Deseret News | Reid calls Iraq war 'worst foreign policy blunder' in U.S. history

Reader comments
Reid calls Iraq war 'worst foreign policy blunder' in U.S. history

146 comments | Read story

Page:
1
2
3
Next >

utahkeith | 2:47 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Sounds like Brother Reid made some good points. Being a Mormon shouldn't make us "automatically" Republicans, afterall the Republican Party was formed to quash the two relics of barborism "Slavery and Polygamy", the latter meaning "crush the mormon faith" essentially. The fact remains he stands for what he believes in, and it was good that the Conservative student body showed the integrity of not "Protesting" unlike the Liberal side of the student body did for the appearance of our vice president speaking last year with the uproar and immaturity they showed about a person's right to appear and have the right to free speech and be honored. I guess it just goes to show the difference between the Liberal & Conservative view points in America under the microscope at BYU.

Bubba Luv | 3:04 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Having Harry Reid speak at BYU at least makes up for (a
little anyway) the fact that the Y invited Dick Cheney to
speak at graduation earlier this year. I think Harry Reid is
a straight-shooter who says it like it is. It's refreshing
to see that someone in Washington D.C. politics has the guts
to stand up to the Bush Administration and the litany of
disasterous decisions that have plagued our nation since
Dubya took office.
The Iraq War, the botched FEMA rescue plan after Hurricane
Katrina, the entire Alberto Gonzales fiasco (need I say
more)....all are directly traced back to our beloved
Commander-in-Chief and his blatent cronyism.
Too bad the American public cannot demand for Bush's
impeachment...since it would put Dick Cheney in power...then
again, he's pretty much had carte blanche from the get go.
The Bush-Cheney administration should go down in history as
the most corrupt, least compassionate president/vice-president tandem of all time.

Dan | 3:04 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I agree with what Harry Reid had to say today. My question is, do you think that President Bush is the worst president in the history of this great country. I think he is in the bottom three. What do you think?

Comments continue below

Seattle LDS | 3:11 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

As a person who is interested in politics and faithful Latter-Day Saint I have always wondered about Harry Reid...and upon further review while I don't agree with alot of his political views I respect him as a person and trust that he is indeed a "good Mormon". As if he needed my approval.

I think it is a shame that so many LDS faithfull seem to get their religion and their politics mixed up. It is possible to be faithful and be a democrat...or libertairian...or socialist even.

I am greatfull that the students at BYU showed a great deal of class and intelligence in the way they responded to Senator Reid.

dennis | 3:17 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Way to go, Harry! With so many Limbaugh loonies in Utah, it's a breath of fresh air to hear a man like Reid to go against the grain in this state and tell it like it is. The Iraq war never was a "just war" and never will be.

on the fence | 3:22 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I am so pleased there were no protests. I think the protests of Cheney hurt the liberal point of view by leaving a bad taste of chaos and anarchism in the mouths of conservatives. I have democratic relatives and friends, and they too were baffled by the contradictory message of "live-and-let-live" cry of the antiwar protestors that comes out one side of the mouth, vs. the my voice will be heard over your voice, full frontal attack imposed on the conservatives by the republicans, like at the Cheney speech

Amen to that | 3:24 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Good comments, but I am sure the Democrat-Reid haters will soon show up to destroy the spirit of civility, so enjoy it while you can!

W stands for worst ever | 3:24 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

And electing W has been the worse domestic policy in US history.

SLC LDS-Jake P | 3:31 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Seattle LDS: I am sure glad that you "upon further review...trust that he is a good Mormon." If you thought he was a bad Mormon, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. I doubt Harry could sleep either. Let's hope that God will base Harry's judgement on your belief of his character, not his actual character.
How do you know he is a good Mo? Did you personally PPI him? Are you his Bishop? I can't stand the way my fellow travelers have wrested my religion.

re: utahkeith | 3:32 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

so someone who protests a public leader lacks integrity or maturity?
actually, those who do not speak their voices lack integrity. you may not agree with those who protested, but at least they were exercising their civic duty to do so (which is, btw, protected under the constitution, a document which the mormon church considers divinely inspired).

Reader | 3:36 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Reid is right. As a Republican, the end of Bush's term can't come soon enough.

Iron Pride | 3:38 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Don't forget that Senator Reid got his start at Southern Utah State College, graduating and then transferring to Utah State. His roots in Utah run deep and all of us in Cedar City are very proud of his contributions and record. Way to go, Senator!

James | 3:39 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I disagree with some of what Sen Reid says though respect his opinion.

The internet is an interesting dynamic that has likely lead to an increase in partisanship, hostility and reduced the effectivness of government in general; not like government was that effective in the first place.

I have been as guilty as any, sitting in my den, late at night, spilling my guts in frustration over policy, ultimately typing things, thoughts, that I would never express to someone. And I would not express them out of fear, but out of courtesy. I think we are all that way.

So if Sen Reid is lambasted it will be by and large by people who would never say such a thing to him in person. Nor would they likely say such a thing on a soap box in the commons of BYU, UofU, etc.

Makes for an interesting dynamic of good government, and the internet's influence on policy.

The age of civility.

Real Republican | 3:41 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Congrats to BYU for inviting Senator Reid and the class and civility the sudents showed. I was similarly impressed by the class and civility of those protesting Cheney's visit.

To those baffled by protests involving Cheney or anyone else remember: to protest or not to protest is a legal right in our country and a privelege anyone should feel free to exercise. I was fine with those protesting Cheney and had anyone protested Reid I would have been fine with that as well.

Floopster | 3:42 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Typical liberal hate speech by our friend Dennis.

Limbaugh loonie? What exactly is a Limbaugh loonie? Sounds like you wholeheartedly support free speech and respect your fellow man.

Let's talk about Limbaugh's statement about the phony soldier. Harry Reid has tried to condemn him by taking that statement OUT of context. Reid also has buoyed our troops by saying we can't win this war. Nice one.

A just war? Harry Reid voted for our invasion and liberation of Iraq and Afghanistan. Why doesn't Reid actually tell it like it is, rather than repeating the typical leftist rhetoric about how Bush lied? What was Harry's response to Clinton's bombings of a hospital and aspirin factory during his presidency?

BYUGrad | 3:46 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I did not attend but my respect for Reid grows. No political party has a corner on goodness or virtue. Voting partisan is a cop-out for the lazy. Do the work on each issue and candidate. Don't just follow the party platform like lemmings.

Heavy C | 3:46 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Alright, let's suppose W. invaded Iraq for oil. Highly doubtful, but what if? Lots of people, mainly republicans, think they did it to free the Iraqi people. So what do democrats have to say about that? As a democrat, what is your reasoning that we should have not overthrown Saddam? I don't care what the official motive was, thousands were freed at the cost of american lives. Are you saying no life is worth the saving of thousands? Are you really that stupid and do you really not care that much about your brother?

Don't be a hater | 3:49 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Imagine the disaster we would have now if a Democrat was in office. I'm glad we got someone who is willing to DO something, rather than just sit around and talk about.

Army Man | 3:51 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

You know, "Amen to that," you can disagree with someone without hating them. I don't hate Senator Reid, but I think he showed his true colors when the Senate voted on the same-sex marriage issue. In that specific case, the Church asked all members to contact their government representatives in an effort to block same-sex marriage initiatives in the form of an amendment to the Constitution. Brother Reid voted against the measure. Now, I realize that he has a responsibility to represent his constituency, but it looks pretty bad to members of the church when he openly defies what the church is fighting for. How can he justify that personally? I also realize that this kind of discussion opens the "church and state" can of worms, and I can see the dilemm there too. Nobody wants to have religion legislated. But this is an interesting scenario of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Reid did what he thought was right. If it were me, however, I would rather be on the side of the Prophet, not a special interest group. Still, I don't hate him. I just think he sold out.

AI | 3:53 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I really don't represent anyone else, just me, but I salute BYU and the students. Sounds like you treated "one of your own" who politically sees things different than many with the utmost of dignity and respect! Thank you so much. This event speaks volumes for who you are. Well done.

Whoanowkieth | 3:55 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Utahkieth, the few that disrupted the Vice Presidents speech was not "the Liberal side". Don't lump us all together; many of us "Liberals" want nothing more than coherent discussion and discourse of incredibly important issues that face us in today's world. We need to find answers to problems not shout during speeches (as you mentioned) or overgeneralize (like you just did).

Grant | 3:55 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I think Harry should be real careful about his judgement of the current administration. If he had the same intelligence from all over the world, would he of rolled the dice and keep a brutal dictator in power. We will never know. Does Mr. Reid support our troops or does he want them to lose to prove his point is the bigger question. Gee I wonder what Moroni would of thought of him?

BH | 3:55 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

To read this article gives quite a different picture of the man than what he portrays in DC. In this article he seems very faithful and down to earth. To follow his comments in DC, he seems very ruthless and lacks respect for his fellow colleages. When it comes to policy and alliances, Bro. Reid is one of the worst at making decisions down party lines.

Hard to imagine that this man who spoke at BYU is the same man that seems to radiate so much hatred and anger for all those who do not see things his way.

Klimber510 | 3:59 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

So a member of the Church can be a Democrat and remain consistent with his/her religion. But can they be consistent and onboard with the national democratic platform? Reid can't, thus his position on abortion.

Chicago Alumn | 4:02 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Social Security is the most successful social program in the history of the world? Is this the same Social Security that Democrats for years, rightfully so, have been saying is in crisis? The same Social Security that people under the age of 40 plan on not having available after the baby-boomers suck it dry? The same Social Security that he as Senate Majority leader has done nothing to fix?
How can you take his comments in good faith when you hear that? I don't care what religion he is, that was a foolish statement.

dug | 4:03 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

utahkeith, maybe there is a slight difference between protesting (or not) cheney and protesting (or not) reid.

people protested cheney because they believe he is the prime mover behind an illegal, dishonest, and endless war.

what exactly would you and your precious republicans protest reid for? being reasonable and intelligent?

Kris | 4:03 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I don't have a problem with Reid speaking at the Y. I do have a problem ith the whole democrap ideal....
If the Dem's didn't believe in Abortion....or Gay Marriage, you would have more LDS Democrats..
It's as simple as those to issues. They are huge. In the church and the party. How do you seperate them?
And did Ried think he's going to get us out of the war.......Remember even Hillary voted to go and fight.

Joe | 4:04 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Some random observations:

1)When Cheney was here, he had the decorum to keep politics out of his speech. Too bad Reid didn't adhere to the same standard.

2)Several have pointed out the difference between the liberal protesters of Cheney and the lack of conservative protesters to Reid. This is pretty consistent across the country. It is clear which side is completely intolerant of other viewpoints. It also seems clear to me which side is most subject to "group think" and blind adherence to political philosophy.

3)Finally, I was intrigued with the comment of "Amen to that" about Democrat-Reid haters showing up to destroy the spirit of civility. So far, we have had the following civility destroying comments (some completely off topic just so they can bash Bush):

- "I think it is a shame that so many LDS faithful seem to get their religion and their politics mixed up" (Seattle LDS)

- "Limbaugh loonies" (dennis)

- "Democrat-Reid haters" (Amen to that)

- "And electing W has been the worse domestic policy in US history" (W stands for worse ever)

(I gave Dan the benefit of the doubt and assumed his question was honest.)

Aaron | 4:06 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I am very impressed with Reid and agree with him on many things, and it's good to hear his testimony. However, I can't look past the fact that he was on board with everyone else when this war started, and now he and every other Democrat are pointing at Bush as if they had nothing to do with it.

Trisam | 4:08 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I wont say either way on Reid's visit. However I do not care for the man at all. I disagree with almost everything i here him say on the news. As for Pres. Bush. Ya he has made some mistakes, what pres has'nt. I know he is not the worst pres ever. You can compare him to Bill to get that answer. I think history will look back on Pres. Bush much more favorably than people view him now. I think he is actually one of the best we have had. Just wait and see what happens if the Dems take the white house. Things will go south pretty bad for the country if that happens. Ya, what ever you want to say about that, but you just wait and see. Bad times are a coming. Better buckle down, and get prepared.

Peace Woman | 4:17 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

To Army Man,
No, the Church did NOT ask members "to contact their government representatives in an effort to block same-sex marriage initiatives in the form of an amendment to the Constitution." Under the Internal Revenue Code, the Church cannot do that and remain a non-profit organization. The Church DID encourage members to contact their representatives to ensure that the MEMBERS' views were reflected and known on the issue. But they did not tell members how to feel or believe or vote on the issue.

KVC | 4:23 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I cannot respect a Mormon who openly defies the counsel of the First Presidency to the whole Church, including Senators and congressmen. To say that one is a good Mormon, but disagrees with the Prophet on official doctrine. This is contradictory. This is like saying that you are a good Mormon, but do not really believe that President Hinckley is a true Prophet of God. That is what you are doing when you disregard and disagree with the Counsel of the First Presidency.
It does not matter that you are civil at BYU, it is the culmination of your work that is important, and in many respects is in discord with LDS teachings. This is not a pick and choose religion. You believe all the doctrine or none. God does not want fence sitters. They will ultimately fall to the wrong side.

sad... | 4:23 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

does anybody else notice that neither party is the way to go anymore? i feel as though the dems are going socialist and the republicans and dems alike change platforms on a whim in order to gain a larger part of the vote...it is sad when your choices for president no longer stand up for what they believe as americans but for what they think will put a bandaid over the eyes of their voters instead....

Seattle LDS | 4:26 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

RE: Jake P

Why would you get so worked up over my comment? did you not read the words,

"AS IF HE NEEDED MY APPROVAL"

and moreover it seems as though we share the same opinion on this matter, so why the venom?

Re: Joe

Civity destroying comment? I was simply making an observation on something I have heard litteraly HUNDREDS of times. "I don't understand how you can be a ________ and be still be a faithful member"

you fill in the blank "democrat" "oponnent of Pres. Bush" (which by the way I am not) "filthy rich company executive" "polititian"... the list goes on and on.

I wasn't trying to start a fight I was just making an observation,

Was I Wrong?

bluskunk | 4:28 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Kris, if the Repubs didn't believe in sacrificing thousands of American troops to benefit the oil companies, torturing people to benefit the oil companies, and ripping off the American taxpayer to pay for a $650 billion war to benefit the oil companies, maybe more of us LDS would be Repubs. The Iraq War is about OIL, period. The Iraq oil field is the cheapest and biggest in the world and we went to war so Cheney's buddies in Texas would have it as their personal playground. And Republican is just another word for selfish.

FRK | 4:28 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I think that Sen. Reid is showing that you can be a good Mormon and a good Democrat. Too bad that won't last - and it won't be the LDS who chase democrats out. I fully expect, if things keep going in the present direction, that in the not too distant future you will not allowed to be faithful in any Christian religion and still be considered a good democrat. Too bad we need good people on both sides.

C. Sense | 4:29 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Worst foreign policy blunder ever? Thanks for pointing out the obvious!!

Conservative | 4:29 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

It doesn't really matter what religion Reid is proclaiming today. He is still a democrat. That should say enough. If you look at the democrat party, enjoying the lowest rankings in US history and their track record for getting nothing accomplished, the whole party is a joke. Their solution is to raise taxes and big government. If that is what you are for, then fine, vote for a democrat. Reid is nothing than a mouth piece for the left wing, socialist, lunatics. If people honestly believe in their "cause", then a little education might be helpful. Nice try Reid to use your testimony to appeal to mormons.

D Andrews | 4:29 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Does a "good mormon" stand in open defiance of the prophet of the Lord? It is very rare that the Church takes an official position on legislation, but the last time they did, Harry Reid OPENLY DEFIED THAT POSITION AND TOOK TO SPEAKING ON THE SENATE FLOOR TO DO SO. You CANNOT separate your politics from religion because you cannot separate moral issues from politics. For if an issue violates your religious beliefs (Abortion), you have to choose where your loyalties lie on that issue, with your religion (and the Lord) or your politics (political party). When Senator Reid chose to OPPOSE AND OPENLY DEFY the Defense of Marriage bill, he chose his political party over his religion. The prophet asked EACH of us to SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION. Harry Reid OPPOSED IT AND VOTED AGAINST IT. You can be faithful and be a Democrat, but you cannot be faithful and oppose the prophet. You cannot say you sustain the prophet and then openly campaign against an official church position (as Reid did). This is true for any church member of any party. Either you sustain the prophet or you don't. But don't claim to be "faithful" if you don't.

BYU student | 4:34 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I have never heard such a boring speaker. I wanted to fall asleep within the first 5 minutes. How does a man get to such a high-ranking job with such horrible public speaking skills? I think he wrote his talk on the ride to Provo from the airport. Also, I think it was disgusting and manipulative to mix his testimony and conversion stories with his political propaganda. Boo to you, Harry Reid. Boo to you.

I Ditto Joe | 4:35 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

You are so accurate in your statement regarding the the statments made here. They all claim intolerance meanwhile they bash and protest anything but their own views. Hypocrisy--the hallmark of the left.

That being said, the best thing that could happen to this country would be to "cleanse" all levels of the federal government. Get rid of every member of house, senate, and whitehouse. Start over. Both parties corruption is nearing intolerable levels. We need to get rid of all the "relationships" and "pressure politics" that go on. The seniority in government positions forces the new party members to fall in line or lose support within their own party. This eliminates new ideas and accountability. The people really ought to start voting out standing reps. as fast as possible--regardless of party affiliation. Only then would they realize we are sick of all the ridiculous spending and incestuous deals that go on.

Power to the people.

Kris/rebuf to bluskunk | 4:39 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

bluskunk: I think the ONLY reason we are over in Iraq is simple.........to Keep IRAN from blowing Isrel off the map of the world........and then coming for us.
The OIL wars are old and used up.....course then we could say that if the LIBS let us get our OWN oil instead of saving owls........we would be ok.
My husband runs an oil company...I dont know anything about owls ........

Anonymous | 4:41 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

If a waiter reccomended the soup of the day: clam chowder, and you agreed to order that, then the waiter showed up with tomato soup, wouldn't you be saying "this is not what I ordered"? Sen Reid ordered clam chowder(nuclear threat, terrorism support, "greet us as liberators"). George Waiter Bush delivered tomato soup(No WMDs, No state supported terrorism, kill us when not busy killing each other) . It's a simple metaphor but effective at communicating the truth: The Bush administration has continually lied or ignored advice and intelligence about 1) the reasons for the war 2)the strategy for victory 3)the goal of the conflict 4) the barbaric and illegal practices in the so-called "war on terror."

Scott | 4:43 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I agree with "BYU Student", his message was mixed and manipulative. And boring. He presented himself as the American Dream Personified. The only american dream happening here was the one I was dreaming as I was lulled to sleep by his monotony of both word and tone. And the rhetoric, oh the rhetoric. The political garbage. Be Mormon, Speak at a devotional. Be the Senate Majority Leader, speak at a Forum. Choose one, and don't mix them for your own personal religious agenda.
He lightfooted the abortion issue. He couldnt tell all of us that the only reason he supports it is so he could be elected. Boo. Boo to you, Harry Reid.

D Andrews | 4:57 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

PEACE MOM: The church did ask us to call Our Senators and ask them to SUPPORT the bill. They can without fear of the IRS on moral issues. Here is what the church said and what "Brother" Reid voted against:

The October 2004 First Presidency statement reads: "We of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reach out with understanding and respect for individuals who are attracted to those of the same gender. We realize there may be great loneliness in their lives but there must also be recognition of what is right before the Lord.

"As a doctrinal principle, based on sacred scripture, we affirm that marriage between a man and a woman is essential to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children. The powers of procreation are to be exercised only between a man and a woman lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

"Any other sexual relations, including those between persons of the same gender, undermine the divinely created institution of the family. The Church accordingly favors measures that define marriage as the union of a man and a woman and that do not confer legal status on any other sexual relationship."

P. N. Correct | 5:00 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Harry Reid is a kingman. Boy would I like to be wrong, but I seen it comin' a long time.

Tim | 5:08 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Those who are comparing Cheney's speech to Reid's...a few things to think about. First, the settings were entirely different. Cheney was speaking at graduation. That is a very prestigious place to speak, and several graduating students had a hard time stomaching it: the man they held responsible for a horrific war was speaking at their graduation. Some of my BYU friends, including a Relief Society president and an Elder's Quorum President (in other words, some perfectly respectable students), either protested or avoided the graduation ceremony because they felt that this man was not fit to speak at such an event.
Forums, on the other hand, aren't such a big deal. No big life changes are planned.
Another point: Reid, although he may be disliked by some, is not seen as the war-hungry monster that Cheney is often depicted as.

MC | 5:11 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

I think Reid is a disgrace, both as a senator and as a member of the church. The party label isn't important but what he says marks him as dishonest and of questionable loyalty to his country. He was totally dishonest when, for political purposes, he lied about what Rush Limbaugh said about "phony soldiers." His loyalty is called into question when, again for political purposes, he used his position in the senate to give aid and comfort to the enemy by stating flatly, "...The war is lost..." This he did while our armed forces were being attacked by the enemy and while he had knowledge that the surge was working. If a politician lies for political purposes and makes propaganda for those who would destroy us; in my opinion he is a disgrace, whether he is a Catholic, a Mormon or a jew; and whether he is a Republican, Democrat or Libertarion.

Army Man | 5:15 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

To Peace Woman:

I don't know which church you were talking about--I was talking about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which DID encourage ALL U.S. members to take a SPECIFIC position on a specific issue. I read the letter from the First Presidency over the pulpit in my ward. D Andrews has the some of the letter above. Maybe you missed that Sunday...

Your response was interesting--you really think the Prophet wanted members to contact their representatives and tell them to vote against the amendment? Again, which church are you talking about?

Anyone who has ever read the Family Proclamation (and the letter from the First Presidency) would know where the Church stands on the issue. There is NO room for interpretation. Very simply, Harry Reid openly defied the counsel of the Prophet by voting against the amendment.

Steve | 5:16 p.m. Oct. 9, 2007

Reading these comments reminds me of the famous Pogo cartoon of decades past when he declared, "We have met the enemy, and he is us!" I enjoy a vigorous conversation as much as the next guy, but when the conversation deteriorates into finger-pointing and whining, it's time to hang up the gloves and take a breather.

"We claim the aprivilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own cconscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Disagree with a man's opinion if you will, but that does not make him a demon, or less of a believer than you or I. We would do far better to adress meaningful issues than to drag the argument off into a discussion about whether someone's differing opinions or actions disqualifies them from being a "good" anything.

Page:
1
2
3
Next >

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.