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Fond du Lac Reporter - Posted March 6, 2007

Guest Commentary: 'True Republicans' recognize need for unity on Iraq policy


"The probability that we may fall in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just; it shall not deter me." — Abraham Lincoln


These words are as true today as they were nearly 200 years ago.


We are in a struggle. We have endured falls. We are not only at war, but we are in a fight for our lives and for the very existence of this country that we so dearly love.


It is easy to forget this reality as we tend to our daily business. It's easy to separate ourselves over time from the terrorist attacks five years ago that catapulted our nation into this war. It's easy to say, "Stop the war, bring home the troops, and give peace a chance," yet have no other credible plan.


However, no one ever said this was going to be easy. No one ever promised that the terrorists would lie down and surrender their weapons and their ideologies and their hatred. In fact, President Bush warned from the very beginning that this would be a long battle and that it would require much sacrifice, not only from the American military, but from the American people.


Only two weeks ago, the U.S. House of Representatives, with the support of 17 wayward "Republicans," decided to take the easy way out through passage of a resolution condemning President Bush's plan for a troop surge.


Their very public vote now deserves a very public response. In supporting this resolution, these "Republicans" gave our troops and our president a vote of no confidence. They gave not only hope, but validation to the enemy — the terrorists that would rejoice to see you and me dead in the streets.


These "Republicans" told the enemy that if they only resist long enough, America will give up and turn its back on our friends. These "Republicans" sent a message across the globe that not even the Bush Administration's own party is willing to stand up for what is right.


But worst of all, these 17 Republicans turned their backs on the people who elected them — the same people who re-elected President Bush because of his tough action against terror and for his ability to lead during times of crisis.


Why is it so difficult for these Republicans to see how much their actions affect the morale of our soldiers and their families? Why are they so blinded by stature and chairmanships and re-election campaigns? Why do we stand by while they continue to prove how out of touch they are with our American way of life?


True Republicans support "peace through strength," which does not mean looking for a fight, but most surely doesn't mean backing down from one. True Republicans have a fundamental passion for freedom and for protecting that freedom, whatever the cost.


True Republicans work to secure our country today so that the children of tomorrow may have peace. True Republicans never turn their backs on the brave troops who daily risk their lives to ensure that we are able to enjoy all the blessings of this great land.


So, shame on those 17 Republicans for being out of touch with our American reality; shame on them for not recognizing the country's need for unity rather than politics; shame on them for turning their backs on American troops; shame on them for giving hope to the enemy; and, what a shame it is that in this very Republican Sixth District, our own Congressman Tom Petri was one of those 17.

Jim Kiser is the outgoing vice chairman of the Fond du Lac County Republican Party; and Holly Schwefel is the outgoing chairwoman of the Fond du Lac County Republican Party.