Give Them What They Need or Bring Them The Hell Home

Vets For Freedom Petition

We, the undersigned U.S. war veterans and patriotic Americans, petition you with one simple request:

Listen to the commander on the ground in Afghanistan—General Stanley A. McChrystal—and provide him with the troops he says he needs to win the war in Afghanistan.

By accepting the troop recommendations of General McChrystal—and his boss General David Petraeus—we have a chance to turn the war in Afghanistan around. This is a moment in history we must not miss.

Like General Petraeus in Iraq, General McChrystal is an outside-the-box thinker who thrives in the ambiguity of asymmetrical battlefields. Like General Petraeus in Iraq, General McChrystal has the right strategy—a comprehensive counterinsurgency plan.

In 2007, General Petraeus was given the troops he needed (the "Surge") to win, and Iraq has turned around—resulting in dramatically lower U.S. casualties, a more stable Iraq, and a drawdown of American forces.

General McChrystal—and all our brave Soldiers and Marines on the ground—deserve the same chance to win in Afghanistan. They deserve the additional troops needed to turn a winning strategy into a winning result.

We fully acknowledge that the war in Afghanistan has been tough, and is currently headed in the wrong direction. And as you have said, it has been under-resourced, under-funded, and under-manned for years. You have also said that it is a war we must win. We agree on all fronts.

Unlike Iraq, there was consensus at the beginning of the war in Afghanistan that America must be successful in toppling the Taliban and dismantling Al Qaeda, for the safety of our country. Eight years later, the consensus on the war in Afghanistan is fractured; however we believe—as do you—that the need for victory has not changed.

During this time of domestic uncertainty and global threats, winning the war will require steadfast Presidential leadership; a Commander-in-Chief who is unwilling to be swayed by lagging poll numbers or party leaders who want to block troop increases.

Now is the time for your leadership. If you listen to commanders on the ground, give them what they need, and stand behind our warriors in Afghanistan—we will stand with you. If you don't, and would rather fight the "war of necessity" with one hand tied behind our back, then we will loudly object.

Many—in fact a majority—said the war in Iraq was "unwinnable," yet our troops persevered and turned the tide. Despite the drumbeat of detractors—on both sides of the aisle—this is another war we can win. But we must act now.

We owe it to the Marines and Soldiers slogging it out with insurgents every day to get this right. If we do, they'll fight, they'll persevere, and they'll win. If we don't, we are setting them up for failure. No less than America's greatness—and the legacy of America's finest warriors—is at stake.

Its Time Someone Said It

PLEASE NOTE

WE HAVE A DATE CHANGE FOR THIS EVENT.

SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2009

NATIONAL MALL

3RD STREET

BETWEEN MADISON & JEFFERSON.

www.protroopevents.com

From Our Friends at Vets for Freedom

H/T Blackfive
Ben Hayden
Iowa State Captain, VFF
As America moves closer to November, we need to be informed on the issues. One issue that is very misunderstood is the war in Iraq. A number of Americans are basing their decision in the 08’ elections on this topic, which makes it extremely important to be well educated on the issue. It is also important because America has invested so much into Iraq, both financially and physically. Typically, when we have to make an educated decision we don’t do so based on feelings alone. We do so with the aid of research and knowledge on the topic. When making an important medical decision we don’t turn to our mechanic, we turn to our doctor, and vice versa.
So why, when making an important decision about whether or not to stay the course in Iraq, would we listen to someone other than the experts? Why would we make such an important decision, a decision that carries with it so many lives and so much money, without listening to the men and women that have been there? The Hero’s that have given so much, yet asked for so little in return.
Some say that we have failed in Iraq. This is detrimental to the moral of our troops. Say what you want about the President and his Administration, but don’t tell our troops that they have failed, because they haven’t. They have achieved success and are continuing to achieve more and more.
In November, Iraq will hold its first provincial elections. This proves success. Iraq now has an Air Force and an Army, with their security forces numbering over 540,000 people. Over the past year they have seen enormous economic gains and will continue to grow economically in the months to come. They are now outspending the U.S. ten to one on major reconstructive projects.
As a Marine Veteran that served two tours of duty in Iraq, I know how important success there is. I know how important it is that America knows the truths about Iraq. I can assure you that the experts, the men and women that have been there fighting, know the importance of success and want our help in winning the war on terror. Help them, help us.