Cut and Run? Forget it.

My fellow citizens: Not only can we win the war in Iraq — we are winning the war in Iraq.

It is also important for every American to understand the consequences of pulling out of Iraq before our work is done. We would abandon our Iraqi friends — and signal to the world that America cannot be trusted to keep its word. We would undermine the morale of our troops — by betraying the cause for which they have sacrificed. We would cause tyrants in the Middle East to laugh at our failed resolve, and tighten their repressive grip. We would hand Iraq over to enemies who have pledged to attack us — and the global terrorist movement would be emboldened and more dangerous than ever before. To retreat before victory would be an act of recklessness and dishonor — and I will not allow it.

An act of recklessness and dishonor. He’s exactly right.

But, will this silence the detractors? Nope.

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., said it was wrong for Bush “to attempt to silence his critics by calling them defeatists.” Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., commended Bush for his “increased candor.” But he said Bush still had not told the nation exactly what had to be accomplished before U.S. troops could begin returning home.

Hello? Were they listening to the same speech I heard? Of course they were, but you see, they have no alternate solution, no recommendation, no plan. So, this is the response they give. It’s the only one they have.

It’s terribly important that we elect leaders in 2006 who are as strong and resolved as our president. After all, if it weren’t for George W. Bush, we’d be living in the United States of the Republic of Radical Islamists.

To the MSM and the Left – let Bush do his job. Let our military men and women do their job. Help us win this war, win the peace, and bring the troops home. 

Others: AP | Michelle Malkin | Glenn Reynolds |

Video of Bush Speech