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Edited on Sat Jun-24-06 10:13 AM by MaineDem
DNC Chairman Howard Dean Delivers the Democratic Radio Address
Washington, DC - Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean delivers
the Democratic Radio Address this week, where he calls on the Bush
Administration to end its commitment to a failed strategy in Iraq and talks
about Democratic efforts to implement an Iraq policy that's both tough and
smart. Democrats agree that 2006 must be a year of significant transition in
Iraq, and that the Administration must outline real benchmarks for success so
that Iraqis can take control of their own security and American troops can
eventually come home.
Good morning. This is Governor Howard Dean.
Nearly four years into the war in Iraq, over 2500 brave American soldiers have
been killed, more than 20,000 brave American soldiers have been wounded, and
$2.5 billion dollars are being spent every week as sectarian violence
continues. Corruption and fraud are rampant, and the overall quality of life
for the Iraqi people has not improved. Religious fanatics harass women and
business owners just yards from the green zone in Baghdad and renegade militia
within the Iraqi army are fomenting civil war.
In the meantime, the Bush Administration has left Afghanistan exposed to a
resurgence of the Taliban and Al Qaeda; and taken its eye off the ball in
places like North Korea and Iran which have now become greater threats.
Those are the facts on the ground.
The bottom line is that the Republicans don't have a plan. 'Stay the course' is
not a plan. Saying the problems in Iraq will be left to the next President, is
not a plan. Our troops deserve better.
Democrats are determined to set a different course for our Nation, to tell the
truth to the American people, to save the lives of our American soldiers and
keep America safe. We want to act now rather than let political wrangling lead
to more dead and wounded Americans.
We will defend America, but we will be tough and smart.
A majority of democrats have called upon the President to change course in
Iraq. Democrats have also offered a plan that asks the president to responsibly
redeploy our troops. We believe that we ought to focus on training, logistics,
and counter-terrorism, and we can do that with a redeployment of our troops.
The phased re-deployment strategy proposed by Democrats this week calls on the
President to do the following:
· First, work with the Government of Iraq to begin a phased redeployment of
United States troops from Iraq by the end of this year;
· Second, submit a plan to Congress by the end of 2006 with estimated dates for
the continued phased redeployment of United States forces from Iraq;
· Third, we have also told the President that we demand accountability for the
resources being spent in Iraq. The cost of the Iraq war will be at least one
trillion dollars, enough to finance a health care program for every single
American - including our veterans coming home from the war.
· Fourth, expedite the transition of United States forces in Iraq to a limited
presence and mission of training, providing logistical support, protecting
United States infrastructure and personnel, and participating in targeted
counterterrorism activities.
· Finally, our plan recognizes that during and after the phased redeployment of
United States forces from Iraq, the United States will need to sustain a non-
military effort to actively support reconstruction, governance, and a durable
political solution in Iraq.
The Iraqi leaders themselves have set a six-month goal for assuming their
responsibility for security. Our proposal for the beginning of a phased
redeployment by the end of this year fits the goals of Iraq's leaders very
well.
We have asked Republicans of good will to come forward to support a policy that
is good for America and good for our troops. And some have.
Democrats will continue to offer America a real change, a new direction for our
country. We see a country in which honesty, openness and respect is restored to
our government. We see an America where we are all on the same team again,
working together to deal with problems American Families face, Defense,
Security, Health Care, Jobs. We see an America where the Government does not
question the patriotism of any American if they disagree with the President.
The parallels between the mistakes being made today in Iraq and the behavior of
our government a generation ago are striking. Troops are sent to fight by an
administration that refuses to listen to the advice of military leaders. The
Administration decides it's ok to conceal information from the Congress and the
American people. Promises like "stay the course" "Peace is at Hand" or "the
insurgency is in its last throes" are made by an increasingly desperate
Administration.
A majority of the American people don't believe the President is telling the
truth, while the Administration and its supporters question the patriotism of
veterans who disagree with them, accusing them of "cut and run".
And among the victims are brave American soldiers who are the targets of an
insurgency because of failed political leadership and a lack of foresight and
planning. We don't want another wall with 55,000 names of courageous Americans
who were let down by their Government.
The words "cut and run" don't belong in this debate. That's a disservice to our
courageous soldiers. This debate is about not making the same mistakes our
Government made a generation ago.
Democrats believe it's time for a new direction in Iraq that's tough and smart,
and we offer America a security strategy that's tough and smart.
This is Gov. Howard Dean proud of our troops, and proud to be part of a party
offering America a new direction.
###
Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, www.democrats.
org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's
committee.
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