"Smoking Ban" statement by Fred Thompson Demonstrates Keen Grasp of Conditions in Iraq

Several days ago, the New York Daily News attacked Fred Thompson for what they cast as an odd statement by Fred during one of his appearances in Iowa, namely that an Al-Qaeda attempt to ban smoking in Anbar Province in Iraq had contributed to the willingness of locals there to now work with U.S. Forces in the province. The article reported:

Thompson said the smoking ban and terror tactics Al Qaeda used to oppress women and intimidate local leaders pushed tribes in western Anbar Province to support U.S. troops.

But Thompson's tale of a smokers' revolt baffled some in the audience of about 150 who came to decide whether the former Tennessee senator is ready for prime time.

"I don't know what that was about," said Jim Moran, 72, who had driven from nearby McCook Lake, S.D.

This article and others written by the media set off a barrage of postings on liberal blogs that also wrote as if Fred's statement was completely off the mark. But now, they all must "eat crow" if they care at all about facts.

The truth is Fred Thompson displayed in this statement an incredible insight into the reality of the situation on the ground in Iraq. What he said is absolutely true.


read::: blogsforthompson.com

Fred Thompson: "US Should Remain In Iraq"

Thompson Tells Veterans: US Should Remain In Iraq, Must Rebuild Military for Global Fight

The U.S. must rebuild its military to fight global terrorism because the country's leaders "took a holiday" in the 1990s after the end of the Cold War, undeclared presidential candidate Fred Thompson told war veterans Tuesday.

"Some people in this country think if we can pull out of Iraq, our problems will be over," Thompson told the Veterans of Foreign Wars. "You and I know better than that."

"Now we're stretched too thin, and our equipment is wearing out," said Thompson, an actor and former Tennessee senator who is expected to announce a decision soon on whether to seek the Republican presidential nomination.

Read::: International Herald Tribune

Gandhi's Way Isn't the American Way

By Fred Thompson

I feel bad for Nancy Pelosi, AND her neighbors. Anti-war activists from the group Code Pink have been giving her the same treatment the president gets at his Crawford, Texas, ranch. Camping on her San Francisco lawn, they’re demanding she cut off funds to the troops in Iraq.


NRO