As the result of the Iowa Caucuses yesterday Senator Kerry is now the front runner. One reason was Howard Dean had stated that Americans were not better off because of Saddam Hussein's capture. In comparison Kerry's position on Iraq seemed more moderate — at least to Iowa Democrats. Kerry voted for the original war resolution but against the $87 billion dollar appropriation. When the major operations of the war ended there was a significant insurgent campaign in Iraq. We hadn't captured Saddam Hussein, yet. Kerry opined that the Bush administration had "f'd it up badly".
When this bill was debated a number of field commanders were begging for quick passage. Why? Because they needed the money to grease the palms of informants. While debating the bill Dr. Condoleezza Rice said, "We will eventually bring to justice the entire al Qaeda leadership, and Saddam Hussein himself, too." Congress passed the appropriation and Saddam Hussein was captured, proving the field commanders' assertions.
All the Democratic presidential hopefuls have stated that they support the troups but not some or all of the President's policies in Iraq. That could be defended if they voted for appropriation but not the original war resolution. But, Senators Edwards and Kerry did the exact opposite. We have seen what happens when we properly fund the military when American men and women are in harm's way. The best way for Congress to show their support for the troops is to properly fund them, even if they have doubts about the overall war effort. Senator Lieberman and Representative Gephardt show that this is possible — the latter sacrificing his political career for what was right.
It was truly touching to hear the story of Lt. Kerry risking his life to save the life of his buddy in the jungles of Vietnam. Too bad Senator Kerry wasn't willing to risk his political life for his buddies in the deserts of Iraq.
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