Questions for the Editor

(This is a longer version of the editorial submitted to the DNR on Friday March 2, 2007)

Mr. Editor, On March 2 you wrote that

"The Democratic Party is being pulled to the left by the verbal furor of the anti-war faction, particularly the netroots - the leftwing anti-war blogger who are flexing more and more muscle in the party."

Who constitutes the "Left?" What exactly is their role in defending American freedom and liberty? How are these unnamed and largely anonymous left wing bloggers any different than the nationally known conservative commentators who have pulled the Republican Party to the right by the verbal furor of the pro-war, neo-conservative pundits and commentators who carry the message of the party?

In your editorial praising Senator Joe Lieberman on Feb 26, you highlighted his statement that the war in Iraq

"is part of an even bigger, global struggle against the totalitarian ideology of radical Islamism. ... we must remember that our forces in Iraq carry America's cause - the cause of freedom - on which we abandon at our peril."

This statement was in support of the current troop surge and part of the larger argument that we should stay in Iraq to demonstrate our resolve and to maintain credibility. In that context, what should we be doing about the al-Qaeda camps in Pakistan and the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan?

In today's paper, you report that 90% of the Army National Guard units are rated "not ready" because of billions of dollars in equipment shortfalls directly caused by our involvement in the Iraq war. You also report on the legislation supported by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in Congress addressing the issue of our troops getting the proper training, equipment, and down time between deployments. In this context, is it still a good idea to "support the troops" by escalating the war even further?

President Cheney regards the policy advanced by the Democrats to require proper training, equipment and troop rotation as a validation of al Qaeda and it's mission.

"And my statement was that if we adopt the Pelosi policy, that then we will validate the strategy of al Qaeda. I said it and I meant it."

Mr. Editor, what actions, penalties, or censure do you recommend in light of this serious charge by the Vice President?