CNN

To Rich NH,
Unnecessarily a very long piece, especially when all your doing is being an agent of doom if we don’t keep up the fight…”but my interest is less in the war of today and more focused on the war of tomorrow – and rest assured, my friend, it will certainly come.” Trust me, there are very few Americans left that wouldn’t take that with a pinch of salt. More seriously, you seem to be one of those fellows who take this war in a very simplistic nature. Mind you, my problem is not with the war on terror per se, it is with the war in Iraq. Unfortunately, like many others, you seem to think that these two are mutually inclusive. The war on terror should have been fought in Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia where Al Qaida was based and the pilots of 9/11 originated. Iraq was a personal agenda that turned septic and the longer we fight there the deeper we dig-in with no end in sight.

“I choose to live in the real world and projecting our influence and way of life (I’m talking the rule of law and not the cultural benefits that Hollywood continues to export like Jerry Springer, etc.) makes our world safer by adopting common, peaceful practices that transcend backward-looking and violent cultures. “ It’s simplistic, even adolescent of you to fathom that there will come a day when the nation of Islam will embrace democracy and all values American, even worse is your notion of “projecting our influence and way of life.” Not all good things are American and the rest of the world knows it as well. Democracy and freedom mean different things to different people of the world so get off your American high horse in that aspect and stop trying to mix water with oil. Sadly, you portray in your piece the egotism and self-importance our foreign policy has depicted for the last 8 years, no one ever doubted our military and economic might, far from it, the people who attacked us in 9/11 only preyed on the very arrogance and haughtiness that your piece reeks of, the notion that we are untouchable by the horrors that millions others worldwide suffer on a daily basis, in other words, it was a wake up call to the fact that America is not an island and can be susceptible to pain.

Instead of waging wars in the name of “projecting our influence and way of life,” we should be, in my humble opinion, trying to revamp our foreign policy in a direction that is more amicable to the rest of the world, seeking allies where enemies abound and embracing the fact that the American way of life is NOT always the way of the rest of the world and the more we force our values on other people the more terrorists we create in the world so that sadly, as much as you and I loath the idea, my kids and your kids will be fighting today’s terrorists’ kids in the future. It’s a vicious cycle, and we are its biggest catalyst. Lets find and bring to justice our attackers of 9/11 in Afghanistan and Pakistan while protecting the homeland from further attack, (and creating them in Iraq and then having to fight them there doesn’t count), but beyond this call, let no other American make the ultimate sacrifice.

FYI: I might be deploying next summer on a second rotation, leaving behind my wife and daughter, unlike you though, I won’t be taking a pay cut, I live the military 24/7.

[...] in line for a rifle and a buzzcut. Funny how Democratic Predisential candidate Joe Biden's son is headed for Iraq while Republican Mitt Romney's sons are busy Fighting them over here, so they don't [...]

To Steve in Houston,

I don’t know how much more clearly I can state my position and yet you only want to reframe and restate my position to better align with your argument with statements like “your argument seems to be …” Unfortunately, with folks like you no definition nor justification will ever suffice. You certainly can include yourself in with all the other “do-over” types, who desperately continue to seek to absolve themselves from the ramification of tough choices, preferring instead to judge issues and others from the safe confines of your Monday morning armchair. My friend, that is not leadership and no one will ever follow or respect you because your prefer to waste your time and detract our energies finding chinks in the armor of those leaders – though admittedly fallible, still find the courage to take and live with those decisions that literally involve life and death of real people: Americans and civilians and non-combatants. And despite the all-knowing feedback from folks like you still and painfully fix bayonets and step out of the shadows and into the light.

I am certainly not a war monger, and recognize that no one ever wins a war of attrition in the traditional sense, but my interest is less in the war of today and more focused on the war of tomorrow – and rest assured, my friend, it will certainly come. For that war, I would readily trade many times our current dead (<4000) to ensure that other nations are less inclined to flex their muscle because they respect our military might and that we are a people with an iron will. Sadly, we have a history where the second tends to defeat the first. Bin Laden et al became emboldened to strike us and the free world because he rightly questioned our resolve and will to fight. After Somalia, where <25 dead Rangers directly led to our “redeployment” our credibility has never recovered. And those lessons and examples don’t end there, but we’d rather focus on words like “quagmire.”

Certainly, I respect everyone’s opinion – even when they are misinformed or simply wrong! I choose to live in the real world and projecting our influence and way of life (I’m talking the rule of law and not the cultural benefits that Hollywood continues to export like Jerry Springer, etc.) makes our world safer by adopting common, peaceful practices that transcend backward-looking and violent cultures. But if you want to lock yourself away in your ivory tower … that is fine. Folks like me will continue to put my life on the line to ensure all your rights and privileges remain in tact, protecting you to say whatever you wish. But helping my efforts and those of my military brothers? Please don’t kid yourself – you’re NOT helping and as long as our ability to wage and win wars depends our national will and folks like you, then you bet I will not hesitate to point out that you and those of your ilk ain’t doing their share. You’ve been riding the “freedom wagon” with a ticket that was paid for by someone who went before you. This tradition might even require you to give back a little and climb down, place that sweaty yoke on your shoulders, and pull for others.

I sincerely wish you well. We will continue to have challenges and they will require that we all work together and retain our resolve – again, not so much for today, but more importantly for the world … and the conflicts of tomorrow.

FYI – I may deploy in December, leaving my family and taking a 50% pay cut from my civilian job and so these topics are not exercises in academic and theoretical discourse, they are very real and rest assured they are worth fighting for. Political Islam fascists is a growing threat to world order and one we can ignore at our peril. I for one refuse to ignore it now so that my kid or grandkid has to revisit an area, when we have the advantage today.

All the best and God bless America.

Rich

Steve ~ Houston,

You have no credibility.

You've written pages of rebuttal (on this thread alone) yet never once did you offer you were in the military and served in Iraq. When it was specifically discussed about those not serving sharing a voice – you again never offered you had served.

In fact you wrote to Rich in NH,

"You mention your service in our military and I'm grateful for that, but I'm also grateful to people like Mike who support the troops by opposing a flawed and unwinnable war so the troops can come home from extended back-to-back deployments and the daily threat of unnecessary death. "

Why didn't you share with Rich you too had served?

What branch and base are you stationed in Houston, Steve? Where were you deployed in Iraq, when, and how long?

I have personal friends of mine serving in Iraq that I correspond with regularly. IF you served in Iraq:

1) What do the soldiers in Iraq call the chow-line?
2) What is protocol if/when a call-out is made on an IED?

How sad your life must be to lie about being a soldier. You insult the GOOD men and women who put their lives in harms way.

To Jon, Sacramento,

I'm an Iraq war veteran, who's the hat with no cows now huh?

To Jon, Sacramento,

I have nothing to prove to you, but just so you know, I'm in the military and have served in Iraq. So who's the hat but no cows now huh? Shame on you for hiding behind your ancestors' military service in order to open your mouth and vomit stuff that you've read or heard about but have no real clue about because you never experienced them. Debating this issue with you is beneath my statue as a war veteran, man up and enlist or stick to other issues.

Steve ~ Houston

Do you know what the term one-note-johnny means?

You have repeated your opinion over and over as though you need convincing it means something. Here are your highlights,

"Jon, what service have you given in the war that you so support?? Huh? "

"Jon, why haven't you enlisted and deployed to fight your glorious war"

"don't make comments or give opinions on things that you couldn't possibly know unless you were one of the troops CURRENTLY at war or a family member."

Funny – you haven't mentioned YOUR branch of service and how long you've been fighting in Iraq, Steve. You certainly have opinions about 1) who can speak on this issue, 2) whether our soldiers can win this war or not, and 3) have out-smarted the Generals and have the plan all laid out (that would be the cut-and-run plan, right?)

We'll all be waiting to hear your resume' Steve before passing judgement on whether you're full of BS or not. I have my hunch... a texas saying (All hat no cattle). And we'll assume NO response is just you bein' yellow-bellied.

PS – I called Mike "osama bin hooksett" because he suggested our soldiers were "invaders" and "occupiers" – the SAME langauge Osama Bin Laden used to describe the men and women fighting to protect the iraqis and giving them a chance to form a representative government.

"Biden's son to be deployed to Iraq"

Not only should his son go to Iraq; his grandson, granddaughter and other family members should also go Iraq. And in turn, wiser American families could have the Bidens take their family members place.

All those politicians and others who refuse to see an IMMEDIATE END to the wasteful sacrificing of American lives and limbs in Iraq should have their family members displace more worthy Americans who are FORCED to be in Iraq.
Rommeny's children, bush's daughter, Hillary's daughter, etc, etc should be shipped off to displaced better Americans who are duped into being in Iraq.

If they would go to Pakistan's Tora Bora mountains to bring back maniac muslims, then they get much support.

To Rich, NH

Your piece towards Mike is full of talk about winning this war, we've been fighting it for over 5 years now with no sight in end. What I'd like to know from you, and the minority of Americans who are still under the illusion that anything good is coming from our being in Iraq is, what exactly do you call victory? Seriously, explain to me, without any ambiguities like "when the Iraqis have a government capable of sustaining and protecting its citizens" or "when we've defeated Al Qaida". Tell me what this victory you so talk about is. Surely, you must know that this war cannot go on forever, and if you do, then you must be able to point out when we can claim victory and what shape, form or size that victory will be.

Your argument seems to be, that since we're at war, we must fight to the very end, never mind the repercussions of it. Ofcourse no one wants defeat, but when victory cannot be defined in definite terms, because doing so would translate into our troops being in Iraq till kingdom come, then whatever rationale we had for attacking a sovereign country, with no connection whatsoever to an enemy we are sworn to fight, goes out the window.

By the way, contrary to what you may want to believe, this is no longer a war we're fighting, the war ended a long time a go after we toppled Saddam, that is what Congress authorized the president to do, now we are just an occupying force refereeing a civil war.

You say this: "Get this straight – we fight to win wars, and I think if memory serves there was an extremely high percentage of us who agreed to go into Irag." If memory serves anyone right, I believe that we supported the occupation of Iraq because we had been falsely led to believe that Saddam had WMDs and links to Al Qaida, so don't blame Mike for waking up and smelling the coffee and opposing the war based on the fact that lies were fed to him to ellicit his support, it's called human nature. You also say, "it’s a war so either help win it or start rooting for the other side …" Do you know how ridiculous you sound for suggesting that if Mike is not for the war then he must be against America? You defend Jon's freedom of speech but Mike cannot express his position because you don't share it? You mention your service in our military and I'm grateful for that, but I'm also grateful to people like Mike who support the troops by opposing a flawed and unwinnable war so the troops can come home from extended back-to-back deployments and the daily threat of unnecessary death. That's supporting the troops and I challenge you to tell me how it's not.

To Mike in Hooksett,

As a fellow New Hampshire-ite, I am disappointed and ashamed at your post, position, and the very fact that you continue to suck down some of this free air in the "Live Free or Die" state.

Jon is not wrong nor is he in the minority, but part of a larger group who silently (not blindly) goes about the business of winning a war. Get this straight – we fight to win wars, and I think if memory serves there was an extremely high percentage of us who agreed to go into Irag. Please "cut it," as it seems you're one of those "do-over" types that doesn't like where we are now and wants to cop out and go back in time to secure the moral high ground, claiming "Bush is evil and duped me" ("...and changed me into a newt!").

Or maybe you’re right that you're in the majority as you've certainly studies both positions before re-selecting the easier one. Et tu Mike? BTW have you served?

Listen, everyone has a right to free speech and there are some of us who have worn the flag to defend that right for those who feel obliged to post anonymously, it's safe to come out from under the sofa ... Darth Bush and Chaney won't hurt you.

This war effort involves all of us – you too Mike. And it’s not good enough to simply say you support the troops, when all of your efforts negatively impact our morale and national will to wage and win this war. Perhaps that is your objective and you think this is nothing more than some academic challenge – it’s a war so either help win it or start rooting for the other side … so maybe our enemies can enjoy the benefit of your support as we have. Thanks … and don’t worry, you’re still a patriot in my eyes!

Rich

TO JON, SACRAMENTO
Fine, you're right, you have the right to say whatever you want, it's a free country. But when it comes to this war, people like you should be the last ones to say a thing. Granted, your ancestors served in past wars, some of which should have taught you that some wars are not worth any American loss of life, what did fighting in Vietnam do for America? I know I asked you whether anyone in your family had served in war, but I guess I was really getting at you Jon. You've detailed your ancestors' appreciated service to this country in war,the only name missing on that list is your own Jon, what service have you given in the war that you so support?? Huh?

You castigate Mike, (Hooksett, NH) as lacking the gutts to put his name on his comments, where are your GUTTS Jon, why haven't you enlisted and deployed to fight your glorious war, or do you think typing up rosy comments of "I support our troops" cuts it? It doesn't cut it Jon, do you think our troops in the streets of Baghdad read the Political Ticker as a matter of routine? They don't, but if you signed up and joined them down there, I bet you they'd appreciate an extra hand in a gun fight. Where do you come off calling Mike-hacksett NH "Osama bin Hooksett" just because he holds differing views on the war.

Your question; "Do YOU know what impact the storm of negativity from left-leaning politicians and anti-war activists have on our good men and women in the military and their families?" is almost laughable seeing that because you've never served or been deployed to war, you have absolutely no way of having a clue as to how our troops or their families are affected by ANYTHING. So I guess what I really wanted to say was not shut up, but rather don't make comments or give opinions on things that you couldn't possibly know unless you were one of the troops CURRENTLY at war or a family member.

So you say that you're going to continue supporting our valliant troops in Iraq huh? How exactly are you going to do that? By pushing to have them keep fighting a war they cannot win? By Advocating extended tours of duty there? By stretching them so thin to the point of breaking the military? By overlooking the dire consequences of indefinate war; higher suicide and divorce rates in the military?

I'll end by quoting Mike-Hooksett: "Funny how someone who loves war, thinks war will solve our problems
and is vocal as all hell about how peachy keen war is, just decides to stay home, flap his gums but let others go and do the actual dirty work that his father and grandfather did."

I'm sure you make 'em real proud, Jon!

When are we going to stop this insanity?! How much more sacrifice do Americans have to make because of the mistakes and arrogance of this administration? Bush and Cheney - they are not fit to serve this country. Our Congress has failed us in allowing them to continue "business as usual!!!"

TO DAVID, ARLINGTON, VA
I regret that my "shut up" comment came off as it did, I'm just tired of people who haven't, who aren't even in the military, never have, never will, thinking they know all about what's going on there, who we're fighting and what will happen if we pull out – people like Jon. On your point on presidents who haven't served in combat, my only take on that is two-fold: a president that has ever served in combat and has seen the horrors of war will most likely hesitate before taking young lives to die in war unless it was absolutely necessary – Saddam Hussein had no weapons of mass destruction, no links to Al Quida and even though he massacred his own people, he didn't do it to Americans. If his killing innocent Iraqis is one of the reasons we deposed and hanged him, why aren't we in Sudan to depose the current president for officiating genocide? Why is Ugo Chavez still in power in Venezuela? It seems to me that even after the initial reasons for going into Iraq proved to be lies, the ones that we're are now proposing (such as democratizing the middle east and helping Iraqis have a better future) are all falacious too. It's no secret that even the majority of Iraqis believe that their lives were better off under the tyrant Saddam, at least then they didn't get blown up, kidnapped and executed on a daily basis. Sad, but true.....

Does this mean that when someone like Harry Reid or John Murtha start talking unsubstantiated bull crap he might correct them?

Oh and CNN I love your headlines of stories, particularly ones like this: "U.S. troops kill woman insurgent in 24-hour battle." We trying to see how much sympathy we can build here? The sex of the people fighting against the US and Iraqi government in Iraq is irrelevant.

Mike ~ Hooksett, NH

Talk about gutless – you posted your message as anonymous and then reposted the same message as Mike. (I see you're still having difficulty understanding how to use this message board as you've done this same thing before).

You expose yourself, Mike, when you ask, "would an insurgent be someone who want to expel an invader/occupier?"

You think our troops are "invaders" and "occupiers". Ok Osama Bin Hooksett, thanks for your contribution.

If I held your views, I guess I would post anonymously too.

steve,
so thats a no on jon's military service.

funny how someone who loves war, thinks war will solve our problems
and is vocal as all hell about how peachy keen war is, just decides to stay home, flap his gums but let others go and do the actual dirty work that his father and grandfather did.

im sure you make 'em real proud, Jon!

its also funny he cant get the point of how people would be so pissed at romney for comparing his brave son trying to get him elected to a 19 year old rolling in an unarmored humvee in 125 degree heat. just cant see it.
he just cant ever seem to see republican hypocracy even when its put right under his nose.

he also cant see why people, when comes to this point would actually hold a pro-war hawk to a different standard than you would a anti-war dove.

jon....

by the way nobody is telling you to shut up. its just that 90 percent of the people here totally disagree with you and call you out on your skewed opinions.

get used to it. you have the right to believe and state your opinions no matter how out of touch you are with reality. at the same time the other 90 percent of us have the right to tell you how wrong you are and the many, many, many reasons we believe that to be true.

i know i cant be easy reading on here that all but a very small minority believes you or will defend you or your opinions.

ps your idea of what we are doing over there in iraq is a prime example of your lack of a grasp upon reality.

would an insurgent be someone who want to expel an invader/occupier?

would cutting the amount of electricity and water and raising infant mortality be considered giving the people of Iraq the chance to form a cohesive representative government?

what would you do if someone decided we were a threat and came here and did away with our entire way of life?

as a big rough, tough wannabe, pseudo military man, wouldnt you fight?

as usual i dont expect an answer or a rational arguement from you. after all you dont have one.

steve,
so thats a no on jon's military service.

funny how someone who loves war, thinks war will solve our problems
and is vocal as all hell about how peachy keen war is, just decides to stay home, flap his gums but let others go and do the actual dirty work that his father and grandfather did.

im sure you make 'em real proud, Jon!

its also funny he cant get the point of how people would be so pissed at romney for comparing his brave son trying to get him elected to a 19 year old rolling in an unarmored humvee in 125 degree heat.

he also cant see why people, when comes to this point would actually hold a pro-war hawk to a different standard than you would a anti-war dove.

Steve ~ Houston,

You asked, "Do you or have you ever served in the military? Do you have children, parents or a spouse serving as we fight this war. If you have, have you or they been deployed to Iraq to fight in this war? "

If you really want to know – my grandfather died in WW2. My father did 3 tours in Vietnam and retired from the Marines as a Gunny and continued working Civil Service for another 20 years. I grew up on Military bases (Camp Pendleton, Philadelphia Naval yard, Camp Butler in Okinawa, Japan).

Although NONE of that matters because most importantly I am an AMERICAN citizen who (last time I checked) has the right – predicated on the 1st amendment – to voice my views. Your approach of 'shut up unless you're serving' is the last salvo when you've run out of ideas.

What's even more odd is your suggesting I 'shut it' – because I SUPPORT the military??

"Failure", "Illegitimate War", "The surge isn't working", "We're killing innocent women/children", those poor Iraqis. Do YOU know what impact the storm of negativity from left-leaning politicians and anti-war activists have on our good men and women in the military and their families?

If you did... YOU would shut up! I know first hand how a good soldier (serving in Vietnam) feels when he – my dad – was called "baby killer" or Jane Fonda goes off to North Vietnam.

Go ahead and continue joining the chorus of the anti-war and adopt the politics of Cindy Sheehan. I for one will not shut-up, and I will continue supporting the valiant effort our troops are making in Iraq – protecting the innocent, killing insurgents, and giving the people of Iraq the chance to form a cohesive representative government after decades of brutality under Saddam.

His son is a JAG and doesn't know the war is illegal? That's too bad...

I agree withTom-Dedham. But Why a press conference to make a political announcement out of it? His volunteered for the military years ago. Now Dad is attempting to gain political benefit from it. Besides, son is in 'legal' position NOT combat position.

To Steve,

While I've disagreed with almost everything Jon has said on this blog, are you saying that anyone who hasn't served, or who has not had family members serve, does not have the right to voice their opinion about the war? For that matter, should every presidential candidate have served, or have family members currently serving, in order to be able to lead the country during a time of war? I don't think the historical record supports a clear answer either way but to say that those who have not served aren't capable of offering an educated opinion on the issue, based on the facts, seems shortsighted.

[...] Beau Biden, son of Joe Biden and Delaware Attorney General, is also a Captain in the Delaware National Guard. His unit has been informed that they will be deployed to Iraq next year. [...]

JON-Sacramento,

Do you or have you ever served in the military? Do you have children, parents or a spouse serving as we fight this war. If you have, have you or they been deployed to Iraq to fight in this war? If you have then you should know what it's like to have someone say that they will continue to deploy you or your loved ones indefinately to fight in a senseless war, while saying that their sons' driving an SUV to campaign for them is supporting our troops who are dying daily in Iraq and you should know better. However, if you or any of your kin have never served in this war, as I suspect is the truth, then you're just joining a long list of Americans not making any personal sacrifices in this war, yet the first to jump up in its support, in that case I suggest you shut your mouth on anything regarding the war and just sit back and enjoy the ultimate sacrifices that others are volunteering to make for you and your children. The day that you or anyone in your family enlists and deploys to Iraq, you can then offer opinions on the war. Thank you.

[...] Aug 17th, 2007 by davidlanderson http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/08/16/bidens-son-to-deploy-to-iraq/ [...]

While I applaud Senator Biden for not "pulling strings" to get his son out of his tour, this discussion is one of the most stupid I have ever heard. Politicians DO NOT have to have a child involved in a war to make sound judgements. You tell me that speaking with the parents of those who have died isn't going to bring the reality of war home for a President. What happens if you don't have children? Should you impregnate someone, so that you can run for office? What happens if your son or daughter go, and push paper in a back office? Does that count? This is a non-issue. I would be pissed as hell if I was a Romney boy and people criticize me for not going. The Romney boys didn't choose their Dad and should not have a future predetermined because their Dad wants to be President. Next story!

PS- I bet Hillary never played with Army men when she was little, so, she must have less experience with War, therefore not qualified to be the President. About as good an indicator as whether or not your child is there.

Strider, the man isn't a frontline soldier, he's a JAG officer, which basically means he's a military attorney. As far as "operational security" goes, that's pretty far from a breach, and would have become public knowledge as soon as Beau Biden had to leave his current job. He will not be on the frontlines (no chance of capture) and will not be in any military operations (operational security). If they want to kidnap Beau, the insurgents are going to have sneak into a U.S. military compound to grab him, and frankly, the chances they won't make are so good no insurgent is going to risk them simply to get the son of a lower-tier candidate.

It's great to see a man of character and integrity stepping up to the plate.

America needs leadership.

We need a leader who will be able to address the problems we face without alienating us with the rest of the world.

We need a leader who sincerely believes America is a country established 'by the people, for the people'. We need someone who strongly supports making it easier for ALL of America's citizens to weigh in and be heard regarding the issues we face as a nation.

Yes, we elect our representatives, but all to often we see their votes don't coinside with the majority opinion of the voters they represent.

Why is that? Why do we allow people to get elected who don't truly serve the people they represent? Why isn't each individual state able to hold their representatives accountable for the way they vote. To me, each vote our representatives make should reflect the will of the people they represent.

I think it's important for all Americans to serve the country in some way during their life. Whether it's in the military, or the peace corp should not matter, but all of us should serve. Having a draft for some type of required service right after high school would be good for America and the world as a whole.

I like what I'm hearing from Senator Biden.

Of course, I'd like to hear more about what he believes America needs, and how he would go about addressing those needs.

To me, I believe there is still power in public opinion and as Americans we must never lose sight of that fact.

The 2008 presidential election could easily be a positive turning point in our history, or it can be more of the same.

The key to having a positive outcome from the 2008 election is voting for the person with most character, integrity and passion for the citizens of America.

My question to Senator Biden:

Are you ready to lead?

Biden is nothing but a east coast hot head , who is not worth the job he has.

By Biden saying

I don't want my grandsons and granddaughters going in 15 years

he's saying he recognizes that we need to go and finish the job.
Right on Joe

Best wishes to Presidential Candidate Biden's son. But, why has Candidate Biden as well as all the other candidates both Republican and Democrat, the present Congress, and President himself not spoken out about the deplorable story on CNN the other night concerning our troops losing their jobs upon return from their deployment? I hope Candidate Biden's son is able to return to his job upon his return. It is an atrocity that major corporations are the main culprits behind the firing of employees who are being deployed to Iraq. Why are our leaders not screaming about this situation? What is a "leader" anyway, if they refuse to speak out about this type of abomination being done to our brave men and women who serve our country?

Best to you and yours Capt. Biden. Hopefully, you'll be home sooner, rather than later.

<quoteLet's resume the air war, flatten that rat trap, and let our people come home safe. If we have 155,000 people in Iraq, then there are exactly that number of people that I give a darn about.

Everyone keeps wondering about the right exit strategy will further a lasting peace. History shows us that the ten day plan we employed in Japan in August 1945 seemed to do the trick. If we are going to have to fight this War, let's try to win it.
Posted By C. Diesel, Raleigh, NC : August 16, 2007 3:53 pm

As dead set against this war as I am, I can only agree with C. Diesel. This thing could be over by labor day.

No information has been released regarding the Captain's assigment in Iraq. How exactly are they going to find him? Systematically search all of the army bases in Iraq?

Maybe he annouced it because he is proud of him?

In light of all the mudslinging, posturing, and pettiness between Clinton, Obama, and Edwards, stories like this remind us of what is truly important. I really hope Biden is able to get some traction and overtake his rivals for the Democratic nomination. He has more experience than Obama, Edwards, and Clinton combined and is a powerful speaker. Making gaffes about "articulateness" and being "clean" pale in comparison to gaffes about nukes.

Best wishes to Sen. Biden, his brave son, and his family.

For all of you leftist dimwits unfamiliar with the United States military, Biden's son is a JAG officer. Thus, he has a much greater chance of dieing campaigning in the United States for his fool of a father than he will ever have serving as a worthless lawyer in Iraq. Got it?

To Jon in Sacremento,

If women were the primary soldiers and strategists for the war in Iraq, it would freakin BE OVER.

Why? Because we are the underdogs and the underdogs fight harder. We certainly would not have tolerated something as distasteful as the sacking of Baghdad. What a waste.

I hope Sen Biden's son has a women superior officer.

Is Captain Beau Biden ACTUALLY going to be in combat? Or will he be "in the rear with the gear" like Al Gore was in Vietnam?

CHAIRMAN of the Foreign Relations Committee – Joe Biden has the experience and knowledge of international affairs

Son being deployed – Joe Biden understands the sacrifice for war

5 Point Plan for Iraq – Joe Biden is the only candidate with a political strategy out of this mess in the middle east

Joe Biden- the most qualified candidate for President

well? there you have it, a father, watching his son go to a combat zone as millions of fathers have done before, both public servants, one putting his life on the line.

It is deeply disturbing that the deployment of Senator Biden's son has been broadcast via the worldwide web. My concern is not with CPT Biden's deployment, but with Senator Biden's blatant disregard for Operational Security. Sen Biden's announcement, regardless of whether it is for pride or political gain, unnecessarily places his son and the soldiers in and around his unit in a magnified state of danger. This broadcast has presented a prime kidnapping target and/or high value target which will further endanger US servicemen. I expect more from a man with his experience and ambition.

For those who are lauding Joe Biden for "his sacrifice" I think they have it wrong....it's his son's sacrifice.

I wish the kid well, even though I think this war is absolute BS.

Why aren't people who criticize Gov. Romney for his sons not volunteering, also criticizing Hillary Clinton for not sending her daughter to the military? The miltary hire women as well as men.

JOHN IN SACRAMENTO – THE BIG DIFFERENCE IS THAT THE CLINTON'S DIDN'T START THE WAR IN IRAQ. BUSH AND THE REPUBLICANS DID. MINOR DETAIL, HMMMM?

"At least Romney's sons are doing America a great service.

Biden's kids….whatever

Posted By Zack, West Palm, FL : August 16, 2007 5:40 pm"

Is that how you feel about all the kids over there fighting and dying?

There seems to be a lot of theorizing going on regarding the impact or influence that family members serving in the military can or should have on their elected parents' decision-making. With all the questioning and challenging of people’s motivations, obligations and agendas on both sides- it would be interesting to see if posters began including whether they, in fact have ever served, perhaps this might temper some of their own rhetoric. We’re in this together, folks … not for Iraq, but for the long haul! I have long stopped caring why and looking back at all the “could’a, would’a, should’a” and “if only” assessments – save that for the history books because that certainly isn’t leadership. And please enough already … despite what we want, the objective isn’t to get everyone home safe and soon – it’s so the next time we must mobilize, leave families and livelihoods, that enemies respect and fear that strength and resolve. We remain an all volunteer force because there will always be people like you, me, or someone you know – in this case, CPT Biden, who will always find aspects of our way of life worthy of fighting for.

I personally disagree with Sen. Biden on just about every issue and think he grandstands and is generally disingenuous, but certainly I won't deny him or any parent (of any affiliation) the right of being proud that their son or daughter has answered the "summons of the trumpet" and taken their place in a long and honorable line.

A very heartfelt thanks to all those who serve both directly in our military and indirectly – provided it is in a positive and constructive way that helps lessen the burden for our country as we look to continue to finish some very challenging and trying tasks.

Rich
U.S. Army

I am standing behind Joe Biden 100% and I wish his son the best of luck.

In regard to Zach's comment

'At least Romney's sons are doing America a great service. Biden's kids..whatever'

One of Biden's kids is going to 'fight' for the country you're privileged enough to live in. That's a bit more important than helping your dad get elected to office. Think about what you're writing before you tip your lack of intelligence.

At least Romney's sons are doing America a great service.

Biden's kids....whatever

Those who back a war and have children in the military have a tendency to think twice before acting with a knee-jerk reaction and start sending other persons sons and daughters into harms way through a revolving door policy.

Those who don't have anything to lose, don't seem to care. (Vietnam)

For anyone who feels that if we pull out we have lost, my comment is, then because we pulled out of Vietnam, all those 58,000 plus, whose names are engraved on that cold, black marble wall in Washington, died for nothing.

I wish Senator Bidens son all the best. Like all educated people, I see the terrible flaws this policy has. Unfortunately it has killed thousands of people including thousands of our own soliders. We need to do the right thing here an end this stupid occupation and bring our men and women home.

Steve – Houston

You wrote, "Hillary is not campaigning on a war platform and so the question of Chelsea shouldn't logically arise in comparison to Romney's sons. So check your knowledge of the facts first next time you want to deride someone else's comments."

So based on your logic (Romney is campaigning on a War Platform – therefore it is ok to question why his INDEPENDENT ADULT sons aren't in the military?)

I guess then – since Hillary is running on a Platform of Protecting Women's Rights we can ask Hillary what Chelsea is doing to help sexually assaulted women? Women that suffer at the hands of abusers like Chelsea's father?

Wow, now he joins the countless of other young men over there. I wish I had a front page news article for the couple of times I deployed to the middle east. This is nothing special at all, get it off the front page.

To captain Beau Biden.
Good Luck to you and all the troops.Our son.Mark Luongo will be deployed in Sept/Oct.We will be praying for him,you and all of our wonderful soldiers and their families.
Thank you for serving.Sincerely
Marianne C. Luongo

Maybe if a presidential canidate's son gets killed, the oval office will open it's eyes and end the evil intentions of Bush and Cheney and their money grubbing ways. NO BLOOD FOR OIL!!!!!!

Jon,
He was asked by the sister of a major that had served in Iraq.

Ryan NY writes, "And that might have been fine had he kept his mouth shut at that point, but you forgot the last part of that quote, you know, the part that's important to my comment"

I see – because Romney is being ASKED by a reporter about his boys – and he includes in his total answer how he is proud of them, supports them, and appreciates their help in his campaign... THIS is Romney "spouting" off?

Ryan Ryan Ryan... It is a sad day in American Politics when a father (questioned about his boys) answers with an affirming supportive answer – and later accused of "spouting off" or used by left-leaning pundants as something negative.

Sad very sad.

This message is for Joanne who's son is paying for his medical bills. Please have him contact the VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America) they will try and help him in both his physical and emotional care.

Good luck.

Marcus proud member of the VVA

JON,
For someone berating others for not "ACTUALLY" reading the news, you're hopelessly wrong yourself. It wasn't a reporter than asked Romney the question it was a citizen in a town hall meeting and the question was, "How do your 5 sons plan to support our troops by enlisting in the military? The question was in the context that Romney has said in the past that if elected president, he would support our troops by expanding the military and sustaining the war in Iraq. The lady questioner was just pointing out the irony of sustaining the war by sacrificing the sons and daughters of others while his own brood was safe at home. Hillary is not campaigning on a war platform and so the question of Chelsea shouldn't logically arise in comparison to Romney's sons. So check your knowledge of the facts first next time you want to deride someone else's comments.

Best wishes to Biden's son. It is bad enough that Joe already lost his wife in an auto accident.

Since Iraq is an unconventional war...there are no frontlines and thus no soldier is safe.

Even people like his son whom have auxilliary or support roles are spared not.

I just pray this war is over soon.

Buddy from Rancho Mirage CA asks:

“But has Biden ever served? If not what right does he have to talk about the issue at all?”

Buddy -

Senator Biden was rejected from military service on medical grounds, but would have been eligible in case of a national emergency

Senator Biden talks about this because it is his job, as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

And EVERY American, veteran or not, has the right to talks about this issue.

For a large data-base of politicians service records (or lack thereof) see:

http://www.awolbush.com/whoserved.html

I wish hi the very best. Hopefully he will com home safe and sound. My son was injured in Iraq 2 yrs ago and still hasn't received a penny in benenfits from the army or VA. He is paying out of pocket for his doctor and his meds. He doesn't meet VA's "criteria" for his meds. We have been fighting this battle for over 15 months.

Hey Will,

I think Duncan Hunter has a son that's either is serving or has served in Iraq.

Can someone tell me what a real American is? It is frustrating to me to hear people say who is real and who is not a True American Patriot (or whatever the label of the week is) when most of the people accusing people of being bad Americans have done nothing more for his country than suck and sell this country dry and then scurry back into their lairs before the sun comes up.

Ryan NY,

Good grief…you're just like Hillary! Accusing Romney of "spouting off" about his sons. If you were to actually READ news articles – you would see that Romney was being asked by a reporter why his sons hadn't enlisted. Romney gave a sensible answer that I guess you can't accept (all-volunteer military, his sons are adults and can make their own choices).
And that might have been fine had he kept his mouth shut at that point, but you forgot the last part of that quote, you know, the part that's important to my comment:

“One of the ways my sons are showing support for our nation is helping to get me elected because they think'd I be a great president (laughter) and my son Josh brought the family Winnibago and has visited 99 counties most of them with his three kids and his wife, and I respect that and all of those and the way they serve this great country.

You know, the part where he equates helping him get elected with military service. Maybe you should try reading the articles to the end.

From a Republican and JAG veteran, I wish Captain Biden, and all U.S. troops, the best. God Bless.

Let's resume the air war, flatten that rat trap, and let our people come home safe. If we have 155,000 people in Iraq, then there are exactly that number of people that I give a darn about.

Everyone keeps wondering about the right exit strategy will further a lasting peace. History shows us that the ten day plan we employed in Japan in August 1945 seemed to do the trick. If we are going to have to fight this War, let's try to win it.

Looking at how this blog has developed, I can see that people are starting to realize that Biden has both the experience of Clinton and the passion and independence of Obama. What an unheard-of event in politics–to be flung into the top tier not by a truckload of money, but by an act of integrity.

God bless Joe Biden and his family.

Wally ~ Long Beach,

FACTS contradict your views (republicans are for the war but don't want to personally sacrifice for the "cause")

The good men and women serving in Iraq are only democrat kids?

Come on, Wally. They're AMERICANS (republicans, democrat, independent,etc). You have no basis to state republicans don't want to "personally sacrifice".

If you DO have evidence – please share.

But has Biden ever served? If not what right does he have to talk about the issue at all?

Joe Biden is well qualified to be president. Why doesn't CNN mention the fact that he doesn't own stock in order to not be beholden to corporations. Check what Biden has accomplished (deeds not words)and compare his accomplishments to those of the other candidates. Joe's new book 'Promises To Keep' is one everyone should read.

I wouldn't vote for Biden just because he has a son in the military. It's a mistake to discredit Romney just because his sons found other ways to be productive and honorable citizens besides joining the military. I'm grateful to those who serve our country in the armed forces. We fight to support and defend the US Constitution, no one swears allegiance to any political candidate or party. While we are all volunteers, the pay would need to be increased substantially to call us mercenaries. I'm also grateful to those who serve our country who aren't in the military, they are the good parents, the teachers, the farmers, etc. they love America too. I serve in the Army, my dad served in Vietnam, both of my grandfathers fought in WWII, my wife's brother is in the Navy.

Good luck Captain Biden, may you and your colleagues in the Delaware National Guard stay safe and return to your families.

To Senator Biden and his family, all our thoughts should be with you during the period of your son's deployment.

Jon
There's no blind eye. But there is the fact that, generally speaking, republicans are for the war, but don't want to personally sacrifice for the "cause".

With the acception of McCain are any of the Republican's kids serving in Iraq

Joe Biden is a "breath of fresh air" in this mud slinging campaign.

To Myron, Honolulu, HI
When you mentioned Dick Chaney's friends about getting no bid contacts of course toy are referring to Haliburton. Something you don't know is that El Presidenti Clinton is the one who allowed Haliburton to operate with no bid contracts. Also, one of the largest Stock holders happens to be a very liberal democrat, Lady Bird Johnson (now deceased) just so happens she got the stock while her husband was still the El Predidenti. This is information not reported by CNN.

The highest of praise to Capt. Biden & his troops, to my stepson and his Annapolis MD troops who are shipping out next month, and all the soldiers already in IRAQ. God bring them all back safely.

Hey Jon,

Maybe Chelsea is waiting for the Bush twins to enlist? Seemed to overlook those two social gems huh?

Beau Biden is a REAL American. I wish him well.

I am a "Liberal" and unlike the previous poster I support a draft. The reason is if there is a draft enacted, the prospect for ending the war sooner is greater. Once the children of "privilege" are involved, there would be such an outcry that we would have to pull out. God forbid little Buffy or Muffie should get their hands dirty.

As it stands now, the politicans believe that war is o.k as long as their loved ones are not deployed. Nevermind that those fighting have been through the revolving door numerous times without much of a break.

They are coming back broken and we need to spend more resourses on fixing those this government have broken.

War, who cares
What is it good for?
Absolutely NOTING!

Been there, done that.

Regarding the liberal draft...who cares if they want it, they'll just end up dodging it anyway.

While I certainly wish Mr. Biden's son well while in Iraq, what exactly makes him any differnt than the tens of thousands of other families who are saying goodbye to loved ones this year? Maybe I will ponder that while I spend my wedding anniversary, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and hopefully NOT the birth of our first child without my husband this year.

Wow, this little blurb made an impact on me. I'm not sure why it made me think about this. I mostly have been hearing in the news about how much more experience Clinton has over Obama. But Biden has so much more experience over Clinton.... And character.

Ryan NY,

Good grief...you're just like Hillary! Accusing Romney of "spouting off" about his sons. If you were to actually READ news articles – you would see that Romney was being asked by a reporter why his sons hadn't enlisted. Romney gave a sensible answer that I guess you can't accept (all-volunteer military, his sons are adults and can make their own choices).

SHAWN ~ DENVER, CO

You're taking yourself too seriously and obviously unable to detect nuances in writing.

My statement, "I love it when liberals call for the 'draft' when it's republican kids but turn a blind eye to democrats" – is pointing out the absurdity of partisan idiots that want to point fingers at Romney (why aren't your boys in the military) but NEVER ask or think about the democrat candidates (ie Hillary's daughter Chelsea). I used the term "DRAFT" because the partisan idiots seem to think republican kids should be FORCED into service somehow.

Undoubtedly many will say YES republican kids should have to serve since it's "republicans" that start or support wars....

Hillary Clinton – voted yes on Iraq
John Edwards – voted yes on Iraq

WW-1 (D) President Woodrow Wilson
WW-2 (D) FDR
Korea (D) Truman
Vietnam (D) JFK
Vietnam (D) LBJ
Vietname (R) Nixon got us out
Kosovo (D) Clinton

How about leaving ALL the candidates' kids out of the Presidential campaign?

I would like to welcome Sen. Biden to sleepless nights, avoiding the news and wondering if that knock on the door is coming from the Army chaplain. Living that life is not fun and I am waiting for Sept 9th when I can open my arms to my ex and welcome him and his company home from their 3rd tour.

Hey Tom
They didn't hear you.
God bless the Biden family, hard times are ahead.

ha " Ill leave your family alone"? what part of this does he mean? with the wire taps? same sex marriage?
two of the closest relationships in his life are his daughter and his ex-wife , He betrayed his wife's trust and doesn't have his daughters trust at all. I wonder why....

Scott Austin from Texas: Romney was the one who said that, not Biden.

Biden is a good man who continues to impress. He is consistently the most truthful and educated of all the candidates (Even the Clinton News Network gives him that). He is the only one with the foreign policy experience to restore our nation AND have the actual balls to stand up and get stuff done. Biden, you have my full support.

I've been indifferent regarding Joe Biden's policies over the years. Sometimes I agree with his points, others not.

In this instance, hats-off to him.

Tom from Dedham has it right, please no partisan cheap shots here.

Chip

I wish him well and hope he returns safely.

I believe Sen. Jim Webb's son is also currently serving in Iraq, corrent me if I am mistaken.

Jon, give it up already sugarpie.

Jon from Sacramento_

Since you usually have some of the most intelligent comments on the Ticker (though I often disagree), I never expected such an ignorant comment from you.

TO ALL CONSERVATIVES:
Liberals, or progressives, or Democrats, DO NOT HATE America, do not hate the military, and they're not communists. This type of Rovian/Hannity/Limbaugh hate mongering is dangerous in public discourse. You can disagree with opinions, but this CRAP has got to end.
DEMOCRATS love American–we want to restore the reputation of the great nation that is now slipping away from all of us.

And by the way, I have independent views and don't always follow the dogma of any party.

I don't support Joe Biden and am not a democrat but this is about something more than that and here we do see a sense of dedication and commitment. I do want to wish him and Beau the best of luck and Godspeed. Here is a man who could have easily shirked his duty considering his position and his fathers position and yet he is out there unwilling to do that.

God bless him.

You mean his son isn't going to show his patriotisim by staying here and helping his Dad get elected? He instead will go to Iraq?
Good luck to him, and all of those leaving for that insane mess this administration has created.
If they do bring back the draft then every single person still supporting this WAR should be drafted, and every politician who still supports Bush should have their children drafted!
I pray that all our military men and women return home very soon.

I enjoy the fact that Jon from Sacramento showed his complete ignorance about liberal point of views.

Allow me to explain. Liberals, in the overall majority, do not want a draft of ANY form. There has really been only one Representative (Charles Rangel of New York) in Congress that continually calls for a draft, but his calls are basically ignored by other members in congress. Otherwise, liberals do not ever want one.

Please do research, or at least have some common sense before you try to attack one side.

Regardless, I hope Biden's kid stays safe when he gets deployed, along with all the other troops out there.

I have a lot of respect for Senator Biden. He is one of the few candidates that answers questions forthright and with honesty, and he actually has a realistic plan to bring this war to a reasonable end if elected president. The willingness of his son to serve in our military overseas only adds to the integrity of the Biden family IMO. God bless, and I hope your son will return home safely & soon.

This guy radiates sincerity, competence, and integrity. No campaign manager can make someone do that.

More importantly, he is the only Democratic candidate with the skill, experience, AND compassion to lead this country in accordance with the spirit of the founding fathers, and the candidate with the BEST shot against the Republicans in the general election.

Look at how he takes care of his own district (and actually LIVES there, commuting to Capital Hill by PUBLIC transportation EVERY DAY). But that's all you can afford if you vowed after getting elected at the age of 29 never to get into the stock market so as not to be influenced inappropriately. And not to mentioned he had maintained his integrity and his impressive record of public service throughout the worst kind of personal loss imaginable.

Since he doesn't have a warchest because he values integrity over money, it is up to us, the people, to help his campaign catch fire, and the best way is just by telling other people what you know about him. Unlike CNN, not every network is committed to giving candidates equal coverage, so this is going to be grassroots or nothing.

Now that's what I'm talking about! If we have to fight this God-forsaken war, let it be from the ranks of power first. My only regret is that it's families like the Bidens, who oppose it, rather than people like Romney and the vocal ~30% minority that want it. Seems backwards to me. I wonder just how vocal that minority would be if we DID reinstitute the draft, raised the bar to 45 years of age, and made a provision to selective service to prioritize names from voluntary petition those that claim to still support the war by signing it.

Jon... I resent the comment about all the burden going to the Republicans, as most people don't realize just how stratified the military actually is now in terms of voting and/or political idealogy. The idea that only Republican families have the moral character that elicits their children to serve their country is absurd and insulting. I served multiple tours in Afghanistan, my brother was both in the Air Force and Army, my uncle served with honors in Vietnam, and my father was a Korean War draftee; All African American... all historically voted Democrat. Get your head out of your ass! I think Scott was referring, by sarcasm, to people like G.W. Bush, who had the audacity to cop out of Vietnam so he could work on his fathers campaign teams, then didn't have the respect for uniform to even show up for Guard drills most of the time.

Well said, Tom from Dedham!
Hats off to you

Auburn, ma

Finally, a candidate who speaks about the reality of the situation "But I don’t want my grandsons or granddaughters going back in 15 years. So how we leave makes a big difference".

Jon,
The difference is that I don't recall Hillary shooting her mouth off about how Chelsea's current endeavors are equivalent to our soldiers' efforts overseas.

By the way, liberals are calling for a draft of everyone's kids, both Republican and Democrat. They'd rather have neither drafted, but if we're going to keep fighting wars, it's time to make it a national effort rather than a borderline mercenary system. You can disagree with that assessment, but explain why signing bonuses have been on the rise if the military isn't viewing itself that way.

Hats off to the Biden family.
It is the brave service of those like you that allow us to be the shining beacon of liberty that we are today.

This will add credibility to Biden's campaign.

So when exactly are Mitt Romeny's five adult sons going to deploy??

Thank you Captain Biden!

We welcome your parents to the world of sleepless nights.

Unfortunately, there aren't enough heroes like you.

God Bless

How does it SUPPORT OUR TROUPS to send them to be targeted in a no WIN WAR?
We never had anything to WIN except for non-bid contracts to Dick Chaney’s Corporate Friends. Not putting the people to work immediately was the secret cause of the Iraq War Failure.

I wonder how much influence his son had on his own decesion to join the American Fighting Force? I mean, do you think he was "encouraged" to join the military?

Scott, ... and why isn't Chelsea being deployed? Oh, she didn't enlist and she is here helping mommy get elected. Right?

I love it when liberals specifically call for the "draft" when it's Republican kids but turn a blind eye to Democrats.

Sen. Biden is the only Presidential candidate in either party to have a viable plan to get us out of Iraq in a credible manner.
He is (if I'm not mistaken) also the only candidate to have a son or daughter serving in Iraq; this same son also served in Afghanistan several years ago.
It's time the media give the Biden & his campaign some equal time.

I tell you.....this guy has guts. He is telling the American people that he is willing to sacrafice his own child in order to win over America, and their vote. Good for him.

Setting aside the irrational rationale for the war in Iraq, or the incompetent military strategy for coping with the occupation, or the personal sacrifice of our troops and their families... this story also highlights another important failure of the Bush administration: the gross misuse and depletion of our National Guard.

How exactly is meddling in someone else’s civil war supposed to be guarding our nation?

I hope that Senator Biden’s son, and all our courageous troops come home safely.

I thought the best way to serve your country was to have your sons stay home and help get their daddy elected, not fight for your country overseas.

No dumbass partisan comments needed here, we ALL should wish him well.