Do We Need to Leave Iraq Sooner Now?

[JGrubbs]

Originally posted by church mouse guy:
The political winners from Katrina are the Democrats and the third parties.

Why do you say that? What makes them political winners during this national crisis? The mayor of New Orleans is a Democrat, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco is a Democrat. Why do you say they Democrats and third parties are winners from Katrina?

 

[hillclimber]

Originally posted by KenH:
For those of you who do not want to speed up our withdrawal from Iraq, how do we pay for Iraq and Hurricane Katrina relief at the same time? Are you prepared to perhaps have your federal taxes go up by $200-250 per month to afford to do both without increasing the yearly federal deficit?

Utter nonsense Ken. You know better.

 

[hillclimber]

If we leave Iraq now we condemn probably millions to death. The Terrorists gain a great victory, and step up activity. The current baby govt. is nothing without our help, for years to come. This talk of withdrawal is folly.

 

[Ed Edwards]

New motto of the Terrorists:

When the going gets tough, the Americans
go home.

Even yet, it is not too late to turn tail
in Iraq -- snatch defeat fromt he very jaws
of Victory.

Last year I paid as much federal tax
as to equal my total (gross) wages in 1976.
I few hundred dollars a month gas tax
or other tax won't hurt a bit. I'm glad i can
give 10% to my Church and 20% to my Federal
Government.

New dodge: loose your identity in the flood.
Sure, just throw your SSN right into the water.
Now you have no identity and can get a new one.
The Federal Government says you can only get
welfare a certain amount of time. But with
the new flood-recovery identity you can get
those two years of welfare again

 

[Ed Edwards]

Originally posted by hillclimber:
If we leave Iraq now we condemn probably millions to death. The Terrorists gain a great victory, and step up activity. The current baby govt. is nothing without our help, for years to come. This talk of withdrawal is folly.

60 years ago the USofA began to
station its military in Germany and Japan.
60 years later there is no talk of withdrawing.

Success in Iraq will be measured by how many
US troops are still there 60 years from now
in 2063AD

 

[carpro]

This entire thread is based on a ridiculous premise.

A hurricane strikes the Gulf Coast. Something that happens almost every year.

Time to pull the troops out of Iraq.

Madness.

 

[Ed Edwards]

Amen, Brother Carpro -- Preach it!!

 

[Hardsheller]

Originally posted by KenH:
For those of you who do not want to speed up our withdrawal from Iraq, how do we pay for Iraq and Hurricane Katrina relief at the same time? Are you prepared to perhaps have your federal taxes go up by $200-250 per month to afford to do both without increasing the yearly federal deficit?

We're in good shape. The 4.9% unemployment rate reported for August was down a notch from July's 5% rate and was the lowest since August 2001.

Of course this was before the effects of Katrina come into play. But we're facing this crisis with a strong and growing economy and that's a good thing.

As far as taxes going up by $200-250 /month, Ken, you're dreaming. The feds will simply print more money and take up the slack to get us through the short term in hopes that the economy sustains the extra load.

 

[ASLANSPAL]

KenH this is a very valid and important debate. It is fully on the radar screen. I want to give
you first dibs in creating a poll, since you posted this, things have changed dramatically in
terms of the cost of Katrina 25billion, 50billion,
100billion,150billion, and the current number I
am hearing is in excess of 200 billion dollars so
your question is even more pertinent. Of course
we as American patriots and taxpayers should always count the costs in blood and treasure.
If you don't poll it I will, but it is your question you can parse it however you want to, that will bring in the most votes.

Sincerely
Aslanspal

 

[Scott J]

Is that $200 billion above what the insurance companies will have to pay?

 

[Scott J]

Here's an idea.

Let's ask our 3,000,000+ non-military federal employees to take a pay cut/freeze. Airline employees have had to do so to get their companies out of trouble. Moreover, let's revamp their retirement program to bring it in line with the rest of us.

 

[Dragoon68]

We need to finish the job in Iraq just like before. We need to make sure our enemy knows that nothing - not even the major disaster that just hit us - will break our resolve. We need to make that real clear right now.

We must not show even one little tiny bit of weakness. We are Americans and we are a strong, resourceful, and determined nation. We can handle even more if it comes our way.

We must pray that God will continue to bless our nation and keep us wise, strong, and courageous in dealing with all the suffering that we face in a manner than gives honor and glory to His name.

 

[Hardsheller]

Amen.

Enough of this "chicken little" complex.

Let's Roll in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the Gulf Coast.

 

[Scott J]

If we left now and especially for the reason given, radical Islam would be doubly emboldened. Not only would they have run us out of Iraq through their own efforts, they would be able to say that Allah had fought for them by sending a hurricane to cripple the infidels.

Terrible idea.

 

[KenH]

Originally posted by Hardsheller:
Let's Roll in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the Gulf Coast.

What if we can't afford it?

 

[Hardsheller]

Put it on the MasterCard! Some things are Priceless!

 

[hillclimber]

We can't back out of Iraq, that is certain. Giving these displaced folks big money is a bad idea too, unless you happen to own a liqour store. Start fitting facilities on nearby airbases that are scheduled to be closed. Hundreds of thousands can be housed there until cooler heads figure out a housing arrangement for the future, but out of the flood plane.

 

[Scott J]

Originally posted by KenH:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Hardsheller:
Let's Roll in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the Gulf Coast.

What if we can't afford it? </font>[/QUOTE]I wonder if Chamberlin had similar apprehensions prior to WW2 concerning the possibility of disarming Hitler?

It's a pay me now or pay me later type of proposition. You have to compare the costs of doing something against the costs of doing something else or nothing (as Chamberlin did and liberals would have had us do this time).

 

[Dragoon68]

Originally posted by KenH:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Hardsheller:
Let's Roll in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the Gulf Coast.

What if we can't afford it? </font>[/QUOTE]We can afford a whole lot more even though it is all very expensive. We must do whatever is necessary. We can conserve as needed. We can adjust priorities. We can revert to basics.

If we have no freedom, all the money in the world won't matter. It can not be bought with money.

If we have no money, we will still have freedom. It is not for sale and will not be relinquished.

With freedom our resourcefulness, determination, and courage will be able to find new prosperity.

 

[StraightAndNarrow]

Nothing is being accomplished in Iraq. As soon as we leave, whether it be 3 months or 10 years, there will be a civil war and Iraq will become a radical Islamic state and ally itself with Iran. They have already made overtures to Iran to do just that.

Face it. This war war a terrible mistake from the beginning. It's not making us safer at home. In fact, Iraq has become the training ground for terrorists who will move on to the next 9/11 against us. The war is just like Viet Nam. The sooner we get out and cut our losses the better.