Iraq War letter from John Laesch

Letter to the Press

11/19/2005

Dear Editor:

I’m not sure how many of your readers were up watching C-Span at 10:30 on Friday night – but the vote (which aired live) on the withdrawal of
US military forces from Iraq was one of the most un-patriotic, and un-Democratic events I have witnessed in my lifetime.

Rep. Murtha (D-PA), a highly decorated combat veteran with 37 years of military service, and one of the most respected voices in Congress on military issues called for a timetable to begin withdrawing our troops from Iraq at the earliest PRACTICABLE (sic) time. In addition, his legislation called for a temporary rapid response force to remain in the region but outside of Iraq. He introduced his legislation after carefully reviewing the facts.

The perception of a military occupation is the driving force for insurgent attacks on our soldiers in Iraq. Our prolonged presence only solidifies the relationship between Iraqi’s and terrorist groups. If we set a timetable for the withdrawal of our troops and communicate that timetable to the Iraqi people, it gives more Iraqi’s incentive to sit at the table and discuss a Democratic Iraq.

Our troops, are doing all they can to keep the peace in Iraq. However, the Iraqi’s perception of the US military presence is that of an occupying force. This perception of occupation aggravates violence, increases the number of terrorist sympathizers and prevents true democracy. We need to send a clear message to the Iraqi people that we are there to help, and not to occupy. The sooner we communicate a clear timetable of our withdrawal, the sooner the Iraqi people will realize that their enemy is the terrorists, and not the United States

At a time when the American people want to see a plan to ensure success in Iraq, our Republican Leadership opted instead to stifle a debate on the issue. First, by scheduling the debate on Rep. Murtha’s legislation on a Friday evening (the final vote occurred around 11:00 PM) and secondly by amending Rep. Murtha’s legislation to simply read “it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated IMMEDIATELY,” and forced a quick vote on the amended resolution which completely went against Rep. Murtha’s original intent.

Our Republican leadership needs to realize that “Stay the course” is a better bumper sticker slogan than a foreign policy. A prolonged military presence in Iraq only benefits the corporate friends of the Bush Administration who received “no-bid” contracts to re-build the country, and it comes at the cost of our soldiers lives, and billions American taxpayer dollars.

As your next congressman, I will rely on my military experience and expertise in the region to open a meaningful discussion in Congress on the Iraq War.

Sincerely,
John Laesch
Newark
Democratic Congressional Candidate – IL 14
630.385.8568

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