(Sen. Gordon) Smith defends Iraq views to GOP

[babylonsister]

http://www.oregonlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news/1172906738122510.xml&coll=7

Smith defends Iraq views to GOP
Change of thought - Sen. Gordon Smith tells a conference that we should leave "this ancient civil war, because we can't fix that"

Saturday, March 03, 2007
HARRY ESTEVE
The Oregonian

SEASIDE -- U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith defended his rapidly changing stance on the Iraq war to a roomful of Republicans on Friday night, drawing cheers but also some harsh questions at the annual Dorchester Conference.

Won't pulling back in Iraq only cause more violence? Don't your words demoralize the troops? Aren't you empowering Democrats?

Smith stood his ground. He said he has visited Iraq twice, once three years ago and once in May. Both times he saw the same thing: U.S. troops would go out, "shoot it up" and come back to the Green Zone, often missing a soldier.

"That's what I don't support any more," Smith said. "Tactics that don't equal victory."

Explaining himself further, Smith said, "I don't want to be caught in the quicksand of this ancient civil war, because we can't fix that."

The speech brought a mix of reaction, from those who admired his forthrightness and courage to speak his mind to those who said he is misguided.

more...

[Botany]

1. Ah Sen. Smith were you not one of the repugs who voted against

cloture when Iraq came before the senate?

[babylonsister]

2. I give him props for doing the right thing now. As a rethug, he must

be getting a lot of flack from his fellow thugs, but he's not caving.

[Botany]

4. He caved big time

In early January he spoke about what a waste it was to send our troops
out to take an area then leave and have to retake it the next day. He said
it was criminal to use our troops in such a way.

But when the vote came to over ride any veto to allow debate on the war
in the senate he went along with the republicans and voted to support
bush, the party, and this stupid mistake of a war.

Anything he says now is meaningless C.Y.A. crap .... watch how he votes ..
not how he talks.

[babylonsister]

5. I'll be watching, and thanks, Botany!

[Botany]

6. Hey Mr. Ranger Sir, Me and Boo Boo just want some of dem ....

.... picnic baskets .... hey hey hey.



At least I think I am right about what I remember about Sen. Smith ....
I remember his words were very blunt.

[TwilightGardener]

3. Hagel lite. Maybe shoulda spoke up more forcefully earlier.

[babylonsister]

7. Could be, but I'll embrace any rethug who does so. nt

[TwilightGardener]

8. This is true. Especially since they may be committing

political suicide. A tip of the hat to Smith!

[TSIAS]

9. Smith's getting desparate

He knows that Oregon will be a key Democratic target in 2008. Hopefully we get another Democrat to serve alongside Sen. Ron Wyden.