Our Military-- Active and Retired-- Your PROFESSIONAL Opinion Please?

Question

Defense Secretary Warns Congress Against Tying Military's Hands in Iraq

Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned Congress against handcuffing military leaders in Iraq as lawmakers pushed toward a vote next week that would rebuke the president's Iraq war policy.

Speaking with reporters Friday afternoon, Gates took aim at any resolution that would hinder military leaders and give the message to the enemy that U.S. troops will be in the battlefield without the proper support to succeed.

"It's pretty clear that a resolution that in effect says, 'the general going out to take command of the arena shouldn't have the resources he needs to be successful,' certainly emboldens the enemy and our adversaries," Gates said. "Any indication of flagging will in the United States gives encouragement to those folks. I'm sure that's not the intent of the resolutions but I think it might be the effect."

I did not seek political rants. They will accomplish nothing.

I was respectful of all military active and retired when I asked for responses.

What I want to know, based on the above statements, *IF* what Secretary of Defense Gates said is true? Will these resolutions EMBOLDEN the enemy?

Please, just answer whether or not what Gates said is true.

Better yet, the way I asked the question is flawed. I will do this again.

Answer 1

Proud American ... This has become an unpopular fight due to the extremely negative twist that most media outlets are applying to their stories regarding the war on terrorism.

President Bush is right to pursue this fight. Tactics might need to be adjusted from time to time, but that's not for politicians or the media to decide. If they've got a better idea, then let's hear it.

Answer 2

Let me answer you question with another question "Do you think the enemy on the ground in Iraq even knows what Gates said?" I don't think so. Gates' statement is pure American politics.

Imagine for a minute you were sitting in a hospital in downtown Bhagdad. You're in a private room with your family visiting your mother who has just had surgery and is recovering and waiting to go home; a home that has running water, electricity, hot water, TV, heat and air conditioning - all the comforts of an American home. In an instant the air raid sirens wail and George Bush's reign of terror - shock and awe - has begun.

The hospital is destroyed - collateral damage by George's words. Your entire immediate family are dead except for you. You somehow managed to survive and emerge from the rubble. You run home, but there is nothing there - house, garden, yard, dog, car - all destroyed. You are not alone. Many of your extended family, neighbours and others have suffered the same fate.

Do you honestly think you would care about what Robert Gates had to say this week? I didn't think so. You've gotten over the grieving, but your left wondering if things will ever go back to normal - electricity, running water, even a roof over your head.

You also wonder why the American people have not impeached George Bush and Disk Cheney for the heinous crimes they have committed against the American and Iraqi peoples. But that would leave a woman as President. Wow! Now thats scary.

Answer 3

Considering I'm married I don't care much about BOSS but when I was overseas in Korea it was pretty active. I never had constant inspection and oversight in the barracks. There are rules to follow in housing as well as the barracks. I agree with your 3rd point. I never got to leave early or arrive late for my child. If I did I'm sure I would have got a couseling statement and I was dual military so it was sometimes a pain in the butt. I think it all works out in the end... There are pros and cons for everything it just which way you look at it. EDIT: Korea isn't that restricted anymore and it was active in Germany as well. The probably with BOSS in that noone want to take responsiblility for it. In fact yesterday when I went to the movies here off post I saw a magazine BOSS. So it still is alive and well. I'm near Ft. Campbell.

Answer 4

Yes it will embolden them. The terrorists have used every opportunity to show the people of that country that we are wearing done and that they are about to defeat the enemy. Now they will be able to go back to the people and say look the government doesnt even support this war or its solderiers fighting it. We need to continue on and people should realize that there is more to this war then what the media is permitted to release. There ar emany factors that our military and president must consider before making an important decision that will affect the livs of our military personnel and to suggest that it is done without regard for their lives is irresponsible.

Answer 5

The Department of Defense has enough funding and equipment to continue our operations in Iraq for years to come.

Congress is powerless to stop it.

Passing those idiotic resolutions accomplishes nothing except to put the anti-war members of Congress into perspective for the next election.

Where will they be 2 years from now if Iraq is flourishing and everyone remembers their 2007 temper tantrum?

Answer 6

Gates is absolutely correct. The "non-binding resolution" just passed by our Democratic-controlled congress has done nothing but show a rift in the nation's leadership and send a message to our enemies that we are now weak and ripe for attack.

I hope the congress enjoys what's coming, because they have invited it.

Answer 7

He told the truth..Gates and Patreaus do not want to loose troops and want to win. this is why it is being compared to Vietnam as they used it as a political football...We need more commanders like General Patton and MacArthur to stand up to them. the civilians that just go to see and never served should go to their rooms and let the professionalls handle their business and take Cindy Shehan with them. The other side was thanking Democrats after the November elections. Wonder why? God bless and Keep our troops.

Off of that subject, if you need a few laughs to keep from crying, go to: http://startegypage.com

Answer 8

I've retired after 34 years service, I support the resolutions passed by congress. I think it's long overdue. We are not winning in Iraq, we will not win unless we send several hundred thousand more troops into the conflict.

This type of war is bullshit! We need to arrive at a political solution. However, those raghead, sandniggers have us exactly where they want us and it's doubtful we'll succeed with the current troop levels.

Gates is just another mouthpiece for George W. Bush, cause nobody wants to hear anything out of Bush's mouth anymore, he and cheney and rice have lied to many times. Nothing they say can be believed anymore.

Answer 9

I do think the military's hands have been tied. The first thing that needs to be done is pull the media out of Iraq, then let the men fighting this war do what needs to be done.

Answer 10

sometimes I just wish some people would shut their pie hole and leave the important stuff to those in the know.