With the truth about the situation in Iraq being very dismal, the Pentagon has apparently decided to try lying to the Iraqi people as a strategic tactic. In an article posted in today's New Your Times, it has been reported that the Pentagon is paying to advertise false information in Iraqi newspapers.   

In addition to creating pro-democratic advertisements the military is reported to be altering statements made by important individuals to a more positive view. In an article printed as verbatim, the military reportedly removed comments which criticized American reconstruction efforts, replacing them with comments reflecting a more positive view of the situation.   

While lies and manipulation of the true facts may have worked to get us into Iraq, it may not work to get us out. Americans, still reeling from the 9/11 attack, did not thoroughly question the facts nor did they question the ones who told us we were in eminent danger from Iraq, both of which were false.   

Our media failed miserably at investigating the true facts and asking the hard-line questions. Americans were manipulated into believing that Iraq was planning an attack, possibly within days, if we did not attack first, paving the way for the pre-emptive strike and "Quagmire of the Bushes" that we now are faced with.   

However in Iraq the people are living the with the occupation and violence daily, and know what is really happening. It may be a bit more difficult to use deception tactics on those who can see the truth with their own eyes, and are not sold on the media being always truthful. They have lived for decades in a dictatorial rule, with lies and deception inbred into their society. Media deception is nothing new to them. Saddam was known for his media propaganda and extravagant displays geared to send a positive message of his rule.  

The fact is that we are currently in a very bad position. We are occupying a country which we invaded needlessly trying to accomplish an ever-changing objective. From weapons of mass destruction to ties with the 9/11 attacks but with no true purpose. The current objective apparently is to force democracy to those who don't want it. This will fail inevitably. A growing number of Americans believe that the true reason we are there is oil. And a million barrels of their precious oil is not worth one single American life!    

There comes a time in any venture or endeavor when one must stop and look at the facts. Based upon these facts a decision is then made as to the course best to take. Sometimes it is best to cut your losses and move on, rather than going further down the tubes in a losing venture. One would also look at what mistakes were made and who made them, correcting both accordingly. In this case, it is time that we look at the facts, look at the mistakes and who made them, and correct both.    

The symptoms of a problem do not disappear until the problem is corrected. With the symptoms being the needless death of our loved ones, and the main problem being the stubbornness and unwillingness of the current administration to admit mistakes or listen to the voice of the American People, removal of the current President from office through impeachment will be a necessary step to ending the quagmire in Iraq.   

BRING OUR BOYS HOME - NO MORE BLOOD FOR OIL!

Editorial: Views are those of individual authors and not necessarily those of Storm Mountain News.