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[ Editor’s Note (from Arnold): The below is the written details of a plan that Mr. Arnold first publicly outlined in 2005 – the early part of the War in Iraq. It was detailed then in newspaper questionnaires, public forums, and other venues. The below is merely a written outline of Ken Arnold’s prophetic proposal. He knew then of the very heavy financial drains on the taxpayers that would occur with the current, Iraq effort – and feared about future ones which would have similar, financial consequences…]

The Arnold Doctrine: Navigating Iraq and Future “Nation Building” Defense Initiatives

Background and Problem:

The early stage of the Iraq War held such promise that allied Nations of the world would help “bear the burden” with us in this effort. At the start, President Bush called upon many such Nations to GRANT Iraq monies for various costs of the War and the nation building/reconstruction efforts to come. America put forth initial sums to set the example – but little monies from other nations ended up coming in. So America all too quickly has picked up almost all the tab.

America does need to stay in the current course of efforts on all fronts regarding the War on Terror and the military theatre we call The War in Iraq. This is so not only because of the dire consequences to world stability, at this point, if we were to withdraw precipitously -- but because one need only look at history to determine that it takes time to sustain a stable and friendly regime in Iraq or anywhere else.

Effectively, it took ten years after WWII for Germany and all of Europe to stabilize. American troops were still being shot several years after 1945 by Nazi holdovers. And we and European country's troops and attentions are still engaged in the Balkans 15 years after that Balkan War broke out. Iraq will likely be no different in reaching the objectives of stability and security so that political institutions, and democracy, have at least a chance to take hold. So we need to keep engaged to the task and, more importantly, let our enemies not even question our resolve! Incumbent Melissa Bean's recent vote endorsing "timetables to surrender" run directly counter to both our current efforts and our historical efforts as cited above.

American taxpayers have paid approximately 1 Trillion dollars in direct expense (to date) on the Iraq War and its aftermath. And there’s more to come… One has to ask: Why should WE pay – and pay twice! Americans are paying once with their tax dollars now – and once later at the gas pump when purchasing Iraq’s oil products.

Whether one agrees with the specific reasons for the start of the Iraq War or not, this very pertinent question of financing such defense and nation building efforts must surely be raised and is a uniting question across America. This questioning of America financing Iraq must be raised anytime – but it is even truer with the precipitous decline in the strength of the U.S. dollar, the weakness of our overall economy/economic status, and the distinct possibility of the U.S. being currently being in a recession.

In addition to trying to “stop the drain” on taxpayer funds, this question of financing such War on Terror initiatives must also be asked presently - with a firm doctrine established - for another simple reason:

“What do we do in the NEXT Iraq War situation?”

Rather than stumbling into the same, old, financially draining policy of Uncle Sam paying everything, it makes sense to look “two steps ahead of ourselves…”

Analysis and Solutions:

While Ken Arnold supports the War in Iraq along with his Republican opponents – he is the ONLY candidate (Democrat or Republican) in this race, or in all of Congress, that condemns the means of financing this War and nation building effort!

He asks:

“Does America need to pick up the tab for defense and nation building for the second richest country in the world? Unlike post World War II Germany and Japan whose wealth (i.e. their industrial might) was totally destroyed, Iraq’s wealth (i.e. its oil) has been undisturbed and is still in the ground. With the stability being provided by America’s presence, moreover, Iraq will now be able to greatly increase their oil sales from even its previous levels of production."

If Ken Arnold were the Congressman today, he’d be in the galleries of Congress shouting: “What about long term LOANS!” And he would have done that at the very early start of that war.

It is amazing that no one has uttered such words in Washington! Instead, taxpayers are paying twice: Once in their taxes now…and once at the gas pump for the next 75 years. Why are America’s taxpayers paying this burden without question? Is it not enough that we pay in the blood and broken bodies of our youths? The national attention that this effort consumes? Candidate Ken Arnold surely thinks so!

For Iraq (going forward) and for all future nation-building activities to come, it is suggested that “The Arnold Doctrine” (if you will) would be firmly established. It would simply proclaim:

“Where Nations have the financial wherewithal, it shall be they – thru long-term loans – who pay for all such military and nation-building costs.”

In Iraq’s case, Iraq would be given long-term, 75-year loans – not grants. Such loans would be paid off by taking 25% of the net profit revenues from oil sales to the United States and elsewhere and applying it to such loans given. By doing so, Americans will no longer be asked to pay twice. And Iraq cannot complain since not only are we helping them rebuild their country and infrastructure – but we’re willing to give them ample business to repay whatever monies we’ve loaned them!

Yes…Nations who are on the lower half of GDP in the world would not have such policy applied to them should we decide our national interests dictate we assist them or get involved. Afghanistan quickly comes to mind… However: All countries will henceforth know they can no longer look toward Uncle Sam to be “Daddy Sorebucks” paying every expense – without question. We, frankly, never should have been placed in that position historically - and we can absolutely no longer afford to be now.

CONCLUSION

The above “Arnold Doctrine”, if immediately established, may likely save U.S. taxpayers another trillion dollars in Iraq expenses in the long run. And perhaps some of the most recent expenditures already made can be characterized between Iraq and the United States under this long term loan program, too. But this idea and initiative is equally out of concern for both our current financial drains and future ones that could very well occur in our continuing War on Terror. And we better set firm policy now before, once again, hearing that “giant sucking sound” on the pocketbooks of the American taxpayer.

Initiating this doctrine not only restores a sense of financial fairness to things, but it allows America to help improve its current, economic problems. Moreover, with Iraq paying for these type costs, we could ensure that our military medical benefits for Iraq veterans are totally adequate for both their short term and long term care. This initiative just makes sense… And it also puts the world on notice that America will not longer attempt to be “the world’s banker” to come to for one’s every need.

“The Arnold Doctrine” is one of now many areas where citizens have already said to me:

“Gee…Why haven’t THEY thought of that before!”

My commitment to the people of the 8th District is to always think “outside of the box” on such matters like I have here. When it comes to government, I believe in thinking smarter – not larger… And I do not think that American taxpayers should always be the FIRST source of funds – they should always be the last source of funds.

Created and submitted by: Ken Arnold, Candidate

8^th Congressional District of Illinois

Email: Ken@Arnoldforyou.com

www.ArnoldforCongress.com

January 16, 2008

ARNOLD FOR CONGRESS

“ Strong, Creative Leadership . . . for the 21 st Century ! “

Labels: 8th Congressional District, Iraq War, Ken Arnold, Melissa Bean