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Rick Perry on War & Peace
Republican Governor (TX)
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Transition out of Afghanistan but keep non-military presence
Q: Is $2 billion a week money well spent by US taxpayers in Afghanistan? HUNTSMAN: We don't need 100,000 troops in Afghanistan nation-building at a time when this nation needs to be built. The time has come for us to get out of Afghanistan.
PERRY:
I agree with Gov. Huntsman when we talk about it's time to bring our young men and women home and as soon and obviously as safely as we can. But it's also really important for us to continue to have a presence there. And I think the entire conversation
about, how do we deliver our aid to those countries, and is it best spent with 100,000 military who have the target on their back in Afghanistan, I don't think so at this particular point in time. I think the best way for us to be able to impact that
country is to make a transition to where that country's military is going to be taking care of their people, bring our young men and women home, and continue to help them build the infrastructure that we need, whether it's schools or otherwise.
Source: 2011 GOP Tea Party debate in Tampa FL
, Sep 12, 2011
Secure freedom for oppressed people in Iraq and Afghanistan
Today our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are on patrol, securing freedom for oppressed people, guarding the tender shoots of a blooming democracy, working to eradicate an infestation of terrorism, so that it does not revisit our nation.
Media reports from the front lines are filled with stories of gloom, defeat and failure, and talking heads, whose only experience with sand and heat are from the beaches of Martha's Vineyard, sound the cry to retreat, but those who serve on the front lin
tell a different story. Time and again, I speak to soldiers who have seen the positive impact of US efforts and tell of Iraqi communities responding to the rule of law. We have come too far and sacrificed too much to simply walk away and allow the dark
forces of oppression to regain control of these places that have been consecrated by the blood of our nation's best. Instead, we must lead boldly, focused on preserving order as we prepare people who once lived in bondage to defend their own freedom.
Source: Memorial Day speech to veteran's group
, May 26, 2008
Page last updated: Nov 05, 2011