
I am especially looking forward to seeing Obama’s and Clinton’s plans too, other than their much used and often misinterpreted sound-bite: withdraw.
Can we all agree to make this campaign about substance, especially when 6,000 Virginians’ lives are at risk?
Thought not.
Agree that it is a good question, even the Army has finally begun to admit that they are physically done. Heck, between “dirt sailors” guarding prisoners in Iraq, the multiple rotations of reservists/ National Guard, the 15 month deplpoyments in Iraq bookending 1 year at home for the Army personnel, there just isn’t much more to give - just look at the dramatic increse in suicides and divorces.
As a personal example, my future cousin-in-law is only 22 and is already on his second 15 month tour to Iraq (he’s 82nd Airborne). By the time he returns, he’ll have spent more than 10% of his life engaged in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan - I think anyone would agee that there may be a psycological or other cost for him and his compatriots.
The rotations are insane, it would be nice if we do have a pro-miltiary President step in - if the desire is to continue operations in Iraq for many more years (which I believe McCain would be - he has the miltiary in his blood, and I’m sure he will do what is necessary to reduce combat rotations, and provide appropriate armor/ supplies. Although, it will take him some time to overcome the damage done by the previous Administration).