Quieting Harry: Senate majority leader needs some help with right, wrong

There is something to be said for those who know when to talk and when to be quiet.

Unfortunately, it seems that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., was absent the day that lesson was taught in Congress.

And it seems like he might have missed the “How to Represent Your Country Responsibly” course, too.

His recent comments concerning the progress of the war in Iraq and his continuing references to the battle as “lost” are nothing short of shocking.

And they suggest that the partisan venom with which he speaks might make him a little less than reliable when it comes to making a reasoned and rational decision on the next best step for Iraq.

The fact that Reid expressed his opinion would not be so much of a problem if he and other Democrats — his counterpart in the House — Nancy Pelosi for example — did not continue to make statements that damaged the standing of not only the commander in chief, but those who serve under him as well.

The rogue statements — and Pelosi’s visit to Syria in direct defiance of the president — are not serving any purpose other than to suggest to this nation’s enemies that this is a country that is divided and weakening when it comes to its mission in Iraq.

Part of the reason these statements are so dangerous is that in many cases, Democrats and some Republicans do not seem to understand that they aren’t dealing with a country like England where public dissent is considered a positive result of democracy.

So, what we proudly call debate and the democratic process at work, is seen by radical Islamists as a sign that this country is unable to stand firm in its principles.

What do you do to battle a country that is weakening in its resolve? You wait it out and then you strike.

So, while in another time Harry Reid’s rantings might just be considered meaningless misstatements, now they are irresponsible and dangerous — and could buoy the enemy and weaken the troops who have already accomplished and lost so much in Iraq.

It is time for someone to rein in Reid and Pelosi — soon. Their actions are not just inappropriate — they are scary. And they have no place in a rational and responsible debate on the future of Iraq or U.S. Middle East policy.

Published in Editorials on April 24, 2007 11:13 AM