More Papers For Iraq Pullout

I discussed the LA Times call for an Iraq pullout below. Editor and Publisher reports that they are not alone and that
Editorial Demands Grow for U.S. Pullout of Iraq

Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, in a conservative state, the Roanoke (Va.) Times also called for a pullout, explaining that it, too, was reversing course on its support for the war.

[.......]

The Roanoke paper stated, "Though President Bush seems psychologically incapable of the act, it is time for everyone else in the United States to recognize the inevitable: The occupation of Iraq is an utter, irredeemable failure. We cannot win there militarily or politically.

"Further expenditure of blood, lives, and treasure will gain the United States nothing. Nor will it gain anything for the Iraqi people, who have seen only chaos and bloodshed from this intervention."

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette declared on Thursday, "All Congress needs to do is show some courage and stand up to President Bush. Its ultimate service to our forces would be to see that no more of them lose their lives in a pointless war -- a great service indeed."

The Sun of Baltimore, which had already back a pullout, now advises that "since the Iraqi parliament plans to take July and August off, Congress could suggest to the president that American troops do the same. It would be a start, at least."

At the Portland (Maine) Press Herald on Sunday, editorial page editor John W. Porter explained the paper's recent change of heart on the war (it now backs withdrawal) this way: A major in the Army reserve had made the observation, in chatting with a reporter for the paper, "Every day is Groundhog Day." This, of course, refers to the movie, "Groundhog Day," in which Bill Murray wakes each morning to find himself stuck in the same day.

"Groundhog Day," Porter wrote, referring to Iraq. "One day indistinguishable from the next. No change. No progress. Just the grind of it."