"To step back now would force a collapse of the Iraqi government, tear that country apart and result in mass killings on an unimaginable scale." With that, George W. Bush announced a much anticipated and almost universally scorned increase in troop levels in Iraq.
The problems with this are practical, political and moral. They place additional strain on an already over burdened military. For the wars staunchest supporters, and even from a significant component of those who oppose the war, this troop surge, as it has been labeled to make it palatable under the somewhat nebulous proposals in the Baker Report, it would take a number in the range of several hundred thousand to really give the strategy a chance to work. That is the practical side.
On the political side, while a sop to the usual gang of thieves surrounding Bush, this proposal has the support of no one of importance in the military, has caused significant numbers of the president's own party to distance themselves from him, and has brought a certain amount of energy to the here-to-for docile Democratic Party.
On the moral side, among many others there has to be concern about throwing away the lives of more of our service people in what is clear to everyone to be a lost cause. And to try to salvage an undefined and undefinable victory with the blood of more of the innocent people of Iraq? Where is the moral virtue of pouring more blood down the Iraqi sewer? Where is the good in trying to establish a western style democracy in a country whose people clearly want only to kill each other and anyone who would have them stop this senseless self immolation? None of these questions can be answered except in the negative.
There is no moral high ground in Iraq. It cannot be lost, because it was doomed from the start. It certainly cannot be won, if for no other reason than no one knows what winning is. The question is what to do about it. It seems that the American people have answered resoundingly, at least in the last election, Bring the troops home! Help that happen .
In Grand Marais, there is a rally planned for this evening in Harbor Park. The following announcement went out this morning from Cameron Norman and Debbie Westby. You are urged to give this your support. Here is what they have to say:
This will be a repeat for some, but we just wanted to make sure you all received it.It's been a while since anyone in the area made a fuss over the war. Thursday marks an opportunity to be seen and heard around the country. Events have been planned including "honk and wave" at strategic intersections, candlelight vigils honoring the fallen, etc. They are all reflections of America saying NO to the escalation in Iraq.Please join us at Harbor Park tonight (Thursday Jan. 11th) at 7:00 pm. Bring a candle that won't blow out and warm clothing. We'll be out for an hour.
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