Ron Paul: McCain's Reckless '100 years in Iraq' Comment Endangers Americans

ARLINGTON, Va.--(Business Wire)--In response to John McCain's comment at a recent town hall event
that he would be fine with keeping American troops in Iraq for 100 -
or even 1 million years - Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul
issued the following statement:

-0-
*T
"John McCain's statement in favor of keeping troops in Iraq for
100 years or longer puts him out of sync with the majority of
Americans, who want our troops to come home. Further, his
comments recklessly put America at risk as such a statement will
likely serve as a recruiting tool for Bin Laden and Al Qaeda, who
appeal to radicals and incite violence against Americans by
claiming that the US desires to occupy the Middle East
indefinitely.

"It is time to act in the true national security interest of the
United States and begin withdrawal from Iraq and the rest of the
Middle East immediately. Americans will be far safer under a pro-
America foreign policy that seeks to end the dangerous idea that
the US should be the policeman of the world.

"Further, the financial costs of keeping troops in Iraq for a
century would be massive - in addition to the steep price in
American lives. If John McCain really wants such a long term
presence, he needs to level with the American people and tell
them that his policy means we will not be able to fulfill our
obligations here at home."
*T

According to quarterly FEC reports, Dr. Ron Paul is supported by
more active duty and retired military retirees than any other
candidate to be the next commander in chief. An investigation by the
Houston Chronicle revealed that Congressman Paul received "more
donations from current military...and retired military...than any
other candidate."

Ron Paul 2008 Presidential Campaign Committee
Jesse Benton, 703-248-9115

Copyright Business Wire 2008