I bring you back to President George Washington. The historic moment in American history that our children are rarely taught was the day the first transference of power occurred in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when President George Washington transferred power to President elect John Adams. What fails in many fledgling democracies is the transference of power. The military leader – George Washington – had the foresight to say “no” when he was asked to stay on as President and he passed his power on to John Adams, a democratically elected official. This was the first electoral exercise of our fledgling democracy, not the Presidency of General George Washington.

So, in Iraq we must establish the militaristic strength of the Maliki government. Refocus our efforts from nation building to military building. This will send a clear message not only to the Iraqi people, who are desperately looking for that structure and stability, but to neighbor nations and the world. Iraq has arrived and Maliki is in control – that message must be communicated. When that occurs, then the Iraqis can vote on who will take the reins of that power. We know they will vote, because they tested the electoral process. Now we must create the conditions that permit democratic institutions to prosper – we must protect them first.

In the end, if we alter our path and choose the one the truly reflects the roots of a fledging democracy we and the Iraqis will win. The Iraqi people don’t want to teach their children generations from now about the Battle of Fallujah – where the Americans fought the Iraqi gangs. Just as we don’t revel in the role the French played in helping us during the American Revolution. They want to honor the Iraqis that stood up to fight in these battles. They need to feel that national pride that compels ordinary Americans to answer the call to duty for our great nation.

Mr. President, I have faith that you have taken mankind down the right path. We must now let the Iraqis take the baton and move this process forward. As fellow humans on this great planet, I have faith that they will answer the call to duty. At this juncture, we must help them focus their new institutions on the most vital component of a democracy – the military – the one entity that when called upon can protect the foundation of a democracy. We must serve as supporters in this effort, protecting their flank as they forge forward.

We must keep our focus on the Big Picture. Once the military strength of Iraq is solid and evident, then can flow the process of conciliation, nation building and economic progress. We can only win in Iraq by providing their government with the military might to defeat all threats to their new democracy. We must not be the only winner; the Iraqis must win, and feel they have won for this to succeed.

Thank you Mr. President for the opportunity to write this letter to you. Everyday, I feel blessed to be an American for the short time that I am on this earth. My service to this country was a part of my life that I cherish. I pray for the men and women in uniform today and for your strength as we move forward in this War on Terror.

Respectfully,

LTC Scott Rutter (USA, Retired)