Stop. Just stop it.

Front paged at My Left Wing

Enough of this:

an Iraq veteran identified as Capt. Trip Bellard says, "Senator Reid's remarks undercut the morale of our soldiers and undermine our troops on the ground."

Enough of this:

Precipitous withdrawal from Iraq is not a plan to bring peace to the region or to make our people safer at home. Instead, it would embolden our enemies and confirm their belief that America is weak.

These are two of the most asinine arguments that have somehow taken hold since this entire ill conceived invasion and occupation have begun. True veteran groups (not the “Swift Boat liars”) know who is full of shit and who is not. The “support the troops” meme has little meaning, or at least what it’s “intent” was.

Soldiers knew YEARS AGO what was going on in Iraq. The lack of proper equipment and body armor undermines the troops. The lack of veterans benefits and healthcare undermines the troops. The lack of a goddamn plan after the initial invasion undermines the troops. A stupid photo op that is completely against reality undermines the troops.

Not sending in the proper amount of troops initially undermines the troops. Lowering recruiting standards puts our troops at greater risk. Extending their tours and not giving them adequate rest undermines the troops. A half assed attempt at an ill conceived escalation undermines the troops. Sending wounded soldiers back into battle undermines the troops.

The truth does NOT undermine the troops.

Having no plan for withdrawal emboldens the enemy. Not negotiating or talking to Iraq’s neighbors in the region – even Iran and Syria confirm the belief that America is weak. Allowing bin Laden to still be free emboldens the enemy. Not stopping the Taliban and al Qaeda in Pakistan confirms that America is weak.

Not finishing what was started in Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to regroup emboldened the enemy. Pig headed stubbornness and manufacturing evidence to invade in the first place confirmed that America is weak. Blowing Iran off not once, not twice but three times from 2001 – 2003 confirmed that America is weak. Not heeding the warning signs from France, intelligence agencies, the outgoing Clinton administration and the August 2001 Presidential Daily Briefing emboldened the enemy.

Trying to figure out a diplomatic and political solution to a mess that is beyond anyone’s wildest dreams and avoid the mass slaughter of civilians and stop the killing of our troops is NOT emboldening the enemy.

The measure of a person, a leader, an administration is not the bravado tough talk and chest thumping. It is the ability to make smart decisions and adapt. It is the ability to admit mistakes and react accordingly. It is the ability and the willingness to put country above party, to put the best interests of the many over those of the few.

It is time to stop the slogans and insults. It is time to stop the chest thumping. It is time for the adults to take over and come up with the least horrific solution.