Arrogance at the top bred tragedy in Iraq

THE NEWS TRIBUNE
Published: October 29th, 2006 01:00 AM

The national tragedy that has unfolded in Iraq since 2003 has many political dimensions, some of which will be seen in next week’s election returns.
But for us, this isn’t political. It’s personal.

The troops deployed from Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base are our neighbors. We have met them in block parties and grocery stores. We have seen them leave for Iraq. We have seen them come back – sometimes in flag-draped coffins. This newspaper’s reporters and photographers have followed them to Iraq and documented their lives and battles.

Those who know them know that they and their highly capable commanders may be the finest troops this country – and perhaps any country – has ever sent to battle. Each is a volunteer. Each is superbly trained. They radiate the kind of patriotism that brought this nation through Normandy and Antietam and Valley Forge.

Because this is personal, we will say what we believe must be said: They deserved honest and competent leadership from their president and their defense secretary, and they have not gotten it.

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