Most Republicans are strong supporters of effective diplomacy and a strong military. As Teddy Roosevelt loved to say, “Talk softly and carry a big stick.”

National security is a central issue in this year’s election. With the progress now evident in Iraq and more and more assaults being handled by the Iraqi troops, this is not the time to leave prematurely. This is a war we can’t afford to lose.

Whether it was originally or not, the Iraq war remains one of the front lines on the battle of terrorism. If you don’t believe Republicans, then try Al Qaeda! They are calling more terrorists to join the battle in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Over 5,000 Al Qaeda troops have died. It’s a war Al Qaeda can’t lose. It’s a war we and our allies won’t lose if we have the will to win.

What if Democrats Roosevelt and Truman had responded to the loss of American lives at Normandy or Guam by withdrawing before the victory was complete? The quickest way to short-term peace is withdrawal and surrender.

The cost of victory and lasting peace has always been high, but the cost of premature withdrawal is far greater.

Republicans believe in a basic principle: In a world with more rogue countries and terrorist groups capable of attacking our homeland or vital global interests, America, in order to defend its freedom and way of life, must invest adequate resource to remain strong, progressive, and technologically sophisticated.

As former Secretary of Defense, Cap Weinberger, said years ago, "You don’t just go out to the store and buy high-tech weapons on the day you need them."

We need to sustain a strong investment in keeping our military one step ahead of our enemies. The new realities in a free world open to terrorism, require an equally strong investment in homeland security.

Republicans value diplomacy but are clearly aware of its limitations. Evil exists, and will continue to exist. Just look at history, the renewed tensions with Russia and the current atrocities that plague so many countries even today.

George Washington said in his first address to Congress, “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”

In fact, when at our first Constitutional Convention, they proposed limiting the U.S. standing army to 5,000 men. George Washington responded by requesting a clause that would limit the size of the invading army to 3,000 troops. Laughter followed and the proposal was dropped.

Work for peace and always aggressively work diplomatic channels, but part of sustaining peace will always require an investment in military strength.
 
Many Americans want to know when we will leave Iraq. We will leave when the job is done and elected leaders in Iraq want us to leave.

If Democrats are so intent on getting soldiers back home, why don’t they start with bringing soldiers back from Japan, South Korea or Germany? 

They won't, because we remain for a reason. They still want us there. We are the only super power left and with that comes responsibilities.

General Norman Schwarzkopf at a program shared the comments of an appreciative Saudi officer as they were returning from the first Gulf War. Pulling the general aside, he said privately: “Thank goodness America is the only super-power left, because you are the only super power who would leave!”

We don’t go to war or pick allies for oil. If so, why do we support so many countries like Israel who have no oil?

People say America is hated, but we are often hated most by those who are enemies of freedom. What country is rated as the most important and trusted ally? You guessed it, the United States.

Keep America Strong. Help us win the war against terrorism so our children won’t have to face terrorism on our own soil. If you share this commitment, join me in voting Republican.