DONALD RUMSFELD ISN’T BACKING DOWN: “I do worry about the lack of perspective in our national dialogue — a perspective on history and the new challenges and threats that free people face today. Those who know the truth need to speak out against the myths and distortions being told about our troops and our country. My remarks at the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion conventions have generated much discussion. I encourage everyone to read what I actually said at defenselink.mil/speeches.”

UPDATE: And I just got copies of letters that Rumsfeld sent to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. Click “read more” to read them.


OF RUMSFELD LETTERS SENT TODAY TO REP. NANCY PELOSI AND SEN. HARRY REID:

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Democratic Leader of the House

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative Pelosi,

I was concerned about comments attributed to you in the media about the remarks I recently made to the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Thought and careful preparation went into what I said. It is absolutely essential for us to look at lessons of history in this critical moment in the war on terror. I was honored by the reception my statements received from our veterans.

I am sending you the full text of my remarks because I assume your comments to the press were made in reaction to inaccurate media reports, such as the coverage by the Associated Press.

I know you agree that with America under attack and U.S. troops in the field, our national debate on this should be constructive.

Sincerely,

Donald Rumsfeld

Secretary of Defense

cc: The Honorable Dennis Hastert

The Honorable Harry Reid

Democratic Leader of the Senate

United States Senate

Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Reid,

I was concerned about comments attributed to you in the media about the remarks I recently made to the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Thought and careful preparation went into what I said. It is absolutely essential for us to look at lessons of history in this critical moment in the war on terror. I was honored by the reception my statements received from our veterans.

I am sending you the full text of my remarks because I assume your comments to the press were made in reaction to inaccurate media reports, such as the coverage by the Associated Press.

I know you agree that with America under attack and U.S. troops in the field, our national debate on this should be constructive.

Sincerely,

Donald Rumsfeld

Secretary of Defense

cc: The Honorable Bill Frist