A Conservative now against the Afghan War

Dear Congressman Gallegly-

I write you today with a heavy heart.

For all of my life, I believed that my government generally made decisions based upon what was good for my country and it's citizens. I also believed that the United States was clear in its mission of promoting democracy, the rule of the law, and the value of the individual.

World War II began (for the United Stated) and ended in five years. Never was there more clear a case for war, in the face of Nazism. Our mission was defined, executed, and completed with a resolute certainty. Hitler would be defeated, and the world a better place for it.

I am a Republican, and have voted in every election since I was eighteen. I have always regarded the privilege of voting as an obligation to those who fought and died before my time. I voted GOP in the last two elections. I supported my country's actions in the middle east.

This support is now gone. I see no end in sight to this war in Afghanistan, no objective, no benefit to either the United States nor Afghanistan. History tells us that freedom must first be desired, then fought for to have value. Freedom bestowed upon another is nothing more than another CARE package bought and paid for by others, then dropped from somewhere above. Believe me, I am no anti-war zealot who does not recognize a threat when I see it. I am no appeaser.

This low-burn war in Afghanistan is already three years older than World War II, yet I see no value in further investment.

One day, Sir, I will be coming to you for an endorsement on behalf of one or both of my children when they apply to the Air Force Academy or West Point. Yet how can I send my blood and treasure to my government when I see no point in what my country is doing overseas?

I urge you to vote against further funding earmarked for the Afghanistan war, unless we do it right: overwhelming force, clear objectives, lasting impact, tangible results. But after eight years, and with this new President, I doubt we have the courage.

Best regards,
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