Former Bush Official: We Went Into Iraq Because 'We Were Looking For Somebody's Ass To Kick': Report

[unhappycamper]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/20/bush-official-iraq_n_4132719.html

Former Bush Official: We Went Into Iraq Because 'We Were Looking For Somebody's Ass To Kick': Report
The Huffington Post
By Paige Lavender Posted: 10/20/2013 1:57 pm EDT

New York Times reporter Peter Baker is out with a new book that reportedly reveals some eyebrow-raising details about the Iraq War.

A senior official from former President George W. Bush's administration is quoted in “Days of Fire: Bush and Cheney in the White House” saying American troops went into Iraq because the U.S. was looking for a fight.

"The only reason we went into Iraq, I tell people now, is we were looking for somebody’s ass to kick. Afghanistan was too easy," the anonymous official said, according to Politico.

Politico also reports the book details the differences in Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. The two reportedly "were on opposite sides of almost every major issue" when they left office in 2009.

[DrDan]

1. I do miss bush

"Too many good docs are getting out of business. Too many OB/GYNs aren't able to practice their love with women all across this country."

Late night comedy has not been the same.

[zbdent]

2. the funniest line is when someone says how Obama gets such a free ride from the "liberally-biased

media" while Bush had it so tough ...

the problem is these people believe it (or have a vested interest in everybody else believing it).

Hmm ... surplus 1/20/2001 ... trillions in debt 1/20/2009. Ho hum ... 4 people die in benghazi ... massive outrage!!!

[DrDan]

3. or even worse - "software problems with the rollout . . . . . REPEAL OBAMACARE!!!!!!!"

[Victor_c3]

4. That truth is something I've come to realize even without that anonymous quote

That point has become a huge one in my mind and is a part of a focus of my conversations with my psychologist at the VA.

I was a good natured person when I joined the Army and I believed too readily that our military was a force for good and would only be used to make our nation safe and to spread democracy and opportunity to the less fortunate. Realizing that I was used and duped into satisfying the American people's blood lust and need for revenge after September 11th has impacted me tremendously.

I was used and tricked by our government and our society into joining the Army and later fighting in war that I never believed in. I grew up watching cartoons like G.I. Joe and believing that the military was the good guys. I believed in the motto of the Special Forces "de oppresso libre" (or liberator of the oppressed) and I believed that we learned the lessons from our previous misguided wars. I saw the wars and conflicts of my youth as examples of this so I joined eagerly and willingly - only to be duped into a war against everything I believed in.

----

Unhappy Camper,

Thanks for your private message to me nearly a month ago. I'm wasn't ignoring your offer. I often have a hard time dealing with my issues and find it easier to ignore them than to confront them. You and several other vets on this forum have done a lot for me just occasionally acknowledging and sending me words and offers of support. Thank you.