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Managing Editor WASHINGTON, D.C. Chicopee resident Paul Morin, the National Commander of the American Legion, has weighed in on the debate on the Iraqi War with a strongly worded press release issued last week. Morin described efforts in Congress to question the effectiveness of current war policy as "Operation Turncoat." Morin is quoted as saying, "Violence is down in two key areas where the 'surge' is focused Baghdad and Anbar. Also, the Iraqis have provided three trained brigades of their own as promised. Eight of the 18 benchmarks are showing progress. It's too early to measure the other benchmarks before September." John Raughter, the communications director for the American Legion told the Chicopee Herald that Morin was not implying that members of Congress were traitors. Instead Morin was criticizing some members of Congress betraying their commitment to wait until September before passing judgement on the progress of the strategy, Raughter explained. Morin's statement continued with "all this talk on Capitol Hill about 'responsible redeployment' is nothing more than irresponsible political rhetoric. Congress should be more concerned with victory in Iraq than defeat in their home states and districts next year. They were elected to make tough decisions to protect America, not their political careers. "This movement to withdraw our troops, before they've had the chance to finish the mission they are well capable of finishing, amounts to an impatient political media stunt I'd call 'Operation Turncoat.' Some benchmarks have been met and some aspects of the 'surge' are working but have been little reported by the media. "Give the troop surge a chance to succeed. They just got there last month. Congress must allow the troops a chance to stabilize an unstable region, especially after having just voted two months ago to continue the war. Personally, I think our troops will get the job done if we will just let them do it." "There is no more important issue right now than sustaining a strong national defense," Morin concluded. "Premature withdrawal and timelines severely jeopardize our national security. This is not a war without end. Our men and women can be victorious. And there is no greater way to honor our fighting men and women in uniform than by ensuring they have the resources, time, patience and support of the American people as they can complete this mission." Morin is on leave from his position as the superintendent of the Holyoke Soldier's Home. He began his one-year term as the national commander last August. He is an active member of American Legion Post 337 in the Aldenville section of Chicopee. | ||||||
