FACT: desertion rates for the U.S. Army are up 80% since the Iraq war started. It is at its highest level since 1980 according to Roy Wallace, Director of Plans and Resources for Army personnel as reported by the Associated Press.
The desertion rate jumped 42% just over the past year. One of the reasons is repeated tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army has been stretched to the breaking point because of this and will only be reversed by an increase in Army personnel.
This is the war that was supposed to be a cakewalk. The President, Vice President, and the other neocons who clamored for this war and told America we would be welcomed with open arms have done an injustice to our men and women in uniform. Almost 53 months ago Mr. Bush landed on an aircraft carrier and proclaimed "mission accomplished" and that "major combat operations were ended." And now as we speak, 53 months later, our brave men and women in uniform are still paying the ultimate price over a war and occupation over WMD that did not exist.
The reckless, arrogant, and casual way this president took our country to war with out the proper planning and equipment to protect our troops in a prolong war was irresponsible and flagrant. The President and many Republicans are still in denial. The fallout from this unnecessary war continues to worsen on a daily basis.
The President could end this war tomorrow if he had the character to do so, but he lacks the wisdom to do so because he can not admit to any mistakes. In fact he has already told the people the next President will have to deal with the problem. A truly strong leader would put our country and our men and women in uniform first. Bush doesn't. I hope the American people elect someone in '08 who will.
