Allen is All Hat

When it comes to war, fighting a war, understanding the sacrifices of war, Virginia's U.S. Democratic Senate candidate, James Webb, a decorated Marine and former Navy Secretary, with a son currently serving with the Marines in Iraq, knows of what he speaks. Webb calls Bush's war with Iraq an "incredible strategic blunder of historic proportions." (WaPo)

His challenger, U.S. Republican Senator George Allen during his debate with Webb Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" spewed the Bush line of "staying the course." Asked whether more U.S. troops should be sent, Allen said, "We're going to need to do what it takes to succeed."

Whatever that means.... no draft has been instituted, and our troops and equipment are wearing out. Does he mean to extend yet again the tour of duty for our already overextended brave military on the front lines? Pour more billions of tax dollars into the quagmire?

What expertise does Allen bring to the debate? Has he served in the military, experienced war? No. Has he held a key civilian military post? No. Are any of his children serving in the military? No. He is, as they say in Texas, "All hat and no cattle" when it comes to war and war policy.

Allen gets all of his lines from our Darth Vader President who was "seduced by the dark side of the Force"..... who, with the corrupted GOP-led Congress, is bent on continuing his failed war in Iraq, a war which is enriching his corporate buddies, pursued at the expense of our liberties and moral standing in the world and our sense of moral pride at home.

It is experience that restrains our great leaders from pursuing war, especially wars of choice. Our great modern-day warrior, General Dwight Eisenhower.... successful Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during WWII and the 34th President of the United States... made the point during his farewell address to the nation:

"...America's leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment.... to keep the peace, to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among peoples and among nations.

"To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people.

"Any failure traceable to arrogance or our lack of comprehension or readiness to sacrifice would inflict upon us a grievous hurt, both at home and abroad.... In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

"We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals so that security and liberty may prosper together."

November.