Crossroads

After 3 1/2 years, Iraq remains the centerpiece of American controversy. With a mid-term election only weeks away, America finds itself at the crossroads of uncertainty. While incumbents and candidates are establishing their positions on platforms of hypocrisy and catch phrases, they are merely smoke screens of deception. Meanwhile, "stay the course" appears to be the Bush administration's war cry; however, it is just a slogan and not a battlefield strategy for victory in Iraq. Unfortunately, the so-called architects of this desert disaster can't hide the casualties and cost of this war simply by just talking tough. Although Washington argues that Iraq poses a clear threat, there is an ever-increasing number of Americans who think otherwise. This difference is underscored by three things: There was no plan. There is no plan. Where is the plan now? The usual political rhetoric might serve one's party; however, it does not serve the American people or our troops in harm's way. The American-led coalition forces charged into Iraq in anticipation of a swift and decisive victory. Shortly thereafter, victory was prematurely declared. Now, we find ourselves embedded in the midst of sectarian violence. One has to ask, with so much destruction and more than $500 billion spent, where is the return on all we have invested? Iraq, like Vietnam, has become a political chess match. While some go about pontificating and spouting moral piety, our ill-equipped troops continue to die and suffer traumatic injury. So here is America's dilemma for November: Stay the course or vote for a change and a new direction. As voices of reason cry out in the raging storm of this desert disaster, the power is not in the hands of the taxpaying voters. Glenn L Baker, Magnolia - Published in the Courier Post, October 11, 2006