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Rep. Jason Chaffetz wants Obama to bring troops home from Afghanistan
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Chris | 2:45 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Chaffetz needs to closely analyze what will happen to Afghanistan if we pull out
immediately. I think the military needs to stay and stablize the country,
rebuild schools and hospitals that have been destroyed, and then leave CIA
operatives in Afghanistan to find the Taliban insurgents, something that George
Bush did not do.
catchnrelease | 2:54 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
I have never till now agreed with anything Jason Chaffetz has said. I hope our
president agrees.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 2:59 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Hey Congressman Clown, will you condemn the Bush Administration for getting us
into this disasterous mess and leaving it to his successor (whomever that might
have been) to clean it up? Will you criticize the Bushies for letting Bin Laden
go when they had him? Will you apologize for the GOP for criticizing Clinton
for trying to take out Bin Laden? Where is the GOP responsibility in all this?
I seriously doubt you have any clue as to what is going on, and your comments
are merely partisanship.
Anonymous | 3:10 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
So true, a politically correct war is a lost war. Get out or get serious and
take out the enemy once and for all. "Measured steps" is lunacy when
you are talking about physical conflict of this type.
Anonymous | 3:13 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Maybe Jason should challenge the Afgani's to a leg wrestle. That would be
productive. Unfortunately we do know who he is.....
Admit Defeat | 3:16 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
This is dangerous position. Chaffetz would hand a victory to Al Queda and Bin
Laden. He needs to study-up on radical islam and the dangers it poses to the US
and the West. This would be seen as a humiliating defeat and triumph of radical
Islam, allowing Al Queda to get legitimacy in the islamic world and recruit more
people to kill us here at home. This fight is bigger than just Afghanistan.
But if we leave afghanistan in a mess by just walking away, it would hurt the US
in the long run more than anything. The surge worked in Iraq, so maybe Chaffetz
ought to listen to the military generals.
Bill | 3:21 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
I agree with Mr. Chaffetz desire to obtain some definition about the U.S.
mission in Afghanistan. However, if the goal was to ensure Afghanistan is not a
haven for terrorist activity that could threaten U.S. interests, then removing a
U.S. presence eliminates the ability to keep it that way. And, if Iran is the
threat he believes it is, where better to have a U.S. military presence than in
the country next door. If the full truth were known, we would probably see a
significant influence in Afghany afairs from its Iranian neighbor. Read state
sponsored terrorism.
Afghanistan is less country than a political boundary drawn around and through multiple tribal groups. I am not sure I completely agree with Rep. Chaffetz that there is not at least some value in nation building attempts, but it certainly is true that this will be a very difficult task in a culture where democracy has not existed for thousands of years.
As long as al-Qaida is operating in the mountainous regions of Pakistan and Iran is a potential nuclear wildcard we will have U.S. muscle power in Afghanistan in one form or another.
Afghanistan is less country than a political boundary drawn around and through multiple tribal groups. I am not sure I completely agree with Rep. Chaffetz that there is not at least some value in nation building attempts, but it certainly is true that this will be a very difficult task in a culture where democracy has not existed for thousands of years.
As long as al-Qaida is operating in the mountainous regions of Pakistan and Iran is a potential nuclear wildcard we will have U.S. muscle power in Afghanistan in one form or another.
AMAZING-- | 3:34 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
The ULTIMATE politican without a clue.
What is your military background Jason????
What is your experience with foreign policy???
How many briefings have you had with the CIA, NSA or the State Department???
Or is it how many hours have you watched Fox News and listened to Sean Hannity??
You are a freshman congressman without experience or knowledge but you do have a big mouth.
Maybe you should hire Max Hall to take care of your public relations. What a team that would be....
What is your military background Jason????
What is your experience with foreign policy???
How many briefings have you had with the CIA, NSA or the State Department???
Or is it how many hours have you watched Fox News and listened to Sean Hannity??
You are a freshman congressman without experience or knowledge but you do have a big mouth.
Maybe you should hire Max Hall to take care of your public relations. What a team that would be....
@chris | 3:35 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
problem, the U.S. government under the direction of the libs in the white house
and congress are prosectuting the same people you think we should use to
stabelize Afganistan. Namely; the CIA or special forces. the problem is they
can't do anything/prosecute the war under the PC leadership we have back
home.
Chavetz is right...bring them home or destroy our enemy!
Chavetz is right...bring them home or destroy our enemy!
Jason-Check Before Talking | 3:59 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
You had better check what your party wants to do, before you spout off Jason.
TO: Anonymous@2:59pm | 4:09 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Your incorrect on your facts. It is a well known fact that Clinton was to blame
for not taking out Bin Laden. This is something he has defended over and over to
which it has fallen on dead ears. He had the chance and decided not to take
it.
I think our current situation is due to so many variables that you can not place blame on a single president or administration. War NEVER goes the way we intend. As Chavez iterated, war is ugly and can effect generations of men and women, both from our country and the country the war is being played out. We need to forget our pride and do what is right! We need a thorough evaluation of the current state of affairs... of where it's best to put our troops and where we need to focus our attention...
I think our current situation is due to so many variables that you can not place blame on a single president or administration. War NEVER goes the way we intend. As Chavez iterated, war is ugly and can effect generations of men and women, both from our country and the country the war is being played out. We need to forget our pride and do what is right! We need a thorough evaluation of the current state of affairs... of where it's best to put our troops and where we need to focus our attention...
arc | 4:10 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
we need to either give our troops the ability to help maintain the freedom we
have fought for, or start pulling them out.
At least Chaffetz went there to personally see what is going on.
At least Chaffetz went there to personally see what is going on.
Anonymous | 4:10 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
It took electing Obama for the GOP to start becoming an new anti war movement.
:-) On the count of three: Liberals show their weakness during America's
wars!
arc | 4:12 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
"We either go big, or go home. War is ugly. It is difficult. It is
gruesome. It is brutal. You try not to do it (wage war), but when you do, you go
big or don't go. You go with everything you can possibly bring to bear, win
the fight and go home," he said.
Anonymous | 4:23 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Chaffetz=Republican in name ONLY!
Pulling out of Afghanistan compromises our national security and fight against terrorism. Why is Chaffetz being SOFT on terrorism?
Pulling out of Afghanistan compromises our national security and fight against terrorism. Why is Chaffetz being SOFT on terrorism?
re: AMAZING- - | 4:34 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
"What is your military background Jason????
What is your experience with foreign policy???
How many briefings have you had with the CIA, NSA or the State Department???
Or is it how many hours have you watched Fox News and listened to Sean Hannity??"
I believe in Jason Chaffetz case, the correct answer to all of these questions is, "not much (many), but more than BO."
What is your experience with foreign policy???
How many briefings have you had with the CIA, NSA or the State Department???
Or is it how many hours have you watched Fox News and listened to Sean Hannity??"
I believe in Jason Chaffetz case, the correct answer to all of these questions is, "not much (many), but more than BO."
Mike | 4:38 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
A true republican fool. Just like the previous president who left the mess for
democrats to cleanup.
@TO:Anonymous 4:09 | 4:43 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
I commend you on your message but I have only one question.. What is your
position in Jason Chaffetz office?? Your poor spelling didn't match with
the obvious knowledge that the writer has to spin a subject.
Better luck next time on the spin game!!!
Better luck next time on the spin game!!!
How soon they forget... | 4:47 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Some here sound more like Sen Kerry: " I voted for the war, before I voted
against it". We went into Afghanistan with much popular support in 2001,
but all of a sudden some would change history and claim that there wasn't
any popular support. Those pesky facts keep getting in the way of the loud and
repetitive claims to the contrary. Sen Chaffetz made his statement according to
his opinions, not those of the GOP because he doesn't speak for the GOP,
RNC President Steele does.
If we aren't willing to do what it takes to accomplish the mission, then let's make the changes needed. Troop levels were considered in light of the lessons learned by the Soviets in the 80's. We don't want to be percived as an occupation army like they were, we want the Afghans to solve the problem with our help.
Revisionist history doesn't help, it only obscures the picture.
If we aren't willing to do what it takes to accomplish the mission, then let's make the changes needed. Troop levels were considered in light of the lessons learned by the Soviets in the 80's. We don't want to be percived as an occupation army like they were, we want the Afghans to solve the problem with our help.
Revisionist history doesn't help, it only obscures the picture.
Sterling | 5:04 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Keep in mind that Afghanistan in particular, and the Middle East in general, is
made up of mostly tribes. It doesn't really MATTER MUCH AT ALL what we do
or don't do regarding "stability" of the country, if we TOTALLY
STABILIZED Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran and come back to check up on
them 50 yrs. from now they'll STILL BE FIGHTING with each other and living
in tin shacks.
Countries' borders mean VERY LITTLE in regards to tribal warfare.
The only reason Saudi Arabia has become so modernized is that the particular "tribal leadership" is so powerful that they've been able to control the economics of the country!
We SHOULD get out of Afghanistan and leave in place whatever CIA assets and/or local assets that we can so that we can keep a foothold to (hopefully)guard against atrocities via unmanned drone bombers.
As far as finding Bin Laden goes - I doubt if anyone REALLY has any clue; he could be living alive and well somewhere in the U.S. for all we know!
Afghanistan is YET ANOTHER "no win" situation!!
We're just wasting time, lives, and money!
Countries' borders mean VERY LITTLE in regards to tribal warfare.
The only reason Saudi Arabia has become so modernized is that the particular "tribal leadership" is so powerful that they've been able to control the economics of the country!
We SHOULD get out of Afghanistan and leave in place whatever CIA assets and/or local assets that we can so that we can keep a foothold to (hopefully)guard against atrocities via unmanned drone bombers.
As far as finding Bin Laden goes - I doubt if anyone REALLY has any clue; he could be living alive and well somewhere in the U.S. for all we know!
Afghanistan is YET ANOTHER "no win" situation!!
We're just wasting time, lives, and money!
re: 4:09PM | 5:17 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
"We need a thorough evaluation of the current state of affairs... of where
it's best to put our troops and where we need to focus our
attention..."
News flash. That's exactly what Obama has been doing for months.
What were you trying to add to the conversation?
News flash. That's exactly what Obama has been doing for months.
What were you trying to add to the conversation?
This is why.... | 5:20 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
the Republican party is in such a mess. Mr. Conservative wants to leave a war,
started by a Republican president, while blaming the delay in action on the
current president who took over the mess, because he's a Democrat.
Just like Republican's want to crucify Obama for his huge spending. While they just watched a Republican president take over a yearly surpluss and turn it into deficits, with nothing but war to show for it.
What do you guys even stand for anymore? I think the correct answer to that is "Whatever the Democracts do not, at the current time."
Just like Republican's want to crucify Obama for his huge spending. While they just watched a Republican president take over a yearly surpluss and turn it into deficits, with nothing but war to show for it.
What do you guys even stand for anymore? I think the correct answer to that is "Whatever the Democracts do not, at the current time."
KC | 5:34 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Opposed to nation building? Wouldn't it be foolish to leave Afghanistan in
an unstable condition? Having sacrificed so much, are we willing to let it once
again become a haven for international terrorists? I hope we'll have the
courage to remain and finish the job.
Jordan T. | 5:38 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
The only real reason why we've never been able to get Osama Bin Laden, and
why we've been stuck in Iraq and Afghanistan for so long is because
of...
OIL!! OIL!! OIL!!
OIL!! OIL!! OIL!!
How Soon We Forget | 6:26 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Chaffetz was no defender of George Bush, the Republican Congress, or their
policies. He ran against another Republican! If he were in lockstep with the
Bush Administration and the Republican Congress, he wouldn't have needed to
run.
Part of his appeal during the campaign was his acknowledgment that Republicans blew it. He doesn't have to defend what Bush or the Republican Congress did. He wasn't there and he's been very open about his concerns with their leadership.
Part of his appeal during the campaign was his acknowledgment that Republicans blew it. He doesn't have to defend what Bush or the Republican Congress did. He wasn't there and he's been very open about his concerns with their leadership.
Anonymous | 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Jason, stop asking Miss California for advice on war.
Chaffetz is media hound | 7:05 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
No need to get upset over Chaffetz' latest attention-grab. It's just
one more stunt in an endless stream of manipulative ploys to focus attention on
himself.
Chaffetz wants to have his say before the President speaks, so as not to be accused of just opposing the President's stand? Yeah, right! Chaffetz must think we're idiots. Like he doesn't already know that President Obama is going to tell the people tomorrow why he's sending 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan.
Chaffetz is a joke - so let's just laugh at him, and save ourselves from his absurdity.
Chaffetz wants to have his say before the President speaks, so as not to be accused of just opposing the President's stand? Yeah, right! Chaffetz must think we're idiots. Like he doesn't already know that President Obama is going to tell the people tomorrow why he's sending 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan.
Chaffetz is a joke - so let's just laugh at him, and save ourselves from his absurdity.
h_dad | 7:34 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Chaffetz doesn't have the guts
to demand what's responsible:
Obama MUST fight-to-win
OR resign as C-in-C.
Start drafting impeachment articles Mr. Chaffetz, unless your just going for easy publicity free of liberal back-lash.
to demand what's responsible:
Obama MUST fight-to-win
OR resign as C-in-C.
Start drafting impeachment articles Mr. Chaffetz, unless your just going for easy publicity free of liberal back-lash.
bob | 8:20 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
How is Jason even qualified to make any decisions about our country let alone
the world? Have you people forgotten that he has no qualifications to even be in
office other than he had a little 'R' next to his name on the ballot.
Has he studied terrorism or Islam at all besides listening to Glen Beck like the rest of Utah?
Has he studied terrorism or Islam at all besides listening to Glen Beck like the rest of Utah?
Terrorism expert | 8:27 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Having gotten my MS in geography and my thesis was on the spread of Islamic
terrorism, I can say that Chaffetz's comments over his short career as a
Senator show he knows nothing about Islamic terrorism or how Afghanistan relates
to it. Maybe if he did a little research before playing political games he would
have a clue as to what is going in the world. He is showing that he is a
politician and not an intellectual. He is doing more grand standing lately, than
even Sarah Pallin has. He obviously has ambitions beyond Senator of a backwards
state. I only hope that the rest of America can see through his political games
than Utah can.
Earl | 8:59 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
It's nice to see someone from Utah with an independent streak in him. I
admire him for his willingness to stick his political neck out, which is more
than I can say for most politicians here and throughout the country. I like the
part about getting out best. Those of you who are worried about the terrorist
threat are going way over the top. Bring our men and women home to defend the
U.S. and we'll be just fine.
KM | 9:33 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
If the PC politicians don't want to fight wars to win, then lets just get
the troops home. I am sick of putting our fighting men out there to be targets
for the terrorists. Fight to win, or just call it a day. You know, like we did
in WW2. Not like we did in Vietnam.
Breaking News | 11:03 p.m. Nov. 30, 2009
Chaffetz and Michael Moore agree on a political issue!
Anonymous | 12:07 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
Chaffetz=Soft on Terrorism
Chaffetz=Soft on Al Quaida
Chaffetz=Soft on Extremists
Chaffetz=Soft on Airport security
Chaffetz=Soft on Al Quaida
Chaffetz=Soft on Extremists
Chaffetz=Soft on Airport security
Anonymous | 12:15 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
LOL, I see how this works. When a Republican President sends our troops for 7
years to Afghanistan it is NATIONAL SECURITY. Through his bad management and
war profiteering for his friends they do nothing but make money and establish a
corrupt government.
Now that there is a Democratic President there trying to fight terrorism, it is a waste of time and lives and money.
Chaffetz, you are nothing but a hypnotic. You are Republican in name only and do talking but get so little done.
Now that there is a Democratic President there trying to fight terrorism, it is a waste of time and lives and money.
Chaffetz, you are nothing but a hypnotic. You are Republican in name only and do talking but get so little done.
Obama stopped playing golf | 1:24 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
Pres. Obama stopped playing golf long enough to decide?
What Chaffetz said?
Mr. President, go big or go home. Our Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines are trained to fight and WIN wars. They are the best trained and equipped fighting force in the world. But we’ve tied their hands. The American people want us to give our troops everything they need to win so they can come home. In short, give them everything they need or bring the troops home.
--
I could have told you that months ago, and Pres. Obama's generals have said just that. Obama has been sitting on his thumbs.
What Chaffetz said?
Mr. President, go big or go home. Our Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines are trained to fight and WIN wars. They are the best trained and equipped fighting force in the world. But we’ve tied their hands. The American people want us to give our troops everything they need to win so they can come home. In short, give them everything they need or bring the troops home.
--
I could have told you that months ago, and Pres. Obama's generals have said just that. Obama has been sitting on his thumbs.
Imo | 6:11 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
Presidents, particularly presidents that have never done anything but community
organizing, should not be micro-managing wars. The President's job is to
set goals and then give his Generals the men and matériel they need to
complete the mission. When Presidents play General they get our soldiers killed
in the name of diplomacy. How stupid and worthless are those deaths? We went
into Afghanistan in order to catch and kill Bin Laudin and his accomplices. We
killed some of them but BL got away. Since he is no longer there we
shouldn't be, either. We are not the world's policeman.
JMT | 6:44 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
Chaffetz is great at PR, he should have stopped there.
The question is now what will Mr Chaffetz do about this? Will he offer amendments to defund the efforts in Afghanistan? This is the Constitutional method in which Congress can exercise input in US military policy. It was done during the Clinton years with Bosnia. Will Chaffetz actually do something about this, or just talk?
I think we know the answer.
And what does he propose in its place? You cannot take an informed position on Afghanistan without discussion Pakistan. How is he proposing to deal with both regional instability and regime weakness in Pakistan? How does this affect surrounding areas such as Kashmir, seperatists and India?
Many small issues tied to one big press release about Afghanistan.
I contacted his office about monetary policy. I received a very gibberish response about 'Ron Paul' that was so disfunctional to any policy question I was shocked and dismayed. I guess if I wanted to discuss Ron Paul I would have asked his office about it. I was actually discussing monetary policy.
I have been very disappointed in the theatrics of Jason Chaffetz, though not surprised. He is a known quantity.
The question is now what will Mr Chaffetz do about this? Will he offer amendments to defund the efforts in Afghanistan? This is the Constitutional method in which Congress can exercise input in US military policy. It was done during the Clinton years with Bosnia. Will Chaffetz actually do something about this, or just talk?
I think we know the answer.
And what does he propose in its place? You cannot take an informed position on Afghanistan without discussion Pakistan. How is he proposing to deal with both regional instability and regime weakness in Pakistan? How does this affect surrounding areas such as Kashmir, seperatists and India?
Many small issues tied to one big press release about Afghanistan.
I contacted his office about monetary policy. I received a very gibberish response about 'Ron Paul' that was so disfunctional to any policy question I was shocked and dismayed. I guess if I wanted to discuss Ron Paul I would have asked his office about it. I was actually discussing monetary policy.
I have been very disappointed in the theatrics of Jason Chaffetz, though not surprised. He is a known quantity.
War is a protection racket | 8:57 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
Rep. Chaffetz is right to call for U.S. troops in Afghanistan to return to
America ... but for the wrong reasons.
"Go big or go home"?
Sounds like sour grapes because the Obama Administration hasn't been dealing enough contracts out to Utah-based corporate members of the military-industrial-congressional complex ... for which local congresscritters take credit.
Antiwar dot com
"Go big or go home"?
Sounds like sour grapes because the Obama Administration hasn't been dealing enough contracts out to Utah-based corporate members of the military-industrial-congressional complex ... for which local congresscritters take credit.
Antiwar dot com
I didn't vote for him.... | 10:05 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
...but I've been very happy with his voting record. His big mouth is
another issue entirely. That's why I didn't vote for him, mostly.
But he does explain well how he's going to vote and why, which I
appreciate.
Opposite | 10:21 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
If President Obama says the sky is blue, Jason says it is gray. If President
Obama says anything, Chaffetz will say the opposite.
I think we have all figured out the strategy Chaffetz is using.
I think we have all figured out the strategy Chaffetz is using.
I'm amazed | 10:43 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
how easily Americans forget the last time we turned a blind eye to Afghanistan,
assuming the Taliban and Al Quaeda couldn't do much from there.
The fight in Afghanistan is imperative for America's ongoing safety, as pulling out would effectively allow Al Quaeda relatively unfettered freedom to plan another terrorist attack on US soil, let alone the signal of complacency and defeat it would send to terrorists everywhere.
In our political fervor let's not forget the big picture, and what precipitated our involvement in Afghanistan in the first place!
The fight in Afghanistan is imperative for America's ongoing safety, as pulling out would effectively allow Al Quaeda relatively unfettered freedom to plan another terrorist attack on US soil, let alone the signal of complacency and defeat it would send to terrorists everywhere.
In our political fervor let's not forget the big picture, and what precipitated our involvement in Afghanistan in the first place!
Chaffetz is but a kid | 10:53 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
Chaffetz is but a kid, with no understanding of military matters, international
politics, or anything else of consequence. Our president, with his top military
people and other civilian leaders, have looked at a situation that THEY
INHERITED and have made a reasoned decision about what CAN be done and what
SHOULD be done. This kid nor any of us have not real idea of the military and
political issues inherant in making this decision. I suggest the kid do what
responsible democrats did when President Bush went into Afghanistan and
Iraq...accept that he has the information and the constitutionally directed
power to make the decision. It used to be that "politics ended at the
water's edge", sadly republicans are showing they are sore losers, and
cannot even support their own country in a time of war. They care more about
their political offices.
No Surprise....But sadness | 11:33 a.m. Dec. 1, 2009
It is with no surprise that I read these comments only to find the poor, indeed,
very poor state of our education system. Pride and PC culture matter more than
truth or facts. What we don't understand we must destroy! After all we must
"support" our guy even if proven wrong. No one can say "I was
wrong" anymore.
Those in civilian life who claim to know what to do are for the most part simple minded fools. I wonder how many of them, with a gun pointed at them would not want to fire back first.
Most of them claim history on their side, yet fail to notice how wars have been fought throughout history. Most want peace and utopia, without doing what is necessary to obtain it. Most worry about money spent for Defense, instead of money spent for a "Great Society".
For those who claim to know what to do, then enlist, grab a gun and go do it. For those who worry about enemy rights, enlist, grab a gun and go defend them. For those who want a right to speak, enlist, grab a gun and go defend it.
You want a Country, defend it!
Those in civilian life who claim to know what to do are for the most part simple minded fools. I wonder how many of them, with a gun pointed at them would not want to fire back first.
Most of them claim history on their side, yet fail to notice how wars have been fought throughout history. Most want peace and utopia, without doing what is necessary to obtain it. Most worry about money spent for Defense, instead of money spent for a "Great Society".
For those who claim to know what to do, then enlist, grab a gun and go do it. For those who worry about enemy rights, enlist, grab a gun and go defend them. For those who want a right to speak, enlist, grab a gun and go defend it.
You want a Country, defend it!
some truth | 12:17 p.m. Dec. 1, 2009
We do need to change the rules of engagement. The ROE is killing soldiers. You
cannot act civilly toward uncivil people. You cannot reason with the
unreasonable. The politicians have no idea how much they are messing with
soldiers/operatives and their ability to get intel. We can't shoot at
people, we can't torture them. Next maybe we won't be able to carry
ammo or wear vests for protection. why would we make it harder on the soldiers
than it already is.
Let's just get the job done, and get outta there. Quit tying the soldiers hands together, let them do what will get the job done!
Let's just get the job done, and get outta there. Quit tying the soldiers hands together, let them do what will get the job done!
Patty | 12:39 p.m. Dec. 1, 2009
Interesting comments. Had I not been there yesterday and heard myself the WHOLE
thing, I may (or may not) have had some of the same questions. I was very
impressed with the thoughtfulness and intelligence of his position. He did
mention his disappointment with Bush and mentioned having had Bin Laden in our
sites. He is NOT soft of Terrorists but supported his position that in a
country of 3 million people that the Generals have reported that fewer than 100
Al Qaeda operatives and NO training camps are left. A fact that was not
reported in the war mongering SL Tribune (convenient) With those few numbers I
agree that we should not be putting 100000 AMERICAN troops in harms way. There
are more efficient strategies. NO,I HAVE NEVER SERVED IN THE MILITARY, but my
husband did (Desert Storm era) and my father is a
Vietnam Vet, so we know about political wars, and we know about GO BIG or GO HOME. I am a conservative and I want DO NOT believe in nation building either. Get the troops home. Mission accomplished.
Vietnam Vet, so we know about political wars, and we know about GO BIG or GO HOME. I am a conservative and I want DO NOT believe in nation building either. Get the troops home. Mission accomplished.
To Patty: | 1:01 p.m. Dec. 1, 2009
And how many Al Qaeda operatives/training camps do you think there would be in
Afghanistan 30 days (if not 30 hours!) after US troops withdrew from there?
The fact that there are so few now is evidence that what we are doing is working. To leave would nullify everything our soldiers have fought and died for over there up til now.
The fact that there are so few now is evidence that what we are doing is working. To leave would nullify everything our soldiers have fought and died for over there up til now.
Chaffetz Knows Better ? | 3:33 p.m. Dec. 1, 2009
I spent 9 months in the US Army near the Pakistan border dodging bullets and
IEDs
I am not a politician or an "expert" like many who have voiced opinion on the subject of Afghanistan.
But here's what I know from experience:
1. Many American Military personnel have worked bloody hard and sacrificed much to make Afghanistan a better place. I know I have, and I can state that many others have too.
2. Unless the Afghan central government can police and control its population, the country will be ran by the group with the most guns, explosives and coercion to leverage against the country's population.
3. Insurgents have unlimited time as a resource. By giving them a time table, they will wait us out, then simply move in.
4. U.S. Military forces, with few exceptions, are limited by ridiculous control measures, rules of engagement and upper level commanders whose decision making is limited by fear of mistakes ruining their careers, negative news exposure and political constraints.
5. Muslim extremists will not go away if we ignore them. The Taliban will control Afghanistan if we pull out.
6. An unsupportive, "knows better" public back home affects morale.
I am not a politician or an "expert" like many who have voiced opinion on the subject of Afghanistan.
But here's what I know from experience:
1. Many American Military personnel have worked bloody hard and sacrificed much to make Afghanistan a better place. I know I have, and I can state that many others have too.
2. Unless the Afghan central government can police and control its population, the country will be ran by the group with the most guns, explosives and coercion to leverage against the country's population.
3. Insurgents have unlimited time as a resource. By giving them a time table, they will wait us out, then simply move in.
4. U.S. Military forces, with few exceptions, are limited by ridiculous control measures, rules of engagement and upper level commanders whose decision making is limited by fear of mistakes ruining their careers, negative news exposure and political constraints.
5. Muslim extremists will not go away if we ignore them. The Taliban will control Afghanistan if we pull out.
6. An unsupportive, "knows better" public back home affects morale.
what he said: | 1:26 a.m. Dec. 2, 2009
"Mr. President, go big or go home. Our Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and
Marines are trained to fight and WIN wars. They are the best trained and
equipped fighting force in the world. But we’ve tied their hands. The
American people want us to give our troops everything they need to win so they
can come home. In short, give them everything they need or bring the troops
home." Rep. Chaffetz
Sounds good to me, especially before Pres. Obama spoke tonight. Obama is in charge, and while I think Chaffetz was correct, Obama got elected as Pres, for now. I hope he is right. He still is not getting the military what they asked for and Obama has spend or will spend more money than both wars have cost us in a few months anyway.
Sounds good to me, especially before Pres. Obama spoke tonight. Obama is in charge, and while I think Chaffetz was correct, Obama got elected as Pres, for now. I hope he is right. He still is not getting the military what they asked for and Obama has spend or will spend more money than both wars have cost us in a few months anyway.
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