A majority of Americans now oppose the war in Iraq. And this presents a scary reality for the GOP, struggling to maintain control of Congress in the face of many closely contested midterm elections across the nation. Increasingly, Republican candidates are downplaying their partisanship, some even campaigning on an opposition to their own party’s record. There is growing public adversity toward Republican leadership.
People are worried about Iraq too: October’s American casualties exceeded 100, the deadliest month for American troops since more than a year ago, and Iraqi leadership is refusing to adhere to any U.S.-mandated timeline.
Yet Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s message to Americans concerned about the war is simple: “Back off … relax.”
No, Mr. Rumsfeld, we will absolutely not.
Rumsfeld issued this disheartening statement last week during a press conference at the Pentagon during which he was combative with reporters asking about the war. In full, he said “You ought to just back off, take a look at it, relax, understand that it’s complicated, it’s difficult. Honorable people are working on these things together.”
Rumsfeld’s words encapsulate the Bush administration’s handling of the war on terror. They have consistently belittled the American people with an arrogant “we know what’s best for you” attitude in regards to foreign policy.
Taking a closer look at Rumsfeld’s words, his underlying beliefs are easy to determine. His remarks infer that the opinions and concerns of the American public only stand in the way of his ability to do his job. This is ridiculous and highly offensive. His words, “Honorable people are working on these things together,” imply a condescending attitude toward the population of this country. In effect Rumsfeld said that American people are not smart enough to be a part of democratic discourse about the war.
As a growing number of Republican politicians will agree, the arrogant Rumsfeld has largely failed at the job he was appointed to perform. Representative Anne M. Northup (R-Ken.) and Senator Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) have already called for his resignation, joining a host of Democrats in agreement.
Rumsfeld has either forgotten, or is choosing to ignore, the fact that his job is to serve and report to the American people. The audacity of his statements shunning this responsibility should serve as a powerful reminder of just how much this administration actually strives to represent the interests of American voters. It appears Rumsfeld couldn’t care less what we think. In his mind, our opinions only make his job more difficult.
It is disappointing and regrettable that our leaders would choose to act in this manner. We encourage voters this season to vote for representatives who won’t put up with this inept handling of the War on Terror and U.S. foreign policy in general. The Bush Administration’s neglect for debate and lack of concern for public opinion couldn’t have been made more evident than they were in the words of our incompetent and misguided secretary of defense.
We join Rep. Northup and Sen. DeWine, along with a growing contingent of Democratic lawmakers, in calling for Donald Rumsfeld’s resignation from his appointment.