Greetings from Seattle. I am spending two days with my 3 year old grandson who will be saddled with the $2.4 trillion Iraq War debt. This fact further strengthens my resolve to change course in Iraq. I don't have a vote......yet. But I must represent Idahoans and Americans who want to develop a new path for Iraq, one that leads us quickly out of this war. I am posting this diary today so you are aware of my position and can discuss it with me.
Most Idahoans agree with me and are shocked by the escalation of the war and the escalating price tag. You must understand that Idahoans do not rush into international agreements and entanglements. Independent minded Idahoans are cautious about policies that don't have exit strategies and are open-ended. This war violates those basic conservative principles and it is why I will win this election in 2008.
I released the following statement this week:
"The vast majority of troops should be pulled out of the country or re-deployed to support and train Iraqis within 12-14 months."
"The Congress should insist that the upcoming funding request from the Bush Administration reflects this timetable and drawdown of troops in Iraq. We saw just yesterday the funding request by the Bush Administration that is piecemeal and ever expanding."
"Idahoans tell me every day the cost of this war must come under control. The Congress is the only body capable of stemming the flow of dollars to this seemingly endless war."
"Idahoans understand the total cost of this war is crashing through $1 trillion, and they know this obligation will be absorbed by our children and grandchildren. Someone must put the brakes on this war now."
"As a U.S. Army intelligence officer during the Vietnam era, I believe it should be a military decision of how the troops should be withdrawn, but the political decision to withdraw should not be delayed. The withdrawal should begin now, not next month or next year. It definitely cannot wait for the next Administration."
"In April, I called for a new direction in Iraq. In September, I called for a draw down of troops in Iraq. Today, I call for a strategic change in the Bush Administration’s failed policy in Iraq and for an orderly withdrawal of American troops."
"The Bush Administration’s failed Iraq strategy will cost the U.S. more than one trillion dollars, leave our military infrastructure fractured, and lose thousands of American lives. It has not made us stronger. It has made us weaker. And the strategy risks a larger Middle East war in Turkey and Iran."
"Our key allies have recognized the failure of the Bush Administration’s strategy and have begun to withdraw their troops. The U.S. should make the strategic decision to begin a troop withdrawal and replace our military focus with a diplomatic initiative in the region."
LaRocco for Senate
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