U.S. Needs Resolve, Not A Resolution
This entry was posted on February 18, 2007 6:38 PM and is filed under the troops.
Radical Islamists started the war against America, but it's up to the U.S. to finish it
Below is a note from Danna Palmer. Her son Cory paid the ultimate price for American Freedom in Iraq. Danna's thinking falls in line with every single Gold Star family I have talked with this past week.
Danna writes:
Never Forget - this is what Cory and so many others have died for. In case you're wavering on what we should do in Iraq, think of the courage it takes to step into a hostile environment, knowing the risks, and staying the course. THIS is the very freedom our troops are trying to protect - the right to even send this email.
You must read the Chicago Tribune editorial by Rep. Boehner (R) Ohio. It is SO important. I'm responding to my 2 senators and congressman today, then I'll tackle the rest of the Congress. It is so easy to contact your Congressmen and Senators online. Every one of them have a "comment page" set up for emailing.
Take the time to respond to Congress. Otherwise, our troops really have died in vain - because the American People are too complacent, too comfortable to realize the TRUTH
NEVER FORGET, our Congress needs to hear from us. YOU be the one to act.
I've printed the letter here, or you can find it on the link, above.
So proud of our troops,
Danna Palmer
Danna Palmer
Please copy and paste the article to everyone you know. Print it out and give it to anyone who doesn't know why we are still in Iraq and Afghanistan.
FROM: Rep. John Boehner
R-Ohio
February 16, 2007
There is no question that the war in Iraq has been difficult. All Americans are frustrated [that] we haven't seen more success more quickly. But war is never easy and almost never goes according to plan. Al Qaeda and their supporters in the region have been steadfast in their efforts to slow us down and frustrate our efforts to succeed.
But because they cannot defeat Americans on the battlefield, Al Qaeda and terrorist-sympathizers worldwide are trying to divide us here at home. Over the next few days, we have an opportunity to show our enemies that we will not take the bait.
It is fitting that yesterday [Feb. 12] was President Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Not since the dark days of the Civil War has our homeland been a battlefield.
Lincoln's leadership preserved the Union through a turbulent age that threatened to undo the entire American experiment. His belief in the promise of the United States--a promise enshrined in the Declaration of Independence that stated for the first time in history that all men are created equal--drove him to pursue victory. Surrounded by personal and political rivals, Lincoln could have given up. He could have recalled Union Forces and sent them all home. But he didn't. We need a similar commitment to victory today.
The battle in Iraq is about more than what happens there. This is one part of a larger fight--a global fight--against radical Islamic terrorists who have waged war on the United States and our allies.
This is not a question of fighting for land, for treasure, or for glory--we are fighting to rid the world of a radical and dangerous ideology. We are fighting to defend all that is sacred to our way of life. We are fighting to build a safer and more secure America--one where families can raise their children without the fear of terrorist attacks.
Lincoln famously said in 1858 that "a house divided against itself cannot stand." I believe, as Lincoln did then, that we must choose sides on a critical issue. Then, it was whether we would abolish the evil institution of slavery. Today, it is whether we will defeat the ideology that drives radical Islamic terrorism. Will we do what it takes to stand and fight for the future of our kids and theirs? Will we commit to defending the freedoms and liberties we cherish? Or will we retreat and leave the fight for another generation?
These are questions with historic implications, and they will be answered this week.
Many of my friends across the aisle think this is exactly what we should do--give up and leave. This non-binding resolution is their first step toward abandoning Iraq by cutting off funding for America's troops in harm's way.
We know what Al Qaeda thinks when America retreats from the battlefield. They think we can't stomach a fight. This is why they haven't been afraid to strike us whenever they've had the opportunity. America slept through the first 22 years of this war:
- It began with the Iran hostage-taking in 1979;
- Then, on Oct. 23, 1983, the suicide attack on the Marine barracks in Beirut killed 241 American servicemen and injured 60 others;
- On Feb. 26, 1993, the first World Trade Center bombing killed six people and injured more than 1,000;
- On June 25, 1996, the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia killed 20 people and injured 372;
- On June 7, 1998, the Kenya embassy bombing killed 213 people and injured 5,000;
- on June 7, 1998, the Tanzania embassy bombing killed 11 people and injured 68;
- On Oct. 12, 2000, the USS Cole bombing killed 17 people and injured 39 people.
We all know what happened on Sept. 11, 2001: 3,000 people died.
Do we really believe that if we pack up now--if we abandon Iraq and leave the country in chaos--that our enemies will lay down their arms and leave us alone?
For too long, world leaders responded to terrorism by retreating and hoping for the best. In a post-Sept. 11 world, this is no longer an option. God forgive us that it took such a loss of life to open our eyes, but our eyes are opened. We are engaged in a global war now--a war for our very way of life.
We didn't start this war--they did. We now have a duty to finish it, and to win.
The non-binding resolution before us today criticizes the new strategy for succeeding in Iraq being implemented by Gen. David Petraeus. It "disapproves" of the strategy before it has even had the chance to succeed or fail.
The general's goal is to stabilize the Iraqi democracy, deny terrorists a safe haven and ensure stability in the region. It is a prudent strategy that puts the performance of the Iraqi government front and center. I can't guarantee you that that this plan will work. I hope it does, and Republicans have put forward complementary bills aimed at helping it succeed.
But I can guarantee you this: If we cut off funding for our troops and abandon Iraq, as many supporters of this non-binding resolution want to do, the consequences of our failure will be catastrophic.
Last year, Osama bin Laden issued this warning to the United States . He said: "I would like to tell you that the war is for you or for us to win. If we win it, it means your defeat and disgrace forever ..."
Think about this for a moment. Al Qaeda knows the stakes and has issued a challenge. Now tell me, what message does it send that we are afraid to meet that challenge? What message are we sending to North Korea, Iran, Venezuela and other enemies of freedom around the world?
- If we abandon Iraq, regional stability will be jeopardized. Iraq will become a fertile breeding ground for radical Islamic terrorists. And without a central government or other stabilizing force, Iraq's neighboring countries will be compelled to enter Iraq to protect their interests. The consequences will be devastating and could lead to a regional war.
- If we abandon Iraq, the instability--coupled with the damning image of another American retreat--will embolden Iran and Islamic militants and endanger Israel. Iran's leaders and terrorists groups have made clear their intentions to "wipe Israel off the map." We would be leaving a staunch ally in the Middle East with nothing but chaos and instability separating them from their greatest enemy.
- If we abandon Iraq, those who seek weapons of mass destruction will know they have nothing more to fear from a fearful America. Neither Al Qaeda, North Korea nor Iran have given up their quest for weapons of mass destruction. If they know they are free to pursue these weapons--secure in the knowledge that America doesn't have the stomach to stop them--we will be leaving our children a vastly more dangerous world. During the Cold War we took some small comfort in the idea of mutually assured destruction----that the Soviet Union wouldn't attack us because we could retaliate with equal devastation. There is no such comfort in a world where terrorist gangs roam free.
It is the nature of our enemy to fight us wherever and whenever they can. Whether in Asia, Africa or elsewhere, Al Qaeda has supporters and sympathizers throughout the world. They have the ability to strike anywhere at any time with lethal force across the globe. Right now we're fighting them in Iraq. This battle is the most visible part of a global war--but it just one part. If we leave, they will follow us home. It's that simple. We cannot negotiate with them. We cannot reason with them. Our only option is to defeat them.
It is important for this body to debate important issues facing our country. Last summer the House held an extended debate on the war in Iraq and the global war on terror. We worked closely with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle to draft the language of that resolution and we had, I believe, a productive debate. But what we're dealing with today isn't even a resolution to debate the war itself--it is a non-binding resolution attacking a single strategy in the prosecution of the larger war.
Non-binding means non-leadership. It is non-accountability. And it is not the right message to the troops. This is a political charade, lacking both the seriousness and gravity of the issue it is meant to address.
The question before us today isn't actually in this resolution. It is more fundamental. The question is: Do we have the resolve that will be necessary to defeat our terrorist enemies? Will we stand and fight for the future of our kids and theirs? As President Eisenhower once said: "History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid."
Does Congress have the fortitude to do what needs to be done? Our soldiers do. They are brave. They are committed. And they can win this fight we've asked them to wage. Will we support them?
The world is watching. How will we respond?
Copyright (c) 2007, Chicago Tribune
Speaking for the Cantafio Family, I know we don't want Ryan J. Cantafio, USMC to have died in vain. I honestly believe we need to win this war.
Write to Danna Palmer at; iteachuswim@yahoo.com
God Bless America!
Speaking for the Cantafio Family, I know we don't want Ryan J. Cantafio, USMC to have died in vain. I honestly believe we need to win this war.
Write to Danna Palmer at; iteachuswim@yahoo.com
God Bless America!
Comments
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February 18, 2007 10:17 PM
Ryan Jazak wrote:
I believe it to be true and stand behind this congessman 100%. World events are dividing our country whether anyone wants to believe it or not. Whether one agrees with the war or not, that is not the issue. The issue is that our enemies need to know that we can take whatever they throw at us and and have the courage and commitment to defeat it. That is the heart and soul of America. That is what this country was born from.
The leader of North Vietnam was interviewed after the surrender of South Vietnam and the American forces that were there. He was asked how he was able to win the war over the more powerful and mighty American military. His response was, "We knew that the American people were divided over this conflict. All we had to do was outlast them. We knew that the Americans couldn't sustain the will to fight." We won every major battle in Vietnam, but he knew all he had to do was outlast our will to fight. There is much to be said about his comments after the war.
I recently recieved a phone call from my brother. He gave our family the news that he will be heading back to Iraq in the very near future. Plans as of now are the third week in March or the third week in April. And will be there till September. He has volunteered for this mission, and strongly believes in this cause. As do the majority of our military. I ask you all to keep him and his Marines close to your heart. Once again this is going to be a difficult time for my family and I. Please keep him and the rest of our brave warriors in your thoughts and prayers. Through my brother, I have met some heroic men of our military. One was a Marine from Richland Center, WI. He lost 1/3rd of one of his hands and has has countless surguries to repair his other hand, from an IED explosion near Ramadi Iraq. Yet if he could have, he would have went back in a heartbeat. This young man is a hero in my eyes, and I trembled inside as I shook his hand and thanked him for protecting my way of life. Through him, I saw the will and courage of the men and women who wear the Stars and Stripes. I could name many more here, but I would go on forever.
Joe, I am sending the rest in another one.
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February 18, 2007 10:19 PM
Ryan Jazak wrote:
We need to show our brave men and women that we support EVERYTHING that they do. I don't like war either, but the fact of the matter is we are involved in one. And with Terrorism, we will be involved for a long time to come. We need to show our enemies that America has the will and courage to fight them no matter how long it takes. We will win this war, I assure you of that. Our men and women of the military will do whatever it takes, as long as we stand behind them 100%. In my opinion, defeat is in the hands of the American people. Because our military will not accept defeat, that is not an option for them. We are winning this war and there are good things happening in Iraq. The media refuses to tell us this because it doesn't make good headlines. I believe my brother and his fellow Marines who tell me progress is being made, and this is a cause worth fighting for. 3000 heroes have paid the ultimate sacrifice so the Iraqi may enjoy the freedoms that we do. Some of them were my brother close friends. Lets not let their sacrifices die in vain.
God Bless our Troops.
Ryan
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February 19, 2007 3:17 AM
Danna Palmer wrote:
Thank you so much, Joe!
I know your family is feeling the same emptiness as we are - but I am convinced that we are doing the right thing and our Marines and Soldiers have not died in vain. God help this country if we do turn our backs on them.
Godspeed and Semper Fi,
Danna
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February 19, 2007 9:03 AM
Lisa wrote:
First let me say thank you Danna Palmer for your son Corey - his sacrifice was not in vain and will NEVER be forgotten. The same goes for Ryan J. Cantafio.
Ryan Jazak - Thank God for your brother who volunteered to defend us - you have my gratitude and prayers. If your families need ANYTHING you have support right here.
The article from Rep. Boehner pretty much says it all. Contacting legislators is a good way to let them know how we feel. Unfortunately, not all of them agree with their constituents. My congressman was one of those who didn't stand with his Commander-in-Chief. Some will say that this resolution didn't mean anything. There was no real substance to it.But it IS a foot in the door to steps that will prevent our heros from doing their job and winning. I hope that we will not let that happen - lets continue to put the pressure on our leaders with calls, letters and emails. We can also send our messages through the ballot box.
God bless and protect America and her defenders!
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February 20, 2007 11:09 PM
Ryan Jazak wrote:
Lisa,
Thank you for the kind words. It's people like you that make the deployment of all of our heroes more bearable. It's hard being away from their families, and you give them all a taste of home. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. I will pass on your thoughts and prayers to my brother. He has been in the Corps for 12 years now. I couldn't be more proud of him. My wife and I named my our first born son who is now 6 months old, after my brother Eric. His middle name is Vincent, after Vincent Forras, who you often here Joe talk about. Vinny is a dear friend of mine as well as Joe's. I pray that my son grows to know where his namesake came from, and to realize how important those two people in my life have been. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by heros in my life, from my parents, my brother, Vinny, and Joe. These people have helped to show me how important life is, and the values that surround it. I look forward to meeting you sometime in the near future. May God Bless you and your family.
With love,
Ryan Jazak
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February 20, 2007 11:09 PM
Ryan Jazak wrote: