A nine year war is going to end. President Obama stated that by July 2011, all of our troops in Iraq will be withdrawn. While it is true that most Americans are ready for this war to end and for our soldiers to come home, it is interesting how this decision has been made just a couple of months before elections.

There are some critics blasting Obama for trying to tie the economy’s troubles into the war in Iraq. Yes, it does cost money to engage in war; however, is that the real reason for our nation’s struggling economy?

Are we forgetting the massive amount of money that our government has spent, on efforts besides the war?

Most Americans are glad to know that our soldiers will finally come home. Visit the Independent Parties forum to voice you opinion on this matter. It is a great place to get a discussion going.

But going back to the President’s address to the nation, there are also critics who feel that President Obama should have given some credit to former President George W. Bush.

It is no surprise that Obama was against the war; however, it was a troop surge in 2007 that saved what could have been a losing battle. Instead of giving him credit he made a comment about how President Bush loves the troops. I thought that was a little lame.

Is it really wrong to give credit where credit is due? Even when you mostly don’t agree with someone, there is usually at least one thing you can point out about someone that is positive. Could not one thing have been pointed out, besides the fact that Bush loves the troop? I think that is pretty obvious.

So now here is my chance to point out something positive about President Obama. He is keeping his promise. He did promise that the war in Iraq would end. While some hoped it would be sooner, he is keeping to his promise. Yet skepticism creeps up. Is there some kind of political ploy at work here?

It is September 1st and in just over two months our nation will be going to the polls. Do you think the pulling out of our troops will be turned into a political issue? My guess is that it will. I guess you have to use whatever you can to pull the people in your direction.

Personally, I am glad the troops are coming home. I did support the war but I have been ready for it to end. I am looking forward to seeing our brave men and women finally come home.