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I don’t know about you, but I’m with
George W. Bush on this one: It’s time for surge! Yes, let’s surge into Iraq with another 21,500
soldiers — put ’em out there in the hot spots, sweating sniper
fire, praying that the car that just pulled up doesn’t explode in
hellish fury, fretting that anyone (everyone!) could be a suicide bomber. I
salute you, Mr. War President, for escalating America’s military
presence in this civil war, asking even more of our people to step up, step
in, and sacrifice their jobs, time, limbs . . . and lives. The only proviso that I attach to my gung-ho
endorsement of your exciting surge strategy is this: None of the 21,500
additional troops that you’re committing should come from the ranks
of people who’ve already been there, many on their fourth, fifth, or
even sixth rotations. Excuse me, but it’s the stuff of torturous war
crimes to keep circling the same people through that shooting gallery. Instead, here’s my plan: Draft Young
Republicans! Yes — they’ve been your most ardent cheerleaders
for invading, occupying, and staying the course in Iraq; they have been on
the front lines, jeering and sneering at war protesters; they have bravely
attached those yellow “Support Our Troops” magnets to their
SUVs; they have consistently voted for you and your war. So, I say: Give it
to ’em!
It’s nice that your own daughters — Jenna
and Barbara — have supported your Iraq policy rhetorically, but, come
on, why not put their boots on the ground? Give ’em a chance to prove
what they’re made of. Those Halliburton executives, too — draft
all of their twentysomethings. And don’t forget Cheney’s young
relatives. The least you can do is ask them. Or are you afraid
of what they’d say?
Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator,
columnist, and author.
This article appears in Jan 25-31, 2007.
