Chaffetz Disappoints - Reveals His Neocon Tendencies

[reidbump]

I have been following Chaffetz closely, even though I don't live in Utah. Generally, I've been impressed and I actually even thought that maybe he was something different. Then he said this regarding Iraq after his recent visit to the war-torn country:

"My encouragement to the president is to not let politics dictate policy, but to truly look to the generals on the ground," Chaffetz said. "They have a grasp of the situation and the enormity of it, and it may take a little bit longer than anybody wants it to take. But it's moving in the right direction."

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/7052 ... -zone.html

Jason! Jason! (Absalom! Absalom!)

He has some saving grace with his support of H.R. 1207, but I think he just revealed to everyone that with regards to foreign policy, he's a neo-con.

[Spence]

What do you mean? The art of war, one of the greatest books of all time, a pacifist book I might add. Makes it succinctly clear that the Generals, not idiot politicians should dictate what goes on with the boots who's blood is sacrificed on the ground.

He never said if he agrees with the war in Iraq, but Jason isn't a moron and understand the consequences of having politicians dictate how wars are won. You can disagree with the war in Iraq, rightfully so, but you should never disagree with an everlasting truth that generals, not politicians should decide how a war is won.

If you are advocating for complete and total withdraw, I don't think you fully comprehend the consequences of that.

[reidbump]

Whether generals or politicians should run a war is not the point, and your reference to The Art of War is irrelevant.

The point is, Chaffetz is using the same rhetoric used by every neo-con and LDG since the war began on why we have a continued presence as occupiers of that country.

The consequences of pulling out of Iraq, I imagine, could not be worse than the million or so deaths we have caused through our intervention in Iraq's affairs over the past couple of decades.

Speculating as to the negative consequences of doing the right thing by leaving Iraq is really a non sequitur. That is what everyone who doesn't have a leg to stand on seems to say.

The consequences of not pulling out, however, are apparent: bankruptcy for our country, hundreds of thousands of deaths, bigger government, less freedom, fraud in government, declining economy, etc.

Going there was wrong; staying there is wrong. Two wrongs have never made a right. Given the doctrine of war as taught by the BoM, I hope you would agree.

Chaffetz is wrong on this point, and it is a point that I fear will prevent him from really accomplishing much good because our foreign policy, next to our monetary policy, is our biggest problem. Generally, I have been pleased with Chaffetz, but now, I'm worried.