Petraeus: Iraq Still "Central Front"

In an article by the Washington Post, Ernesto Landono and Amit Paley report General Petraeus has said that Iraq remains "the central front" for Al Qaida and other extremists.

 

Now we have a general who is playing politics with the war in Iraq over WMD that did not exist.  Prior to the war, Al Qaida was no where to be found in Iraq, in any part Saddam Hussein controlled.  It was our reckless invasion and occupation of Iraq and the military blunder in planning that created Al Qaida in Iraq. 

 

It is indeed a sad situation for our men and women in uniform when the Commander-in-Chief and the general running the war almost 2 years after the surge still can't tell the people when and how this war will end.  In fact, despite their allegations that the surge has been a success, both say the situation in Iraq is so fragile that it can change at any minute.  To me, that is not success.  It reminds me of "mission accomplished." which Mr. Bush proclaimed over five years ago.

 

I have written before that George Bush will turn this war over to the next President instead of taking care of the problem himself.  In February 2009, one month after he leaves office, 8,000 troops will come home.  That will still leave more troops in Iraq than before the surge but Mr. Bush will be gone.  

Paul Newman --- A Great American

Paul Newman passed away at age 83.  He lived the life of a true American in every sense of the word and in deed.  As a movie star, his success as an actor was instantly and lasting.  He was respected by his peers and all that knew him.

 

Newman and his wife choose to live their lives outside the Hollywood lifestyle.  They were private people and he gave very few public interviews.  Newman was also a very generous person, especially with children who needed help and with various charitable organizations.  It has been reported that his food business gave all of its profits to charities that totaled over $250 million.  Paul also visited those charities and especially loved to spend time with the children his charities supported.

 

Paul Newman was an American who made a positive difference in a lot of people's lives and the world.  The people he touched are better off because of his qualities.  Paul Newman brought out the best of qualities on what being an American is all about.

 

God bless you Paul Newman.