Reply #6: Dear Gov. Dean -- “I would not have gone to war on such flimsy grounds”

[understandinglife]

9 January 2006 (# 35)

This letter is intentionally brief because of the nature of the comments, the person making them, and the historical context.

General Sir Michael Rose KCB CBE DSO QGM and author of “Fighting for Peace” has the following background:

… commissioned into the Coldstream Guards in 1964 and was selected for the Special Air Service Regiment. Following service with the SAS in Malaya and Oman, he commanded the 22nd SAS Regiment (1979-82) during which time it was involved in the London Iranian Embassy siege and the Falklands War. From January 1994 to January 1995 he assumed command of the UN Protection Force in Bosnia after which he became Adjutant General and a member of the Army Board. Now retired from the Service, he writes and lectures on peace-keeping and leadership.

Link: http://www.pharmaventures.com/pr_171103.html

The UK Mail on Sunday quotes Gen Rose’s assessment of war on Iraq and what should be done to Prime Minister Blair and others:

"I think the politicians should be held to account ... my view is that Blair should be impeached. That would prevent the politicians treating quite so carelessly the subject of taking a country into war."

A high-profile resignation of a senior armed forces officer before the start of the March 2003 conflict may also have made the British Government think twice before sending troops to the Gulf, he added.

"I would not have gone to war on such flimsy grounds," he said.

Link: http://tinyurl.com/9e7f6

Martin Bell who made the movie “Iraq: The Failure of War” commented on Gen. Rose’s perceptions:

"Ordering the armed forces to war is the most serious decision any government takes. On Iraq it was taken with a degree of nonchalance bordering on negligence," said Bell, who is a former independent Member of Parliament.

Rose's opinion revives a call made in November 2004 when 23 MPs filed a motion to impeach Blair on charges of "gross misconduct" over the US-led invasion. … it was the first such bid to impeach a prime minister in 198 years.

Link: http://tinyurl.com/9e7f6

Apart from the fact that war of aggression is illegal. Apart from the fact that even planning a war of aggression is illegal. The act of risking the lives of citizens whom one has sworn to protect, by thrusting them into an unjustifiable war, is the most heinous act a Prime Minister or President can commit – Bush and Blair did just that.

It is inconceivable that any candidate receiving support from the DNC would not be expected to demand that Bush and Cheney be impeached and commit to making that happen if they are elected to Congress. We must restore the rule of law in America.

Thank you for your continued leadership,