MEMO:

To……..All in Uniform in Iraq
From…TAT, American Citizen
Re……..Should we pull out of Iraq, now?
Date…..December 2005

The other day I was watching the news and I got fed up, completely fed up with the ridiculous arguments being made as to why it is imperative to pull our military out of Iraq. Not wanting to destroy my big screen TV with whatever was within throwing reach, instead, I got up, went to my computer and put some thoughts together, for you, the American Warrior, in battle in a foreign land. I want to talk straight and ultimately encourage you to have an increased desire to fight, and if necessary, die, as this fight, at this time, is without question the Right Fight.

But, who the hell am I to have the audacity to encourage you to die?

Though it is important to know something about the writer of whatever you read, it is actually more important to evaluate the words written, on their face, in their essence, as to their integrity, consistency, and truthfulness. Nevertheless, I am a 54 year-old father of two kids, a boy 24 and a girl 27. My daughter also has two kids, a boy 7 months and a girl 3 years. I have been married to the same woman for over 31 years. I own a small business and struggle everyday to make a living. Though I have never been in the military, during my professional career of over thirty years I have been very involved in formally arguing the geopolitical affairs of the day in the public square.

I get up at 5:25am and I’m in the gym until around 7. I leave for work around 8:30. In those three hours, I have consumed at least two hours of the morning national and international news. On the 30 minute drive to work, I listen to talk radio or when I need a break from all the craziness, I catch a bit of Howard Stern! While in my office, I monitor the news and talk radio.

On the drive home, more talk radio and then cable news at night. I read at least one paper a day and several books a week, primarily on the Islamic threat before us.

In addition, I hold earned degrees in Law Enforcement, Theology and Philosophy. Therefore, I am in a pretty good position to answer the questions you have been asking, like…

What’s going on in the States with the debate over pulling out of this War?

We know you guys have your hands full fighting terrorists and building a country, basically from scratch. For the record, you are among very few human beings that have ever been involved in such a magnificent undertaking. Without question, your time "in country" will be one of the highlights of your life. Still, here and there, you catch the news and know that a battle is taking place back home. Though this is a "bloodless" debate, it’s very serious and affects your future. The battle back home is between Conservatives and Liberals and it’s about the importance of the War in Iraq. Moreover, a prime component of the debate is about your health and happiness. Here is the big question that is at the center of this fight. Is the war worth all the death and destruction that is happening to you guys, American soldiers?

Did you get that? A major part of the debate in the USA is about you getting hurt?

I’m serious, the Liberals (I’ll define what a Liberal is in a moment) are worried crazy over the fact that, in war, soldiers can get hurt and maybe even, die. These "soft-minded visionaries" (SMVs) are so concerned about your future, that they want you out of harms way and on an airplane headed home, right now!

When persuaded that immediate surrender (call it what it is) will result in a lot of bad stuff, these soft-minded visionaries then argue that Bush (they do not like to refer to him as President) must set a date in the near future and force the Iraqis to go it alone. It is more important, the SMVs argue, to make sure that soldiers don’t get hurt, then that WW III is won. When asked if they would approve of you staying and fighting this critical war, if they could be assured that you would never get a scratch, the SMVs add the caveat that — besides no soldiers getting hurt, no innocent people can get hurt either.

So there it is, the essence of American liberal war philosophy. No good guys can get boo-boos. Taking this philosophy a step further, the SMVs argue that because soldiers do not have a voice in this debate, they have to speak for.you! The reasoning goes something like this.

Basically, you soldiers are good people, but really mindless, state-trained automatons, dedicated to killing and destruction, controlled by the puppet masters Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld. You are unable to lay your weapons down (which you really want to do) and come home to your loved ones.

Therefore, someone (SMVs) must defend you. This reasoning becomes even more convoluted when, in an effort to make sure SMVs remain politically correct, they qualify their view by saying they are really for the soldier, but against the war. Believe it or not, this position is actually gaining some traction in the minds of everyday Americans.

Thus, it’s time to set the record straight.

The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that only trained philosophers should be in leadership positions. Their contention was that most common folk could care less about world events, ethics, politics, truth, and fundamental issues like war. The everyday folk understandably, care more about the immediate survival issues before them like, food, shelter, clothing and of course, taping the latest episode of Desperate Housewives. Therefore, when it comes to life and death decisions, like war, those who spend their lives in this arena (philosophers) should make the decisions because their decisions will be informed, dispassionate and logical. The common folk should not have a say in decisions this significant because even though uninformed, expeditious solutions may provide short-term emotional satisfaction for some, these soft-minded decisions always result in longterm disasters for many. Sometimes these Ancients almost get my vote. Sometimes Americans can be so stupid, that not only is it embarrassing, but extremely dangerous. Therefore, here’s…

LESSON # 1: Stupid Is, As Stupid Does.

Mama Gump, one of America’s leading philosophers, knows her timeless truths. If someone, anyone, even a common folk American, is persuaded by a stupid idea, and allows that idea to affect their thinking and actions, then, necessarily, they have become stupid, (slow to understand) at least in regard to the subject at hand. Yep, world-class surgeons and lawyers and truck drivers and news anchors and experts and even politicians can easily wear the ignominious label Stupid is as Stupid does.

Anyone who believes that the Iraq War should be ended because soldiers are getting hurt, maimed and dying, are immediate inductees into the Stupid is as Stupid does, Hall of Fame. Serious decisions, particularly decisions that will impact world events for the next twenty-five years, must be based upon over-arching principles, not under-arching politics. This is an important point because two groups back home are fighting over these concepts and you are probably asking…

Why are the Conservatives and Liberals fighting each other?

The fight is getting nasty back here in the US of A. The Liberals and the Conservatives are going at it like the Sunni and the Shi’a — only without all the C-4. See, that’s what democracy is all about, you finally realize that exploding your opponent may provide some short-term emotional satisfaction, but it usually gets in the way of a long-term resolution. If you notice, I am capitalizing the terms Liberal and Conservative. This is my way of offering respect to both sides of the debate even though my liberal brothers and sisters (no more caps!) are completely whacked out on this Iraq issue. If it was up to me, the liberals should be allowed to speak only after they made a $1,000.00 donation to the charity of my choice! Their lofty proclamations cannot hide the transparency of their heart. Their main goal is to win the White House, not the War.

Hey, by the way — have you ever asked yourself if you are a liberal or a conservative?

In order to understand the debate at home, and more importantly, understand your extremely important role in world affairs, it would be helpful for you to make the decision: liberal or conservative?

Simplifying definitions, the primary difference between an American liberal and American conservative is the role of God. Theologians tell us that if God exists (if He doesn’t, does anything matter?) He is either active or passive; involved in the affairs of man or detached; on the ground with His troops or watching the battle from a cave.

When you have a moment, give this concept some thought and you will see that each view of God commits a person to a particular set of foundational beliefs and actions. If you maintain that God is passive, then in that foxhole, while trying to make yourself invisible, you might as well recite the first phrase of Slim Shady as opposed to calling on the Lord of the Universe to help you out, because Mr. Passive god ain’t that interested in all the lead zipping around your eyeballs. On the other hand, if you have concluded that the BIG man is really involved, as active as all get out, then when the bullets fly and the IEDs blow, and you are there, you know there is a reason for being in that place, at that moment, and things, as chaotic as they are in those moments, are not beyond the reach, thought or concern of the God who is actively there.

Though many liberals intellectually believe in God, it is merely a passive God, whereas the majority of conservatives believe in an active God, one to whom they are responsible for each moment of every day. Now understand (here comes some basic theology) by definition, there can only be one God who is an eternal, omniscient, omnipotent, big bad Boss! Imagine if there were two gods, like two squad leaders. Who the hell’s in charge?

Yes, liberal and conservative opponents, those who believe in God, believe in the same God, but the liberals are theologically dead wrong, limiting their full understanding of God. They do not allow Him to play the active role He wants to play, thus they miss out on a full and complete understanding of the world around them. That’s why, in my life, I do not follow the lead of liberals.

LESSON #2: Do Not Follow Liberals

Why would anyone follow the advice of a person who cannot see that God, by His very nature, is absolutely active, concerned and involved in the lives of man and the events of the World? It is this distinction between an active and passive God that weighs heavily on understanding your part in the overall transformation of the World, now in process. Here’s a Parable to help you get a handle on this life-changing concept.

There were once two people unable to clearly read the words on the page before them. One picked up his reading glasses and, hot damn, he could clearly read! The other, acknowledging the existence of his reading glasses, and maybe even expressing a need for them, did not, for whatever reasons, (vanity, laziness, stupidity) put on the reading glasses. He was confused with what he read.

The lack of sight-correcting glasses did not stop the second man from reading, but it did hinder him from understanding. A passive God helps you see, an active God enables you to understand.

LESSON #3: God Is Active

So far in this brief Memo, we’ve dealt with stupidity, liberalism and God, therefore it’s time for, what else, Vietnam! I know you’re asking the question.

Why is Iraq being compared to Vietnam?

Many of you were not alive during the Vietnam "Conflict." So, unless you are a student of that war, it will be difficult to understand why so many liberals are comparing the battle you are in, to Vietnam, which ended thirty years ago. The Vietnam era in America was one of internal division, strife and extreme pain. Therefore the use of Vietnam by liberals is simply an emotional tactic used to bypass serious analysis and get someone to agree with their point of view. It’s similar to when the magician says "abracadabra," and magic happens. The SMVs are hoping against hope that the mere recitation of "abraVietnamcadabra," will result in magically convincing the majority of Americans that it is time for us to surrender in Iraq. Look, I will not use any other term then surrender, because if we leave Iraq before the mission is completed that is exactly what we will be doing and the consequences will be fatal.

If it was up to me, our military should never leave Iraq, just like we never left Germany, Japan, South Korea and Newark. Actually, it is intellectually simplistic, or if you know better, dishonest to compare Vietnam to Iraq. Apart from the fact that bombs and bullets are in play, the fundamental differences make comparisons laughable. Yet, the SMVs are so concerned about getting the "warmonger" Bush and his conservative comrades out of power (there is a Congressional election in 2006 and Presidential in 2008) that they will use any tactic to sway public opinion.

Sadly, they are succeeding.

More and more stupid Americans believe that Iraq is going to be another Vietnam, where we fight for ten years, lose thousands of wonderful Americans, kill innocent Iraqis and accomplish absolutely nothing. Ironically, it is this type of God-is-not-active thinking that often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Though this Memo is not the place to do a comprehensive analysis of Vietnam, suffice to say that the geopolitical cost of "losing," in Vietnam, on balance, has not been detrimental to the United States or the democratic West. Ironically, surrounded by a world of capitalism, Communism is burning itself out. Those atheistic nations opposed to democratic capitalism have realized there may actually be a god and that god is Walmart!

Conversely, surrender or defeat to the Jihadists will underscore their theological mandate and only serve to fuel their mission. Add to this the fact that many of the Mujahidin fighters are being led by sophisticated Islamic religious teachers, and the result is one complex combination of extremists wanting to die in battle as martyrs. Philosophically, Vietnam was a battle over economic systems, Iraq is a battle over theological systems.

Some years ago, I led a film team back to Vietnam to shoot a story about two of America’s first SEALs, returning to the scene of some of their historic battles. I spent two weeks trudging through the marshes of the Delta, alleys of Ho Chi Min City, and the tunnels of Cu Chi with Chief Jim Watson (Pointman) and Commander Dick Marcinko (Rogue Warrior). Through my extensive study on Vietnam, it is clear that lessons learned in Vietnam have been successfully applied to Iraq. That means the mistakes of thirty years ago and the wounds of that conflict have provided lessons, implemented in Iraq that are saving lives and winning battles. If nothing else, those on the Wall, and those in a chair can rest well, knowing that their great sacrifices were not in vain!

LESSON #4: Vietnam Lessons Are Iraq’s Successes

Probably another question that is flying around your barracks goes something like this.

Why are there still arguments about the reason for this War?

Liberals and conservatives are having a fight over the original reasons America went to Iraq in the first place. There is a lot of attention being given to WMDs by the liberals. Their argument is so ridiculous that I am really surprised that anyone actually agrees with it. Oh, wait a minute, I almost forgot, stupid is as stupid does. Thanks for reminding me. Least you think I am just a mean person who likes to be sarcastic (though I must admit, messing with the minds of SMVs can be a fun way to pass time) you gotta check out this reasoning between a typical SMV and a conservative.

SMV: "No WMDs were found in Iraq, so Bush lied, many died, the war’s a farce, let’s get out now!"

Conservative: "Umm (always good to start with ummm), do you think there were ever any WMD’s in Iraq, ever?"

{You can actually tell them that this is a trick question designed to trip them up, for their own good. It really doesn’t matter that you tell them exactly what you’re doing because, stupid is as stupid does. Now, wait for their answer}

SMV: "No!"

{If they really say "No," there were never any WMDs in Iraq, you can turn around and walk away, as you are talking to either a mindless Cretan or an obstinate, glassy-eyed Bush-hater. But, if you really want to do your good deed for the day and help out a wandering SMV, kindly and respectfully ask this question.}

Conservative: "What kind of information would persuade you that indeed, at times, Saddam Hussein had, and used, WMD?"

{The beauty of this question is that it is not argumentative, but it is allows you to immediately gain control of the conversation and force the SMV to leave the comfortable confines of stupidom, and actually use their noodle to t-h-i-n-k. If you are dealing with someone who is honestly misguided, not dishonestly malevolent, then they will stumble a bit (as they fight the urge to recite Democratic talking points) and ask for real evidence, whatever they think that means. At this point all you have to do is comfort your new buddy, sit him down and dial 1-800-Gas-The-Kurds. It really isn’t that difficult to convince an honest SMVs that at one point in the past Saddam, former Eternal Ruler and Vice Admiral Excelsior (now a SF spitball target) actually did bad stuff with really bad stuff. If you can get this far, you are doing great, your halfway home. Once the guy agrees that WMD’s of some sort actually existed in Iraq, here’s your follow up question.}

Conservative: "OK, now that you agree Saddam had some nasty, gooey, slimy, crap that could kill a lot of innocent people, where… are you ready for this?… you sure?… here goes — where did the ca-ca go?"

SMV: "Ca-Ca?"

Conservative: "Ummmm… (you.ll do a lot of ummming with these cats)… WMD."

SMV: "Oh, Ok… ummmm {now you got him thinking. He can’t say the ca-ca was never there, because you already took the time to establish that fact, so he is logically forced to conclude either the ca-ca is gone, or heaven forbid, it’s still there!!}… I, I, I don’t, I guess, I mean, ummm… {it’s about this time that most SMVs, just as there is hope they will break free from mindless politics, blurt out.}… You’re just a right-wing fanatic! I’m done with this religious nonsense!" {and they storm off to the comfort of casa de stupido.}

If you have the chance to seriously discuss WMD’s with someone and they agree that the WMD did exist, then the challenge is not for President Bush to unearth every square inch of the god-awful middle-east, but for the lying naysayers to answer the friggin’ question, "Where the hell is this garbage?"

This question is the absolute key to this argument.

Follow this logical vice in which every liberal should have a soft part of their flabby body placed.

• WMDs existed in Iraq
• To date, they have not been found
• Either they were never there in the first place (but the facts prove they were)
• Or they have been moved
• Or they are still there
• If they were moved out of Iraq, did a visit from 150,000 American Warriors have anything to do with the relocation?
• If they are still there, hidden, are they the danger they once were?
• If they have been moved, once you are done in Iraq — should do some more visiting around the neighborhood?
• And finally, what would the liberals have said if President Bush did not take action on the fact of WMD in Iraq — and there was a problem?

This is a very serious concept that you need to chew on, as you make your oh-so-important decision… liberal or conservative? If you think this is a big debate going on back home, just imagine if President Bush, in light of all the intel he reviewed, decided to ignore it and do what the wonderful United Nations wanted to do, continue the Oil-for-food-for-money-for-UNofficials-and-Saddam-program. Really imagine the Kennedy’s and Kerry’s and Boxer’s and Dean’s railing on "W" as he stood behind the Presidential Seal and said, "hey Saddam is not our problem," as the Butcher of Baghdad invades a few countries, kills, destroys, takes control of the oil reserves in the middle east, drives up the price of gas, moves on Israel — and America stands by and does nothing.

Can you imagine the outcry against the President? Can you imagine the International outcry? Can you imagine the calls for his impeachment? Well, don’t worry about imagining all this, because it is exactly what would have happened if President Bush refused to see the real world, the world and all its evil, through a pair of glasses, that allow him to not only see, but fully understand! President George Bush, with all his faults and flubs is a principled individual who believes in an active God and is willing to take a stand against evil, even if only a few stand with him. That, my fighting friend, is Leadership!

LESSON #5: Leadership Can Be Very Lonely.

I’m sure these kinds of home-grown debates really get your attention as you mount up, strap in and roll out. But hey, we are a democracy so it is required that we are constantly fighting about yesterday’s news. You see, the SMVs think they found a way they can defeat President Bush. If the SMVs can convince a majority of Americans that "Bush Lied and People Died," then they will win the elections in 2006 and 2008.

You see, when you believe God is active, you try to live a life of principle guided by an involved God, even when the working out of that principle may be extremely difficult or dangerous. When you opt not to put on your "philosophical reading glasses," when your God is somewhere afar, it becomes almost impossible to provide any sort of leadership for those other than the stupid. If the liberals gain control of Congress and the Presidency in 2008, the stupid will have prevailed and become a majority. Though there will be serious ramifications to our society when it is lead by those looking for quick fixes to problems, as opposed to long-term, foundational solutions, most likely our policy in Iraq will not dramatically change, because the consequences are so great.

But it may.

Some of these foolish liberal arguments have actually taken hold with many Americans and if the SMVs do gain political control, they may have to do something drastic, to "get our boys home," just because they made a shortterm promise in exchange for 30 pieces of silver votes. This is why others like me are beginning to speak up in support of you, the American Warrior, and not just you but your mission.

Liberals say wonderful things about you but terrible things about your mission. It is another of those factors that divide conservatives from liberals. SMVs are running all over the country stating that the reasons for getting into this war were false; there was no entrance plan, no plan for victory, no exit plan, no daily plan, no political plan, no economic plan, basically no nothing!. The liberals make it sound like you get up around noon, rummage around looking for a sleeping General, wake him up, ask him if he wants you to beat up a few prisoners, shoot some Iraqi kids and then head off to the nearest bar. Here’s another lesson.

LESSON #6: War is Inevitable.

War is inevitable. Evil people will always want to kill others. The reasons for this behavior vary, but the result is the same — dead people.

Dead people in Beirut.

Dead people in Kenya.

Dead people in Tanzania.

Dead people in Yemen.

Dead people in New York.

Dead people in Pennsylvania.

Dead people in Washington.

The war you are fighting was inevitable. In your lifetime, inevitable. If there was no September 11, 2001, then there would have been a June 25, 2002, or a December 3, 2003, or an October 17, 2004. Inevitable.

Actually, we have been in this war for many years but chose to stick our heads in the sand and ignore the growing threat. It’s been a one-sided war, with the Jihadists attacking us and America doing all it could to avoid confrontation. For the "imperialists" we are constantly accused of being, we do one sad job of sacking other nations and forcing them to do our bidding.

You would think that we could at least whack Canada around a bit, just for kicks. (I can see it now, out of nowhere, the Screaming Eagles land in Ottawa, take over the government buildings, and raise their colors, all before the Canucks have a chance to read their morning paper. By noon, Dubya tells our neighbors we were only "messin" with them, they can have their buildings back… maybe).

Isn’t it interesting, our northern brethren support us only when it is politically expedient for them to do so, yet they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that if and when they have any problem with any nation, we will be first at their side, no questions asked, ready to shed precious American blood. It’s what true friends do. It’s the behavior of those who follow an active God.

Back to the inevitable war.

By now some may question my references to God and my contention that He should be actively involved in the lives of those who believe . Some may say this is very similar to the Jihadists and their view that Allah is in control of every detail in their lives.

So what’s the deal with all this God stuff?

This question is actually the centerpiece of the debate and the war. The following equation provides insight into my references to God, helps you understand the difference between Islamic theology and Judeo-Christian theology and shows why you guys are in a battle for the future of the free world.

Islam: Church + State = 1

Judaism / Christianity: Church + State = 2

My definition for a Jihadist is a Muslim, Arab or not (most Muslims are not Arabs) who believes that Allah will welcome him immediately into Paradise if he dies while fighting, primarily, the infidel Jews and Christians. Jihadists believe that religious leaders (Imams) provide policy and direction to the people (state). There is no distinction between church and state, they are one. Religious leaders determine public policy and the people must follow.

There is no need for debate, discussion or any need ever to vote on these matters. In fact, for the purest Muslims, democracy, one man, one vote, is in direct violation of the Qur’an, therefore completely against Allah. Clearly these zealots are proof positive that the Ancients, as brilliant as they were, were wrong about non-democratic leadership.

Jews and Christians believe the religious leaders (church / synagogue) can, and should provide direction and inform the people (state), but public policy will be determined by the democratic process, based upon the rule of law, not the dictates of clerics. Historically, Judaism and Christianity have had their share of experiments balancing the relationship between church and state. Twenty-first century ecclesiology (role of the church) maintains that there must be a wall of separation, particularly a wall keeping the state out of the affairs of the church. And herein lies one of the critical problems that have resulted in you doing battle in the Land of Two Rivers. Jews and Christians are living in the 21st Century, following a theo-political philosophy that maintains a clear and distinct separation between the sacred and secular, whereas the Jihadists are living in the 11th Century, one thousand years behind the times, trying to revive the political, religious and social structure that once formed the core of the Islamic life. It is the goal of Jihadists to unify all Islamic nations in the world under a single ruler, the Caliph. Muslims, especially the Sunnis, believe that the Caliph is the legal successor to Mohammed the Prophet, as the spiritual and political leader of all Muslims. This process of Islamic unification began in November 1979 with the Iranian Revolution and now is searching for a base in Iraq. Included in this unification process is the imposition of Sharia (Islamic) law on all subjects. The next step, after victory in Iraq, is the move by modern Islamic warriors to impose Sharia law to non-Islamic nations, under the banner of Jihad.

With just a basic background into some Jihadist theology and philosophy it becomes crystal clear as to the importance of not abandoning the Iraqi, in this, their greatest time of need. For many reasons Iraqis know that living under a dictatorial regime, whether it’s a Saddam, or an Imam, is in contradistinction to the passion burning in their souls, the passion to live free. They are thirsting for Democracy. They are dying for Democracy. They are oh-so-close to Democracy.

Conclusion

My purpose in this short Memo is to encourage you to be more dedicated to the art of war. I want to provide insight into the debates that are taking place around the United States so that you don’t let these arguments get you down or put you off your game. In fact, it’s possible to use these debates in such a fashion so as to become stronger, not weaker in your task.

It is critical to realize this is the Right War at the Right Time. Please recognize the importance of having a belief that God is active in your life and that He has you exactly where you are, for a specific purpose. Once you can accept and understand this concept, and believe it, then you have fully equipped yourself to listen to the most ridiculous of these debates about why we should not be in Iraq or the need to get you home before the mission is complete. In fact, when you integrate the various pieces of the puzzle of life — God exists and is active — He has a plan for your life — part of that plan has you in Iraq — then all the craziness before you begins to come into focus, much like when someone puts on a pair of reading glasses.

Not only do you see better, but you understand more.

As you begin to understand the big picture before you, it becomes patently obvious that Islamic Jihadism is a worldwide threat which absolutely must be stopped. You will realize through time immemorial, there have been evil, worldwide groups who capriciously inflicted terror, destruction and death in their effort to subvert freedom and crush the very life out of innocent men, women and children.

But, thank God, there have been those willing to take a stand, those willing to say, enough is enough, those who get it and understand that it is more important to live a full life of quality then an empty life of quantity. Those who forsook fame and fortune, instead prepared themselves to be effective warriors, equipped with efficient tools, standing on firm principle, fighting for universal Truth.

Thank God, for you.