Resignation Letter of Weight

Matt P. Hoh, a Senior Civilian Representative stationed in Zabul, Afghanistan resigned September 10, 2009. Riveting... He states,"We want to have some kind of governance there, and we have some obligation for it not to be a bloodbath," Hoh said. "But you have to draw the line somewhere, and say this is their problem to solve."

The people of Korengal did not want the American troops. "The insurgency appeared to have arrived in strength only after the Americans did, and the battle between the two forces had achieved only a bloody stalemate."

In the article from the Washington post it states, "If the United States is to remain in Afghanistan, Hoh said, he would advise a reduction in combat forces." The article goes on to say "he also would suggest providing more support for Pakistan, better U.S. communication and propaganda skills to match those of al-Qaeda, and more pressure on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to clean up government corruption -- all options being discussed in White House deliberations."

" 'We are spending ourselves into oblivion' a very talented and intelligent commander, one of America's best, briefs every visitor, staff delegation and senior officer. We are mortgaging our Nation's economy on a war, which, even with increased commitment, will remain a draw for a few years to come. Success and victory, whatever they may be, will be realized not in years, after billions more spent, but in decades and generations. The United States does not enjoy a national treasury for such success and victory."

Thank you, Antony Blinkin,Vice President Biden's foreign policy advisor,for requesting a meeting with Matt P. Hoh. Thank you, White House Administration for taking this resignation letter seriously. Thank you, Matt P. Hoh for conducting your life in such a way you are heard for such a time as this. May we listen.

Mr. President, continue to listen to intelligent, thoughtful, people such as Mr. Matt P. Hoh. I would also suggest conducting a meeting with men and women who have served their lives for the Afghanistan people in a capacity other than combat. A variety of people lend to more wisdom.

Matt P. Hoh ends his resignation letter with a boulder, "The dead return only in bodily form to be received by families who must be reassured their dead have sacrificed for a purpose worthy of futures lost, love vanished, and promised dreams unkept. I have lost confidence such assurances can anymore be made. As such , I submit my resignation."

I can not get this part of his letter out of my head.

May the God of long suffering, redemption, and mercy lead and guide the land of the United States!

Mr. President, you have so much to consider, my prayers are with you!

Sincerely,

Lynne Burkholder

If you want to view Matt P. Hoh's resignation letter go to this web address and find a link to the letter: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/26/AR2009102603394_2.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2009102603447