Change of plans!

Bush Says Iraq 'Straining the Psyche' of America, But Insists U.S. Forces Won't Leave

President Bush said yesterday (August 21st) that he understands Americans' concern about the Iraq war, but that it would be a disaster to leave now. Speaking during an hour-long news conference, Bush said, "These are challenging times, and they're difficult times, and they're straining the psyche of our country. I understand that." But he insisted pulling out now would be disastrous, with a failed Iraq providing a safe haven for terrorists who'd get revenue from oil sales. He declared forcefully, "We're not leaving, so long as I'm the president. That would be a huge mistake."

Bush injected some partisanship into his remarks, less than three months before the midterm elections, saying that many Democrats want to leave Iraq, quote, "before the job is done." But, he said, "If we ever give up the desire to help people who live in freedom, we will have lost our soul as a nation, as far as I'm concerned." Bush also criticized the Democrats on national security and the economy, saying they should be the top issues for Republicans campaigning ahead of the elections this fall.

I feel violated! I feel like I signed what I thought was a 3 year lease agreement for a new car only to find out it was a 7 year lease with a massive balloon payment at the end. What ever happened to we'll leave once their security forces or police forces are fully trained? Prior to the sectarian violence in Baghdad I really thought we would start bringing troops home in Dec/Jan. Now it looks like we signed up for the Korea deal.