Joe Pitts: “as we debate our policy in Iraq, perhaps it's useful to consider a lesson from history. In all the media coverage of the…”

“as we debate our policy in Iraq, perhaps it's useful to consider a lesson from history. In all the media coverage of the war supplemental debate, a shameful anniversary in our history slipped by, mostly unnoticed. Last week marked the anniversary of Congress's decision to cut off military funding for our involvement in Southeast Asia. The result, as predicted, was genocide; 3 million innocent people slaughtered in Cambodia's killing fields. Mr. Speaker, similar warnings exist today in Iraq. Observers from across the political spectrum say a precipitous withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq could very likely result in a region-wide bloodbath. No one wants to see this, yet withdrawal is what many in this body are pushing for. Mr. Speaker, before we act, let's remember the lesson of history. And we all want our troops to come home safely, but we need to win first and then come home. Defeat, surrender and genocide are not acceptable alternatives.”