Press Releases
Statement from Rep. Young on Testimony of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker"A democracy cannot be created overnight." -Rep. Young
Washington, D.C.,
September 10, 2007
Alaskan Congressman Don Young released the following statement today regarding the testimony of General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker: "General Petraeus’ testimony today represents an accurate and up to date portrayal of the realities of Iraq, from those with first hand knowledge," said Rep. Young. "The U.S. Senate voted unanimously on the General’s nomination, and now they are working vigorously and unsuccessfully to discredit him. In their latest edition of political theatre, they are floundering. The surge is working, and by next July, the General expects to have been able to reduce forces down to pre-surge levels. The number of attacks is down significantly; car and suicide bombings are down significantly; and over 4400 caches of weapons have been found this year. More than 140 Iraqi Army, National Police, and Special Operations Battalions are in the fight, and 95 of them are capable of taking the lead (with coalition support). "A democracy cannot be created overnight. Ours wasn’t and neither will their’s. An immediate withdrawal would have devastating affects on the Iraqi people. There is a big difference in our military now versus our military during Vietnam. Today’s military is not a drafted one but a volunteer one. Our Armed Forces believe in their duty. Not only must we continue to support them, but we also must respect them. I support General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker. What they seek to do won’t be easy, but it is necessary and I have faith in them and in our military." #### |