The military is the most important industry in this area. This locale is the home of
Camp Lejune. Camp Lejune is comprised of five major Marine Corp commands and one Navy command. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and New River Marine Corps Air Station are here. This is where the Marines train. These soldiers are the "Expeditionary Forces in Readiness." They have been so for the last fifty years. This is, the
3rd Congressional District of North Carolina and the home of Republican Representative
Walter B. Jones.
In this region, the military dominates. Active-duty Marines are housed in this district, as are their dependent children. These military men and women protect and defend their loved ones and the citizens of the United States of America. They are the few, the proud, and prideful of the legend they create. They are "Semper Fidelis," always faithful. Military retirees live here, some 60,000 of these. They too honor the heritage.
Civilian men and women in this community work in industries that support the armed forces. In a locality such as this, the word "war" is understood. People here support the troops. There are signs of their encouragement everywhere. Towns in this region are inundated with yellow ribbons. Banners are displayed boldly urging Americans to "Honk for the Troops" and "Pray for Our Heroes."
So why is it that last week, the noted Republican hawk that represents these people went before Congress and proposed that the President, the Pentagon plan and secure an exit strategy? Why did Representative Walter B. Jones decide that it was time, time to end this war?
What caused the Congressman to change his stance? This man was once known for his staunch support of the war effort. He was solidly behind President Bush. He expressed his disdain for those that did not sanction the same. Jones was loathsome of countries such as France. How could they defame our war against "evil?" How dare they not participate in the conflict! Jones suggested a boycott of all French products. Representative Jones was the first to publicly proclaim, that we no longer call "French" fries "French." He designated these "freedom fries." Why would a man such as this now stand before the President and rescind his support?
It was pain. Congressman Walter B. Jones felt such grief each time he put pen to paper. Every time the congressman wrote a note of condolence to families of the fallen, his heart ached. When he spoke to parents, husbands, wives, or the children of soldiers, he felt their sorrow. The anguish grew. Congressman Jones is not the only one in his district to feel the pain; many do.
Walter B. Jones and his constituents heard the words of W., "this will be a protracted war." There is no end in sight. Our enemy is elusive. We have no single country to attack; terrorists are everywhere. Bush claims they are here, there, and the United States must pursue them wherever they are. We must "hunt them down." President Bush maintains we must eliminate "evil." Mr. Bush tells us, this endeavor has no end.
No end? No exit strategy? After 2 ½ long years, Congressman Jones decided he could not continue; he could and would no longer support a war that was executed on false premises. How could he commit himself to a plan that did not and does not exist? To do so is contrary to the tradition of military strategic planning and therefore, conflicts with all that Jones himself believes.
Some members of his community are expressing the same. Their thoughts were presented in a recent Los Angeles Times article and are reiterated here. Retired Marine Colonel Jim Van Riper, a veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm says Jones "was right to go after the administration." He added that there was a time when he too supported the U.S. presence in Iraq but he faulted the war plan. "Rumsfeld and the neo-cons have fouled it up from the beginning."
Jack Ubert, a retiree from Amityville, New York, now living in North Carolina, approves of Jones "taking a pretty tough stance." Mr. Ubert adds, "Saddam deserves whatever he gets. I was never sure why we had to go in there and dictate to them. It's just like with nuclear weapons: We think we're the only ones who should have them. We want to make all the rules."
Retired Army Major General Hugh R. Overholt, a lawyer in New Bern, North Carolina describes himself as a strong supporter of Jones. He states, "I'm very concerned about our force." Major General Overholt believes the administration should do what's required and "get it over as soon as possible."
Nevertheless, there are those that disagree with Jones' turnabout. They still strongly support the conflict as is. They back the President. Christy May, 42 years of age and the wife of a Marine serving in Iraq, believes it would be a mistake to set a fixed time for withdrawal. She asserts "History shows that it wouldn't make sense for us to walk away all of a sudden." She acknowledges that she and her husband, a supply and logistics specialist differ on this point. Marine May questions whether the United States should be there at all.
This debate is occurring in families and communities throughout our nation, not only in military neighborhoods. It is apparent nation-wide. As the insurgent attacks increase, National polls reveal a change of heart. Americans in mass are turning against the war. As costs continue to rise, as photographs are released, and more importantly as our troops come home, people are touched personally.
As the discussion intensifies, the United States Congress heeds the call. Previously, representatives were reluctant to challenge the administration on the war. There were people throughout our nation protesting the war, even before it began, me, among them. However, their voices were weak, muffled and muted by the press. Coverage of their concern was miniscule, and often hidden. In contrast, the President appeared powerful; people liked him. Many expressed their desire to have a beer with Bush. He was elect-able and we did in fact, finally elect him, or at least some did.
Notwithstanding, times changed. Recent polls show that Bush is loosing his charisma, at least on issues such as this war. With this knowledge in hand, Conservative Republican hawk, Walter B. Jones, a man hurt by the war, led a small committee of congressman. Four are now pressing the President and the Pentagon for answers. These members are requesting that the White House submit a plan for withdrawal by the end of the year and begin troop reductions by October 2006.
This bipartisan group is comprised of two Republicans, Walter B. Jones of North Carolina, and Ron Paul of Texas. Of course, there are liberal members; Democrats Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii and Dennis Kucinich of Ohio are these. These four soldiers of the people planned a news conference to discuss legislation calling on Bush to phase out the U.S. military presence in Iraq. This was powerful!
Senator Lincoln D. Chafee, Republican of Rhode Island, said he might sign on. Chafee, who opposed the war, said there is growing demand in each of the congressional branches. Numerous members are asking Bush to clarify his goals. What is this war in Iraq, Afghanistan, and against terrorism about, weapons of mass destruction or something yet to be publicly revealed? When will it end? Chafee believes that this turn is a direct response to the escalating public concern.
However, for Representative Jones, it is more. Jones' own history makes his recent stance more relevant. "Jones built his congressional career on advocacy for the military." He voted to authorize the war. He displays photographs of the fallen outside his Capitol Hill office. He represents a military hub; Marine bases no less. Congressman Jones has long been an active advocate of this war effort. However, even he, after much thought and experience, has doubts. Ironically, his involvement caused him to turn against the war.
Walter B. Jones is now asking, as others do, please America be involved. Pay attention not only to what the media, reluctantly presents, attend to what is within the homes of your friends, your families, within your hearts. Speak to those that know soldiers, discuss the war experience with those that have been there. Forego blind faith and consider that GW Bush never served as he asks others to do. Vice President Cheney requested and received six deferments during the Viet Nam war. He had no desire to place his life on the line.
America, ask questions, question authority, assess for your selves. Why are we in Iraq? Who are the terrorists? What is their threat and how effective will it be if we continue to do as we are doing? Are our current actions the only possibility? Is there a plan, and is it plausible. Engage, immerse yourself as Walter B. Jones did and be open to discovery. Please, keep up with this Jones, Walter B. Jones United States Congressman.
Betsy L. Angert Be-Think