On the day the President delivered his speech to a captive audience of Naval Academy cadets, we said good-bye to our oldest boy, Rob, as he headed off for the war in Iraq. My husband, Bob, a Reagan Republican and retired Army warrant officer, was furious. He's fed up with the empty rhetoric that is sending our son to fight what we now know is a meaningless war.
My opponent, John Carter, recently called the war "a huge success." Over 2000 American soldiers killed. At least 15,000 wounded, many grievously. Over 200 billion of our tax dollars spent to invade and occupy Iraq, while the insurgency grows daily and the killing skyrockets.
I don't know one soldier who has served in Iraq - or any military family - who believes the Iraq war is a success.
U.S. Congressman John Murtha, a retired Marine Colonel and Vietnam Vet, has called "for immediate redeployment of U.S. troops, consistent with the safety of U.S. forces, to create a quick-reaction force in the region, to create an over-the-horizon presence of Marines, and to diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq." He is absolutely right.
My opponent, John Carter, joined a small shameless gang of Republican Congressman to accuse Murtha, recipient of two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry, of wanting "to take the cowardly way out."
John Carter does not deserve, much less understand, the sacrifice and bravery of the volunteer soldiers he sent to fight and die in Iraq.
We are a military family. We do not flinch at the call to arms - the call of duty. We are so proud of our oldest boy. Our three little grandgirls will miss their daddy. Our hearts will ache with worry until he returns safely to us.
Meanwhile, I will continue on the road I set out on months ago; to challenge Republican John Carter in the 31st Congressional District of Texas and win next November. Please visit my website at MaryBethHarrellforCongress.com