Editorial by Theresa Fleming

Sadly, Washington politicians have far too often focused their time on attempting to save their political careers instead of focusing on protecting and supporting the brave men and women who are serving in our armed forces in Iraq, not to mention securing this country.  From failing to timely deliver vehicles that could better protect them from roadside bombs to failing to ensure that our troops have the best possible medical care and that their families receive the support they deserve, Congress has failed our troops on every level.  It’s time for Congress to stop playing politics with our soldier’s lives and started giving them the support they deserve.

As for the war in Iraq.  The War in Iraq should never have been called the “War on Terror”.  It’s not a war on terror, it’s a fight for the survival of liberty and freedom.  It’s a fight for our own survival and our children’s future.  There is nothing wrong with having a debate on what our country should do about the situation in Iraq.  After all, during the course of our country's history, over one million men and women have given their lives to protect our freedoms, including our freedom of speech.  But before we decide to cut and run, we better have an honest discussion as to what the results of that decision will bring.  Like a tidal wave building, Radical Islam is sweeping through out the Middle East and parts of Europe.  Radical Islam makes Hitler and his Nazi’s look like a walk in the park.  And although there are many of Muslim faith who simply want peace, make no mistake-there are millions who subscribe the radical form of Islam and they want every single one of us dead.  So before Congress decides to cut and run, I want to know-what exactly is Plan B?  Because at least in Iraq, there are Muslims who want the peace that freedom and democracy brings.  While we have trouble in our own country getting people to take 15 minutes out of their day to vote, in Iraq thousands of families have risked their lives for the privilege of voting.  Freedom means something to them.  If we cut and run, what will happen to these brave Muslim families who trusted us, who have been willing to take a stand against the radical form of Islam in order to give their children a future in which they might live in peace? 

As for the rest… On September 11th, the “terrorists” murdered 3,000 innocent American civilians.  Grandparents, mothers and fathers, children-they killed them all.  For “terrorists” do not care who they murder.  Iran and Syria just made a billion dollar arms deal.  As anyone who reads the actual news wire reports knows, although the Saudi Princes may portray themselves as “business men”, there are millions who live in Saudi Arabia would murder us and our children in a heartbeat.  In France, hundreds of fires have been set, cars have been blown up. In the UK, a number of doctors who worked for the UK Health Care system were caught plotting a terrorist attack (translation: mass murder plot). In Glasgow, a terrorist attempted to blow up an airport terminal. Several terrorists were caught attempting to blow up 10 planes in Britain.  Planes that were filled with innocent families and children.  In Turkey, civil unrest is growing as those who subscribe to the radical form of Islam begin to fight for control.  To Turkey’s credit, there are those Muslims who truly wish for Turkey to remain a peaceful nation, but only time will tell who will win.   In Indonesia, terrorists waited for three school girls on their way home from school. Their crime? They were Christian. They beheaded them and put one of their heads in front of their church.  Beheadings have occurred in Iran, Somalia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.... Notice a trend here? There are news reports that allege that even small children have been beheaded. Our soldiers who have been captured have been tortured, beheaded, burned and dismembered.  This is the enemy we face.  The evil that exists in these so called "terrorists" knows no limits. Terrorists have no sense of decency on any level. They would murder their mother and their own child if it would further their political agenda. We do not have time to be a house divided, or we will fall-and sadly it is our children who will pay the price.

As a mom, I want to bring our solders home and I worry about my children and what will happen to them if the situation in Iraq is not soon resolved.   But I am also concerned about pulling out of Iraq, because I think, as do many experts in the field, that there is a very legitimate reason to fear that Iran will not only take over Iraq, but will push Lebannon, which is already teetering on the edge of a civil war, into the pit of Radical Islam as well.  Once that happens, how long will it be before Iran and it’s allies manage to topple the Saudi Kings, allowing the radicals in Saudi Arabia to take over?  With Europe already struggling, how long will it be before they too are overwhelmed.  With nothing and no one to stand in its way, the wave of  Radical Islam may indeed become unstoppable.