“The Streets of Baghdad are safe…” Huh???
I’m well aware that what I’m going to write is going to make a lot of people reading this blog unhappy but I have to call it like I see it - and those of you who know me, know I always have.
You might be aware that Senator McCain in in country on a visit. I’m not sure how many people caught him on CNN today - I admit I didn’t, I only heard about it. But boy, have I heard about it. Apparently, he told a group of reporters that the streets of Baghdad are safe and that General Patreus runs around the streets of Baghdad in a soft-skinned vehicle without any guards.
I don’t know where Senator McCain got his information - but I’m here to tell you, the streets of Baghdad are certainly NOT safe - in fact if anything they are less safe than they were a month ago. There are a variety of reasons for that none of which I’m here to discuss in this blog.
What I do want to discuss is why Senator McCain is putting out such bad information. I wonder, does he really believe this? Has he been briefed incorrectly? Is there a caveat to what he’s saying that he didn’t give? I was over at the Embassy this evening and couldn’t help but get caught up in his motorcade. We are talking a HUGE amount of fire power - both civilian and military. They even had the Iraqi army involved - probably to show McCain’s contingent that Iraqis are involved in solving their problems, who knows. And this is just to move the CODEL (Congressional Delegation, they’re always here - I wonder if they ever get anything done at home) - from one spot IN the IZ to another. Probably one of the most fortified places in the world. I can’t think of anywhere else I’ve ever lived or worked where I would have come across a huge Abrams tank with its barrel point directly at me - knowing if I moved another foot in my vehicle, I’d be blown away. Yes, things are taken very seriously here and those who don’t often end up dead. I tend to get very, very serious when I’m out. Never, ever relax.
So - perhaps some of you caught McCain’s press conference from Baghdad. I might suggest that no matter how much you like and admire the man - and how much you think he might be a great president, please don’t take his words at face value. If you have any questions, please let me know. I’ll try my best to answer them. I don’t have a bone to pick with him - or any of the cadidates right now. I personally wish they’d just be quiet… this is going to be SUCH a long election.
We were all laughing over at the palace wondering who McCain has been talking to - or what dope he’s been smoking. I’m not sure why politicians have this abilitiy to spin the truth to make it sound OK for those of us who don’t know any better. And for those of us who do? Well, it simply opens up a huge question mark in my mind
Please excuse my politicizing…. someone though needs to stand up and say what is. I’m not there yet - but I’m getting close.
Blessings to all!
Love reading your blog! I don’t know who you would make unhappy…real conservatives KNOW McCain is a nut job…especially those who have lived in Arizona
I do enjoy your posts, so keep writing, we may not like the news but we need to hear it. I am not sure what the answer is it has taken us many years over several administrations to get us to this to point. One of problems we as Americans seem to own is we want an instant fix, instead of working on issues over the long haul. We go the doctor and expect a pill to fix whatever is wrong with us. A storm blows through we expect repairs to be made overnight. OK I will stop my ranting.
Remember “check six”
I was disappointed with his spin…
Very interesting blog especially in lieu of the last ABC world news I saw this week broadcast from downtown Baghdad. The reporter interviewed a variety of street vendors and shop owners who seemed giddy at the “safe streets” of downtown prompting people to come out and spend money in their stores. The local ice cream stand was gearing up for what they expect to be a profitable summer. Even the local amusement park was a location he broadcast from the carousel demonstrating that people were not only out but were relishing their apparent safety. Little children were shown playing on the sidewalks while the grown ups reclined in the outdoor cafes with their drinks. Wish this was the case.
You wonder what our congress is actually doing stateside? Take a look at a recent headline and the latest absurdity is the Democratically controlled “Arm Service committee” has created another firestorm by banning the use of the phrase, “Global war on terror”. I will credit them with being entertaining.
I am terribly confused by our media reports though. It has been a non-stop message of doom and gloom. Then the minute congress passes a bill setting a deadline for troop withdrawal, the streets are suddenly safe? Maybe they found the John McCain cool-aid stand. It is good to read actuall accounts of what is actually going on in the streets over there. Stay safe!!
Dan
I didn’t see the McCain news conference, but I have heard about it and some people think he has ruined his chances for the Presidential bid because he basically made a fool of himself. I came on your blog to see if you had written about him being there and sure enough, you didn’t disappoint. I am already sick of the 08 election and the official campaign hasn’t even started.
Thanks for the updates and as always, keep safe!