March 6, 2007
Congressman Mike Arcuri
10 Broad Street
Utica, NY, 13501
Dear Congressman Arcuri:
I am writing to express my concern about the position the Blue Dog Democrats are taking on the Iraq War.
From its inception, the war has been a disaster. It was based upon lies of members of an administration which, for both ideological and self-serving reasons, was committed to making war on the nation of Iraq even prior to September 11, 2001. The political and military environment in Iraq is now well beyond reparable. Indeed, the American occupation is likely making things worse. Not only does it focus the Iraqi peoples’ anger and incite violence, it has proved an invaluable recruiting tool for al Qaeda and other extremists throughout the Middle East and beyond.
The American people understand this, and Congress will eventually be forced to end this war. The question is: which Members will be the last few holdouts in prolonging this war?
In addition to being a strategic and diplomatic catastrophe, the Iraq War has been incompetently planned and executed. This has real consequences for real human beings. Our soldiers are out there with improper equipment, reduced training, and vastly longer tours of duty.
Either Iraq’s civil war is the definitive global struggle of our lifetime, or it isn’t. If it is, institute the draft and really put the nation on war footing. But you and I both know it is not. It is time for you and the rest of the Blue Dogs to stand up to this President – whose approval ratings have dipped below 30% -- and stand with your fellow Democrats on ending this war.
The Murtha plan would be a good place to start.