Republican advisor to Iraq veterans group blasts Bush Admin. for 'fascist' language

The Republican advisor to a political action committee founded by veterans is blasting the Bush Administration for using "fascist" language in some recent speeches and interviews, and for its "unwillingness to devise a victory plan" to end the war in Iraq.
"I am a proud Republican, who ran for my party's nomination for Congress in Indiana, because I believe in traditional values," said Sam Schultz, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Indiana Army National Guard and acts as the Republican Senior Advisor to VoteVets.org, in a press release received by RAW STORY.

"I also believe we need to be vigilant in defending America," Schultz continued. "That is why I feel I must speak out about the Administration's recent contention that the war in Iraq is part of the fight against 'Islamic fascism.'"

Yesterday, the Associated Press reported that fascism "seems to be the new buzz word for Republicans in an election season dominated by an unpopular war in Iraq."

"Bush used the term earlier this month in talking about the arrest of suspected terrorists in Britain, and spoke of 'Islamic fascists' in a later speech in Green Bay, Wis," the AP reported. "Spokesman Tony Snow has used variations on the phrase at White House press briefings."

Schultz explained why he thinks "fascism" is an inappropriate word for the Bush Administration to use.

"First, we are not fighting an enemy that fits the definition of fascist, nor does Iraq resemble anything close to Hitler's Germany or Mussolini's Italy," Schultz said. "Second,I do not believe the war in Iraq has furthered our battle against radical Islamism."

"I can attest to the fact that after my time in Iraq, when I served in Afghanistan, we did not have enough people on the ground there to secure the border with Pakistan, and as a result, many terrorists slipped through our grasp, most likely including Osama bin Laden," Schultz added.

Schultz lost to incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel in the GOP primary race for Indiana's 9th district this past May.

Full transcript of press release issued by Vote Vets:

#
Iraq Vets Slam Administration for "Fascist" Language

Republican says Administration is endangering "the lives of every American"

NEW YORK - Iraq veterans today blasted the Administration for its recent rhetoric on the war in Iraq. Republican Senior Advisor to VoteVets.org, Sam Schultz, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, released the following statement:

"I am a proud Republican, who ran for my party's nomination for Congress in Indiana, because I believe in traditional values.

I also believe we need to be vigilant in defending America. That is why I feel I must speak out about the Administration's recent contention that the war in Iraq is part of the fight against "Islamic fascism."

First, we are not fighting an enemy that fits the definition of fascist, nor does Iraq resemble anything close to Hitler's Germany or Mussolini's Italy. Second,I do not believe the war in Iraq has furthered our battle against radical Islamism. I can attest to the fact that after my time in Iraq, when I served in Afghanistan, we did not have enough people on the ground there to secure the border with Pakistan, and as a result, many terrorists slipped through our grasp, most likely including Osama bin Laden.

Because we have so many troops committed in Iraq, not only have we failed to bring those who did us harm on 9/11 to justice, but Iran has continued to pursue a nuclear program. Our preoccupation with Iraq, and this administration's unwillingness to devise a victory plan for that war, has reduced us to a paper tiger in the eyes of the Iranians. They do not fear military action against them, because they know we are too overextended to wage an effective battle with them.

The only way to combat the threat of Islamic radicalism around the world, and protect America, is to draw up a plan for victory in Iraq, which will allow for our troops to redeploy from the region as quickly and safely as possible. This will show Muslims there that we are dedicated to providing them the very things they want - a flourishing, free, and independent nation. Then, and only then, can we recommit our forces to an all-out manhunt for the head of Osama bin Laden, and offer a real deterrent towards the further development of a nuclear Iran.

Until the administration realizes this, the lives of every American are at grave risk."

VoteVets.org is the only political action committee headed by veterans of the war in Iraq, to benefit the campaigns of other Iraq and Afghanistan veterans running for public office. VoteVets.org also holds accountable those public officials whose words and actions adversely affect our troops and veterans.
The Raw Story

That is because this administration is about fighting the war to win the election. I am sorry to be the one to inform you about this but I suggest you get used to it, I have.

Bush of all people remember the lessons learned by his father, win the war, lose the election. And he's not about to make that same mistake, no matter who eventually wins the war, or how many lives it eventually cost.