Standing Strong
MOAA's president meets with the commander in chief.
By Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN-Ret.

I joined a small group of presidents of military veterans' organizations who had the privilege of meeting with President George W. Bush in the White House March 28. The president gave us a comprehensive, 45-minute update on the war in Iraq. Much will have changed by the time you read this.

With calm conviction, the president made these points: The goal of this war is clear; there will be no micromanaging or second-guessing of the war effort by him or his cabinet; and he has complete confidence in Army Gen. Tommy Franks and all the forces under his command. It appeared to him that the Iraqi leadership did not believe that when the United States gave them an ultimatum, we meant it. He bluntly - but correctly - referred to the Iraqi leaders as barbaric and said that every Iraqi atrocity had confirmed both the justice and the urgency of our cause. Against this enemy he will accept no outcome except complete victory.

The president was serious but upbeat. He reassured us there is no timetable; that General Franks will continue to call the shots; and that he is inspired by the skill, courage, and professionalism of our forces. He also expressed great appreciation for all that veterans are doing for America's military families in these emotional and stressful times.

Later, in his formal address in the West Wing (where the photograph above right was taken), the president said, "I want to thank each veteran here today, and across our land, for the lifetime of service you have given our nation. I thank you for standing behind the men and women of today's armed forces as they fight for the liberty of an oppressed people, for the security of the United States and our friends and allies, and for the peace of the world."

In the taxi back to our offices, the cabdriver - who happened to be a Navy veteran - was listening to news reports about protesters and said to us, "Don't they understand that the debate is over? Now is not the time for protests and second-guessing. Now is the time to stand behind the commander in chief and our troops." MOAA members and millions of others have served in uniform for 200 years to ensure the right of public dissent is never abridged. But my personal sympathies match that cabbie's.