Getting "In Denial" E-mail from an ASS Part 2

But it sounds like he's trying to blow smoke up my ass instead!!! Talking like a true Bushie!!!

Thank you for contacting me regarding the continued presence of our armed forces in Iraq. I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me, and I value the opportunity to address them.

Earlier this year, recognizing that the war against Islamic terrorists could not be won without achieving success in Iraq, our nation embarked on a new strategy with a new general. This strategy called for committing 30,000 additional troops to quell violence so that Iraqis could have a chance to achieve political stability. It is clear that General David Petraeus and the troops on the ground are doing an exceptional job on the military front.

On September 11, 2007, six years to the day that al-Qaeda attacked this nation, General David Petraeus testified before Congress. He stated that, since the surge had reached full-strength in mid-June, security incidents have steadily declined, reaching the lowest numbers in over a year. General Petraeus stated that, "One reason for the decline in incidents is that the Coalition and Iraqi forces have dealt significant blows to al-Qaeda-Iraq.and the tribal rejection of al-Qaeda that started in Anbar Province and helped produce such significant change there has now spread." I agree with the General that the rejection of al-Qaeda, the very same terrorist network that attacked us six years ago, is encouraging.

I also realize there can be no lasting peace without political progress and national reconciliation. Even though there have been positive signs at the local and a provincial level, the national government still has a long way to go. Oil revenue sharing laws, national reconciliation, and federalism issues must be addressed by the central government sooner, not later.

I am pleased that President Bush will implement the recommendations of General Petraeus and that a preliminary drawdown of troop levels could begin this December, with the possibility of reaching pre-surge levels by June 2008. However, I feel that we must constantly reassess the situation to ensure that the gains are not reversed. Iraq is part of a greater struggle that is being waged around the region. A precipitous withdrawal will embolden our enemies and frighten our friends.

The various resolutions addressing the conflict in Iraq will be debated in the Senate within the next few weeks; please rest assured that I will be sure to keep your concerns, and the concerns of all Nevadans, in mind. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. If you should have further questions or comments or would like to share your thoughts on another matter, please feel free to write or e-mail me via my website at [redacted].

Sincerely,

JOHN ENSIGN
United States Senator