Press Release - Change in Course in Iraq Needed Now—Withdrawal the Only Sensible Option

Change in Course in Iraq Needed Now—Withdrawal the Only Sensible Option

Washington, DC - October 23, 2006 - As this month is rapidly becoming one of the deadliest for U.S. troops in Iraq, Congressman José E. Serrano renewed his call for an immediate and complete withdrawal.

"If I had had it my way in 2003, we would have never been in Iraq," Serrano said. "If I could have my way now, we'd be withdrawing all soldiers immediately. But this Administration and their Republican congressional allies continue to ignore the realities of an irretrievable disaster in Iraq—and fail to provide any changes in strategy. On top of that, they continually engage in a repugnant approach of labeling opponents of the war as unpatriotic defeatists. This has a chilling effect on loyal, patriotic dissent—the dissent that is so vital to a functioning democracy."

"It is clear to even the most casual observer that Iraq is engulfed in an internal war—and that American soldiers are caught in the crossfire. Indeed, the only thing the Iraqis can seem to agree on is their common desire to see an end to the American occupation. There is nothing left for our troops to do.

"We all mourn the lives lost this month—and in all the months in Iraq. The soldiers who perished sacrificed their lives honorably. It is not too much to ask their civilian leaders to hold themselves to the same high standards of honor in their duties. Honor for a soldier includes telling the truth. The political leaders in Washington should do the same.

"As I see it, the only way to win the war in Iraq is to admit that we do not have the ability to control the situation and withdraw our troops. Our brave men and women in uniform have done all they can do in Iraq. It is time for them to come home to the hero's welcome they all deserve."

http://www.house.gov/list/press/ny16_serrano/061023Iraq.html