2 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Iraq: "135 American soldiers have died in Iraq since President Bush declared an end to major combat operations on May 1. A total of 273 American soldiers have died in Iraq since the beginning of military operations, the news service said. "

What exactly are "major combat operations"and why are they significant? Clearly the end of major combat operations is not related to increasing safety and stability in Iraq. It is not connected to the end of US casualties. It doesn't mean a decrease in terror. It hasn't meant we could find any WMD--the supposed reason for the invasion. And it hasn't resulted in the end of Saddam Hussein--the new, retrospective rationale for the war.

So what is our fearless leader doing when he says we will stay in Iraq? Setting us up for more terrorist attacks, more US troop deaths? Or is he just trying to get re-elected? Because what he is doing this month, besides taking a vacation, is raising money for re-election. Not doing the job of President of the United States.

All he has to say when asked about the facts of the occupation is that it's just politics. No. What you are doing Mr. Bush, is pure politics. Your justifications and claims of trivial "successes" in Iraq are as cynical as can be. You are being asked to address the facts, and you won't do that. You'll just deign to inform us that you are optimistic.

Sorry, but your optimism doesn't count when the results of your policies are: the deaths of thousands of people, incalculable costs, and increasing risks of terrorism.
- posted by geoff @ #