As I reported way back in August of this year, the Republican candidates running for the U.S. Senate here in Tennessee are bankrupt on ideas when it comes to Iraq.Thus far in the race Ed Bryant, Van Hilleary, or Bob Corker have yet to really say anything about the situation in Iraq, other than that we should "stay the course."
However, the American people are not buying that line anymore.
It is time we had a serious debate over what is currently going on in Iraq and what the future holds in that regard.
It is time that new ideas and new strategies are put forth so we can be successful in Iraq and bring our troops home as soon as possible.
What is needed for the situation in Iraq is a gradual draw down strategy.
The main objective should be to turn over power to the Iraqis as quickly as possible.
In congruence, the U.S. should bring in other countries to be part of a rapid return team, which would be deployed right outside of Iraq, possibly in Jordan or Kuwait, which would then agree to help re-build Iraq.
Personally, I am proud Congressman Harold Ford Jr. is standing up and talking about the situation in Iraq and what needs to be done to ensure success there.
Once again, Ford has shown himself to be a true leader.
For example, in June, Congressman Ford released a letter to the President upon returning from Iraq to give him a personal assessment of how things are going in Iraq.
Then in July, the Congressman wrote an op-ed in which he detailed what he thought should be done in Iraq, calling for new ideas and new strategies to ensure success.
In November, in an effort to find much needed answers, Congressman Ford called for Congressional hearings on pre-war intelligence that was used in the lead up to the Iraq war.
Also in November, Ford released a plan to President Bush which detailed a plan for success in Iraq.
Simply put, Congressman Ford has went about this important issue the way a U.S. Senator should.
The job of a U.S. Senator is to hold the executive branch accountable and to come up with ideas to real problems.
Harold Ford has passed with flying colors while all three of his Republican opponents have failed miserably.
It is time for a serious debate and serious solutions.
Comments
In light of the Republicans' clear disdain and lack of interest for the situation in Iraq, I am going to keep a Silence Tracker, which will keep track of the number of days they continue to ignore this all important issue.
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