http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Iraq_vet...ation_0831.html
Republican advisor to Iraq veterans group blasts Bush Admin. for 'fascist' language

Ron Brynaert
Published: Thursday August 31, 2006


The Republican advisor to a political action committee founded by veterans is blasting the Bush Administration for using "fascist" language in some recent speeches and interviews, and for its "unwillingness to devise a victory plan" to end the war in Iraq.

"I am a proud Republican, who ran for my party's nomination for Congress in Indiana, because I believe in traditional values," said Sam Schultz, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Indiana Army National Guard and acts as the Republican Senior Advisor to VoteVets.org, in a press release received by RAW STORY.

"I also believe we need to be vigilant in defending America," Schultz continued. "That is why I feel I must speak out about the Administration's recent contention that the war in Iraq is part of the fight against 'Islamic fascism.'"

Yesterday, the Associated Press reported that fascism "seems to be the new buzz word for Republicans in an election season dominated by an unpopular war in Iraq."

"Bush used the term earlier this month in talking about the arrest of suspected terrorists in Britain, and spoke of 'Islamic fascists' in a later speech in Green Bay, Wis," the AP reported. "Spokesman Tony Snow has used variations on the phrase at White House press briefings."

Schultz explained why he thinks "fascism" is an inappropriate word for the Bush Administration to use.

"First, we are not fighting an enemy that fits the definition of fascist, nor does Iraq resemble anything close to Hitler's Germany or Mussolini's Italy," Schultz said. "Second,I do not believe the war in Iraq has furthered our battle against radical Islamism."

"I can attest to the fact that after my time in Iraq, when I served in Afghanistan, we did not have enough people on the ground there to secure the border with Pakistan, and as a result, many terrorists slipped through our grasp, most likely including Osama bin Laden," Schultz added.

Schultz lost to incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel in the GOP primary race for Indiana's 9th district this past May.

Full transcript of press release issued by Vote Vets:

#
Iraq Vets Slam Administration for "Fascist" Language

Republican says Administration is endangering "the lives of every American"

NEW YORK - Iraq veterans today blasted the Administration for its recent rhetoric on the war in Iraq. Republican Senior Advisor to VoteVets.org, Sam Schultz, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, released the following statement:

"I am a proud Republican, who ran for my party's nomination for Congress in Indiana, because I believe in traditional values.

I also believe we need to be vigilant in defending America. That is why I feel I must speak out about the Administration's recent contention that the war in Iraq is part of the fight against "Islamic fascism."

First, we are not fighting an enemy that fits the definition of fascist, nor does Iraq resemble anything close to Hitler's Germany or Mussolini's Italy. Second,I do not believe the war in Iraq has furthered our battle against radical Islamism. I can attest to the fact that after my time in Iraq, when I served in Afghanistan, we did not have enough people on the ground there to secure the border with Pakistan, and as a result, many terrorists slipped through our grasp, most likely including Osama bin Laden.

Because we have so many troops committed in Iraq, not only have we failed to bring those who did us harm on 9/11 to justice, but Iran has continued to pursue a nuclear program. Our preoccupation with Iraq, and this administration's unwillingness to devise a victory plan for that war, has reduced us to a paper tiger in the eyes of the Iranians. They do not fear military action against them, because they know we are too overextended to wage an effective battle with them.

The only way to combat the threat of Islamic radicalism around the world, and protect America, is to draw up a plan for victory in Iraq, which will allow for our troops to redeploy from the region as quickly and safely as possible. This will show Muslims there that we are dedicated to providing them the very things they want - a flourishing, free, and independent nation. Then, and only then, can we recommit our forces to an all-out manhunt for the head of Osama bin Laden, and offer a real deterrent towards the further development of a nuclear Iran.

Until the administration realizes this, the lives of every American are at grave risk."

VoteVets.org is the only political action committee headed by veterans of the war in Iraq, to benefit the campaigns of other Iraq and Afghanistan veterans running for public office. VoteVets.org also holds accountable those public officials whose words and actions adversely affect our troops and veterans.

#

http://www.statenews.com/op_article.phtml?pk=37352
Anti-war is not pro-fascist

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld acknowledged the troops fighting in Iraq in his speech Tuesday at the American Legion's annual convention. But he didn't stop there. He went on to say how lucky the country is to have President Bush, "a leader of resolve at a time of war" and a "president who works every day to fulfill his vow to bring the enemy to justice or to bring justice to the enemy." Rumsfeld even managed to squeeze in a brief recognition of his beloved Boy Scouts.
But the majority of his speech was about America's fascists.

And by fascists, Rumsfeld meant critics of the Bush administration's Iraq and counterterrorism policies.

The secretary of defense painted a picture of morally confused Westerners disagreeing with military strategies and buying into the far too cynical and negative news media.

Turns out it's not that the war in Iraq is failing because of mismanagement and poor postwar planning, but more accurately — according to Rumsfeld — because of critics' "destructive" views.

Rumsfeld's argument polarizes Americans into two vastly different groups — either you're with him, or you're against him. Either you're patriotic, or you're a fascist. Either you support the Bush administration, or you support terrorism. Either you're right, or you're utterly wrong.

If only it were that easy.

Questioning and criticizing your government does not make you a fascist, it certainly doesn't make you a supporter of terrorism and it doesn't even make you unpatriotic. Issues — especially political issues at a time of war — are not black and white.

Rumsfeld also takes a popular Bush administration tactic and attacks the media's Iraq war coverage. He cites the lack of coverage of Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, a soldier in Iraq who saved at least 100 lives and was justifiably awarded a Medal of Honor, as an example of "some quarters" focusing "on dividing our country." Then he goes on to complain about the "10 times as many mentions" of the abuse at Abu Ghraib by one soldier.

First, Smith was awarded the medal in 2005, and it garnered a more than 1,200-word story on The Washington Post's front page, as well as several other mentions in newspapers throughout the country — and that's just from the print media. As usual, Rumsfeld is apparently convinced it's all the media's fault — as though The New York Times, The Washington Post and other outlets mismanaged postwar Iraq.

The abuse in Abu Ghraib prison had far greater consequences for the U.S. and its ability to properly fight terrorism or any conflict in which the country is involved, like Iraq. The embarrassment of the scandal has tarnished our image, not only in regard to human rights, but also in our constant war to win the "hearts and minds" of those living in the Middle East.

The coverage of Abu Ghraib, according to the gospel of Rumsfeld, is an example of the media's goal to "distort" the truth about "our troops and our country." The media reports on the incompetence of the government — it does not cause it.

Rumsfeld did make one good point in his speech. He said Americans "over time will evaluate and reflect on what is happening in this struggle and come to wise conclusions."

And they have. Poll after poll, like the latest from CNN, shows the majority of Americans don't have confidence in the president or support the war in Iraq.

Rumsfeld's finally right — Americans have come to a "wise conclusion."

Maybe I missed it, can you point out in the speech where he said what the title of this story says he said?