John Murtha Opposed Another Recent Military Engagement.

So John Murtha thought Somalia was a mistake too. Was he the reason we "cut and run" there?

Excerpt from the December 3, 1992 Somalia News Update

"My feeling is it's a mistake with the present conditions as
they are," said Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., chairman of the House
Appropriations subcommittee on defense.
Murtha, at a news conference, said there is "no clear-cut
mission. The rules of engagement are not clear, and we have no
purpose in being there. It's not in our national interest. And for
those reasons I, at this point, oppose deploying troops to Somalia as
bad as the situation is."

From John O'Neill via Michelle Malkin

On December 23, 1776, with Washington's army freezing in tatters at Morristown, Thomas Paine in "Common Sense" wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls." He noted many mistakes by the American army, but noted that "tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered" and that heaven charges a high price for freedom because it is so precious. It was a time when "the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot shrink ... " but those who stood firm would someday receive the love and appreciation of the nation.

Fair weather patriots...hmmm...
I simply could never say it as well.

A Word from Col. Repya (Power Line)

The Full Post from PowerLineblog.com
Colonel Repya, Sir, We are all tired with you. God Bless, you great American Patriot.

A word from Col. Repya

We've written here several times about Minnesota's Lt. Col. Joe Repya, who volunteered to return to active duty for service in Iraq at age 59. Joe's previous service includes command of a rifle platoon in Vietnam and flying helicopters in the first Gulf War.

Joe is a classic citizen patriot and activist. He first came to public attention in March 2003 when, disturbed by the anti-war campaign mounted by Minnesota liberals, he arranged for the production of lawn signs saying "Liberate Iraq -- Support Our Troops." His effort garnered a lot of publicity, and Joe eventually distributed 30,000 signs.

Today he writes:

Two weeks ago, as I was starting my sixth month of duty in Iraq, I was forced to return to the USA for surgery for an injury I sustained prior to my deployment. With luck, I'll return to Iraq in January to finish my tour. I left Baghdad and a war that has every indication that we are winning, to return to a demoralized country much like the one I returned to in 1971 after my tour in Vietnam. Maybe it's because I'll turn 60 years old in just four months, but I'm tired:

I'm tired of spineless politicians, both Democrat and Republican who lack the courage, fortitude, and character to see these difficult tasks through.

I'm tired of the hypocrisy of politicians who want to rewrite history when the going gets tough.

I'm tired of the disingenuous clamor from those that claim they "Support the Troops" by wanting them to "Cut and Run" before victory is achieved.

I'm tired of a mainstream media that can only focus on car bombs and casualty reports because they are too afraid to leave the safety of their hotels to report on the courage and success our brave men and women are having on the battlefield.

I'm tired that so many American's think you can rebuild a dictatorship into a democracy over night.

I'm tired that so many ignore the bravery of the Iraqi people to go to the voting booth and freely elect a Constitution and soon a permanent Parliament.

I'm tired of the so called "Elite Left" that prolongs this war by giving aid and comfort to our enemy, just as they did during the Vietnam War.

I'm tired of anti-war protesters showing up at the funerals of our fallen soldiers. A family who's loved ones gave their life in a just and noble cause, only to be cruelly tormented on the funeral day by cowardly protesters is beyond shameful.

I'm tired that my generation, the Baby Boom - Vietnam generation, who have such a weak backbone that they can't stomach seeing the difficult tasks through to victory.

I'm tired that some are more concerned about the treatment of captives then they are the slaughter and beheading of our citizens and allies.

I'm tired that when we find mass graves it is seldom reported by the press, but mistreat a prisoner and it is front page news.

Mostly, I'm tired that the people of this great nation didn't learn from history that there is no substitute for Victory.

Sincerely,

Joe Repya
Lieutenant Colonel
U. S. Army
101st Airborne Division Is anybody listening?

Yes Sir, We are, at least those of us who care to listen.

Iraqi President Asks Insurgents to Disarm

As has been predicted...
Seems the vote on withdrawal might have scared the Iraqis a little. Fearing that the US might leave them to the wolves, are the Iraqis preparing to offer concessions to the opposition and insurgent groups?

Sunday November 20, 2005 3:31 PM

AP Photo XAN102

By SALAH NASRAWI

Associated Press Writer

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) - Iraq's president said Sunday he was ready for talks with opposition figures and members of Saddam Hussein's outlawed Baath Party, and he called on the Sunni-led insurgency to lay down its arms and join the political process.