“Over the last four years, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has been responsible for the conduct of our war in Iraq. His misjudgments and miscalculations have led to a conflict that has worsened in the three years since President Bush declared ‘mission accomplished.  

“The United States has enemies and those enemies must be hunted down and destroyed. Our Armed Services are up to that task. Unfortunately, our Secretary of Defense is not. 

“Secretary Rumsfeld has executed this war with no plan for Iraq beyond the initial invasion. He has blatantly rejected sound advice and guidance from experienced generals, Middle East experts, troops on the ground and respected members of Congress from both political parties.

“From his failure to prepare the military for an extended deployment with sufficient personnel and equipment, to his decision to disband the Iraqi military after the war, to his uncompromising adherence to a failed strategy, he has demonstrated that he does not grasp the challenges facing our nation or our troops. 

“Mr. Rumsfeld’s management of the war has emboldened and strengthened our enemies. And, his recent character attacks against Americans who question his conduct undermines the very freedoms he has sworn to protect. 

“Our nation is at war. Mr. Rumsfeld’s failed leadership, his unyielding adherence to the policies of the extreme right wing, his total lack of respect for his own generals, and his callous disrespect for those who want a honest discussion about this war have proven he cannot properly conduct this war, nor does he have the leadership capabilities necessary to complete this mission successfully.  

“Our country needs a new direction in Iraq. If Mr. Rumsfeld wants what is best for our nation, he will immediately tender his resignation as Secretary of Defense.”

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