Just. Ask. Us.
Today Senator McCain spoke in Pensacola, FL to deliver another speech for his "Service to America" tour. He made several references to the current troop levels being inadequate to meet the current Military objectives. "We must increase the size of our military, and much more so than we have done to date. It is an urgent priority.''
"I want every American to know that, despite its attendant risks and sacrifices, military service even for one or two enlistments or for a career is one of the most rewarding experiences you could ever have. Few other occupations so completely invest your life with personal and even historic importance.''
"Had we begun to do it right after 9/11 -- as we realized that we were now in a global struggle against a malicious enemy, or as we embarked on two wars, or even when it became clear to many of us that our flawed strategy and inadequate troop levels in Iraq were going to result in that conflict lasting far longer than anticipated -- we would not be in the situation we are in now.''
OYE Comment: At the time of this post we were unable to find the full transcript of Senator McCain's speech. From the many news organizations that covered today's event we did not find a single sentence where the likely Republican presidential nominee specifically asked the eligible to Be A Man! Enlist!
OYE believes that alluding to the present Military personnel shortages is not enough in this time of 15 month deployments, stop-loss, and multiple combat tours. We hope you will join us in asking Senator McCain to show the type of leadership he learned as a Navy/Vietnam War Veteran by encouraging those eligible to at least consider Military service to Our Country. Operation Yellow Elephant is NOT proud of the fact that we are the only organization or persons that ask Americans to step forward.
posted by Wek @ 4/02/2008 09:47:00 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
McCain will have a tough time getting Democrats to increase troop strength.
Personnel is a huge cost in the long-term. Before the Bush/Clinton drawdown 43% of the DOD budget was committed to personnel (I don't know the current stats).
The Dems will not want to spend money in that area when there are so many pork barrel projects waiting to slurp up the bucks. (Ask Ted Stevens -- he's got a bridge he'll sell you).
rogue- I haven't heard anyone from any side arguing about cutting back on the # of troops. Sure there may be some loons out there (Code Pink) that may see this as a good route, but I haven't exactly picked up on this as a growing movement with an ounce of influence.
Obviously Senator McCain has a great chance of becoming our next President. How will Senator McCain grow our troop level, as he said he wishes to do, if he won't even ask the many he influences to enlist? Assuming he becomes President, asking has nothing to do with him facing a likely Democratic majority in Congress as you alluded to. Even a Senate and House made up entirely of Ted Kennedys cannot prevent the next President from displaying leadership by encouraging Our Country's best and brightest to serve in uniform.
I honestly don't see what you're so disappointed about. It looked to me like McCain did exactly what you wanted him to do: remind us of the low troop levels, mention the failed leadership regarding the war, and encourage our young men and women to enlist. What did you expect him to say, "Join the military or you're a chickenhawk!"? Come on!
Um, Ted Stevens is a republican...
Apparently, OYE does not consider FDR a man since he did not serve in World War I although he was certainly eligible.
OYE also must not consider Sen. Robert Byrd a man since the only uniform he wore during World War II came with a hood.
OYE's argument is weak and belongs to moral cowards.
And, apparently, OYE is unaware of the fact that all four branches of the military have been meeting or exceeding their recruitment and retention goals.
Cpl. Kevin Groenhagen, USMC
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