Originally posted by sonhouseI think you are off by at least a factor of 10 even if you include all private contractors (many of whom are truck drivers, cooks, etc. etc.) as "mercenaries".
CNN is making a big deal out of the last of the troops leaving Iraq but they are strangely quite on the roughly 100,000 American mercenaries that will be there forever.
This Gallup poll last month is quite striking: http://www.gallup.com/poll/150497/Three-Four-Americans-Back-Obama-Iraq-Withdrawal.aspx
Why asked: Do you approve of President Obama's decision to withdraw nearly all US troops from Iraq by the end of the year, 75% said "yes". Predictably that includes 96% of Democrats.
But what really struck me is the difference between Independents and Republicans. A majority of Republicans actually disapprove and (apparently) want significant numbers of US troops to remain in Iraq. But independents overwhelmingly reject this with 77% approving of the withdrawal. I have heard virtually all the Republican Presidential candidates (with the exception of Ron Paul) vehemently criticizing the President for this policy. Will it matter in the general election that the Republicans are so out of touch with Independent opinion in this matter?
Originally posted by no1marauderYou bet your boopie it will matter. Republicans are done in the next election. They will be fried at the voting booths. I mean, really. Look at the two bozo's they are considering as front runners.
This Gallup poll last month is quite striking: http://www.gallup.com/poll/150497/Three-Four-Americans-Back-Obama-Iraq-Withdrawal.aspx
Why asked: Do you approve of President Obama's decision to withdraw nearly all US troops from Iraq by the end of the year, 75% said "yes". Predictably that includes 96% of Democrats.
But ...[text shortened]... al election that the Republicans are so out of touch with Independent opinion in this matter?
Originally posted by no1marauderIt's also unfair to refer to all armed guards as "mercenaries."
I think you are off by at least a factor of 10 even if you include all private contractors (many of whom are truck drivers, cooks, etc. etc.) as "mercenaries".
Many, many armed contractors do nothing but pull guard duty and never fire a single shot. These aren't former SEALs, Special Forces and the like. Many of them are simple hires from countries like Uganda.
I would imagine even those are dramatically reduced given the current needs in Iraq. The amount of US personnel are dramatically reduced, and the amount of required labor is dramatically increased - with having tear down and relocate massive amounts of structures and equipment.
Originally posted by USArmyParatrooperYeah but Cheney has to get his next SUV SOMEHOW.
It's also unfair to refer to all armed guards as "mercenaries."
Many, many armed contractors do nothing but pull guard duty and never fire a single shot. These aren't former SEALs, Special Forces and the like. Many of them are simple hires from countries like Uganda.
I would imagine even those are dramatically reduced given the current need ...[text shortened]... increased - with having tear down and relocate massive amounts of structures and equipment.