Letter: Leaders may be new, but same old war policy

Monday, Jan. 22, 2007 | 7:14 a.m.

"Change of course" is what confirmed Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who was advocating it in his confirmation hearing with Congress. Gates expressed his skepticism about a troop surge in Iraq on the first day on the job, Dec. 18, 2006. In other words, he stated emphatically - change of course in Iraq. President Bush promised more of the same in view of the Democrats winning a majority in the Senate and House.

Many of us felt a bit relieved that perhaps some new agenda would be in place now and we just might see some strategic and productive changes in ending Bush's failed war.

In fact, it was reported Gates appeared to be at odds with the leanings of Mr. Bush, who was expected to announce a new troop surge.

Again, the country is hearing bold rhetoric about a new change of course. Mr. Gates now seems to be dancing with puppet strings as Mr. Bush pressures Gates, changing Gates' earlier assessment of "change of course" to "change of surge" agenda. Mr. Gates is just a ghost of Donald Rumsfeld and will do whatever it takes to embolden the president. Mr. Gates tried to make all of us to believe he was his own person - not so!

This war is costing $8 million per month and Saturday at least 20 or more troops were added to the list of casualties in Iraq. Our leaders are so blinded to the historic blunder and waste of the Vietnam War. Didn't the carnage and horrific losses teach us anything?

Yet so many of our politicians maintain the "stay the course" theory as one that will be victorious. At the same time we face Iran and North Korea in their bid to create a nuclear program. In spite of the polls, our leaders tell us what is best for us. Is this what they mean by democracy?

Robert Burgess, Henderson