Dean: Bush today failed to acknowledge the 2000 dead soldiers in Iraq.

[madfloridian]

http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/10/president_bush_2.php

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today marked the tragic milestone and said Americans deserve better than President Bush's failed leadership in Iraq:

"Today, our nation marks one of the saddest days of the war in Iraq, the loss of the 2,000th American soldier there. Each soldier lost on the battlefield leaves behind a family forever marked by tragedy, and scarred with grief. Their loss weighs heavily on the heart of every single American. Today, we are united in reflecting on the suffering and sacrifice of the brave men and women in uniform and their families.

"Sadly, in delivering yet another speech about the war in Iraq that lacked a clear plan for victory, President Bush failed to mention the tragic milestone we mark today. This is not the type of leadership that the brave men and women serving in Iraq and their loved ones here at home expect or deserve from the Commander in Chief. Now, even though we have lost 2,000 servicemen and women and spent more than $218 billion over the last two years, just 800 Iraqi troops have been fully trained. The need for a clear plan for victory in Iraq cound not be more apparent.

"Democrats believe Americans, particularly Americans serving our nation in the armed forces, deserve leaders who honor their sacrifice by making sure that our armed forces are never sent to war without a clear plan for victory and without the resources to carry out that strategy. That is why Democrats are unwavering in our commitment to pressing President Bush for a clear plan for victory in Iraq. We will honor the service and sacrifices of our soldiers by continuing that effort."

[Mass]

1. plan for victory ? What is victory?

[man4allcats]

8. Plan? What plan? n/t

[Mass]

9. At the end of the statement, Dean calls on Bush to have a plan for victory

Read the last paragraph.

[man4allcats]

13. I know.

I'm just emphasizing, in my typically sardonic way, that Bush has no plan and never has had. He's just a dumb cowboy! No news to anyone here of course. :-)

[Cha]

12. "Victory", imo would be getting

our butts outta Iraq without any one else getting killed or maimed for life..not to mention psychologially scarred because you're killing innocent people.

[shance]

16. You're right Zidzi. There is no victory after the needless murders that

have occured of so many innocent people.

We can only hope we can repair some of the years of damage and killing and death we have instigated on Iraq and Afghanistan and that is going to take decades.

There is no victory here.

[Guaranteed]

18. It sounds to me like Dean is asking for TWO things, there. nt

[rzemanfl]

2. Some idiot today said 2,000 was "just an artificial mark on a wall."

I was at work so I have no link.

[alstephenson]

3. Like the Vietnam War Memorial????

[Mass]

4. The idiot is right. Why would this dead soldier be more important than

the precedent and the following.

All those who died in this war are important (be they American, Iraqi civilians, or "allied" troops).

[rzemanfl]

10. It was the "mark on a wall" part that got me. I pictured parents

marking the wall as their son grew, only to have BushCo put him in a box with this unjust war. IEDs blowing American kids into splatter marks on an Iraqi wall.

[ed murrow]

5. I get too upset

This is so sad it is hard to talk about. Especially when I thhink about all those injured and the amount of energy it will taketo undo the ill will we have planted in the Middle East.

[SpiralHawk]

6. Bush has not been to one funeral or memorial service either?

He has turned his back on the 200 soldiers who died because of the lies he told, and he has turned his back on their families as well.

2,000 dead and not one funeral. And he thinks of himself as a leader.

Shameful.

[madfloridian]

7. Only 52,000 more to go to catch up with Vietnam.

A horrible thought, but possible with the neocons in control.

[kurth]

11. More U.S. troops must die to honor troops already killed

President Addresses Joint Armed Forces Officers' Wives' Luncheon
Bolling Air Force Base
Washington, D.C.
11:33 A.M. EDT

It's such an honor to be here to stand up with so many strong and caring women -- and a few men -- (laughter) -- who are devoted to their husbands and their wives, and to our country.

I remember when Laura came over here to speak before -- she had a heck of a good time. I bet you're probably wishing she was back. (Laughter.) This is the 28th anniversary of this luncheon. (Applause.) Laura and I happen to have our 28th anniversary of our own coming up Saturday. (Applause.) You helped me remember. (Laughter.) It's the best decision I ever made, was marrying Laura in Midland, Texas. (Applause.) Some question whether or not it was the best decision she ever made. (Laughter.)

Speaking about decisions, I've got another decision to make, and maybe after the lunch you can help me, and that is what do I get her on the 28th anniversary? (Laughter.) Never mind. (Laughter.) Never mind. (Laughter.) Sorry I asked. (Laughter.) ...

Each loss of life is heartbreaking. And the best way to honor the sacrifice of our fallen troops is to complete the mission and lay the foundation of peace by spreading freedom. (Applause.)

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/10/20051025.html

[onenote]

14. I think Dean was right to make a statement but didn't make the right one

Dean should've kept his focus on the fact that the losses continue and have now reached 2000. But to describe this day as one of the saddest? That was stupid. What does that make tomorrow or the next day, when the 2001st and 2002nd Americans die? Less sad, at least until we hit a round number again? Saddest plus? What does it say to the families who's sons or daughters, husbands or wives, brothers or sisters, were numbers 1835 or 1994 or 10 or 385?

The 2000th American losing his or her life in this stupid war is just as sad as the first death -- and today is just as sad as the first day of this war and is just as sad as the next day of it will be.

onenote

[madfloridian]

15. I think it was the right one.

He is trying to get Bush to sh** or get off the pot. He is trying to force him to make clear there is no victory...and to point out to others there has been none.

I am amazed at the way people stand in wait here to go after his every statement. I am equally amazed at how many are going after the DNC without even understanding what it is. It worries me.

I did not think that was what Democratic forums were about, but just color me wrong.

It seems to be the purpose of many here now.

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[Guaranteed]

19. Exactly right. The first line of your post said it all. nt

[shance]

17. Governor Dean clearly shows his priority - not letting Iraq slip under the

radar, as those in the Administration are doing.

I am very grateful he addressed this issue.


Another issue that has struck me consistently has been the fact that neither the "President" nor the "Vice President" have attended ONE FUNERAL for any of the soldiers.

[madfloridian]

20. Yes, he is pointing out the failings of Bush in this area.

:hi: