RPCV Shaun McNally says U.S. troops should get out of Iraq
McNally: U.S. troops should get out of Iraq
By Ray Hackett
Norwich Bulletin
Second District Democratic congressional candidate Shaun McNally called for the withdrawal of American forces in Iraq Thursday, charging the United States can no longer succeed in its effort to rebuild the country and bring about a democratic government there.
"I was opposed to the war in Iraq because it was the wrong war for the wrong reasons," McNally said. "But after the military victory, I hoped we could make a positive difference. I no longer believe that the Bush-Simmons 'stay-the-course' policy has any hope of success."
McNally said his "fundamental change of heart" was the result of the disclosure of prisoner abuse by U.S. soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison.
"The acts of torture and sadistic humiliation portrayed in the pictures destroyed whatever faint credibility we had in the region," he said. "Democracy is founded on the rule of law and respect for human rights. Today, most Iraqis no longer believe that our government is committed to basic democratic and human rights principles."
U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-2nd District, sharply criticized the actions of those involved in the prisoner abuse, calling photographs of the abuse "appalling and disgusting."
But he declined to comment on McNally's remarks, reiterating his position that he will not address charges by Democratic candidates until a Democratic challenger is chosen.
James Sullivan, the endorsed Democrat in the 2nd District race and McNally's primary opponent, was not so reticent.
"It's wrong to cut and run," Sullivan said. "We broke it, and we've got to fix it. Of course, we all want our troops home but we need to complete the job there to insure our country's safety," he said. "You have to be careful with extreme positions. They're usually designed for the purpose of just getting media attention."
McNally filed for an Aug. 10 primary after losing the Democratic endorsement to Sullivan at this month's convention. In calling for the withdrawal, McNally claimed his position was a break from Democratic Party leaders and his primary opponent.
McNally said his proposal would allow the international community to become more actively involved in rebuilding Iraq and refocus U.S. funding now being spent on the war to domestic programs that have suffered as a result of the Bush Administration's Iraq policy.
rhackett@norwich.gannett.com
