The following letter was signed by 1,000 war veterans and given to the President on March 10, 2003.
March 10, 2003
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States of America
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We, the undersigned veterans who have served our country in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the 1991 Gulf War and other military conflicts, respectfully request an opportunity to meet with you about the threat of war between the United States and Iraq.
Mr. President, we are patriotic citizens and veterans who respect the office of the President and the ethics and values binding us together as Americans.
As such, we feel duty-bound to share with you our serious concerns regarding issues of national security, the appropriate use of our military strength, and the health and welfare of our active duty soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. Those of us who are veterans of the 1991 Gulf War can offer particular insight into the ongoing troubles in the Middle East, and the likely consequences of another war in that volatile region.
A dozen years ago, we helped liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, and in the course of combat operations came face to face with brutality and the consequences of modern warfare. We learned how unpredictable the nature of war can be. And we learned that war-related losses are not simply experienced on the battlefield.
Following the 1991 Gulf War, we collectively failed to prevent Saddam Hussein's violent repression of a popular uprising and the unprecedented refugee flight that ensued. As a result, tens of thousands of innocent civilians died. In addition to those deaths, the war and immediate post-war conditions resulted in the excess deaths of 46,900 children under the age of five, according to the New England Journal of Medicine (Sept. 24, 1992).
Over the long term, the 1991 Gulf War has had a lasting, detrimental impact on the health of countless people in the region, and on the health of American men and women who served there. Twelve years after the conflict, over 164,000 American Gulf War veterans are now considered disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. That number increases daily.
The possibility of large-scale war between the U.S. and Iraq looms before us once again. For this urgent reason we would like to meet with you to discuss steps the United States and its allies can take to protect U.S. soldiers, allied forces, and Iraqi civilians from known and suspected hazards that would result from military operations.
We understand the risks that come with war and that there are times when such risks are necessary. However, we strongly question the need for a war at this time. Despite Secretary of State Colin Powell's report to the Security Council and the testimony of others in the administration, we are not convinced that coercive containment has failed, or that war has become necessary.
Our own intelligence agencies have consistently noted both the absence of an imminent threat from Iraq and reliable evidence of cooperation between Iraq and Al Qaeda. Again, we question whether this is the right time and the right war.
Further, we believe the risks involved in going to war, under the unclear and shifting circumstances that confront us today, are far greater than those faced in 1991. Instead of a desert war to liberate Kuwait, combat would likely involve protracted siege warfare, chaotic street-to-street fighting in Baghdad, and Iraqi civil conflict. If that occurs, we fear our own nation and Iraq would both suffer casualties not witnessed since Vietnam. We fear the resulting carnage and humanitarian consequences would further devastate Iraqi society and inflame an already volatile Middle East, and increase terrorism against U.S. citizens.
Our concerns about the potential human and material costs of a military conflict in Iraq are well substantiated. In the event of a war, the UN warns that 1.26 million children under the age of five in Iraq will be at risk of death. Within the initial weeks of conflict, the World Health Organization estimates 500,000 Iraqis would need immediate medical attention. Ten million Iraqis would need immediate humanitarian assistance and over two million Iraqis would be made homeless.
The scale of the crisis would be so large that the international community would be unable to prevent widespread suffering. For these reasons and more, it remains in our nation's best interest to avoid another war. The risk of excessive civilian casualties like those predicted by the UN pose a grave risk to our national security, making the U.S. more of a target of retaliatory attacks by terrorists.
Mr. President, as our Commander-in-Chief, we recognize the immense responsibility you have to protect our homeland and keep our nation secure. As veterans who honorably served our nation in its wars, we believe that our perspectives, knowledge and expertise can aid you at this crucial time, as you continue to deliberate on whether or not to commit our nation to war.
We therefore request a meeting at your earliest possible convenience. We look forward to any opportunity to come together with you to discuss the matters we have raised.
Sincerely,
Vice Admiral Ralph Weymouth, USN, Retired
Vice Admiral Jack Shanahan, USN, Retired
Brigadier General Evelyn P. Foote, USA, Retired
Colonel David H. Hackworth, USA, Retired
Colonel Larry Williams, USMC, Retired
Colonel James E Unterseher, USA, Retired
Colonel James B. Burkholder, USA, Retired
Colonel Roger F. Strand, USAF, Retired
Colonel Virginia A. Metcalf, USA, Retired
Colonel Mary H. Yeakel, USA, Retired
Colonel Henrik O. Lunde, USA, Retired
Colonel Bruce S. Jarstfer, USA, Retired
Colonel Thomas Patrick Chisholm, USA, Retired
Colonel James Steven Chandler, USA
Colonel James J. Kent, USA, Retired
Colonel Grace E. Squires, USA, Retired
Colonel Carol Anne O‚Donnell, USA, Retired
Captain Kris Kristofferson, USA, Retired
Captain Thomas C. Tindall Jr., USNR, Retired
Captain Herbert A. Blough, USN, Retired
Captain M. David Preston, USCG
Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth K. McGillicuddy, USMC, Retired
Read the names of the rest of the veterans who signed the letter at Veterans For Common Sense. Another veterans' group, Veterans Against Iraq War is organizing three days of protest in Washington D.C. from March 22 to March 24.
posted on March 12, 2003 11:22:12 AM new
Pathetic just Pathetic... too sickening to even discuss, fine veteranst turned to cowards and peacenks... just sickening...
posted on March 12, 2003 11:45:13 AM new
I hope that this impressive group will be heard. Cheney and Bush need advice since they have no experience on a battleground.
posted on March 12, 2003 12:05:13 PM new
Well they have exercized the right to petition.
Nothing says they have a right to be acknowledged in any way.
Twelvepole is completely unable to entertain any thought that someone with views different than his has any merit, any honesty, or any intergrity.
I'm sorry but such narrow, ridgid thinking is that of a fanatic.
Even a fanatic who is basically right is a dangerous thing.
posted on March 12, 2003 12:17:55 PM newBut some prominent legal scholars say Bonifaz is flogging an outdated legal argument. At least since the Vietnam War era, federal courts have implicitly held that a formal declaration of war is not necessary. “There’s nothing magic about a declaration of war,” said Lori Damrosch, a professor of constitutional law at Columbia University law school. “As long as Congress expresses its approval, it can pick the means.” Michael J. Glennon, a professor at Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, suggested that the courts should wade more aggressively into challenges to the executive war-making powers, but that this isn’t the right case. “The debate was terrible last October,” he said. “But these are political misjudgments, not constitutional violations.”
posted on March 12, 2003 12:35:38 PM new
I thought I had read that case is already decided?
They concluded the issue should have been raised long ago and now the procedure was establihed as normal and insulated from court challenge by usage.
I didn't know the constitution was subject to a statute of limitations...........
posted on March 12, 2003 12:42:19 PM new
A gigantic thumbs up to the signatories.
Twelvepole and Reamond, so now the veterans who honorably served this country are to be called names if their view of this coming war differs from yours? Shame on you both!
You have the right to an informed opinion -Harlan Ellison
posted on March 12, 2003 12:50:06 PM new
You are right Snowy, shouldn't of called them cowards and peaceniks... they need some serious mental help, I wonder if their bowels turn to water when they hear a backfire?
I understand that many veterans come home and fall apart, but there is help available.
posted on March 12, 2003 12:51:57 PM newI want you to remember that no bastard every won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country. Then, all this stuff you heard about American not wanting to fight, wanting to stay out of the war is a lot of horse dung. Americans traditionally love to fight. All real Americans love the sting of battle.
---George C. Scott... PATTON
Edited for comrade Mlecher...
Appears that the movie version is a combination of these actual quotes:
The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.
Gen George S. Patton
No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.
Gen George S. Patton
Americans love to fight. All real Americans love the sting of battle.
Gen George S. Patton
This one the peacniks should all read and head...
There is a time to take counsel of your fears, and there is a time to never listen to any fear.
Gen George S. Patton
AIN'T LIFE GRAND...
[ edited by Twelvepole on Mar 12, 2003 04:12 PM ]
posted on March 12, 2003 01:05:24 PM new"Impressive group" ?? One of the guys on that list was the model for the movie Appocolypse Now."
"Hackworth lives in the past. Every analysis he does is based on his Vietnam experience. I haven't found him right about anything in over 25 years."
Reamond, You tried to bash Hackworth????
Your facts are questionable, so if you believe that any other war veteran on the list is without merit, you will have to provide a link. These are veterans that want to express their concern to bush - not display their resume.
Military Awards
ENTITLEMENTS OF COL. DAVID H. HACKWORTH
(U.S. ARMY, RETIRED)
AWARDS & DECORATIONS
COLONEL DAVID H. HACKWORTH
(U.S. ARMY, RETIRED)
Individual Decorations & Service Medals:
Distinguished Service Cross (with one Oak Leaf Cluster)
Silver Star (with nine Oak Leaf Clusters)
Legion of Merit (with three Oak Leaf Clusters)
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star Medal (with "V" Device & seven Oak Leaf Clusters)(Seven of the awards for heroism)
Purple Heart (with seven Oak Leaf Clusters)
Air Medal (with "V" Device & Numeral 34)(One for heroism and 33 for aerial achievement)
Army Commendation Medal (w/ "V" Device & 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Good Conduct Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal (with Germany and Japan Clasps)
National Defense Service Medal (with one Bronze Service Star)
Korean Service Medal (with Service Stars for eight campaigns)
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Vietnam Service Medal (2 Silver Service Stars = 10 campaigns)
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Unit Awards:
Presidential Unit Citation (with one Oak Leaf Cluster)
Valorous Unit Award (with one Oak Leaf Cluster)
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Badges & Tabs:
Combat Infantryman Badge (w/ one Star; representing 2 awards)
Master Parachutist Badge
Army General Staff Identification Badge
Foreign Awards:
United Nations Service Medal (Korea)
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960)
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with two Gold Stars)
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (with two Silver Stars)
Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (1st Class)
Vietnam Staff Service Medal (1st Class)
Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 2d Class
Vietnam Parachutist Badge (Master Level)
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (with three Palm oak leaf clusters)
Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, First Class Unit Citation (with one Palm oak leaf cluster)
World War II Merchant Marine Awards:
posted on March 12, 2003 01:22:39 PM new
I'm sorry but all these medals mean little to a none military person beyond - I played the game - I been there done that. They are like papers published by a academic or the resume of a CEO - they say his own type recommend him. Very few of them are for specific valor most are rewards for plugging along day after day like any other job.
In a long career only the first few years give any opportunity to earn a medal by hearing the bullets crack by.
If they could give an extra little chip for dental hygiene some fool would pin it on.
In some of the other countries they carry it to the extreme that a fellow who has never heard a shot fired in anger looks ready to fall over from the sheer weight. At a certain point it becomes less impressive than having two or three pieces that mean something.
posted on March 12, 2003 01:27:03 PM new
How about that...
12pole quotes a Hollywood line as truth to get his twisted point of view across. and disparages true American veterans in favor of an actor.
And yet ignores the quotes of a true soldier...
Twisted and Insane are the only words that come to mind.
12pole is a Communist.....
"Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both boldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded by patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader and gladly so. How do I know? For this is what I have done. And I am Caesar."
- Julius Caesar
I'll accept your information. Credentials should not be an issue. I simply said that the list was impressive and I don't think that it was appropriate for Reamond to bash any of these veterans who are simply trying to talk to bush. Two Vice Admirals, one Brigadier General, fourteen Colonels and a few Captains should have enought experience to advise a president who has been called a draft dodger.
posted on March 12, 2003 02:10:00 PM new
From what Bush says - wouldn't matter if it were a million. He hath the mandate of heaven and shall ride forth in righteousness forever and ever , amen.
posted on March 12, 2003 02:18:58 PM new
You're always going to have a few lefties in the military. Some even make it to the top, especially during democratic presidencies. I bet everyone who signed the letter would fully support taking out Iraq if Clinton was in charge.
I assure you that most of our military support Bush and they are honored to serve their country in a time of war.
posted on March 12, 2003 03:39:16 PM newand I don't think that it was appropriate for Reamond to bash any of these veterans who are simply trying to talk to bush
Yes, and it was exactly the same way when Clinton was president. .. junquemama.
posted on March 12, 2003 03:53:50 PM new
This agrument is so . If you watch TV you will see plenty of retired military commanders who are supporting Bush too. They're always being interviewed on Fox news and being asked to explain what the think about the pros and cons of going to war. Just like in real life. Not like all the military, ex-vets, etc is now against Bush.
posted on March 12, 2003 03:57:11 PM new
Many of Reamond's CLAIMS of FACT are 'questionable' at best.
Reamond is a deceptive propagandist, with no concern for facts.
Claims to be a true pATRIOT, yet ‘bags’ the men who fought for his ass.
There is no ‘shame on you’, I’m yet to see a jack ass blush.
And 12Pole (AKA 1”).
“no bastard every won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country.”
1”, So as soldiers go to war, they are “dumb bastards”?
Funny how you and some of your other comrades have shown more contempt for your soldiers on the field than any ‘lefties’ on here.
. If you watch TV you will see plenty of retired military commanders who are supporting Bush too. They're always being interviewed on Fox news and being asked to explain what the think about the pros and cons of going to war. Just like in real life. Not like all the military, ex-vets, etc is now against Bush.