A group of Wisconsin students met the other night to advocate an instantaneous \stop"" to the war in Iraq. And I thought that this place was an institution of higher learning.
No matter how you feel about the necessity, or lack thereof, of the current war, a sane, free-thinking, chemically-balanced person cannot seriously advocate an immediate withdrawal from Iraq. Doing so would be disastrous to the Iraqi people and American credibility around the globe.
When President Bush and Congress (including Senators John Kerry and John Edwards) made the decision that military force was an acceptable means of removing Saddam Hussein from power for vagrantly disregarding several United Nations mandates, they made a resolute commitment to the world, complete with American troops and resources.
Over the last eighteen months, our servicemen and women, while suffering tragic setbacks that are inherent to the battlefield, have made striking achievements. We have seen the removal of Saddam's regime from power and the former despot himself is now under U.S. lockdown. The Iraqi infrastructure, which had been neglected for decades, is on the rise as American troops and contractors work to build new schools and community centers, update the electric grid and see that Iraq's valuable oil is safely harvested and invested in the new democracy.
For the first time in 25 years, good things are happening in Iraq, thanks to the United States of America.
If we were to ""stop"" the war right now, as some advocate, we would be throwing away all that our troops have made sacrifices for. To do so would not honor the 1,000 heroes who have given their lives for Iraqi freedom. There is no doubt: We must complete their mission.
Additionally, many are concerned that our involvement in Iraq has strained and even damaged our relationships with European allies. How do you think these nations would react if we abandoned our undertaking? Do you actually believe that Jacque Chirac will embrace us again as a friend if we desert the people of Iraq? We have to convey to the world, friends and foes alike that when America makes a pledge, it keeps it.
Thank you, Stop the War, for attempting to be responsible citizens. Your efforts are gallant, but your position is reckless. In your search for peace, I hope you come to the realization that immediate withdrawal from Iraq is not the answer.
Adam Schmidt is a freshman majoring in political science.
