Iraq War veteran and conscientious objector Daniel Sandate talks on March 22, 2009, about his experience and the need for servicemembers, vets and others to speak out.

Hat tip: peacearena

Leading national Republican research and consulting firm Wilson Research Strategies, has released its August 2008 edition of the National Political Environment Assessment

Highlights:

“The American public is more deeply concerned about the economy than they were about the war at it’s height opinion wise.”

“Ideas such as the gas tax holiday and support for offshore drilling finds support from a majority of the population, as does more long term solutions.”

“The American public has indicated that they think John McCain is better equiped to deal with the war in Iraq.”

WRS says the data presented in the report has been collected from reputable news and academic polling organizations, with analysis and interpretation by WRS.

A group calling itself OklahomaVets.org released this video of Oklahoma veterans criticizing Senator Inhofe on his past military votes. Here is one example they cite:

December 18, 2007

H.R. 2764 vote 441

An omnibus appropriations bill that included $3.7 billion in emergency funding for veterans programs.

INHOFE: NO (The bill passed 76-17)

With Senator Inhofe’s strong record of support for the military in the Senate, in addition to his frequent trips to Iraq and Afghanistan to visit our troops, making this case to Oklahomans may be a difficult sell.

KSWO in Lawton is reporting on Coburns weekend visit to Iraq:

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn says the 3,000 National Guard troops from Oklahoma are fighting in the safest environment in Iraq in five years.

Coburn visited with the troops this weekend and was scheduled to stop
in Afghanistan today before returning to the U.S.

[...]

Coburn says reserve units should be deployed overseas, and not Guard
units.

Ben Fenwick, of the Tulsa World spoke with Coburn:

A chance visit to Iraq on Saturday and Sunday by Coburn, R-Okla., coincided with the beginning of de ployment by Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Brigade, the Thunderbirds, which will spend a year serving throughout Iraq.

Coburn had breakfast with Thunderbird commander Brig. Gen. Myles Deering and other members of the brigade’s headquarters unit, and visited an area of recent fighting with soldiers in Oklahoma’s active-duty military.

[...]

A longtime critic of the White House’s deficits and spending policies, Coburn said the real cost of the war has only just begun. He said the administration misstepped from the beginning by choos ing to pay for the war in Iraq through deficit spending.

“We’ve run this war by borrowing money that our grandkids are going to have to pay back,” Coburn said. “There is a consequence to that, and it’s not just financial. The only people who you’ve asked to sacrifice in this war are the military and their families. No other American has sacrificed.”

Coburn insisted, however, that the war is being won and that pulling out would be disastrous. He said candidates who demand a troop pullout will bring ruin to the gains made in Iraq.

Fenwick also quotes Coburn as saying:

The risk is unbelievable for us as a nation for our own security…We will fight this war again if we don’t fight it now. I am absolutely convinced. The other thing I’m convinced of is we are going to win — much more so do I believe that now than I did 18 months ago.

On his website, the Coburn’s position on Iraq and the War on Terror is clearly stated:

…It is vitally important for us, when considering Iraq and the War on Terror, to remember who we are fighting and what is at stake. We have an obligation to future generations of Americans that we achieve victory in the War on Terror. The terrorists we are confronting today in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere would be on our doorstep if we retreat. It is better to confront and disrupt terrorists in far away lands rather than allowing them to once again launch attacks on us in our own cities.

Overall, the debate over troop levels in Iraq is not what matters — victory is what matters… (more)

It seems this most recent visit to Iraq has strongly validated that position for the U.S. Senator from Oklahoma.

NBC originally refused to air the above commercial yesterday on their Meet the Press program with Tim Russert. NBC said that airing the spot would violate the network’s prohibition on “controversial issue ads.” How sad. The war has been so politicized, that now it is deemed “controversial” to ask Americans to thank our brave soldiers who are serving thousands of miles away during the Christmas season?” From the freedomswork.org website:

“As we celebrate the holidays, it is important to remember the sacrifices these brave men and women stationed throughout the world make each day to defend our freedom. Freedom’s Watch is honored to support their services and say thank you.”

From Red Oklahoma

Oklahoma Democrats’ 13th annual Carl Albert awards banquet won’t be headlined by a war veteran with a message of staying the course for victory.

It won’t be headlined by a legislative leader who supports our troops and is an advocate for responsible policy in Iraq, either.

Instead, Oklahoma Democrats have chosen Congressman James Clyburn (D-S.C.), an unwaivering voice of defeat in the War in Iraq, to be their honored guest. Though Oklahomans may be divided on whether going into Iraq was the best decision, they are united in supporting our troops to get the job done now that they’re there. Yet this is another example of how the extreme liberal 1% of Oklahoma Democrats who are currently in control of the Oklahoma Democratic Party are spreading defeatist liberalism to party faithful.

Read More

“I’m hearing more and more frequently a sense of rage with the Democratic leadership in Congress. From failing to stop the war to expanding Bush’s wiretapping authority, the swing vote of conservative Democrats in the House are forming an effective conservative majority that is enabling Bush to govern as he wishes.”

“Bush’s Dogs”

Jason Altmire, PA-04
John Barrow, GA-12
Melissa Bean, IL-18
Dan Boren, OK-02
Leonard Boswell, IA-03
Alan Boyd, FL-02
Chris Carney, PA-10
Ben Chandler, KY-06
Jim Cooper, TN-05
Jim Costa, CA-20
Bud Cramer, AL-05
Henry Cuellar, TX-28
Lamar Davis, TN-04
Joe Donnelly, IN-02
Chet Edwards, TX-17
Brad Ellsworth, IN-08
Bob Etheridge, NC-02
Bart Gordon, TN-06
Stephanie Herseth, SD
Baron Hill, IN-09
Nick Lampson, TX-22
Dan Lipinski, IL-03
Jim Marshall, GA-08
Jim Matheson, UT-02
Mike McIntyre, NC-07
Charlie Melancon, LA-03
Colin Peterson, MN-07
Earl Pomeroy, ND
Ciro Rodriguez, TX-23
Mike Ross, AR-04
John Salazar, CO-03
Heath Shuler, NC-11
Vic Snyder, AR-02
Zack Space, OH-18
John Tanner, TN-08
Gene Taylor, MS-04
Tim Walz, MN-01
Charlie Wilson, OH-06

Read more…

Related

Oklahoma Women’s Network Blog: “Oklahoma Women’s Groups meet with Rep Mary Fallin”

A little damage control maybe?

From Okbluenotes:

Oklahoma Democratic Party & Veterans Committee to Host “Support the Troops” Event Oklahomans Deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan to Receive Care Packages

Oklahoma City – The Oklahoma Democratic Party is sponsoring a ‘Support the Troops’ campaign by gathering items from the ‘most wanted’ list that have been requested by our Oklahoma Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Who: Democratic Veterans, family members, elected official and Oklahomans who support our military

What: Event to pack care boxes for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

Where: George Krumme Center, Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters, 4100 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

When: Tuesday, August 21st from 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m.

Ron Wasson, Vietnam Marine Corps veteran and Dr. Katherine Scheirman, retired Air Force Colonel, are co-chairs of the Oklahoma Democratic Veteran’s Committee, which is devoted to political and social justice issues that affect our country’s veterans. They have organized the event to let members of our armed forces know we salute their patriotism and courage.

The event will include speakers from the Veterans Committee along with State Rep Richard Morrissette, Iraq war veteran Mike Waggoner and State Party Chair Ivan Holmes. Refreshments will be served and everyone is invited to participate in this important event.
Read more…