Jane Delanko – 2/28/07

This page was last updated on March 3, 2007.

Define ‘success’; Jane V. Delanko; Beaver County Times; February 28, 2007.

This is at least the fifth letter from Ms. Delanko on this subject since May 2005. The previous letters were entitled “Bring our troops home,” “Bring the troops home,” and “Listen to the generals,” and “Get out of Iraq now.”

This letter is nothing more than a series of statements and Ms. Delanko makes no effort to substantiate them.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Britain and Denmark are withdrawing some of their troops. Vice President Dick Cheney claims this is a sign of success.

“If it was a sign of success, all our troops would eventually pull out. He must really think the Americans are going to buy his reasoning.”

[RWC] All of our troops will eventually pull out, Ms. Delanko.

Mr. Cheney claimed it’s a sign of success because the troops are allegedly leaving because the Iraqis are controlling more and more of the area for which the Brits are responsible.

“Every day you pick up the paper and read ‘soldiers die with an explosive detonated near their vehicle.’”

[RWC] Isn’t that what happens when you’re at war? Does Ms. Delanko believe casualties were rare occurrences during World War II, the Korean War, et cetera?

“These insurgents are well-armed and well-hidden. We have had three surges sent over to Baghdad, and they haven’t done any good. The more sent, the more tragedies have occurred. Our helicopters are shot down like flies.”

[RWC] The terrorists are “well-hidden” because they dress as and hide behind civilians.

“The Iraqi people must help themselves. We must insist on telling these people that we will not give them any more protection unless they step up.

“The Iraqis have been assigned check points [sic] where they enemy got through. Some don’t even show up for check points [sic].”

[RWC] Ms. Delanko chooses to ignore the news. Iraqis have been stepping up from the beginning. This is a rehash from previous letters.

“If something should happen in this great country, they have our military, our equipment and our money. Where does that leave us?”

[RWC] Forgive me if I doubt Ms. Delanko truly believes this is a “great country.” Second, does Ms. Delanko really believe the U.S. is defenseless because we have about 150,000 troops in Iraq?

“Money is paid to contractors who are not fulfilling their jobs.

“Also, our president tells forces in Iraq to take action to counter Iranians. We cannot take on the whole world.

“Finally, there are not too many members from families of the legislators and upper class in the military.”

[RWC] The Times editorial authors should be proud. Ms. Delanko picked up this talking point from recent editorials (here and here), though she forgot to use the words “ruling class.” Hopefully Ms. Delanko will correct that error in her next letter.

“Our economy has a lot to do with our young volunteering. They have lost jobs and join up to further their education and survive.”

[RWC] Huh?

“This war must be ended politically. It can never end with military decisions and surges.”

[RWC] Hmm, like the way the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and World War II ended?