Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ross says it's time to leave Iraq

U.S. Rep. Mike Ross said the war in Iraq has continued to be his greatest disappointments and that he supports the withdrawal of troops.

My greatest disappointment is that we have not been able to pass legislation that would demand a new direction in Iraq, Ross said.

Ross, during a recent interview, was critical of President George Bushs stand on the issue. He said House measures have either died in the Senate or been vetoed by Bush.

I think the President has dug his heals in and I dont see him changing direction, Ross said.

Ross said he wants to see troops withdrawn and that funneling new troops and more money into the war effort is negatively impacting the United States infrastructure. He said there are needs and programs here that are not being funded because of the cost of continuing the war.

He cited the needlessness of those who have given their lives for the effort. He said that the massive amount of money being spent there on an hourly basis is an issue as is the number of veterans who are returning with serious medical and emotional issues.

One option, Ross said, is to limit the funding. The problem is that would limit the support, equipment and training available to the troops.

Im not willing to do that, he said.

Ross said his objection with the presidential stand is that Bush continues to change his statements.

I thought we went to overthrow Saddam, Ross said. We did that. I thought we stayed to see him brought to justice. We did that too. How many victories is President Bush looking for?

If the ultimate victory is for the people of Iraq to live like we do, its never going to happen.