Letter to the editor

05/04/2007

This week President Bush vetoed a bi-partisan bill that set benchmarks for success in the Iraq war while ensuring adequate funds for our troops and veterans. Mr. Bush rejected the clearly defined benchmarks, preferring an open-end blank check for the war. American citizens, however, remember that it was President Bush who first promised us that our nation's commitment to the war would not "open-ended", and that his administration would "set out ambitious timetables and clear benchmarks to measure progress." The President has broken faith with the American
people and by his veto asks us for an unquestioning and unending commitment while refusing to fulfill his pledge to set benchmarks for success.

It is now up to Congress to find a new way forward. I have written a letter I am sending to Congressman Walz and Senators Klobuchar and Coleman asking them to assist in crafting compromise legislation that provides a new direction in Iraq. After four years and thousands of lives lost it is obvious we can not hope for the needed leadership from Mr. Bush. I suggest you join me in petitioning Congress to bring a responsible end to the war in Iraq.

Debra Hogenson
Brewster, MN