Granite Stand

Fire of Liberty
While I don't agree with all of Senator McCain's domestic policies on taxes, immigration and other social issues, I have to say that he has outshined himself when it comes to standing up for our soldiers and promoting total victory in Iraq. I guess he knows how much it means to provide an unwavering show of support to our troops fighting in a distant land. As the son of a Vietnam vet, I can recall countless stories from my Dad and Uncles about when they returned stateside they were flown in at night, advised to wear civilian clothes and recieved little or no fanfare because their was a sense of defeatism within the country and our leadership at the time. Luckily, Senator McCain is someone who will not back down from a fight, especially one of such great magnitude as the war in Iraq. After reading these powerful words, I can assure you he's loaded for bear on this one:

Mr. McCain said, "Imagine Iraqis, working for the new government, considering whether to join the police forces, or debating whether or not to take up arms. What will they think ... when they learn that the Democrats are calling for a withdrawal plan?" He said the Republican alternative was slightly better but would still raise doubts for Iraqis. "Do we wish to respond to the millions who braved bombs and threats to vote, who have put their faith and trust in America and the Iraqi government, that our number one priority is now bringing our people home? Do we want to tell insurgents that their violence has successfully ground us down, that their horrific acts will, with enough time, be successful?"

There will be much de bate in the wake of the Senate vote over what it meant. The vote had been barely recorded when the hard left was touting the oversight the Senate has called for of the war. But Mr. McCain clearly has his eye on the larger point.

"This is a war we must win. The benefits of success and the consequences of failure are too profound for us to do otherwise. The road ahead is likely to be long and hard, but America must follow it through to success," Mr. McCain said. "By suggesting that withdrawal, rather than victory, is on the minds of America's legislators, we do this great cause a grave disservice."

So keep up your granite stand for total victory Senator McCain.