Troops Out of Iraq by Dec. 31... or so They Say

I just read an article on CNN about future plans for troop levels in Iraq. Read the article here. I found it interesting enough to note that it is being said by the White House and Defense and State Departments that by the end of this year, there will be virtually no U.S. military remaining in Iraq. Other than the 10,000-13,000 diplomats, security and aid contractors that will remain, a "negligible force" of about 150 U.S. combat troops will remain in Iraq to "assist in arms sales." I have to say that I find this to be kind of shocking. Not so much that it is the truth, but that the government is readily admitting to it.

I was under the pretense that when President Obama was running for the White House he was running as the candidate to end the Iraq War. Okay, today I find myself very much in support of that, which is a sharp contrast to how I felt during the election - I admit, I believed in a number of things then that I don't believe in anymore. It takes time to end wars, it shouldn't take this much time and cost as much as it has, in both human loss and economic cost, but by the time all these troops are out of Iraq, the president will have been overseeing and commanding this imperialistic effort for just under three years. What happened to ending the war as soon as possible? While we're on the subject, what happened to ending the Afghanistan war? What happened to closing the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba? What happened to lobbying reform? Unfortunately, while I can honestly look into the past and today say that I support many of the issues and reforms then-candidate Obama was espousing, I am really disappointed.

What bothers me about this is that, the few people who read this article or are aware of these future plans, will not think deeply about it. Consider: one hundred and fifty U.S. military personnel. That is a small force, obviously not meant for combat purposes, unless they are Special Operations Forces assisting in whatever, but they are labeled as assisting in "arms sales." I thought this president was one of peace? Clearly he is not a president of prosperity, but really? Arms sales? I know I'm not alone in thinking this but President Obama is way too much like President George W. Bush. Too much. What has be changed? What has be done differently that any NeoCon Republican would have done? Seriously, I'd like somebody to answer this question (not that anybody reads this blog =[ )

I find myself reading this article and feeling ashamed of my government, yet again. Rather than being a strong Commander-in-Chief, it feels like our "liberal" President Obama is just another lackey for the Military Industrial Complex.

Arms sales? Way to promote the perpetual bloodshed that is going to continue to destabilize Iraq and the greater Middle Eastern region, Mister President. Let's just continue selling arms to countries we have invaded and torn apart physically, socially, politically, economically... Way to go.

RON PAUL 2012!
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