Libertarian Librarian

I have issues with George Bush and his administration. Despite Mojo's detailed and thorough defense of issues like expanded Executive power and prisoner abuse/torture, I think Bush tends to be tone-deaf, cronyistic and unwilling to admit mistakes. That said, about the worst thing we could do right now, in my not-so-humble opinion, is abruptly leave Iraq. Only slightly better than that would be to set a firm time table for withdrawal. Both approaches would be idiotic and counter-productive.

So imagine my joy at reading this article. Honestly, I do not understand the point of these referendums. They are not only a waste of time, energy and money, but also potentially demoralizing for our troops. On top of that, the actual question asked often doesn't even make sense. The nutter group in Racine is requesting the following language:

"We call for the immediate cessation of military action in Iraq and the expedient withdrawal of all U.S. fighting forces, including private contractors, beginning with the National Guard and Reserves."

Immediate cessation of military action? So, even if the troops are there they shouldn't, oh what's the word... do anything? Just sit in their quarters and watch the show their sudden absence creates? Maybe fix a power grid, but under no circumstances shoot at anyone or try to rid the city of terrorists?

Expedient withdrawal. Well, if the troops aren't going to actually do anything, I suppose it would be expedient to withdraw immediately, but even if the troops--and private contractors-- are just there to train the Iraq police and military and continue to rebuild the infrastructure an expedient withdrawal may not occur for many months or even years. Expedient means appropriate to a purpose, not as quickly as possible.

What a bunch of maroons. Want some reasoning on why leaving now would be a horrible idea and why staying the course is a really good plan? Well, then trot yourself on over to Orson Scott Card's semi-regular column and have a nice read. He sums it up really well.

Labels: Politics