Surge fizzles despite U.S. payoffs
Glenda Wertenberger - SacBee letter to the editor - Mar 24, 2008

While President Bush spouts feel- good nonsense about the world being better off because of our Iraq occupation, Vice President Dick Cheney sums up the true attitude of this administration with his contemptuous and contemptible "So?"

No matter how many lives are lost and maimed, no matter how much American treasure is wasted, no matter how futile our efforts, the administration says, "So?"

The surge is not working. Although there may be less violence, it is because the war and ethnic cleansing have succeeded in killing or driving out millions of Iraqis. The Iraqi middle class, including more than 9,000 doctors, has sought refuge in surrounding countries, and the few who attempt to return are soon frightened away.

The administration boasts of Sunni cooperation, called "the awakening," but they fail to inform us that these fighters are being paid by us.

The United States is funding both sides in the battle for Iraqi domination, and our men and women are caught in the middle.

The American public faces a life-or-death choice. We can continue spending American blood and treasure by electing Sen. John McCain in November, or we can vote to reverse the downward spiral that is destroying the future of our children and grandchildren, by electing the Democratic nominee.

- Glenda Wertenberger, Roseville