On and on...

The war will continue.

In November 2006, having swept the Democrats into power, progressives could dream of a withdrawal from the nightmare George W. Bush had created in Iraq.

Yes, concerns that things might get worse were legitimate, but they (from our perspective) were successfully defused by suggestions Iraq will have to sort out its own disaster and that the cost for fixing a distant country's prejudiced-based problems was too high.

But as Dan Froomkin of the "Washington Post" noted the other day, w. still defines the parameters of debate in the nation's capital. It's true Congress holds the keys to the gem box where financing wars is concerned, but Pelosi, Reid and Co., passed on shutting down funding this past Spring.

It's been downhill ever since.

highwayscribery's long-held position is that they should have gone to the brink with the president and dared him to leave the troops in place without the goodies they needed to hold up their end of the tri-partite violence afflicting that sad country; that they had as much to lose by standing down.

Now we will see.

highwayscribery, for its part, will support no presidential candidate that does not promise to end this fiasco and put the shocking amounts of money being spent to use at home where levees are decaying, bridges collapsing, schools failing, and the middle class evaporating before our eyes.

It is a scandal what is going on this country which seems comfortable with the ideas that war is perfectly okay, that young mens' lives should be sacrificed for false pretenses.

Even George Will wants to know, What is the damn mission anyway? When will this thing be over? Who here really cares about the Sunni-Shia feud and why must Americans bridge it with their money and blood?

Democrats and Republicans alike sit up there bandying big words about while the sons and daughters of little people live their best years circulating around a hornets nest. And we have grown too comfortable with the truth that not all of them make it home.

The general's testimony is not good enough. It does not justify further engagement and expense. "Drawing down" to where we were (in seven months!) only gets us back to where we were in January, which is no draw down at all. Telling the American people that whatever it is they want to achieve in Iraq will take "a long time" is unacceptable.

It's tantamount to saying, "We've failed and need more money to cover our tracks."

And it is immoral and shameful.




Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Camp Pendleton Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Cpl. John C. Tanner, of Columbus, GA:

"Corporal Tanner willingly put his life on the line to serve our country and today we honor him for his sacrifice. Maria and I wish to extend our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to John's family and loved ones as they grieve the loss of this courageous individual. Californians are eternally grateful to John for his dedication and commitment in protecting our nation."

Tanner, 21, died Aug. 29 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Tanner was assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, United States Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Tanner, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Air Force Master Sergeant from Martinez

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Master Sgt. Patrick D. Magnani, of Martinez, CA:

"Maria and I send our sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Master Sergeant Patrick Magnani and the community of Martinez as they grieve the loss of this dedicated individual. Patrick's contributions to defending our nation and our freedoms deserve our eternal respect and gratitude. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him."

Magnani, 38, died Sept. 4 in a non-combat related incident near Bagram, Afghanistan. Magnani was assigned to the 31st Medical Support Squadron, United States Air Force, Aviano Air Base, Italy.

In honor of Master Sgt. Magnani, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Four Camp Pendleton Marines

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the deaths of Cpl. Christopher L. Poole Jr. of Mount Dora, FL; Cpl. Bryan J. Scripsick of Wayne, OK; Staff Sgt. John C. Stock of Longview, TX; and Sgt. Michael J. Yarbrough, of Malvern, AR.

"The loss of these four heroic Marines reminds us of the dangers that our armed forces face while defending our country. We will never forget the sacrifices they made for the cause of freedom. Maria and I wish to convey our deepest sympathies to their families and friends as they mourn this tragic loss and we will continue to pray for their comfort."

Poole, 22, Scripsick, 22, Stock, 26 and Yarbrough, 24 died Sept. 6 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. They were all assigned to 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, United States Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Cpl. Poole, Cpl. Scripsick, Staff Sgt. Stock and Sgt. Yarbrough, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of Camp Pendleton Marine

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Lance M. Clark, of Cookeville, TN:

"Maria and I wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Lance Corporal Lance Clark as they grieve the loss of this dedicated Marine. With great sorrow, we add Lance's name to the solemn roll of fallen service members. He served with pride and courage, taking on the great responsibility of protecting our nation."

Clark, 21, died Sept. 7 from a non-hostile incident in Al Anbar province, Iraq. Clark was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, United States Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Clark, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.


Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Death of El Monte Soldier

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Marisol Heredia, of El Monte, CA:

"Maria and I pay tribute to Specialist Marisol Heredia for her commitment and dedication, serving in our nation's armed forces. Marisol represented the highest ideals of our country and will be remembered as a champion of freedom. Words cannot adequately convey our sincere appreciation for her service. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and fellow soldiers."

Heredia, 19, died Sept. 7 at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, as a result of injuries suffered from a non-combat related injury on July 18 in Baghdad, Iraq. Heredia was assigned to the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army, Fort Hood, TX.

In honor of Spc. Heredia, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.