Children Playing War

We're not talking about children, you understand. We're talking about the members of Congress who behaved every bit as badly as ill-mannered children as a vote, interpreted as a divide-and-conquer ploy against the Democrats, was called following Rep. John Murtha's (D-Pa.) comments on withdrawing our troops from Iraq.

Instead of looking at the reasons for our presence in Iraq, or answering the question about long-term strategy and the disposition of our fighting men and women, members of Congress from both sides of the aisle sank to the level of personal attacks and shouting that seems more akin to an episode of Jerry Springer or Maury Povich. A content-free bitchslapping free-for-all. Heeeyah. Get me some popcorn, Martha, this is gonna be fun.

Shame on all of you.

Regardless of one's stance on our involvement in Iraq, regardless of whether Rep. Murtha's plan is a sound or practical one, I expect the members of Congress, both the House and the Senate, to behave like adults. I expect them to set aside personal animosity and discuss the issues, applying critical thinking, practical and legislative experience to the task, not squabble like spoiled brats who should be taken across a parent's knee.

If our elected representatives can't behave like adults, how am I (and I hope some of you who are reading this share my sentiments) to have any faith in their decision to authorize the use of force, let alone decisions on whether to conduct an immediate or phased withdrawal (or any withdrawal at all)?

Congressman Murtha's words, I believe, have been misconstrued by those who choose to follow in the President and Vice President's wake by parroting slogans instead of discussing the issue.

The question he asks, and it is a valid one, is do we have a strategy for bringing the troops home? If we do not, then it doesn't matter what the terrorists may think, because we are not positioned for success. It means we need to be clear on our goals in Iraq, and the standards by which we measure the completion of our task.

It is insulting and childish to dismiss valid concerns about timetables and strategies as somehow giving the terrorists the bright idea of outlasting us. Here's a news flash, kiddies: they're already playing that game; it is the stock in trade of the terrorist. It's not enough for President Bush to smirk and say we're going to stay the course, or that we're going to play musical chairs with the Iraqis. (That's the tautological, "As Iraqis stand up, we will (sit) down.")

Every soldier, every family member who has a loved one serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, deserves a clear strategy and a straightforward answer from the White House.

They deserve elected representatives who will conduct themselves in a professional manner and fulfill the concept of checks and balances between the Legislative and Executive Branches of government. If the White House lacks a plan, it is the role of Congress to ensure accountability.

They deserve men and women who are thinking about their welfare and that of their families, not trying to prove their patriotism by pissing all over someone else's.

As Sun Tzu wrote in the Art of War:

"... if victory is long in coming, the men's weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be dampened. If the campaign is protracted, the resources of the state will not be equal to the strain. Never forget: When your weapons are dulled, your ardor dampened, your strength exhausted, and your treasure spent, other chieftains will spring up to take advantage of your extremity. Then no man, however wise, will be able to avert the consequences that must ensue.

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