In spite of the valiant efforts of our American troops, the simple reality is that our unilateral, preemptive invasion of Iraq has: (1) exacted a dreadful toll in American lives; (2) undermined America’s security; (3) seriously damaged America’s economy; and (4) cost the lives of an appalling number of Iraqi civilians.

Toll on the Military

It is a tribute to America’s armed forces that our troops are serving tour after tour in Iraq, carrying out orders without flinching, and in many cases adapting to new duties. Troops are not receiving adequate care for the special kinds of wounds and stresses that are the result of sustained combat. They are performing patrolling and training duties that are not the core mission of the Army and Marine Corps, without the time for intensive training on basic skills. Equipment is wearing out.

Impact on the Economy

The war is also undermining America’s economy. America’s debt is at an all-time high, and the Iraq War is a major part of the problem. Economists estimate that the Iraq War will cost three trillion dollars, and at this point, there is no realistic way to dodge that cost.

Cost in Civilian Casualities

It is also important to acknowledge the terrible cost of the war in terms of Iraqi civilian losses. According to one current estimate which includes only confirmed dead (found at www.iraqbodycount.org), between 86,000 and 95,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed.

My Positions

I believe that America must disengage in Iraq as swiftly as possible without endangering our troops. Our military must then be rebuilt and brought back up to a high level of fighting efficiency so it is available for America’s defense in clearly justifiable, unavoidable fights.

Basis in Myth & Misplaced Idealism

The Iraq War was started based on the enduring and damaging myth that every foreign problem can be solved by sending troops, and on the mistaken notion that America can transform other nations into democracies. In reality, other countries have to attain democracy through their own efforts. We as a nation cannot do this for Iraq or for any other country. It follows that we must not allow the U.S. to be drawn deeper into conflict with Iran, and that we must make some vital decisions concerning Afghanistan.

Prognosis for Iraq

Although there will likely be renewed bloodshed when we leave, I feel there would be even more if the US were to remain in Iraq. I believe the Iraqis must now be allowed to find their own future. Hopefully, they will soon achieve a peaceful, stable democracy through their own nonviolent, grassroots political efforts.

Questionable Military Actions

As a member of the U.S. Congress, which was intended by the founding fathers to be America’s policy-making body, I will do more than vote against questionable military actions. I will actively and vigorously campaign against them, which I feels is an absolute responsibility.