REP. FOXX, PLEASE JOIN US IN THE REAL WORLD

Guest blogger: Matthew Robinson:

In reaction to the interview with Rep. Foxx in today's Watauga Democrat ("Foxx opposes troop withdrawal, spending plan"), I have some reactions and questions for Rep. Foxx.

She thinks the Democratic bill to start bringing home troops is "reckless" and said it was politically motivated. No, Mrs. Foxx, invading Iraq was reckless and was politically motivated. Ever heard of the Project for a New American Century? The American people support an end to the war.

Foxx thinks the bill takes decision-making authority away from military leaders and contains billions in spending that isn't related to the war. No, Mrs. Foxx, the invasion went against the advice of military leaders and almost all of the funding for the war has been wasteful. How is reconstruction of the country going? Have you read any reports about war spending and how ineffective and non-accountable it has been?

Foxx says Democrats have "forgotten how much these people are bent on destroying the United States." No, Mrs. Foxx, Iraq never attacked us and never could. How can you still think our troops in Iraq protect our nation? Didn't you see that recent news that worldwide acts of terrorism are up?

Foxx says, "I want us to maintain our freedom and want other countries to become free." Really? So what are we doing in Iraq now that they've already elected a free government? And just what do you mean by "free"? Do you mean free like USA PATRIOT Act free, or warrantless wiretapping free, or suspension of habeas corpus free, or enemy combatant free, or "free" free?

Foxx says that U.S. troops are still in countries that were the sites of wars 50 and 60 years ago. True, but they're not being killed every day.

Foxx said it is difficult to predict the future course of the war or any timetables for a US withdrawal. Mrs. Foxx, our own intelligence shows we've already lost the war. Hello?

Foxx asks, "Has there ever been another war where we said, 'If we haven't won by such-and-such a date, we'll pull out?' " Mrs. Foxx, it was President Bush himself who said -- while standing in front of a banner that read, "Mission Accomplished" -- "Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed." This war was supposedly over four years ago, according to our own president!

Foxx says, "I grieve for each and every person who dies. We're fortunate to have an all-volunteer army. Every soldier there has volunteered." Do you think they would have volunteered if they knew they were being lied to by their leaders?

Foxx says, "Something lost in all this is this is a war for our freedom. Terrorism is only one aspect of this. The Democrats have never taken it seriously. They've forgotten 9/11."

To this I say SHAME ON YOU! Iraq did not attack us on 9/11. There were no Iraqis on those planes. Additionally, careful studies -- including a bi-partisan investigation by Congress -- have revealed the money for the attacks emanated from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Mrs. Foxx, I'd like to invite you to start paying attention any time now. Please join us in the real world.