On February 14, 2007, Congressman Jones led a group of Republicans taking the podium to speak against President's Bush's plan to send more U.S. troops to Iraq. Mr. Jones opened the debate by remembering Republican opposition to military escalation in 1999. Quoting Karen Hughes:
"If we're going to commit more troops, we want to be sure they have a clear exit strategy."
Jones also referenced Colin Powell and other military officials who've expressed opposition to the proposed troop surge. Another North Carolinian, Congressman Howard Coble of Greensboro, noted the high costs of the war:
“Over 3,100 of our troops have given the ultimate sacrifice. In excess of 25,000 have suffered injuries, many permanent, disabling injuries – this is sacrifice – not cutting and running. And I insist that we do not maintain an eternal presence in Iraq, if for no other reason than the cost to the taxpayers, which has been astronomically unbelievable.”
It's good to hear these two congressmen from North Carolina speaking out in spite of their party affiliation, but I must say I found these statements of Congressman Ron Paul of Texas the most insightful:
“The catch-all phrase, ‘The War on Terrorism’… [is] deliberately vague and non-definable to justify and permit perpetual war anywhere, and under any circumstances.”
"Terrorism is a tactic. You can't have a war against a tactic.” (video)
“There’s no logical reason to reject the restraints placed in the Constitution regarding our engaging in foreign conflicts unrelated to our national security. The advice of the founders and our early presidents was sound then, and it’s sound today."
“We shouldn’t wait until our financial system is completely ruined and we are forced to change our ways. We should do it as quickly as possible and stop the carnage and financial bleeding that will bring us to our knees and force us to stop that which we should have never started."
“We all know, in time, the war will be de-funded one way or another and the troops will come home. So why not now?”
