When the news gets too depressing I have to turn off the computer, radio, and television and simply try not to think about it. I read or do some artwork or other things I ought to be doing anyway.

Today was one of those days.

When I read what Defense Secretary nominee, Robert Gates had to say in response to Senator Robert Byrd’s questions in the Senate Armed Services Committee Confirmation Hearing today …..

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Senator Byrd: What about an attack on Syria? Would you briefly describe your view of the likely consequences of a US attack on Syria?

Mr. Gates: I think the Syrian capacity to do harm to us is far more limited than that of Iran, but I believe that a military attack by US on Syria would have dramatic consequences for us throughout the middle east in terms of our relationships with a wide range of countries in that area. I think that it would give rise to significantly greater anti-Americanism than we have seen to date. I think that it would immensely complicate our relationships with virtually every country in the region.

Senator Byrd: Would you say that an attack on either Iran or Syria would worsen the violence in iraq and lead to greater American casualties?

Mr. Gates: Yes sir. I think that is very likely.

Senator Byrd: Your answer is yes on both questions?

Mr. Gates: Yes sir, very likely.

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It made me ill.

I watched President Bush’s interview with Brit Hume yesterday and the president seemed confident that Gates is the right man for the job. I find today’s hearing very disappointing. I’m wondering if we might have another Harriet Myers problem with Bob Gates. It was not Donald Rumsfeld’s job to placate the senate but that seems to be the thinking of Robert Gates.

The troops want to win the war. Gates appears to be part of the political class who would rather win with the Senate and the media. I could be wrong but Gate’s appearance before the Senate didn’t reassure the remnants of the American people who care about defending our country and winning the war that Robert Gates cares so much about that mission. Gates didn’t go over very well. At. all.

Right out of the gate, Robert Gate’s giving more encouragement to the Mullahs of Iran and the thugs of Syria than to the Armed Forces of his own country.

We are at war. Why do I have doubts that Robert Gates really wants to win it?

Lorie Byrd reminds us to remember the troops during this holiday season.

Welcome Jules Crittenden readers!