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Opinion

Public opinion should shape foreign policy

Reid Midgett
Opinion Columnist 

Donald Rumsfeld had stepped down from his position. The Iraq commission was created to look at the facts and create a plan to get us out of the situation that we put ourselves into. 

This committee and these changes were intended to modify policy and deal with the demands from the public to change the direction we are headed in. All signs pointed toward this conclusion, and the country waited with bated breath as the president began his speech on the war.

After a lengthy apology to the American people for creating such a difficult situation for the country and coming to the realization that he had made numerous mistakes during the past three years, President Bush declared that 20,000 more troops would be sent to Iraq.

Through his speech, the president sought forgiveness and repentance. He reached out to the American people and told them that he is only human and that his errors were made for a good cause. 

Yes, the first step in rectifying the situation in Iraq is realizing the error of our ways. Yet to repent is to change the behavior that led to your past mistakes, to turn over a new leaf and start again. 

The president asked for forgiveness yet shows no sign of changing his behavior. He continues to stay the course, ignoring public criticism. 

The United States is a representative democracy. The people elect officials who create policy that reflects the wishes of the public. In order for our government to work effectively, not only must the public provide input, but government officials must heed this and govern accordingly while maintaining public safety as a top priority. 

It seems that Bush has stopped listening to the public. His intentions may be just, but he has refused to listen to the people who put him in his position.

There is no easy way to rectify the situation we are in. We cannot simply evacuate the country of Iraq, yet we cannot stay there forever. Adding 20,000 troops to the 130,000 already present is like adding a drop of water to a full glass. This surge will do no good in the long run, and as long as we stay the course that Bush has planned out, we will be stuck in this situation for many unnecessary years.

Midgett, a communication junior, 
can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu