General Clark Delivering Democratic Radio Address Tomorrow, October 15
Submitted by larry on October 15, 2005 - 12:10am.
Hello all.
Just wanted to give folks a heads up that General Clark will be delivering the Democratic radio address tomorrow. I will post the transcript of his address as soon as I have it tomorrow morning.
[Update] Link to audio.
Too bad I had to snag it from Rawstory:
""Good morning. This is retired United States Army General Wesley Clark.
"Today in Iraq, an important political event is taking place as Iraqis vote on their draft constitution. A hundred fifty thousand American soldiers and Marines are working to provide security and stability there along with the Iraqi forces that we've trained.
"I wish this were the end of the story in Iraq, but it isn't.
"Public confidence in President Bush's handling of the war in Iraq has sunk to an all time low. An increasing number of Americans of all political persuasions are now calling for expedited withdrawal of US forces. More and more Americans are angry. They are angry about the President's incompetence and his general unwillingness to acknowledge with some humility that he has made some terrible and tragic mistakes regarding the mission in Iraq.
"But America cannot allow itself to be so blinded by anger over this Administration's mishandling of events since the removal of Saddam Hussein from power that we are unable to see the danger of pushing for a premature withdrawal of US forces. Those who would use terror as a tactic in Iraq would be rewarded and emboldened if we pull out prematurely. We can not do that.
"We understand what is at stake in Iraq. And that is why we are so frustrated by the President's failure to give the American people clear answers to basic questions.
"Mr. Bush is long overdue in providing a plan to achieve Iraqi military sufficiency, to build domestic political consensus inside Iraq around a new government, to achieve regional political stability around Iraq, and to finally achieve an efficient reconstruction effort in Iraq.
"Basic questions: How many capable Iraqi forces do we need before we can bring our troops home? How are we going to forge a political consensus between those quarreling factions in Iraq? And what is our strategy for neutralizing the threatening and armed militias there?
"How can we do a better job with less corruption in the reconstruction of Iraq? And, how can we make Iraq's neighbors a part of the solution, instead of a source of the problems inside Iraq?
"Staying the course is not a strategy, it is just a slogan. What we need to do is change the course and put in place a real strategy that will not only bring us success in Iraq, but will restore to the United States of America the moral authority we've lost through our missteps over the past three years.
"Today in Iraq, a large turnout is expected as Iraqis vote on a new constitution. And that seems to be an important step toward a Democratic Iraq, bet let's not kid ourselves about the difficulties that lie ahead.
"The Sunni minority is isolated, fatalistic, and increasingly anti-American. Many of the Iraqi forces we are training are able to fight with US leadership and support, but their real loyalty is in doubt. Militia forces are strong, they're well organized and, in fact, they are the ultimate arbiters in Iraq. They are preparing to settle factional disputes by force.
"Economic recovery measured by electricity, water and oil production has faltered. And Iraq's neighbors are feeding the incipient conflict; each aiding their own factions.
"We have a long way to go before victory, or at least some measure of success, is assured.
"And that is why we must say to our sons and daughters who put themselves in harms way for our own safety and for the freedom of others: You have our gratitude. You have our respect. You have our unqualified support. We love you and we will not forget your sacrifice and that of your families when you come home. We are determined to ensure that this Administration provides you a plan for success befitting of your sacrifices and service.
"There is no alternative to success in Iraq. This administration has an obligation to provide our men and women in uniform and the American people that strategy.
"This is General Wesley Clark.
Thank you for listening."
Blue State of Mind
This is a man who says it like it is. I'm sure the pRes will be crowing today. The General brings reality, practicality, experience, and intellect to the discussion of the day (IF the discussion can be focused away from the administration's failings and scandals for even one day!). I am so very glad that Wes was chosen to given the response today. I understand the perspectives of those who feel we should be pulling out of Iraq, with no qualifications. But the consequences of that perspective trouble me greatly. Having Wes speak TODAY seems to indicate that the party IS turning to him as their primary expert and voice on national security issues. I certainly hope so.
I've got CNN on in the background. The female commentator is already asking experts if this is a sign of victory for the pRes. The experts not it is a clear milestone, but we certainly cannot assume victory at this point. There is a long way to go.
I am so very thankful we have "politicians" like Wes Clark.
Leadership means lifting people up. --Wes Clark
http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Clark_brings_military_muscle_to_Democrats_1014.html
1. Show up * 2. Pay attention * 3. Speak your truth, and * 4. Don\'t be attached to outcome -- Angeles Arrien
for posting the transcript. We never get to hear the Dem response here. Wes was hitting on all cylinders again today. Sure wish his plan could be implemented some how. At least it seems the Dems are starting to "get it". I noticed he said Iraq is headed for full blown civil war on FOX this AM. And here too where he talks about Iraq's neighbors feeding the "incipient" conflict. Don't recall him saying this before. I don't see how we can stop it with this crew in charge. (sigh)
it like it is. This is the kind of statement that the Dems need to energize pressure for change in Iraq policy. I hope they keep Wes front and center on these policy issues. The administration is doing none of the things that need to be done.
I've said it before--put the General in charge, with all attendant powers, for thirty days, and see some real action on Iraq. (Yeah, right, dream on.) The admin are so disconnected from reality that they don't really care what happens over there except as it affects politics here.
The General gets it right. Competence--What a concept!
That is a nice idea, summercat! The General on a 30 day clean up mission! It made my pulse slow just reading the sentence... A real leader would take it into serious consideration, would change the course that's gone so disastrously awry. But, yeah-- dream on...
As for the admin's disconnect from reality-- they are wired right into reality, only it's their own particular abstract brand of it. They are so connected to their fabricated "reality" that it hurts.
Because bush would never want anybody with that kind of competence and knowledge mopping up after him, exposing all his messes to the world.
Still-- I love the idea of a contingent formed by Wes given a 30-60 day mission in Iraq. Good brainstorming idea too. A panel of say 6 of the top military strategists given, as an exercise, free reign to come up with a 60 day plan and how they would enact it. Then the top six plans could be contrasted and perhaps ideas from each of them implemented.
Again, an administration seriously concerned about resolving the problem would come up with this in one of their many "think tanks".
This is just what the Dems need: someone who can present a THOUGHTFUL opinion as opposed to a merely PARTISAN opinion. I'm thinking most Americans are thirsting for such a voice!
...a link posted for the audio? Thanks!