President Bush losing ground with military families?
NEW YORK (CNN) - It looks like President Bush is losing support from a group that usually stands by wartime presidents, military families.
A new Los Angeles Times-Bloomberg poll shows nearly 6 out of every 10 families with ties to the military disapprove of President Bush and his handling of the Iraq war.
That's only a slightly better rating than Mr. Bush gets from the general public.
And when it comes to families who have soldiers, sailors and marines who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, 60% say the Iraq war just wasn't worth the cost.
And there's more: 53% of military families disapprove of the Bush administration's handling of the needs of active-duty troops, military families and veterans.
And 58% took no exception to retired military officers publicly criticizing the way the administration has executed the war.
The military families' opinion of the president and Iraq may also be affecting his party. 39% of them say Democrats could be trusted to do a better job handling issues related to them. 35 percent chose Republicans.
Here’s my question to you: What message does it send when a majority of military families now disapprove of President Bush’s handling of the Iraq war?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
This means that this whole Middle East Conflict has been totally mismanaged. Bush should have taken care of the Afghanistan situation after 9/11/01, told the truth about WMD, slapped Saddam on the hand, and told him to keep this Iraq issue from getting into the conflict in any fashion, and not interfere with the Middle East oil exports and allowed the Islamic / Democracy question alone. The United States democracy is only 225 plus years old. Our founding fathers created this constitutional system and the Islamic system is 2000 plus years old. Democracy can't be forced on a country, it has to make that decision for itself.
John
Pampa, TX
The war in Iraq was a mistake from the get go. The only way to fix any mistake is first acknowledge you were wrong (which will never happen with our president because of his arrogance and stubborness), and then fix it – in this case, return troops home. Unfortunately, "democratic" congress is powerless in this case. To be really democratic and to accomplish anything there must be enough democrats in congress to be able to override presidential veto. This congress is not republican and neither it is democratic. That's why nothing can be acomplished. So stop blaming congress, let's get more democrats elected, so they have real power to make changes.
Hopefully it says that this is the final straw for this criminal administration. Bin Laden attacked us on 9/11 and we answered by attacking Afghanistan with 45,000 American troops. Saddam Hussein didn't even threaten us yet we invaded Iraq with 150,000 troops. The message I received from that was we were more interested in Iraq than Bin Laden and that is not what the American people signed up for. We love , respect and honor our troops and we do not want their lives put on the line for deceptive reasons. I hope this country never takes our soldiers lives for granted again. This is precisely why I am supporting Ron Paul for president.
Get the orange sauce, the lame duck is done.
Jack it is painfully obvious that the message it sends that We never should've been in Iraq in the first place
The message is that military families are just as smart as the rest of the population in the U.S.
Our own Intelligence showed 26 Countries with al Qaeda presence after 9/11
Iraq was not on that list.
By attacking & occupying the wrong country, we provided our enemies with propoganda fuel
and we destroyed our reputation with most of the world.
We have had our future sold out from under us,
to borrow the money for this war.
I am ashamed that my fellow Americans would accept this.
Some people are more loyal to a Party, than they are to their Country.
Jack, I think that this shows that families are finally starting to feel the strain of having to send their family member overseas for their 2nd, 3rd, and sometimes even 4th term. This war has now carried on longer than WWII! It is time for this administration to step up and admit that this war was a mistake and that being in Iraq is only fueling terrorism. We need to redeploy our troops to the terrorists' safe-havens!
My sister is currently serving in Iraq for the Army and I'm absolutely disgusted on how this thing is being carried out. I hate to say the same thing over and over, but we shouldn't have been there in the first place! We started this thing with the goal of ousting Saddam. Now we're throwing away lives because hell broke lose BECAUSE we ousted Saddam. Still lookin' for those WMD's, still looking for that Just Cause. Well, it's not there.
We're making a mess out of things even worse, and now there's more and more being done to cover up the mess. Hopefully whoever gets elected will be SMART enough to realize we need to get out of there.
Well nobody asked me. My husband is currently in Iraq for almost a year now. I have never apporved of Bush and this war. But I love my husband and decided to stand by his side. Jack it means that bush needs to get off his high horse and bring our men and women in uniform home where they belong. His lies are transparrent and we can see thru him. I hope this is over before more people lose the ones they love. My heart goes out to them.
JACK CAFFERTY FOR PRESIDENT!!!!
I'll vote for you
Jack,
What it means is the the Bush people have finally run out of the kool-aid they have been giving our soldiers and their families.
Ron
The message is that we should end this war, but no one is listening to the desires of the people-
Nothing will change until some principled Republicans decide that they have had enough carrying the water for their Party and this administration. Once that happens the war will end. The Democrats have tried but they do not have the votes to force it through.
It means that we should have never let the Republican Supreme Court appoint the president for the last 7 years. Governor Bush (that's the last office he was elected to) should have been sent home to clear brush in 2000.
Hey Jack, I'm a happy guy too, but I'll be much happier a year from now when Bush and Cheney and the entire lot of neocons are packing up their gear and leaving our nation's capital. The military people have finally realized what a loser W. is and are deciding they don't approve of him as their leader any longer. Impeach them NOW!!!!!!
They have finally woken out of their sleep! And it is about time!
When the media is ready to step up to the plate and re-frame the situation in Iraq by correctly identifying it as the "U.S. occupation of Iraq" they may see the percentage of dissaproval soar through the roof.
The only "war" that is going on in Iraq is the artificial created one that the U.S. created by dropping the bombs in the first place to "shock & awe."
Well Jack when I want the best cut of meat I go to the Butcher not the store manager. Who better to ask then those actually doing the fighting.Same principle for this question. I truly think the troops and their families feel that there can be no successful accomplishment of their mission while preserving their dignity in Iraq and with the rest of the free world. President Bush along with Congress have forced our military into a situation they can not win. You simply can not force western beliefs and ideals and principles on people in the middle east and expect them to buy into it. That would be like them coming here and trying to force it on us. It will never work.
The term "Vietnam syndrome" applies to much more than the general unwillingness of the American population to go to war after 1973. The manner in which the war was conducted destroyed the bond of trust between the military and their civilian leadership. I would posit we're seeing the same situation emerging from this war.
Also, would someone please tell Dana Bash that when a CANDIDATE asks the JOURNALIST "what would you do about this situation?" the appropriate response is to inform the candidate that there is only one person in that room running for President of the United States. And it is not the journalist.
It just means that you have to look under a lot more rocks to find someone who still believes in our nation's President.
And of course those rocks are buried very deep... away from the prying eyes of reality.
It means the president is a failure as commander and chief, as he has been at everything else. He does not have the IQ or good character for this job. The military is too small, the military obligations too great, and the burden on these men and their families shameful.
Our military and their families have been magnificent. Its a shame that the people leading them have proved to be so inept. The surprise is that it has taken this long for the families and the troops to see that this incompetent team has led them down a terrible path while the rest of the population received tax cuts. It a shame that now when Gates and Petreous are finally getting results that they now feel this way. Where were they for the last five years. Hopefully the next administration will take care of the troops and their families far better then the current administration. They certainly deserve it.
Military families, more than all, know a life of living within stated discipline and having LEADERSHIP. It's something that is present and assumed in all thinking as hierarchical structures make the military work in all facets, including life-or-death situations. The current administration has been lead poorly (mostly by shadow politicos, not by GWB). The politicos move on, and the complete LACK OF LEADERSHIP becomes acutely more blatant. George Bush has gotten the ultimate job and his family and money cannot teach him to lead – they're so privileged that they wouldn't have a clue how to extricate us from the global mess he's gotten us into. I feel for the military families – I grew up in one – and have no doubt that their professional members will continue doing their jobs. Unfortunately they'll suffer from the ultimate in "bad boss syndrome." I pray that the elections process will bring us LEADERSHIP and not a vote winner elevated by one emotional issue or another.
It shows how the leadership in Washington hasn't shown families that the "Surge" is working. New information from intelligence has portrayed a dark shadow over President Bush and his administration. Military families are waiting for answers not lies.
Andy
North Manchester, IN
This confirms this adminstration gross mismanagement of the war and although I am not a proponent of running away from the mess now, but at least plan to come out of this mess quickly and gracefully...
Those military families support our Troops, and they want them HOME!!!!
Am I out of line for saying this, but shouldn't a soldier support his Commander-in-Chief regardless of where he fights or WHY he fights? Yes, it's wonderful that we're in the world's best democracy and every American can express his opinion. But when it comes to war, you bite the bullet; you support your President.
Do I think the war in Iraq is a bad thing? Sure do. But what if we had had second thoughts in 1942 about fighting against Germany and Japan. Oops, wait ... we DID! Many Americans felt it was a bad idea to go to war against Hitler. At first. Thank goodness the average American soldier didn't.
Hi Jack,
Did you know that veterans are restricted by US Code of getting credit for their years of service for federal retirement whereas the Peace Corp (and others) do. How ironic, the peace corp was the way of getting out of serving in the military. Keep up the good work.
What a joke, I spent 22 years on Active duty in the Air Force. I still work in support of the military in a civilian capacity in Germany. Most military people dont support the political adventures our elective officals send us on, we just do our duty. No soldier ever die in vain doing what his country ask him to do. Now some of the thing his country ask him to do is another question.
Tyrone
It means that the propaganda that has permeated 99% of this administration's approach to the world is slowly receding in favor of actual events, real issues, and the possibility of breaking the mind-numbing logjam of irrelevance for the common man that has characterized their travesty of a mockery of a sham of leadership.
Jack,
It took Nixon to go to China. It took Reagan to meet with Gorbachev. It'll take the military community (service members and their families) to express concerns in order for Americans to take notice that perhaps our strategy in Iraq merits discussion.
It isn't doesn't matter much "what message it sends" since it's clear that a self-righteous President has no interest in 'listening' to anyone except his twisted conscience about the wars. We knew from the start that a President who neglected to even equip our troops with body armor as he sent them into battle, and then allowed the returning casualties to be treated like cannon fodder, is no friend to our soldiers – much less the nation at large. It's sickening.
As a wife of an American Soldier currently serving his second tour in Iraq, I want to tell you I am against Pres. Bush and his Administration. My husband is fighting a war that many people do not believe in, including myself and my family. I hope that this will make people think when they go to vote next November. I hope I have a president who will take us out of this war, and bring my husband and his friends home. Only if people knew how our government treated our soldiers. They do not have all the supplies they need, the proper housing (Tents which are meant for temporary living is permanent), and the pay is insulting. This is the common opinion amongst military families I know.
What it is saying is that America is finally waking up to the differences between patriotism and blind unwavering obedience. All these years of war and America has gained nothing in the way of security for the sacrifices of life and liberty the American people pay here and abroad.
Ben Franklin has been correct all along, "People willing to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both." And it is truly a shame that the only presidential candidate that understands this, Ron Paul, is the least talked about.
I believe that most families are sick of the way the war on terrorism has been handled by the President. If we are truly fighting an enemy then "DO IT". Don't tie are military's hands. That's what a war is. A war. Brutal. Complete it. Either do it or don't go in the first place. So, "numbers" are down and rightly so – he's at 53% against.
Just remember that the VAST majority of American's are also unsatisfied with congress' track record. And I think that is a more substantial concern. Something like less than 15% of American's are satisfied with Congress "representing them." That's horrible. And a sad state of where the country is heading. That means 85% don't think Congress is doing their job!
Ed
Being from a military family, it simply means that the white house's opinion that we have been behind him is finally proven to be false. Most of the other families that I know of are absolutely disgusted that our sons, daughters, spouses, etc... have simply been fighting & dying to better the president's & his family's future in the oil business. How sad that the current government, republicans & democrats alike, have turned their backs on all of us & find each of us so expendable in every way. They don't even bother to lie anymore.
If the majority of President Bush's "Military" original buddy's do not approve of anything he is doing. Then, all that is left is who and how will the poor tax paying avereage American pick up the pieces!
Nancy Pelosi was dead wrong when she chose NOT to impeach both Bush and Chaney. Our Country would have been better served had she chosen the right path!
Jack,the members of the military and there families are sick and tired of being used,abused and thrown away by Bush and Cheney. We now know absolutely that this White House started this phony war on lies and orders from Cheney and that Bush was left out of the loop just like Bush's father was left out of the loop by Cheney during the Reagan White House. Bush and Cheney are guilty of treason,murder and other war crimes and need to be impeached,charged with their crimes,tried and convicted! We may never recover from the regime of Cheney and Rumsfeld and all of us are to blame for not holding our government accountable!
FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY! They Get It.
Anna Marie
Pittsburgh,Pa
Mr. Cafferty,
I have two sons serving who believe in the greater good the United States is trying to accomplish across the world. How 60% of family members disagree must come from the continious negative focus by both the media and congressional members seeking election/re-election feeding on the emotional weakness of family members who have service members away from home. Wouldn't you want your family member home at Thanksgiving, Christmas or after extended periods of time? Give the families a break; Congressional members should be ashamed for infesting the morale of our troops. Let these service members do their jobs and leave the family members alone!
Those who have been most trusting will be the harshest critics if they think they've been fooled and betrayed.
Ok you hate George Bush I get it.
Yes, Jack he has been a bad President, but you almost enjoy complaining about everything.
Start offering solutions and not just problems.
Your network selected caricatures of republicans on the YouTube debates. You made it look like republicans only care about abortion, the bible and the confederate flag.
A reporter on The Situation Room a day after the debate said that she was talking to voters who felt the republicans did not talk about health care or the environment. THEY DID NOT GET ANY CNN QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH CARE OR THE ENVIRONMENT!!!
Have the guts to report news and not try to make news.
The Cafftery File should be called The
Pontificating Minute.
It means that the military families, like the majority of the thinking American people, have reached the obvious conclusion that we have NO reason or justification for being in Iraq and never have. Unfortunately, the longer we are there the more reasons the Muslim world will have to hate our guts and guess what, they would be right to do so! We are making our bed and will have to sleep in it for a very long time.
i think this is ridiculous.
I do not like all the decisions that are made about the war, but i do support my president and our troops.
i know that their families do to. i think we need to start talking about the good things that are going on, but all everyone talks about are the bad and negative things.
And this whole republican/ democrat thing is stupid. good grief we should all be working together. The Iraq war is very messy. But there were democrats that supported and voted for the war (Hillary Clinton). BUt they all change there minds, well guess what, George Bush cannot change his mind. We would look like complete idiots if we pulled out. We promised to finish our job, and we will. The next president will not pull the troops out. They will tell us that now, but they wont. We did get in a big mess, but we cant fix it by pulling out.
Democrats are not better than republicans, and republicans arent better than democrats. This is America, we need to work together instead of bringing our country down. We are separtated and that is not going to improve anything in America.
From the begining I've approved of our initial response in Iraq...people think WMD's are huge missles laying around, but in a 3rd world country that just isn't so...they are car bombs, items bought at a local store and put together. We cannot watch a country destroy itself on CNN, but we have to have a leader that consistantly reassures us the way past Presidents have done, whether that be like the Fireside Chats, weekly personal messages...like you said, the internet is a great tool and the President can use it just as well as we can. I do think oil is a major reason we are there but helping save lives is also a reason. We shouldn't rule out other Republican's just because they are of the same party as Bush- many of them dissaproved of a lot of this administration's actions there- Republicans would probably be stronger at this point than Democrats. While the latter wishes to leave immediately, it only coaxes terrorists to follow us back. Republicans are often misunderstood. They don't want to stay there forever, people like Fred Thompson want to be there for only as long as they need us. With Iraq's troops getting stronger every day, the President needs to speak reassuringly to us, telling us of Iraq's growing strength as an independent nation and keep letting us know things will be ok. We have gone over 6 years without a terrorist action is our country, yet these people die every day and have been dying for decades trying to thwart the same people that we are fighting...we need to realize they have it worse than us and it is the duty of a stronger, more well off nation, to help the countries that are suffering. I want our troops home just as much as the next guy but leaving Iraq in the broken state it's in now is a horrible thing to wish for. Families here naturally care for their kids fighting, but Iraq has familes too...
It means that people have finally realized that they have been fed a load of crap for the past six years. I doubt the general public really knows how many leaders in our government have resigned out of disgust during this administration, or how much money has been wasted, or how much credibility has been squandered, or how disorganized the government has become, or how much the poppy crop has grown in Afghanistan, or how little care the soldiers get after they come home.........by the way, I find it funny that there are people who support the military so fiercely but are against socialized medicine. What do you think we and our families get in the military? I'm so grateful the VA in Boston is as good as it is.
I served as a Navy Journalist from 1999-2004 and the idea that military families would disapprove of a republican administration in any significant numbers would have sounded absurd to me at the time. This poll should be a warning to the administration that they can't take the support of military families for granted, though I'm certain that they will find a way to ignore it.
I am so sick of cowardly politicions. They have all the proof of the need for impeachment, yet they are going to wait another year while Bush cripples the constitution, and endangers this country and the world. Where are the Goldwaters of our time? He would not have let this kind of criminal activity go on without being prosecuted.
I don't know what took them so long to start missing their family members that gave their lives for the bogus war for oil. There has been so many lives totally screwed up because of this mess. I don't know how or who can get our country back to a safe place. There is so many people over here now that is trying to destroy our country from the inside out, it is so unreal.
Duh, what the hell took them so long. This war president who was AWOL during the veitnam war is a disgrace and now finially they realize he took them for a ride. What were our generals doing besides kissing his rear and gettig medals. Ex. tommy franks!
There's been a sea change about the war in Iraq and reasons we went in from every corner of America. A majority of Americans – now including Military Families – reject the notion that if you disagree with the war, you're against the troops. Just ask a vet like my grandfather – who earned two Purple Hearts in WWII. He voted for Bush twice and is a lifelong Republican, but has been heart-sick over the war in Iraq not to mention the way our injured soldiers have been treated once back from war. He echos what Military Families are now saying – that the Iraq situation is a blemish on America and has diminished the morale and stature to an extent – of our military.
What message does it send? Does someone really care how we feel?My kids and I are spending our holidays here while my husband is deployed again. As for Bush not getting much approval from us military families, I don't think it makes a difference. Bush isn't going to wake up tomorrow with a brain, Cheney doesn't have a heart and all the Senators and Congressmen are lacking courage.
The only difference is my husband can tap his feet and say there is no place like home and he is still going to be in Iraq.
Fot Campbell KY
Oh, I forgot, remember that story earlier today about the Iranian women forced to work because their husbands are addicted to drugs? Look on a map, Afghanistan and all that heroin is right next door. Can you blame them for being anti-US?
We have no money for the regular running of the variuos departments but plenty for the so called upliftment of Iraq and Afganistan and the so called war.
It is a shame that thousands of our young kids in military uniform have beel killed or wounded because of a wrong decision made by our top bosses in the Governent for personal vendetta.
I think the message is that most of the military families are finally realizing that a President should put every effort to insure that their loved ones are not put in harms way unless it is absolutely necessary to defend the country. They should also be our first priority when it comes to the care they receive when they return.
They also feel that this war is never ending and this whole conflict was entered into because of lies and the desire for Middle East Oil.
The only way families of young men and woman serving in Iraq will accept the sacrifice of seeing their loved ones killed day after day would be if the whole country was making a sacrifice.George Bush has military age children of his own, as far as i know, he never asked them to go into harms way for the good of the country.
During the seconds world war, we had a few patriotic millionaires who were willing to fight for their country. How many millionaires have died in the Iraq war? How about a little equality of effort...
Hi Cafferty,
I never saw you saying any positive comments about President Bush. I'm sure that you're a Dem. not a Rep. Right? By the way who participated in your Poll? Come to Little Saigon in Orange County, CA.to meet Republicans, they are anxiously to participate w. your POLL.
it tells me that 60% of them have been sleeping for five tears....but what worries me most, is when are the other 40% of them going to wake up?
I wondered why it took the families with military ties this long to know what they now know. It is apparent that the war is not worth the cost looking at it from all every side. Iraq only became a serious breeding ground for terrorist until after the war began. The focus I suppose should be on Bin Laden who is the mastermind behind 9/11. It beats my imagine till date that he can still broadcast messages and all we do is sit down and have our intelligence officials waste time to analyse his message to see if it is legitimate or not. You don't fight a fire from the top, you fight it from the base (source). If you can succeed in putting out the source of power to the fire, then the fire goes out. We would have made considerable amount of progress if we go after the man who inspires the terrorists. It is evident that Saddam had no major influence on breeding terrorists. If he did, then they should have all been quiet by now, since he is no longer in existence. Let us assume Saddam was the threat the Bush administration claimed it to be, why then are we having more difficulty in dealing with terror than we did when he was alive and in power? Supposedly, the head of the serpent has been cut of, but amazingly the rest of the body is still alive and fighting back.
We all forget one simple fact: Bush D I D not invent the dispute in the Middle East. ..
My Mother has always warned me not to get involved with a guy with "issues". Before you get married, you investigate, ask the neighbours, ask the Town Police Officer, ask the Reverand/ Preacher/ Khadi/ Rabbi chief gossip monger, etc, about the guy, his family and his horse thief third cousins.
As it seems now, Bush had not read History Books, did not watch war movies, did not ask you, Jack and neither me, who was born, raised and spent a few decades in the Middle East.
Hey, there are a few/ number/ many thousands of Military individuals and families who carry us all on their backs.
They now have Ostheroperosis...
We are the proud parents of Cpl. Jeffrey Michael Lucey, 23 year old USMC reservist – regretfully forever ... for after being sent to Iraq in 2003; experiencing the real horror of this mistaken war of choice – he returned afflicted by hidden wounds of PTSD; went to the VA for help – a broken VA for those suffering from wounds unseen – which failed him as so many others which resulted in Jeff's taking of his own life to escape the pain and horrors.
We as military families pray that the message sent will be that the people of this nation must force this administration and government to stop abandoning our troops and veterans upon their return – stop leaving them behind in the ravished battlefield of their broken spirits and minds – and force them to give the best of care as this nation can and should. First and foremost though is to prevent the injuries in the first place and return them and once returned GIVE THEM THE BEST CARE which this nation can give..
Kevin & Joyce Lucey, MFSO
If Bush was President in 1941, D Day would have taken place in Greenland.
All Nazi's would have been escorted from America on a private jet, like bin Laden's family were and Bush would hide in a school until the bombing at Pearl Harbor was completed and he would then be photographed holding hands with Mussolini
Duh, what the hell took them so long. This war president who was AWOL during the veitnam war is a disgrace and now finially they realize he took them for a ride. What were our generals doing besides kissing up and getting medals. Ex. tommy franks!
The whole idea of "Going War With Iraq" was wrong in first place. Everybody realised at present conditions. The war should be stop. Most of the American Citizen feels and approves to stop the war. The most of the republican politicians are supporting the war. News Networks like Fox neither oppose nor support the war. Democrats strongly oppose the war. Clinton, Obama , Edwards says troops should be come home as soon as they sit in the White House. Do they have any strategy? Please Create an environment in Iraq as they proud to be Iraqi, Dont Tag them as terrorists. Create Jobs. Destroy the corruption. The strategies are not working. Each side(US Government and Military) blame other side(Iraqi Government and Security Forces). Select the right person for the right job. The iraqi forces wont be ready morally if they dont love iraq. This feelings come if they proud of iraq.
What is moderation of my comments? Does the truth hurt? This is a criminal administration and everyone knows it. But will they do anything about it? I doubt it.
Jack, what people don't seem to understand about people in the military is that when you wear the uniform and that includes the families you are pretty much honor bound to support the uniform you wear publicly. Your private opinions are shared only within the military community if that and rarely in publicly. I would not be at all surprised if you could poll the hearts of the military families, the percent would be much higher.
As a Vietnam era vet, I know the feeling well. After the first tour, I still naive and defended our position and my uniform publicly. By the time the second tour ended, I had seen enough to know better. I did not defend the position at all, only the uniform, but kept it to myself. After the uniform came off, I was free exercise the freedoms that I had fought for, and do so with pleasure.
Jack, I am a military mom with a son currently serving in Iraq. What it means is when President Bush says that "we need to suppport our troops" sometimes the best way to do that is to impeach both Bush and Chenney. These guys are making Bill Clinton look like a saint despite his indescretions! Why can't we get the morons in front of a Grand Jury, like they did with Clinton? After so blatently lieing to the American people for all these years, what makes the Democratic Congress believe they would tell the truth to a Grand Jury? Hell, they say that when you lie as much as this administration, you forget what exactly the truth is. Could explain a lot about all the verbal stumbling Bush seems to be afflicted with!
Margie
Cary, IL
Duh, what the hey took them so long. This war president who was AWOL during the veitnam war is a disgrace and now finially they realize he took them for a ride. What were our generals doing besides kissing up and getting medals. Ex. tommy franks!
How do the Republicans expect to win an election when they ignore the military and their families? When they act worse than the empire we thew to form our country. They went to war through deception instead of reason, and now we are all paying the price.
Jack, It's a little late for the military families to disaprove of the presidents policies. Just as it's way too late for voters to wise up. The press, our bastion of facts, also failed us during the past seven years. It's a little late in the day, but there is still time to impeach this cancer.
Jerry
I can't imagine the fear and sorrow of a parent who finally realizes that this illegal war is the reason their son or daughter will or has died. This will by far, in the end, be the biggest crime ever perpetrated on this country by a sitting president.
It is the absolute marker for all politics going forward. The Power Elite corporations live for war and the profits make it easy to subvert our entire government. History has indicated it since the Christian Crusades. I ask America to look at this war and realize that these corporate and goverment criminals are guilty of selling flesh for oil and dollars and no "sweat shop" anywhere on earth can match this despicable deception.
Well here we go -
1) 100% of the troops in the militarty ENLISTED not DRAFTED ! They asked for it -
your statistic reads 53% disapprove of the handling of the NEEDS. And also that
60% disapprove of the COST. What do the two words mean - NEEDS and COST ? Does COST refer to MONIES or lives lost ? What does NEEDS refer to ?
This ENLISTED military was hired and trainned to do one thing KILL ! Now the
time has come for them to use their trainning and not suck up the bennies
on some militarty reservation. As one that was DRAFTED for another unpopular
war; there is a difference between ENLISTED and DRAFTED ! There is not enough space or time to express the feelings of a DRAFTIE whose DRAFTED comrade in rank next to him in the platoon was killed . All he got was his name
scratched in stone !!!!!!!!! No housing No free education No pension NOTHING
NO wife- kids- grand-kids NOTHING
CLOSE THE MOUTHS DO YOUR JOB AND GET IT OVER WITH !!
Don't waste the lives of those that gave up theirs !!!
What does it say when 6 out of 10 military families are against the way bush is handling the war in iraq................well, the answer is pretty obvious , but apparently not obvious to john mcCain who, during the last presidential debate, quoted the military men in iraq as telling him "Please, just let us win, let us win!!" Maybe CNN should send mcCain the results of your survey!!!
Re: Military Families
Military families being upset with President Bush over the War in Iraq, and openly speaking out is a change in the right direction. It is about time that they speak out publically and not fear reprisal from the military. They should also speak out against the Congress that has provided the money to continue a war which is not supported by the general public .
it wasn't just the republicans that made the decision to go to Iraq!!!! i will leave it at that...don't be discriminating!!!! there are republicans who do not like what is going on in Iraq..not just democrats...ok...i swear America is split right down the middle..and those two sides will never agree..and that is sad...i will support our troops.....
Why not Oprah instead of hillary? She's had more involvement with people and their feelings.
Why not Oprah instead of hillary? She's had more involvement with people and their feelings.
It means TWO things.
1) That you, CNN, have done your job of acting as the loyal opposition.
2) And that you, CNN, have failed to do your job to seek and see the larger and deeper truths.
As Walid Phares points out in his book, "Future Jihad," America has been denied the whole story of Jihad because of intentional deception by Islamic academics in the 1970's. They told Western academics that Jihad is a form of meditation or Yoga and that it is nothing for us to worry about.
And so the message that Jihad was benign spread from the Western academics to the classes they taught and the books they wrote and then to their students and readers. And those students and readers went on to positions in education and THEY taught that Jihad was harmless. And other students went on to the military and THEY believed Jihad was harmless. And other students went to industry and they gave no thought to the threat of Jihad. Some pursued the Law and politics and they think nothing of Jihad. And still others went into journalism and broadcasting with the seed that was originally planted in the 1970's, that Jihad is nothing for the West to worry about.
And these seeds of blindness, intentionally sewn by Jihadist academics among Western academics in the 1970's bore fruit in the 1990's as it kept us from knowing that the attacks on American interests were more than just isolated incidents. And when we were attacked on 9/11 the seeds of blindness were shown to be a complete blindness as we had no way of making any real sense of the info re: the 9/11 hijackers before that terrible day. Without the overarching framework of Jihad to hang their intelligence reports on no one made much of Arab students taking flying lessons and getting big jet simulator time and showing no interest in learning to land.
But since 9/11 there should have been no excuse.
When events of the day invalidate what you once believed, reasonable people update their knowledge to reflect the latest knowledge.
And yet CNN has not done this.
You KNOW that Iran has been trying to expand and create a regional Islamist Caliphate ever since the Ayatollah Khomeini.
You KNOW that the USA supported Saddam Hussein as a way of roadblocking Iranian expansion.
And you KNOW that if the USA abandoned Iraq before it can stand on it's own two feet and stop Iran from finally achieving it's hegemony throughout the Persian Gulf region the USA and the World will have a MUCH tougher enemy to face than those we are dealing with today.
And even though CNN KNOWS all of this you continue sewing the seeds of opposition against the President's efforts to stop a modern day Nazi Germany in the form of Islamist Iran.
And the fact that CNN never makes this clear to America, even those families of our fighting men get weary and lose confidence and faith and begin to doubt themselves and the President and the Administration and by association, anyone who is able to see the truth of the importance of the War on Terror in Iraq.
So, you ask, "What message does it send when a majority of military families now disapprove of President Bush’s handling of the Iraq war?"
It means that you, CNN, have finally achieved your goal of weakening the resolve of those who would prevent a much larger, costly, destructive and deadly war to stop the spread of Jihadists as they continue in their campaign to attain leadership over all mankind.
Congratulations, CNN!
When we are forced to pray 5 times a day we'll be thinking of you.
Nobody likes their own soldiers dying on the battlefield, oh except for the radicals that want us dead and look at dying themselves as a 'Good Thing'. Of course, like any other caring American, I wish all our soldiers could come home from all over the world immediately, especially over the holidays. At the same time, I was all for showing Saddam he couldn't continue to defy the security council's resolutions after getting his *** handed to him in Desert Storm (we just manhandled him and his military, didn't we? BOOYA). We didn't force him to invade Kuwait. He had plenty of time and warnings to comply. We did pursue diplomacy for quite a while from what I remember and he didn't want to cooperate with inspections that could have avoided this conflict. There's enough blame to go around, but ultimately the blame lies with Saddam himself. What's the point in going to war at all if the losing leader doesn't change his behavior and obey the post war resolutions? We might as well disolve our military completely and hope for the best.
Back to the question. As a parent or family member, of course I wouldn't want to have my son, daughter, brother, sister, etc. fighting in ANY war so I'm not surprised by those numbers, but as an American, the sacrifice of our brave men and women is the only reason we still exist as the country we do. Yes, our leaders made a major mistake and miscalculation about what would happen in Iraq after Saddam and his Guard were taken down and hopefully that will never happen again, but withdrawing troops and leaving an completely unstable Iraq behind is NOT the answer. Two wrongs don't make a right, so let's come together as a country and we'll all get what we want a whole lot quicker. An Iraq that can protect itself from enemies, foreign and domestic, and our honorable men and women in uniform coming home. I mean, there's nothing wrong with criticizing, but also give credit where credit is due and credit is due to the security improvements in Iraq. There's a reason why it's not the #1 issue in the 2008 Presidential election right now.
Sorry for the length of this, but I watch alot of politics on cable news channels and sometimes it makes me physically ill what is said by some people strictly based on their own political agenda and not what's best for our country (from both the far left and right, I'm an American and a realist, not a Republican or Democrat).
It shows that the american military families are fed up with Bush's deception to continue feeding sacrificial victims to the Bush/Cheney war Alter of Sacrificial Vengence, for the attack on Bush Sr.
Duh... the message is obvious to everyone except Bush (and Cheney).
I used to think he was just stubborn, but now I'm convinced he's just not a bright man.
The military families' view on the war mirrors the view of the general public in America. This, coupled with the facts that the war is bankrupting our country and Ron Paul gets the most donations from soldiers in Iraq, shows that Ron Paul should be our country's next president. He is the only candidate – Republican or Democrat – that will end this travesty and bring our troops home.
To whom is the message being sent? The military families are not dodging buillets. It won't be THEM who, when Amerca's courage finally disappears llke it did in Viet Nam, has to live with the label of LOSER again.
As John McCan said during the CNN ambush last week, "It wasn't the military who lost in Viet Nam. It was the Amercan people".
It won't matter a hill of beans what ANY family thinks if you don't consider what the troops are saying.
I've been there, done that. I would go to ANY length to avoid having a new generation of troops being called baby killer, rapist, loser, etc. Military families sacrifice a lot during war, but theirs is irrelevant compared to that of the soldier on the ground.
Let them complain. They'll be ok. Nobody's being drafted
I have served in the US Navy and NJ National Guard for a total of 33 years. I have been to the Gulf 3 times in the last 5 years and am getting ready for my fourth tour early next year. After reading some of the postings I wonder if it has been worth it.
How many of the you have served or have family that served? To those of you who have, this is not directed at you. But to all of the experts who know how my family feels and every other military famliy feels. You all make it hard to go back there and either do not know or do not care what you do to us over there. The Iraqi people appreciate us. Too bad we do not get that same support back here at home.
Terrorists throw women and children in front of them to take bullits meant for them. The Bush administration's strategy to continue the war through funding throws the soldiers in front of them to take bullits to defend their failed ideological adventures. I don't know which is worse.
Military families, like non-military families, want to be together. Even without the surge, troops are just gone for too long with no set schedule that can be counted upon with any reliability. I happened to be in Fairbanks in the summer of 2006 when troops from the local army base got extended in Iraq. "Welcome Home" signs were everywhere, and it was sad to see them folded back up and to see the frustration of the families. The troops and the families will suck it up and do it, but it does grow tiresome and definitely makes you wonder if it's worth it. We're fighting terrorism from halfway across the world with hopes that it will not spread (again) to the US. Are we making more enemies and just expanding our commitments in the process?
It's a message for remaining supporters to let go of their delusions and face reality.
I believe it is safe to say that never before has there ever been an adminsitration in Washington that has shown such lack of respect for the working class people who have sent their troops into a war zone. This War (Conflict) was based on lies and it has gone south from the get go. There was little or stradegic planning nor was there ever a plan to end it. The brave troops have given more than any others in the history of the USA ( WW II was over sooner) now reports after reports of many vets being denied proper care and over 20,000 have head injuries that Washington will not even addmit to is indeed a sad state of affairs. The White House has failed to tell the American People (nor has CNN) that the estimated coast of long term health care is expected to cost well over " ONE TRILLION DOLLARS" . President Bush and his side kick Dick Chaney have spent over 5 Tillion dollars with no, repeat value for money spent. These two clowns supported by top Republicans ( Many have refused to run in the next election) have not stepped to plate in support of the brave troops of American Armed Services nor have supported the values to which American's have held dear to their heart. Responsible goverment for the people and by the people instead day after day Washington spins everything blaming anyone but themselves. America is close to self distruction and the sad part is the Washington knows the American people have lost their backbone to stand up protrest. So who's fault is it? the people for lying down and taking it on the chin, or for the White House to fordge ahead knowing he has full control of his shamless sheep?
President Bushes handling of the Iraqi war is for the most part in keeping with the traditions of not only US policy but of the core desire of all persons, cultures and nations which is to be able to exercise blood spilled rights and freedoms that many americans partake of today. Many of the nonsupporters of his efforts have forgotten that in many ways, past Presidential and high ranking influencial leaders (United States and allies) have exercised the necessities that secures civil liberties and rights of which they freely and unarguably partake (many who probably havn't put on an official military uniform nor set foot on any battleground of which blood was shed that afforded that liberty to be critical). Many of these critics also have not been in the Presidential "hot seat" of understanding or the battlefield of literal conflict to exercise what it takes to keep those liberties and rights available, active and guarded. Don't let the Christmas spirit or any other spirit lessen an active resolve to support and give due and proper credit to the sacrifices and efforts of President Bush, the Armed Forces, Supporters and above all, "All Mighty God". God bless America!
Thousands of men, women and children had to die
before military families woke up and faced reality.
Your vote counts. Your vote has consequences.
Consequences such as many, many dead people.
You are accountable for these consequences.
Nice to read that many posters are starting to get it. What would really be of interest is a fair and honest comparison of the human failures of the Vietnam War against the projected human failures of the Irag War. I am willing to predict they will be far greater. What is even more scary Mr. Cafferty is that Bill Clinton has stated Afganistan is now a disaster and will be even worst than Iraq.
Your brave soldiers are overworked and even if they should come home will find no comfort and no support from Washington, even a strong senator by the name of John Warner, voted against giving the soldiers a break. It made me sick when he went along with General Patrayus words of drawing down the troops fully knowing "Dubya" had no intention of doing so, "I now have a clear consciente" give me a break, CNN believed him, Well, the American people did not!
The end is near for America, and I am not sure y'all know why. Iraq is broken and you own it, Afghanistan is near broken, your National debt is near 10 Tillion, your troops are tired and sick, you have over 20 million illegals, most of your youth are locked up in prisions for drug use, while you guard the poppy fields in Afghanistan ready to sold to other young Americans who will only wind up in jail.
WHY?..............follow the money!
jack, careful what you say, when he gets mad he allways flashes us with a bunch of bin ladin pics. and theres allways the possibility of a new tape just at the right time. now that the iran N U C U L A R threat has been found to be just more bull- he will will have to go back to what he does best fleeceing us sheople. randy
the bush regime, along with co-operatives-the carlisle group-haliburtin-kbr-the bin ladins-the royal saudis have set upon a grand scheme, and have worked it to one of the most successful operations ever in the history of the usa. they have raped-pillaged-plundered-and sacked every man, woman and child in this entire country. and the dems and media are content to let this continue for another year unabated. what a shame. randy
After reading the comments on your blog, I am surprised to see that the majority of Americans are finally coming around to the opinion that George Bush should have stayed in Texas where he belonged. He has squatted in the White House entirely too long . . . Dumbya should take his partner in crime, Cheney, and both get back on their horses and get the heck out of Dodge (Washington)!
As far as this mess in Iraq, I said from the "git go" that they were taking us to war for only one reason and that was oil. People around here laughed at me and said I was being really stupid. Guess I wasn't the one that was stupid after all.
Thanks Jack for being a sounding board for people that are sick and tired of what's going on in our nation's capital. Maybe when election finally rolls around, we have the size majority in Congress that it takes to veto legislation that is wrong. At the moment, Democrats should not be blamed for the mess that is going on . . . it still takes 60 votes to veto Bush. And where in the world are they going to find enough Republicans with backbones to stand up to Bush? Certainly not in this Congress!
Jack because of the lies Bush have told too many lives have been lost American and Irags people. Too many people have lost legs, arms, eyes, brain damage and so on. I served in Viet Nam I know that war is pure hell. No president should send people into war unless it is very necessary. This war was not necessary to have some many people killed. Bush was wrong, it is time for our troops to ccome home Bush will forever get people killed if somebody don't stop him. I really think life doesn't mean anything to Bush.
I don't understand how he can walk around every day with body gaurds and yet he send people to Irag to kill or to be killed. He should he think that those people should want to live just as he and his children want to live?
Olive Branch Mississippi
I'm current active duty, but no one polled me. I'm one in a majority of Servicemembers that support the Iraqi Campaign, but CNN (and Mr. Happy, Jack Cafferty) rarely report that.
It demonstrates what should have been known from the
begining of this mess. This President and his cronies
will lie and distort facts, no matter who gets hurt or
killed, to achieve their goals. You cannot and should not
believe a word they say. Impeachment should be back on
the table now.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. When Bush gets out of office there will be many more groups and individuals who will step forward and voice their true feelings about Bush/Cheney, Iraq, Iran and the CIA tapes. I predict that as time goes on history will reveal the Bush years to be one big "crash" site.
I really don't think it matters what the military family thinks,Bush has a way of getting his way. Idont know how he controls peoples minds but without a doubt he does......
If Iraq turned back into the Garden of Eden tomorrow and became the most idyllic place on earth, it still will not have been worth what America has paid for in blood and treasure.
My heart goes out to the militray and thier families, never in American history have so few given so much while guys like me get tax cuts.
After four long, costly and deadly years, why do American troops still need to be in Iraq, in harm’s way, to train more Iraqi troops? After four long years, why are still more American troops and still more American tax dollars still needed to train more Iraqi troops? Why haven’t we, at the very least, trained enough Iraqi troops to train other Iraqi troops?
After four long years, why are American tax dollars still needed to equip and supply Iraqi forces? Why, after four long years, aren’t Iraqi oil revenues and Iraqi treasury funds paying for Iraqi equipment and Iraqi supplies?
Why have America’s leaders allowed so many American lives, limbs and dollars to be continuously sacrificed for the same endless mission? Why have America’s veterans organizations so willingly supported such endless stupidity? What a sham! What a shame!
gary hight, Reno, Nevada
Now its the destroyed tapes of torture at Gitmo Bush denys knowing about. He says a week ago and his spokes woman Dana just said yesterday, he said he only learned of it the day before.I thought there was 7 days in a week or has that also been changed to accomadate the Bush administration? What the Hell is it going to take for the people of this our country to rtise up and say "Enough of this guys lies, misleading,us, selling our country out to China, putting thousands of US citizens out of their homes, jobs,security and a homeland we once called our own. All this Bush administration has given we the people and this country is a Death Sentence, while Congress sits by and allows it to happen.What this administration has done to us and our country would be considered Acts of HighTreason if comitted by any of us and we would be branded as Traitors to our people and country. In fact it happened not so long ago to a man named Taylor.
It shows again how disconnected from everyday hard working people and our dedicated service people Mr. Bush really is. I still to this day can not refer to him as President. I still think in his mind he is the first dictator of the USA. No wonder him and Chavez argue. They share the same mentality. He is right and the rest of us are wrong.
With all of the so called police actions and what not since WWII our military is in reality the "Foreign Legion" a wonderful voluntary mercenary force who for the most part never bothered to read the constitution they took an oath to support, protect and defend, they would not know an unlawful order if they saw one.
When you come from the school that teaches not to question authority; do what you are told; put on a uniform and march in lock step behind a madman; it is no wonder some of them are having second thoughts.
If they were smart they would hang their present commander in chief for high treason and the rest of his cohorts for seditious conspiracy.
We went into Iraq because we were told by our president that they had WMD – this was simply not true. Iraq had nothing to do with the 9-11 terrorist attack. How many lives have we lost, young American men and women, because of this terrible unreliable information from the president of the most powerful nation on earth ? How much money do we spend daily to fund this war? On the other hand, we have a war going on now that has done more harm to American families than we can ever imagine. We have over two hundred thousand Americans locked up in prisons all around the country, good decent non-violent
people., put away for many years, some for life, over some drug violation, this is called THE WAR ON DRUGS. It is said that it cost the government (that's us people) $29,000 annually for keeping these people locked up. $29,000 times 200,250 inmates equals $5,807,250,000.00 This does not include the cost of new prisons that are being built all over the country. Nor does it cover the cost of maintenance on these facilities and the cost of employees to run this place. It does not show the harm it has done to families, there is no amount of money in all America to pay this cost. Does ANYONE have the GUTS to do something
about this? THIS IS MORALLY WRONG AND UNAMERICAN!
Guess who gathers the largest support from military family's? Ron Paul! That's because he wants what they do, our boys and girls to come HOME!
I'm just thinking of all these vetrens knowing the possiability of going to war under misleading info,and not to speak of the parents and loved ones its awar for profiteers and no accountability for there actions. also it seems like every time I here sancutions on Iran the fuel goes up who's is realy being sancutioned
in consideration of modernation-
did the usa invade two countries while its own southern border was being invaded?
did the bush and cheney regime take oath to defend our borders?
did they lie to invade iraq?
did bush and rice say, we never imagined anyone would highkack airliners and crash them into buildings?
and on-and on-and on
isnt it time to excise this terrible cancer AKA bush cheney. rather than to allow another whole year of the same? its called impeach
I'm a little late because of a computer crash...which is a pretty good analogy of how the military families are finally responding. Seems as if their machine spewed false information, hopes, and lies for so long that it finally smoked and they had to rely on their brains, which possess the human characteristics of reason (to separate truth from fiction), compassion (stop the immoral war!) , and understanding (that the future isn't built on the bodies of our brave men and women on the battlefield, it's the competent operation of our government in a sane and lawful manner in accordance with our Constitution for the good of all the people. Good military folk fight to defend that premise, not illegal wars based on power, greed, and profit for the few.) This is not a war on terror, it is a war of terror.
It means he should probably sit down and do two things he's never done before in his life. Listen and think...
If he would have –listened– waaayyyy back when he was in school learning history he would have learned that right after Germany surrendered in World War 2 they immediately used the german soldiers that surrendered to keep law and order in their own country. That gave us time to put a political government in place that wasn't currupted and was competent to take care of itself.
Then with what he learned from listening he could then sit and –think– about what should be done when we took control of the country. Like maybe employing all of those knewly out of work soldiers that surrendered so easily to keep some law and order it's own country. You know, so that we would've had time to put a political government in place that was actually 'competent' and one everybody living their would 'except', like maybe a 'Balance of Power' between the religious factions so there is minimum distrust.
Most people learn the fundementals of listening and then thinking about it waayyy back in pre-school, but he seemed to have been absent that day... Which could explain why he's so taken by childrens books... Glue anyone?
We, the people, simply don't trust him any longer.
Why isnt anyone here talking about Dr. Ron Paul? The only reason I have registered to vote republican is for Ron Paul. I am a combat veteran Having served two tours of duty in Iraq. I can tell you it is a mess and its not getting better wake up America. You want to know what I did over there I drove all over the country getting shot at going through ieds losing 2 of my best friends. I escorted oil pipes all over and you know what I saw more going on at the oil fields than I did see us helping the Iraqis. And almost everyday the pipes we escorted were blown up. Wake up People!!!!VOTE FOR RON PAUL PLEASE or at least do some research about him.
The message it sends falls on deaf ears anyway, but clearly military families are tired of sending their loved ones back to that hell hole, Iraq to risk their lives in a war that can't be won. Tired of wondering if their loved ones will return in a box. Tired of the sacrifice and pain. Weary, angry, cynical. Who can blame them?
It means everyone is burned out on this war, including the people that risk their lives fighting it. It seems that the only supporters left are the ones making money off of it and the diehard blind faith supporters that are as clueless as their president. If George want to keep fighting this war, let him go over there and finally fulfill his military obligation. Send "five deferments" Cheney, and all the chickenhawk congressmen who haven't got their own kids over there.
It means they've come to the right conclusion. Their troops are fighting to make Bush, Cheney and their oil cartel and defense contract friends richer. That's all this thing is about. They've been badly used and I hope they hang the administration once they realize the lie those boys and girls have died for. And Pelosi and gang should be ashamed as well. Why not impeach?
Jack,
What does it mean "your comment is awaiting moderation"? Are we not at liberty to speak freely? Oh right! Those liberties are being eroded to secure the country right?
Ya, I wouldn't be surprised if the next thing that happens in the US is people being arrested for dissing the admin. Sent to the gulag along with you Jack. Be sure to wear warm clothes.
It means that alot of politcians need to be reminded that military families are also registered voters! I saw my son deploy 3 times within the first 36 months of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The stress put on the families is just unbelievable with no end in sight. It's long past time that this Administration gives some thought for it's own people. What a wonderful way that would be to thank our military for their service.
What did they expect? what has the man ever been successful in, even before politics
I wonder if anyone knows if there is any statute stating that DOD Annual General Budget appropriations can only be used for the stated purposes in their budget request and can not be redirected to this war when Bush won't accept war funds from Congress. That money was for the day to day operations of the department. Can Gates legally close down services and bases that operate from the DOD general budget appropriation and use it for the war? I would think, no war money, no war, bring the troops home as we Americans want. I realize this administration is not above breaking a few laws along the way to get it's way and Congress wouldn't think to check it out.. I'm just curious.
I fear Bush will declare Marshal law in December 08, with the claim, "you can't change adminstraions in the middle of a world war on terror"
That is probably the basis for Cheney's comment that Iraq will be self-governing when he and Bush leave office. It won't be until 2015.
Prez Bush is a traitor and with his side kick John Bolton, their team was able to convince many fine young american college graduates to flee to canada and other countries. Nothing good has ever came out of Prez Bush's life since his underhanded use of his family"s money to secure his place in the air national guard. Money bought him his office and he has been a disgrace to the office of President. I served in Nam, the same time Bush and Bolton were graduating from Yale. Jane Fonda is more liked than those two among viet nam vets. I hope CNN never refers to Bolton as ambassor to the UN, he never came close to receiving approval from congressl.VP Cheny is just a idiot for thinking that he is so much wiser than God.
What other president and his administration made a bigger mess of the country and in fact of the whole world. We, the people, have been forgotten and left unprotected because of his policies with the military, wasting millions and millions of dollars that have been misspent or given to cronies. Our country is not trusted nor respected any more. The poor people in the military are not getting proper medical care physically or mentally. The medical field has been taken over by the drug companies along with the insurance companies. We are way behind in education, health care and well being. I fear for the coming generations.......they will never ever be able to gett us out of debt. Why didn't people pay attention before Bush was co-called elected to office... every business venture he was in went bankrupt or ended in judgments. As Mark Twain said
"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time and your government when it
deserves it". Thids administration doesn not deserve any support.
It's about time! I can't conceive of how any sentient being could have believed his lies so long. These folk's sons & daughters died & lost limbs for NO OTHER reason than to further stuff the pockets of Bush & his buddies.
Does ANYONE know why impeachment is off the table? The Constitution says it's REQUIRED when high crimes and misdemeanors are committed, not an option. As one of her constituents, I have emailed Ms. Pelosi and asked, but have never got a reply. I'd say not impeaching them when the evidence is so obvious is as much of a high crime and misdemeanor as anything this lawless administration has committed. Ignoring it is condoning it.
George hasen't done much of anything wright yet, why should he show any compassion for our soldiers, he doesen't know the meaning of compassion.
If you sent my son or daugter to a foreign country to fight for oil I would be mad to.
I think that patriatism is not enough to fight a war. The cause has been found to be false, bush has lied constantly throughout this whole ordeal. His support for our troops after they get home has been atrouciose, and his support of the va is criminal. This whole thing has been about the bottom line. Halliburton has made bush and cheney super rich and thats what its all about.
On this business of water boarding. Here is the thing; if you lie to yor wife , your husband or your mate, does that accomplish anything positive? No, no and forever no. Everything this country stands for (greatest country in the world) needs to be UP FRONT! always, that is what builds CHARACTER, INTEGRETY and remains UNQUESTIONABLE thru the ages, irregardles of who, what where or why!!!
Pat in New Mexico
Military families are realizing that Bush-Cheney consider them to be expendable to further their neocon agenda. Bush and Cheney are War Criminals!
It seems that the Politicians don't play fare! ...they are afraid of each other!
>> they tell us to voice our opinions...but nothing happens!
Polls / media / letters to our goverment > SAY RID BUSH..but fall on Deaf ears!
I am a drafted US Army Vet (1969) a true american patriot ..who paid the price!
I demand .. Bush jr... pay for the lives and money lost due to his reckless
mangement of our country!..
I'm Simply Disgusted! ...that we are used by the Politician for his personal gain!
After reading some of the comments here, I'm shocked at the ignorance and lack of facts presented, as opposed to the radical opinions, traitorous attitudes, and deceptive language people use. Being a patriotic American just isn't that difficult. It involves loyalty to our Consititution, our elected leaders, and the Biblical principles our country was founded on. Yes, BIBLICAL, in spite of what some small-minded people would like to believe.
First, we have to ask who does the polling. The liberal idiots running all over the U.S. aren't trustworthy, no matter what position they hold. The Clinton News Network (Rush sure named that one right) and the liberal news media scattered across America always has their agenda in mind: changing our country from what it was, and is, to an insignificant piece of real estate just before they hand it over to radical Muslims or whoever else comes along that makes them tremble in their boots.
I WISH that every backstabbing traitor in the U.S. could go live in another country long enough to see what we truly have been blessed with. They'd either stay there, or come back with a renewed appreciation of our republic. (No, it's NOT designed to be a democracy, even though we've devolved in some ways into one.)
I am a retired Navy man and I have a son in the Army (19years) who has just finished his second tour in Iraq, I am very proud of of my son's service, he has served honorably, was awarded the Bronze Star on his first tour and still serves to the best of his ability but is now convinced that the war was and is wrong and will never be settled in a military manner. I become more ashamed every day of the conduct of our President and his party in his lying ways. It will be many years before the United States regains its respect in the world. We are in the biggest mess world wide because of this man, may God help us, we will need it in the coming years.
Funny. In all the letters of criticism of President Bush and the condemnation of our presence in Iraq, I haven't seen ONE SINGLE SUGGESTION of a solution other than the one we're pursuing. Maybe you all will be happier if we hand over the reigns to this madman who spoke at one of our universities recently. I'm grateful for our troops who won't let that happen.
Thank God for President Bush. If he could run for president again, I'd vote for him a third time.
The only thing that surprises me about the president's rating was how long it took for the general public to awaken. I believe President Bush is a good man who made a very bad decision. Something about the whole Iraq war situation just doesn't make sense.
I am a democrat. I want to win in November. Why do TV talk show hosts, like yourself and the many political pundits who you invite on your programs refuse to discuss the one issue when you bring up the Hillary vs. Obama slug fest, that actually means something when the chips are down: Electability in November. Does anyone actually believe that Barack Obama has any chance of carrying any southern state or the majority of states in middle America? Cut out the PC bologna and get real! Have an honest discussion about the reality of our country, state by state and lets get into the nity-grity of electability.
I agree, Bruce. We made the same mistake we make so often. We announced our intent to invade Iraq, and they had plenty of warning to move their WMDs, which every intelligent person knows they had, to Syria or some other country that supports terrorism. They had them. Saddam used them on his own people.
Maybe we don't know everything about the war. I believe we know the basics. No matter how many people mock him, our President is right–"If we don't fight them on their own soil, we'll fight them later on ours."