Since We Have a Hammer

If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning
I'd hammer in the evening all over this land
--Pete Seeger

On Friday, General Pace said U.S. military leaders are making their own assessment of the course in Iraq." Well, when you're a hammer, all problems look like a nail. Predictably, generals will advise more violence and combat operations to solve the problem of violence in Iraq.

Events have proven that military measures have broken Iraq, and now is the time for diplomatic and political solutions.

The President also said on Veteran's Day, "America faces brutal enemies who have attacked us before and want to attack us again." I agree wholeheartedly, as should all aware citizens. But how is being party to the death and violence in Iraq addressing this issue? Iraq is a self-inflicted wound that does not address the threat of non-state sponsored terrorism aimed at America.

Further, GWB said "I have a message for these enemies...our nation is committed to bringing you to justice..." Well, sort of.

The American military machine does not administer justice. This should be a Department of Justice function, which would imply no torture, secret prisons, or any other legal shortcuts. Perhaps GWB sees the military as exacting some kind of cosmic retribution, but they are not the Four Hourseman. Our Consitution made sure to preclude that possibility.

I contend that GWB is soft on terrorism because his policies deny justice to the American public. Only bringing terrorists to trial for their criminal actions will satisfy that necessary criterion of a democracy. This legal approach would be true shift in policy, realigning us with our constitutional foundations.