Coby Dillard: "Obama Made It About Him, & Not The Troops"
Asserts the conservative Republican in Virginia, who is a Navy veteran of the Iraq war: "As a Navy veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, no one is prouder than I to see our troops return from combat. However, President Obama made his speech tonight more about the fulfillment of a campaign promise than about the brave, honorable and victorious service of our fighting men and women. It is unfortunate to see him attempt to lay claim to a victory that his brief voting record in the Senate and remarks as a presidential candidate shows he didn't support and whose end was negotiated by President George W. Bush -- the same Bush whose policies and actions Obama routinely speaks of as 'failed.' Instead, the victory belongs to the legacy of the 4,416 service members killed in Iraq and the millions more who served and returned safely home."
He continues: "Having secured a military victory in Iraq, our efforts there now turn to ensuring that a lasting peace is won. As the Iraqi government and people continue to take the lead on the road to prosperity and freedom, we as Americans should restate our commitment to this young democracy that many of our countrymen gave their lives to establish."
Ryan Frazier: "Obama's Iraq Speech"
The libertarian-conservative Republican, a former National Security Agency intelligence officer who is running for Congress in Colorado, issued a statement: "As Americans, we owe our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to our men and women in uniform – some of whom have paid the ultimate sacrifice to our great nation. As combat operations wind down in Iraq, the job is yet to be finished. It has become clear that the 'surge' strategy helped the Iraqi people combat sectarian violence and terrorism, while planting the seed of democracy in a former authoritarian state. It is now our job, both economically and militarily, to make sure our sacrifices were not made in vain. I urge the President, and Members of Congress, to take the appropriate steps to ensure success in the final stage of leaving Iraq a stronger, and more democratic nation.”
Samuel Gonzalez: "Obama Gives A Comatose Speech"
Asserts the conservative Republican blogger in New York City: "Was it too much for the president to muster the enthusiasm for success in Iraq and giving that country a chance to live in freedom? But, I forget. The president rarely ever uses the word 'freedom' in any of his speeches. That tells you something doesn’t it?"
He continues his commentary: "What came across in this dull oratory loud and clear is president Obama’s heart isn’t into being a wartime president. He sees the wars as a distraction from his attempt to remake the country into a Nanny state. In fact, he used the speech as an opportunity to throw in a little domestic policy. I thought that was pretty bad form. But, that’s what you get from Obama - a whole bunch of bad form."
Kevin Martin: "When Will Obama Admit That He Was Wrong About The Surge?"
Asks the conservative Republican, a Navy veteran: "While President Obama says combat operation are officially ended in Iraq, this turn of phrase will not change the fact that the remaining American troops will continue to battle remaining rogue elements as Iraqi forces work to get a handle on things."
Mr. Martin continues his statement: "At the time, Senator Obama -- along with many of his liberal allies -- claimed the surge of troops into Iraq would fail before it even started. Now that he commands these same troops, will he have the courage to admit he was wrong and apologize to those who have given their all to bring forth a mostly stable Iraq? President Obama needs to give credit where credit is due, and that goes to the fine men and women who put on the uniform and carry out their duty no matter the odds and no matter what burden they may face as politicians simply seek to score points with voters."
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Obama Declares The End Of U.S. Combat Mission In Iraq: Bookerista Response
