Letter: Don’t forget who is commander in chief

Thursday, May 3, 2007 | 7:22 a.m.

Democrats are taking a "defeatist" position ( one who expects, hopes for or admits the defeat of his country ). Such political tactics make stronger my desire to be a patriot (one who loves his country) and root for victory. We don't want our leaders to give up and lead the nation to surrender to the enemy. Democratic leader Sen. Harry Reid told us some days ago the Iraq war was lost. Total disagreement was expressed by political and military leaders. I'm now expressing mine. It's safe to say many people agree with me.

Political tactics (saying the war is lost) have no place in the public arena because such reckless tactics can endanger our nation. Our enemies in Iraq are probably still cheering that one of our leaders has given up. Yet Democrats have supported the statement. Lay groups have supported Reid as a good military analyst.

And currently the Democrats have passed the bill that provides funds to support the troops but requires they be withdrawn starting next October and ending next April. Thankfully, Bush has vetoed it. And Iraq commander Gen. David Petraeus said recently: "Withdrawal will make things worse." We have only to remember that our fighting the enemy in Iraq has been accompanied by no attack on American soil since 9/11. It pays to fight and we must not withdraw. We must persevere and win.

It must be realized President Bush is our commander in chief, in command of all armed forces. He makes all the ultimate decisions. Any member of Congress cannot take over this constitutional authority by passing a bill to make the decision in place of Bush. They're wrongfully trying to take over our commander in chief's exclusive decision making.

Paul L. Larsen, Las Vegas