Clark says armed forces have suffered under Bush
Originally published in the Union Leader
Clark says armed forces have suffered under Bush
By RILEY YATES
Union Leader Staff
Retired Gen. Wesley Clark yesterday charged that bungled foreign policy has hurt the U.S. military and its morale.
Clark, a Democratic Presidential hopeful last year, said the armed forces under President Bush have suffered a lack of leadership in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We believe in an all-volunteer force and we expect him to have the leadership to guide our foreign policy without wrecking the institutions that keep us safe,” Clark told about 150 activists and powerbrokers at the Manchester City Democrat’s annual Flag Day dinner at the Radisson Hotel-Center of New Hampshire.
For the fourth consecutive month, the Army failed to reach its recruiting goals in May, according to the Associated Press. The largest of the three services, it made 75 percent of its goal of 6,700.
Clark, a West Point graduate and the former Supreme Allied commander of NATO, said he has heard from a number of soldiers who worry about eroding support for their mission.
“We’re behind the war, but the country is not behind us,” Clark said he’s been told.
Clark said the U.S. needs to go back to working with allies to build consensus for its foreign policy. A critic of the Iraq war, he said force should be used “only, only, only as a last resort.”
The wide-ranging speech struck campaign-esque notes, as Clark also called for improved education systems, better preparation for China’s emergence in the world market and an improved health care system.
He stood behind Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean, who has been criticized by fellow party members for making comments that were perceived as inflammatory.
“I’m proud of Howard Dean. I’m proud of our party,” Clark said. “I’m proud of the fact that we are Americans speaking out.”
He said at a press availability that he supports New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary and praised state voters as deserving their task.
“I loved it and I would recommend it to anyone,” Clark said of New Hampshire’s primary.
At-large Alderman Mike Lopez, a retired Army master sergeant, said he agreed with Clark’s concerns about the armed forces.
He pointed to Veterans’ Administration information that showed 289,564 people had left the military in 2004, plus 62,997 so far in 2005. He said he worries it will be difficult to replace them.
“There are major concerns because if we don’t get the volunteers, the U.S. is going to have to do something,” Lopez said.
He added he’s not surprised people are choosing other career paths: “Unless you’ve been there, war is hell,” he said.
Also last night, Sylvio Dupuis, Manchester’s mayor for 1972 to 1975, was honored for his lifetime contribution to the city.
Judy Reardon, the former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen legal counsel, was given the C. Arthur and Lillian Soucy Award for local and state work.
Bonnie Doherty, a school teacher and local Democratic volunteer, received the Henry and Mary Sullivan Award for commitment to the Democratic party.
