WAR ON TERROR

The War on Terror has been a central issue of this election. Criticizing the war and/or the handling of the war is what has incited the Democratic Party and vaulted them to positions of leadership in both houses of Congress. I think it is time to take a deeper look into this situation and the positions each candidate has taken and decisions they have made.

First, we are where we are and there is nothing going to change that so we need to address where to go from here. Although it is turning out that the situation in Iraq is presenting itself as a strong possibility many of the troops may be able to leave soon, this has only been possible because the surge in troops has allowed the Iraqi forces to get up to speed and will soon be able to provide security for its nation. Many Obama supporters will use this a proof that he was right about bringing the troops home but the success would not have been possible the other way around. The surge was supported by John McCain and denounced by both Obama and Biden as not a possibility of succeeding which proved to be wrong.

Leaving Iraq before the job was done and victory achieved would only embolden the enemy. This may sound like just a campaign phrase but it carries great meaning. When the Soviets invaded Afghanistan and were later repeled, by the help of the U.S., this embolded the Afghans. They realized the enemy could or would not be willing to sustain the casualties to bring about victory. Not only did that series of events strengthen the resolve against the Soviets it empowered them to believe they could expel any forces and especially the U.S. "If they can defeat the Soviets they surely can defeat the Americans, they do not have the stomach for a tough battle" is a mindset I heard to describe their resolve. With all the political postering here in the U.S. they were just about right. All that talk just strengthen their beliefs. Every time they hear American politicians or large groups of war protestors or movies made against our President they realize it is only a matter of time.

One of the major complaints about the way President Bush handled the situation in Iraq was that he was stubborn, unwilling to admit his mistakes and change course. Senator Obama was on the O'Reilly Factor recently and was asked about the surge. His response was that the surge was successful beyond anyone's wildest imagination but he was unwilling to admit he was wrong. First, if he possesses the same stubbornness as he and the Dems claim lead to the "failed policies" of Pres. Bush in Iraq why would we expect him to be any different? Second, it was not beyond anyone's wildest imagination. It wasn't even beyond any other candidate's wildest imagination. John McCain imagined it.

Barack Obama has the world hoping he will win this election. On a recent MTV awards show a Brittish comedian begged Americans to elect Barrack Obama and mocked the President. His great orator skills has persuaded the world that his demeanor will help the world deal with terror. The problem is the terroists, including Iran, hold positions that leave no room for negotiation. Eliminating evil zionists of Israel or the evil empire of the U.S. does not leave a starting point of negotiation.

I believe our national security is the most important issue of this election. It used to be our postion on the globe provided natural barriers to our enemies but no more. The U.S. is accessible to major terrorist damage and this must be the most important role of our federal government. Since 911 we have not been subject to any more attacks. President Bush has been so successful on this front it just might work against John McCain's biggest strength. American memories are short so their attentions have turned to our struggling economy.

Comparing the two candidates on our nation's security looks obvious. John McCain and Joe Biden have experience but Biden has made vital errors in judgement on several fronts. His plan in Iraq called for dividing it into 3 secular regions with a weak central government as well as opposing the surge. Biden's plan would have supported the Muslim's community claim we wanted to dismantle Iraq and prevented the success we have achieved today. Sarah Palin and Barack Obama have little to no foreign policy experience. This leaves the obvious observation that you can elect a candidate with great experience with a potential inexperienced backup or you can elect an inexperience leader with a potential experienced backup. Not sure if that is really a question. If you have any questions, just listen to Senator Biden.