Cheney: U.S. Won't Back Down In Iraq

Vice President Tells Troops In Japan That U.S. Will Complete The Mission

(CBS/AP)  Vice President Dick Cheney reaffirmed the Bush administration's commitment to the increasingly unpopular war in Iraq on Wednesday, saying the U.S. wants to finish its mission, then "come home with honor."

Cheney, who arrived in Japan on Tuesday, was given a 19-gun salute as he boarded the USS Kitty Hawk at this U.S. Navy base just south of Tokyo.

"The American people will not support a policy of retreat," Cheney told about 4,000 troops in the hangar bay. "We want to complete the mission, we want to get it done right, and then we want to come home, with honor."

Cheney said his brief visit to Japan was a gesture of appreciation for Tokyo, which has been one of Washington's most valuable allies in the war on terror by offering non-combat troops to assist U.S. efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Japan pulled its troops out of Iraq last year. The country still operates airlifts in the region in support of the U.S.-led forces, a mission set to end in July. Japan's navy has also provided fuel for coalition warships in the Afghan war since 2001.

Cheney also commented on British Prime Minister Tony Blair's announcement that Britain would begin withdrawing its troops from southern Iraq, calling it a sign of progress.

"Well, I look at it and see it is actually an affirmation that there are parts of Iraq where things are going pretty well," Cheney said in an interview with ABC.

Cheney said he had spoken with a friend who traveled recently from Baghdad to Basra and "found the situation dramatically improved from a year or so ago."

In Japan, Cheney met with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and Foreign Minister Taro Aso before holding talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Cheney and Abe discussed their countries' stances on North Korea, which has rattled the region with its nuclear ambitions but earlier this month agreed to shut down its main nuclear reactor in exchange for energy aid and other incentives.

"We are cooperating to protect our countries from the dangers of nuclear proliferation," Cheney told Abe at a photo session prior to their talks. Earlier, Cheney said the accord with North Korea was "a correct first step," but pledged to keep up pressure on the communist regime to dismantle its nuclear program.

Despite the breakthrough, Japan has declined to contribute aid to the North until the issue of past abductions of its citizens is resolved. North Korea has admitted kidnapping Japanese in the late 1970s and '80s, but Japan believes it has not provided a full accounting of the victims.

Cheney told Abe at the photo session that the U.S. respects Japan's position and wants "to seek a resolution of the tragic case of Japanese abductees." He was to meet the parents of one of the abductees on Thursday before flying to Guam and then on to Australia, his final stop.

Cheney and Abe also discussed China's anti-satellite weapon test last month. They agreed it demonstrated the country's lack of transparency over its military and that Beijing needed to become a more "responsible and constructive force in international society," a Foreign Ministry official said later at a briefing on customary condition of anonymity.

Cheney relayed an invitation from President Bush for Abe to visit the U.S., the Foreign Ministry official said.

Also Wednesday, Cheney and Tokyo's top government spokesman, Yasuhisa Shiozaki, reiterated their countries' intentions to collaborate closely on missile defense and the realignment of U.S. troops stationed in Japan.

The U.S. has about 50,000 troops stationed in Japan under a mutual security pact that dates back to the 1960s. Tokyo and Washington have been reworking that alliance to make the presence more effective. They are also developing a joint missile defense shield.

[lieberman181]

Very food, Mr. Vice President,

But just wait till the bozo fascists, the spew and vomit clowns, and the sharia enthusiasts get a hold of this.

Ever hear of the angry chimp syndrome? It's coming from the anal retentive America haters...

[scott4261]

(1 of 3)

Opinions on these pages go across the spectrum, with some not easily categorized as left or right. Even though some of us have some heated exchanges here, it is clear that most of us love our country.

With that in mind, here are our rights. Learn them while we still have them:

-----------------
These are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Passed by Congress on September 25, 1789, ratified by 3/4ths of the states on December 15th, 1791:

1. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

2. A well regulated Militia, being necessary for the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

3. No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in the time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

[scott4261]

(2 of 3)

4. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

5. No person shall be held to answer for capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.

[scott4261]

(3 of 3)

6. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trail, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of counsel for his defence.

7. In suits of common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of a trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of common law.

8. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

9. The enumeration of the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

10. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

[terrapin78]

Cheney: U.S. Won't Back Down In Iraq

From the Number 1 CHICKEN HAWK!

Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah,

No one else can be a lesbian but your daughter. What a freeking a$$hole.

[bluestardad]

Cheney will be tried for war crimes and kick back profiteering

[bluestardad]

Cheney works for Saudi Arabia and Israel.

[jerr11]

"The American people will not support a policy of retreat," Cheney told about 4,000 troops in the hangar bay. "We want to complete the mission, we want to get it done right, and then we want to come home, with honor."

WE? Where the heck are you right now. You're not in Iraq!!

You're in DC, living it up, giving your Halliburton buddies more no-bid contracts!

While the young men and women you sent over are coming back in body bags!

[johnshaft4]

Cheney still has gotten the fact the HE and boy Bush are the dead enders that are on THEIR last throes.
"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain..."

[dallison7]

"We are cooperating to protect our countries from the dangers of nuclear proliferation," Cheney told Abe at a photo session prior to their talks.

That's what you said just before you attacked the last country.

[scott4261]

Oh, and Lieberman - you Bushies can accuse progressive independents, liberals, etc. of hating America all you want. I cannot speak for others, but speaking for myself:

I love my country and I am determined to take it back from the small-minded myopia that is destroying the middle-class and making the world less safe.

And the Bill of Rights? I just want to let everyone know what this administration is destroying.

[changeit4]

You ever watched Cheney's face? I don't care if there's a medical explanation or not, it is significant, at least in this case, of how truly evil and selfish this troll is.

Never believe a man who only moves half his face. Says a lot for what Washington thinks of Tokyo, sending that gnome.

[bluestardad]

Cheney can only go to military bases or Utah for support other places the American people may tear him to shreads!

[bluestardad]

JohnShaft4; Wizzard of OZ Great! That could catch on!

[houser123]

I love my country and I am determined to take it back from the small-minded myopia that is destroying the middle-class and making the world less safe
Posted by Scott4261

Thanks for your posts. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK...

Your words above hit home for so many of us.

[ramos937]

Cheney and Bush live and function in a state of denial. Blair has finally faced the truth and has started pulling out the UK troops. No credit to him, he should have done this long ago. Bush/Cheny will continue the war until the last USA soldier is dead/wounded. Neither man served in a war theater with Cheney claiming 5 deferments during the Vietnam War. If I had my way, I would have them start attending military funerals. In any case, it is now up to Congress to get us out. That is the message we sent, and Bush/Cheney ignores, on 11/04/2006.

[bigwhtpony]

That's what you said just before you attacked the last country.
Posted by dallison7 at 10:31 AM : Feb 21, 2007

You have a hammer and cicle tattooed on your a**, don't you? I swear, you and your ilk are the best friends our enemies have.

[Razzl]

Will no one do their duty and prosecute this war criminal? "Honor" is exactly the thing he has stolen from us by his mad policies of torture and contempt for the Constitution. For as long as I live I will be implacable in insisting that this man's misuse of our lives and our rights be punished...

[notblue]

More leftwing carping and crapp, if it weren't for people like Cheney you people would be attending morning prayer at the neighborhood mosque right about now.

[liberalvet]

"The American people will not support a policy of retreat," Cheney told about 4,000 troops in the hangar bay. "We want to complete the mission, we want to get it done right, and then we want to come home, with honor."

Hey *** wake up....the MAJORITY of Americans no longer support your war. The only supporters you have are the politically ignorant and the bible thumping evangelicals. Do us all a favor and SHUT THE F*** UP.

[samthetvcat]

"Cheney said he had spoken with a friend who traveled recently from Baghdad to Basra and "found the situation dramatically improved from a year or so ago.""

This guy is insane!

[ammianus]

The Sorrows of Young Dumus, Art. X
The indolence and incapacity of Stultus Dumus the Younger being clearly unequal to the burdens of the supreme office, a lieutenant was sought who could stiffen his resolve, supply his want of energy and ensure that the designs of the Oligarchs were unrelentingly advanced. Appointed to preside over the selection of this lieutenant, Imbustus Vulturinus was a longtime servitor whose loyalty to the House of Dumus was cemented by criminal guilt in a numerous sequence of misdeeds (Journandes, op. cit., p. 103). Well ensconced in the Oligarchy, Vulturinus was nimble in the hydrocarbon fuel extraction industry; had profited immensely from his dealings with the artificers of hyper lethal weapons and had served the officials of the Hegemon whenever a deft lie or low stratagem was required. A secretive nature presented the appearance of quiet probity; and the affectation of piety supported an imaginary rectitude. But every sentiment of virtue and humanity was extinct in the mind of Vulturinus. Upon inspecting a series of candidates, he concluded rightly that none were his equal in the deadly arts of rapacious cruelty. Whereupon, Imbustus Anguis Vulturinus elevated himself to chief lieutenant, tutor, guardian and keeper of Dumus the Younger.

[ammianus]

The Sorrows of Young Dumus, Art. XI
The resources of the entire Oikoumene were open to plunder, and it was the first care of Vulturinus to host a convocation of the energy extraction Oligarchs in order to agree upon the division of spoils. A signally important measure of the efficiency of an energy extraction enterprise and an essential prop to its reputation was the ratio of known reserves to annual production. The energy supply oligarchs presided over an enterprise based upon an ever depleting resource. They could never resist the temptation to profess a reserves-to-production ratio far in excess of reality. When the actual ratios were disclosed, the entire energy extraction industry was discovered to rest upon a most precarious foundation. Readily accessible supplies were rapidly disappearing; and strenuous efforts must be made by the Hegemon to acquire control over new sources. To avoid premature collapse of the energy enterprises, all information concerning the deliberations of the convocation was withheld from the populace and a long-cherished scheme of the oligarchy was revived. Realization of their dream of an imperial demesne extending from the banks of the Indus to the confines of Syria would have excited the envy of the son of Philip. But above all, when combined with the resources of the House of Saaud, such a conquest would furnish the Oligarchs with most of the fossil fuel supplies of the globe.

[liberalvet]

Notblue....

Get a grip you right wing nut bag. If it were not for power and money hungry jerks like Cheney and Bush the Islamic world would not hate us. They and other right wing jerk offs have insisted for decades on interfering with the Islamic culture and lands. All this so they could rape the land of its resources, enforce servitude over the people, and drive Christianity down their throats.

[jabberwock11]

Hmmm? "come home with honor" sounds a lot like "peace with honor" and we know what happened there. I predict the same result this time.

[luvny-2009]

The American people will not support a policy of retreat," Cheney told about 4,000 troops

I love it when these a$$holes speak for us. Also the BS about it getting better so Blair is bringing some troops home, well why aren't they going where they are needed then!

[macusweil]

Cheney translation:

"We want to complete the mission,(so my company gets paid maximum payola dollar) we want to get it done right, (so Harlliburton gets every penny of your US tax $$ they can) and then we want to come home, with honor. (after my cronies and I have milked all the money we'll ever need for the next several generations.)"

[mitywhity]

We never lost a battle in Vietnam, yet we lost the war. Why? Media coverage. Moms can't stomach the sight of war. Public sentiment faltered and soon the government was divided and our troops came hope to slaps in the face and insults. I hate the fact that the media is in Iraq - they should withdraw first. This pu$$y-footing around with limited engagement and policing instead of soldiering doesn't work. But for the sake of the cameras they have no choice.

[tejasdemo]

I'm sure Tokyo was thrilled to see such an A hole make an even bigger A hole of himself up close and personal.

What is this jerk's approval rating ?...5 ?

[mitywhity]

Get a grip you right wing nut bag. If it were not for power and money hungry jerks like Cheney and Bush the Islamic world would not hate us

"We are marching to Pretoria from the shores of Tripoli.." what a wonderful piece of music. Do you have any idea what that song is based on? Why we were in Africa in the firts decade of 1800? Who we were fighting? Why they were attacking our interests then?

History just didn't begin the day you were born man. This is the typical muslim m.o. - they kill, they sugjugate for the sheer pleasure of it and believe it pleases allah and secures their home in paradise.

[mitywhity]

Oh, and oil was not discovered yet at that time. It's not about oil for the muslim. It's about blood.

[rharrin1]

Lie --berman

anal retentive ISN'T THAT YOUR MOUTH

[fascistusa]

Hey, Cheney. NO ONE IS LISTENING TO YOU.

If only ONE news outlet wasn't GOVERNMENT PROPAGANDA. Just one.

Not CNN. Not CBS. Definetly NOT FOX. Not Newsweek. Not ABC.


The ONLY News that isn't 100% regulated by the Government is online.

[rharrin1]

NOTBLUE

Is he defending us the way he did during Vietnam?

[missingamerica]

Caligula, Nero, Napoleon, Hitler, Mussolini...and now we have to add Cheney to that list of historical figures who had the terrible combination of self-delusion and power that allowed them to get a lot of people killed.

[terrapin78]

No one that received 5 DEFERMENTS to keep out of the military/Vietnam can offer nothing but platitudes and slogans. He has no balls or guts. Just BAD positions.

[clestes-2009]

Red Alert! Red Alert! Cheney has escaped his restraints and is loose, babbling to the press.

Seriously, this man is an embarressment everytime he opens his mouth. All his talking shows how very far afield he is. He is clearly delusional with all his talk about about "winning the war". Even dubya has stopped all that talk and confines his statements to helping the Iraqis find stability.

Cheney is in la la land. The last of the neocons still holding on to that dream of a democratic Iraq.

To have the VP of this country so clearly out of touch with the American people and so clearly out of touch with current events is embarressing. This only goes to show just how little control Bush has over his people otherwise, Cheney would not be making such a fool of himself in front of the world.

[bluestardad]

Terrapin78; well spoken Cheney is a coward.

[bluestardad]

Cheney cannot debate about honor as he does not know it.

[neenga]

Cheney "knows" it's safer in Iraq because his friend said so? C'mon!

[selenite1]

Cheney is a subhuman creature.

He requires euthanization before he inflicts anymore damage.

He should follow Kenneth Lay's example. Today.

[randalds]

Cheney is the lowest form of life on this planet. He is beneath the scum of the earth. Some day when he dies (f hell demons like him ever do) he won't need to be embalmed because even grave worms and maggots have more taste then to eat a piece of repellent sh*it like him.

*** you mr cheney, *** you very much.

[randalds]

This as*shole, this prick, this gutless coward had "other priorities" during Vietnam and got 5 deferments, but now he has no problem sending other peoples children off to die in Iraq just to make himself and his friends richer. This war never had anything to do with terrorism, spreading freedom or 9-11. It is about money and only money. It's a way to make big oil and defense contractors rich off from taxpayers money and Cheney is the chief bloodsucker of them all! This is NOT a war! It's ****king war crime! If there was a god then I know Cheney and Bush would roast in hell forever and even that would be too good for these pieces of sh*it!

[rharrin1]

Out of all the cheney bs the biggest cover up was about the (accidental shooting) Cheney said he had A beer with lunch the guy that got shot says no alcohol was involved the police only get to the gate of the ranch and say they would come back at 9am next morning by then all trace of booze would be gone

If it was anybody else the police would have crashed the gate. WHAT A JOKE TEXAS LAW JUST GOOD OLD BOYS

[forthepeaple]

I have ask BUSH/CHENEY TO A OPEN/TOWN MEETING,THEY SAID ONLY IF WE CAN PICK WHO COMES TO ASK QUESTIONS. SO WHATS THAT TELL YOU. THEY BOTH NEED TO BE S--T. AND LETS PUT A END TO IT RIGHT NOW, BEFORE ITS TO LATE, IRAN,CHINA,OR THE NORTH VIETUM NUT WILL I PROMISS YOU , BLOW UP US SOMEWHERE. AND IT WILL BE SOON.

[skyk-2009]

Hey Mr. Vice President can you tell us WHAT gives YOU the right to involve yourself in a Civil War? The ENEMY you incompetent Little Nazi is in Afganistan. Look at the face of this man folks, look carefully at the Cold look on a Man's face who doesn't give a *** how many kids end up at Walter Reed Hospital. It's over Cheney and the MORE angry you make We the People the smaller that "Breathing Room is". When you living kids like those and the one's who come back in box's, when all you are leaving them is a WORLD FULL OF HATE... My God People our ONLY ALLY in this mess, the British CITIZENS by over 80% do NOT support us... I mean what do they need, someone to fall a building on them?

[azman80]

This pile of stir fried sh*t shouldnt even talk to troops. After skipping out of war with 5 draft defferements because he "had other priorites than war", he needs to be impeached and out of office before his term ends. If anything, since his company got a big FAT contract from the government from the war, and he keeps complaining about troops not having enough armor equipment, wouldnt it be nice if Halliburton DONTATED a percentage of their billions for troop armor. Hey, that would be a tax write off.

[skyk-2009]

Anyone with a BRAIN should be able to see that the AMERICAN PEOPLE are not going to allow these two MORONS lead us for the Next Two years. If the Republican's want a PARTY after Bush they'd damned well better do something. We have VERY little time and the hatred for these people grows World Wide with every passing minute.

[olebd]

Would somebody please tighten the bolts in Cheney's neck already?..He's talking gibberish.