J, Bufkin, IN-

Not all Texans are as uncompromising as some make it seem. In fact, there are even some us that are Democrats. Shocking, I know.

As for the issue at hand, I am glad to see some Republicans are considering a withdrawl. However, I believe it would be wise to have an actual exit strategy beyond merely leaving. We must have our allies in the region (namely Jordan and Saudi Arabia) develop a larger presence in Iraq and gradually remove our own (hopefully by the proposed April 2008 deadline). This may not assist the institution of democracy in Iraq, but, realistically, most countries would not be able to make the tranisition from totalitarian regime to republic over night.

My Thanks also to Mike.

It's nice to hear from an American that can state the facts as they are and enlighten those intent on keeping this war going on the devastation Americans, Canadians, Britains, et al will suffer on their own soil for NAUGHT!

Not to mention the brave young men and women that will never return to their families while the Iraquis Insurgents continue to slaughter on a daily basis! When are the Pro War people going to see the light? There will be no Win on this War only casualties. And as our Military continue to decrease in numbers - Our Homelands will continue to Decrease in Safety!

I just pray the Pro War Affocates see the light sooner than later. And that Prime Minister Stephen Harper tunes into this Blog.

The terrorists in Iraq coming over here? Guess what, the terrorists are already here, and they're from all over the world, not just Iraq. The US invasion of Iraq just intensified the terrorists coming over here. You really want to stop the terrorists? Fine, put the emphasis on securing our national borders with Canada and Mexico. You might recall, the President is against doing just that. He supported the immigration bill, which thanks to the American people, failed big time! Iraq is a quagmire, just as Vietnam was. Standing armies were never meant to successfully combat and defeat "insurgents." In the history of modern warfare, no insurgency has ever been defeated, sure, there have been minimal success here and there, but if you want a military victory in Iraq, all of the brave and valliant efforts by our troops will simply not be enough. Vietnam proved the case, against the Viet Cong, who were also "insurgents," that a standing military force cannot defeat an "irregular military force."

It really is a sad day when people advocate the sessesion of states with a majoraty of people who disagree with you (J, Bufkin). Ever heard of the Civil War? Yeah, that will definitley be good for America. People like you sicken me, because instead of sitting down and recognizing facts, you stick your heads in the sand, ignore reality, and insist that everyone who doesn't join your calls for surrender as a facist. Truly sickening, something I hope that most Americans can agree on.

I think Olympia's having an identity crises. Those winters are cold in Maine, could freeze some brain cells right off it could.

It will all come home to roost if we pull out too quick. Next time it could be more that just NY & DC. Try Atlanta, Chicago, San Fran or Seattle.
Way to Owympia. What a Snowe Job.

"Umm, maybe by having the troops at home, where they can actually defend us? Not only from terrorists, but real threats we have no preventive control over, IE natural disasters." Mike ~HI

So you want President Bush to deploy a Marine unit to defend you from an earthquake? Perhaps have the Air Force shoot down an incoming Hurricane? Ummm Mike… it's the national guard that is called on to help civilians in the aftermath of natural disasters, not the US Military. And even the national guard can't "defend you against natural disaasters".

Mike, HI — Thank you, thank you. How eloquently put. Keep blogging, please. We need you.

Over 3000 American's have died and thousands more wounded and maimed and for what?
In the end:
Will we be rid of terrorism?
Gain a staunch ally in a region where people DESPISE us?
Win back the freedoms that the present administration has eroded?

Answer: None of the Above.

Cheers for representatives that serve the common good.

We need to redeploy our troops to Texas to keep Texans away from polls, message boards, and most of all party conventions. You have made your point. Your state can suck us all down with it. Now will you please take your flag lapels and bumper stickers and secede from the union already. I will help you with the paperwork.

My son is going to be deployed…I don't want him to go over there and die for a war that is going and has gone 'nowhere'…bring everyone home…so we can defend OUR Country 'within' OUR Country…THEN it will be even safer to live here, and they can continue the bloodshed over there amongst themselves.

"I hope you and the other RINO senators get booted out."

…You do realize that the bulk of the Republicans in Washington are, in fact, 'Republican in Name Only,' right? Real Republican values have long been neglected, likely to the detriment of the nation. This may not be that important to point out, but anyone who thinks being a Republican means fighting wars and funneling all our money into a foreign country's civil war is, simply, incorrect.

"How is pulling out troops out going to make us more secure here at home?"

Umm, maybe by having the troops at home, where they can actually defend us? Not only from terrorists, but real threats we have no preventive control over, IE natural disasters. The terrorists in Iraq can't simply catch a plane and bring the fight over here. Perhaps we can take the money we save from ending this conflict and use it to better secure our nation. The only true negative effect to a pullout is the (additional) chaos that will explode in Iraq. But some think this will occur no matter when we begin pulling our troops out, so might as well do it sooner and save as many American lives as we can.

I'm also a little disturbed to hear that, apparently, we've already decided to wage war with Iran. That's sure to keep us safe.

These RINO's and Democrats are never going to stop surrendering. I just hope when the next terrorist attack happens here in the US, maybe then they will find a backbone to confront this problem head on. Maybe we should also sponsor a preemtive surrender to Iran while we're at it?

How is being involved in a civil war in Iraq making us safer at home? How is having a majority of our armed forces, including the National Guard half a world away going to help us if we get attacked here?

I hope you and the other RINO senators get booted out.

You help no one. How is pulling out troops out going to make us more secure here at home?

Good Job Olympia in lifting the spirits of the terrorists, insurgents, and regimes supporting the attacks against the good men and women of our military attempting to help the Iraqi people.

"Hey Insurgents - we'll be leaving in April 2008. So if you want to attack our soldiers - better do it before then!!!"

That's good thinking, Olympia.