TODAY, the United States faces many serious challenges in the realm of national security. This includes the global war on terrorism and radical extremism, defense against insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan, threats from unstable and dangerous states like Iran and North Korea, and a resurgent and belligerent Russia. In these uncertain times, the United States needs a Commander in Chief who is not a newcomer to the dangerous world we live in.
With nothing more than a simple glance at the candidate’s resumes, it becomes clear which of the two has the experience and understanding necessary to protect and secure our nation in these turbulent times. John McCain has traveled across the world and met with world leaders his opponent has only read about in newspapers. He needs no introduction to the chaotic realm of foreign policy and is, without a doubt, the most qualified candidate for the job.
John McCain tirelessly advocates for a strong and expanded military. A veteran himself, he is a ranking member of the Armed Services Committee and has spent his career gaining an intimate understanding of our country’s military might. John McCain is committed to increasing the size of our military to meet the demands of an ever-changing global scene. We are currently asking way too much of our brave men and women in uniform. By increasing the size of our armed forces, we will be able to deploy adequate troop levels into the increasingly hostile Afghanistan without compromising our missions in Iraq and other areas where our aid is needed.
John McCain will settle for nothing less than a victory in Iraq that makes America safer, leaves the region more secure, and honors the sacrifices of our military personnel. Our military must be able to provide the security so the Iraqis can make the political progress necessary to lead to a stable democratic partner in the hostile region. Only then will we be ready for an exit. John McCain understood the need for the troop surge and fought for it when others had tossed Iraq aside as a lost cause. John McCain’s insight about the surge is just one example of his clear-eyed judgment in national security.
John McCain comprehends the threat that an increasingly belligerent Iran poses to both the United States and our ally, Israel. It is important for the United States to join our democratic allies in increasing and toughening sanctions on Iran. He understands that unconditional talks with Ahmadinejad is not the best way to make clear to Iran that we intend to protect our interests here and abroad. This strategy will only embolden and legitimize their leaders in the eyes of the rest of the world, while bringing us no closer to meeting our goals in the Middle East.
From antagonistic states like Iran to rising competitors like Russia, it is important that the United States is able to protect our nation and troops here and abroad from missile attacks with strategic missile defense programs. As president, John McCain will deploy missile defenses to protect the country from attack from present or future enemies.
As it stands today, the United States armed forces is the best trained, most well-equipped military force in the world. In a world more complex and dangerous than ever before, there is no time for on-the-job training. America needs a leader who will have the know how from Day One to ensure that the United States military remains strong and modern, so that our brave men and women will be honored. Only John McCain has a proven record of fighting for our troops so they are better able to fight for us.
Savanna Rutherford is chairman of the College Republicans.
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