...the time is right for change, the time is right for new and bold strategy

http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/benamon/070117

Yes, it's time to change direction. Will President Bush abandon the angle to which he has been operating now for some time, or will he acknowledge a change in the wind and consider other voices? Especially in regards to the War on Terror.

America has decided to put Democrats in power during his last term in office, hoping to get the President's attention that a change is needed. It isn't the method I would have gone about to change Washington, but nevertheless, we have to get something done there. For example, the bickering, the partisan blocking of bills in the Senate,etc. isn't working.

There is one issue I hope that Congress would be bipartisan on. That is a hike in the Federal minimum wage. Yes a raise in the minimum wage is needed. It's been 10 yrs. since the last one. A minimum wage of $7/hr. is not too much to ask. If Republicans and Democrats truly believe in giving the people more of their money, this minimum wage increase shouldn't be a problem.

Last year, Republicans tried to push through a minimum wage increase, but Democrats shot it down in the Senate because they disagreed with other provisions and tax cuts connected to it. I hope I will not see a repeat of last year as the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 is now before the Senate to be voted on. The bill would raise the minimum wage to $7.25/hr. in 2 years. This is a no-brainer. Americans already enjoy higher minimum wages in close to 28 states across America, or they are getting ready to. The rest of the states need to catch up.

As costs in society rises, so should wages. And Americans shouldn't have to work 2 or more jobs just to make ends meet.

It shouldn't matter what party is in power, just get something done for the people. And this issue is one that should be considered. If this bill passes, it will not be to the credit of Democrats or Republicans for getting it through, but it would be passed due to the cooperation of legislators from both parties.

Fronts in the War on Terror

Now, back to President Bush and his handling on the War on Terror. The President acknowledges we failed to send in enough troops into Iraq and he wants to send 20,000 more. The problem is, mistakes CAN'T be made in war! We are dealing with people's lives! As I listened to the President's speech, I thought perhaps our military should put more focus on conducting ongoing and unlimited "offense" operations to root out terrorists, then worry about security later. And the focus on rebuilding, leave to the contractors.

The President has sent a message to Iran and Syria to stop their negative influences in Iraq. It's a good thing that he warned both nations, but it's frustrating because I am wondering what took him so long to confront both nations who've had their fighters in Iraq, causing havoc.

Also, I'm disappointed that the President has left wide open gaps for Democrats to scream about, how there has been errors in how this war was conducted. President Bush could only reassure the American people that things were going fine and we are pursuing the enemy. All Democrats could offer was negativity on how bad it was, but didn't mention strategy...how to go about achieving success in Iraq.

Yes the President has said that we will be in this for the long haul, that it will take some time. Considering the duration of time that we have been in Iraq, I would have hoped there would have existed some strategy and foresight to what the US would deal with over time, and action taken to make sure success is the only option. Using one approach over a long period of time didn't work. And now the US has to quickly think of another method as things have gotten worse in the country.

No matter how many troops President Bush sends to Iraq, if we don't change our strategy, we will endure and face the same results. Yes it's a good thing that President Bush reiterated in his speech that Iraq's government must "step up" and get control of their country, but now, it's more of a wait and see sort of situation.

It is evident that America isn't going after our enemies with the gusto we once had in previous conflicts. When America (with her allies) went to war against Iraq in the Gulf War around this time in 1991, we engaged Iraq with such a force ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/january/17/newsid_2530000/2530375.stm )!

Even in 1993, when Iraq violated No Fly Zones and continued to mess with Kuwait, America and her allies bombed Iraq military targets...no problem with flexing our muscles there. But now, our strategy seems to be lacking.

America is known for her strong military. We aren't using our full strength. It is being used in waves. That gives the enemy time to exact some damage in the interim and adapt to what we are doing, as he thinks we will never change our tactics. If we are going to send in more troops, let's do it right this time. If we are going to add troops, let's add them, and then, wrap things up. America needs to put the fear of God into our enemies, we are not being as aggressive as we should be. If we don't fight this war like say the Gulf War, and use FULL FORCE, we are done for. We can't just talk tough, we have to BE tough.

I am ready to see the Iraqi army step up and defend their own country because America cannot stay in Iraq forever. If Iraqis want America to leave, then they must take over the reins. Isn't that incentive enough for Iraqis to get control of their country? Now that Saddam is dead, a stable government in Iraq is needed, assuredly.

America is now dealing with the prospect of confronting Iran, while we are also busy in countries around the world, assisting them in defeating terrorists. Most recently, headlines talked of our involvement in Africa. What if America makes a move toward Iran?

In a move to let Iran know that it has been warned, the US is positioning itself in the Gulf, adding more US Naval firepower in the form of battle groups aided by 2 British "minesweeper" ships which will also be serving alongside the US ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6264761.stm ).

I would hope that we would finish up one major war front, then move on to another. But it seems like a show of force toward Iran is building.

As the Senate now debates whether to send more troops to Iraq and to provide more funding for Iraq, I would hope that they think of the urgent need to finish the war in Iraq. We can't do it with limited resources. We can't do it when our leaders are divided on the appropriate action that should be taken in Iraq. Surely we can't leave our work undone, and American soldiers are depending on our support, let's not disappoint them.

So as a New Year in Politics begins, the American people and our leaders need to take into account our determination to confront issues instead of fighting over them. That is how we move forward. With decisive action.

2007 looks to bring unique challenges which will require BOLD and steadfast people to be ready for what's ahead...are you ready?

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