Welcomed the show this is days 130 floor of the oil prices in the gulf state bunnies -- -- drilling moratorium. My goodness for three months already and they won 35 without serving one piece of contaminated seafood. Of course that we're talking about the president's speech the address to the nation on the end of combat operations in Iraq this is. A day that many people for years and years and years have been wanting to see so it it it is a start. We still have 50000 troops there they are supposed to be non combat troops are supposed to be you know just their trip to train and advised. And and of course naturally -- they have a right to defend themselves if something happens -- earlier tonight we. And ran down. Congressman bidders comments. On. Obama's speech. So I wanna read to you Republican unnamed Republican representative Bob Malone -- comments. On the president's address on the end of combat operations in Iraq. But here's what we're presented below phone shows. For over seven years Louisiana's military men and women. Have served bravely and -- working to bring peace and stability to the region and protect Americans from another terrorist attack. And -- -- combat troops begin returning home grateful nation. Must recommit to providing every veteran with the care and benefits they were promised and that they deserve. And our troops return home and transitioned to their new lives as civilians we must make sure they have tools to succeed. Through a new GI bill -- probably supported our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans can receive a full four year college education. A military men and women and their families. Have made enormous sacrifices. To defend our country and I will never stop working to honor our promises to Louisiana veterans. Are we gonna get back to up to our phones. -- Mainly of who we are taking your thoughts or comments on what the president had to say. On today the last official day of view us combat operations in Iraq the general question is at. While wasn't worth it USA today took a poll and I think it was 60% of Americans said it wasn't worth it no justification. You do not hear the president's address to the country we've been playing bits and pieces. I wanna go and give you a chance to hear the full address to the nation. This she was at 7 o'clock tonight so this is two hours later and if you missed it here in full was president Obama's address of the country. Good evening. Tonight I'd like to talk to you about the end of our combat mission in Iraq. The ongoing security challenges we face. And the need to rebuild our nation here at home. I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for many Americans. We've now been through nearly a decade of war. We've endured a long and painful recession. And sometimes in the midst of these storms. The future of the we're trying to build for our nation. The future lasting peace and long term prosperity. May seem beyond our reach. This milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans. For the future is ours to shape. If we move forward with confidence and commitment. You also serve as a message to the world. But the United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in this young century. From this desk. Center and a half years ago. President Bush announced the beginning of military operations in Iraq. We're just changed since that night. Award to disarm a state became a fight against an insurgency. Terrorist and sectarian warfare. Threatened to tear Iraq apart. Thousands of Americans gave their lives and tens of thousands have been wounded. Our relations abroad -- strength. For unity at home was just -- these -- the rough waters encountered during the course one of America's longest course. If there has been one constant in the -- be shifting times. At every turn. America's men and women in uniform have served with courage. And resolve. As commander in chief I am incredibly proud of their service. Like all Americans. I'm awed by their sacrifice. And by the sacrifices. Of their families. Americans who have served in Iraq completed every mission they were given. They defeated the regime that terrorized its people. Together with the Iraqis and coalition partners who made huge sacrifices of their own. Our troops fought block by block to help Iraq's seize the chance for a better future. They shifted tactics to protect the Iraqi People. Train Iraqi Security Forces and took out terrorist leaders. Because of our troops and civilians. And because of the resilience of the Iraqi People. Barack has the opportunity to embrace a new destination. Even though many challenges remain. So tonight. I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over. And the Iraqi People now have to leave responsibility. For the security of their country. This is my pleasure to the American people as a candidate for this office. Last February I announced a plan that would bring our combat brigades out of Iraq. While redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq's security forces and support its government and people. That's what we've done. We've removed nearly a 100000. US troops from Iraq. -- closed or transferred to the Iraqis hundreds of basis and we moved millions of pieces of equipment. Iraq. This completes. The transition to Iraqi responsibility. For their own security. US troops pulled out of Iraq's cities last summer. An Iraqi forces have moved into the lead with -- considerable skill and commitment to their fellow citizens. Even as Iraq continues to suffer terrorist attacks. Security -- have been near the lowest on record since the war began. An Iraqi forces have taken the fight to al-Qaeda. Removing much of its leadership in Iraqi led operations. This year also saw Iraq hold credible elections that drew a strong turnout. A caretaker administration is in place as Iraqis form a government based on the results of that election. Tonight I encourage Iraq's leaders to move forward with a sense of urgency. To form an inclusive government that is just representative. And accountable to Iraqi People. When that government is in place there should be no doubt. The Iraqi People have a strong partner in the United States. Our combat mission is and it -- our commitment to Iraq's future there's not. Going forward. A transitional force of US troops will remain in Iraq with a different mission. Advising and assisting Iraq's security forces. Supporting Iraqi troops in targeted counterterrorism missions. And protecting our civilians. Consistent -- our agreement with the Iraqi Government. All US troops will leave by the end of next year. As our military draws down our dedicated civilians and diplomats and aid workers and advisers. Are moving into the lead to support Iraq as a strengthens its government result political disputes. Resettle us those displaced by war and -- ties with the region and the world. That's a message that Vice President Biden is delivering to the Iraqi People through his visit there today. This new approach reflects our long term partnership for the -- One based upon mutual interest and mutual respect. Of course violence will not end when our combat mission. Extremists will continue to set off bombs. Attack Iraqi civilians. And try to spark sectarian strife. But ultimately these terrorist wolf failed to achieve their goals. Iraqis are proud people. They have rejected sectarian war and have no interest in endless destruction. We understand that in the end only Iraqis. Can resolve their differences and police their streets. Only Iraqis can build a democracy. Within their borders. What America can do it and we'll do. This provides support for the Iraqi People as -- friend. And partner. Ending this war has not only in Iraq's interest. It's in our own. The United States has paid a huge price to put the future of Iraq in the hands of its people. We have sent our young men and women to make enormous sacrifices in Iraq. I've spent vast resources abroad at a time of tight budgets at home. We persevere because of -- belief we share with the Iraqi People. The belief that out of the ashes of war and new beginning it could be born in this cradle of civilization. Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq. We have met our responsibilities. Now. It's time to turn the page. As we do I'm mindful that the Iraq War has been a contentious issue at home. -- -- it's time to turn the page. This afternoon I spoke to former president George W. Bush. As well known that he and I've disagreed about the war from south to. Did no one can doubt President Bush's support for our troops. Or his love of country and commitment to our security. That's. -- patriots who supported this war and patriots who opposed to. And all of us are united. In appreciation for our servicemen and women and our hopes for iraqis' future. The greatness of our democracy is grounded today in our ability to move beyond our differences. And to learn from our experience. As we confront the many challenges ahead. And no challenge is more essential to our security. -- our fight against al-Qaeda. Americans across the political spectrum supported. The use of force against those who attacked us on 9/11. Now as we approach our tenth -- of combat in Afghanistan. There are those who were understandably asking tough questions about our mission that. But we must never lose sight of what's at stake. As we speak al-Qaeda continues to plot against us. And its leadership remains anchored in the border regions. Of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We will disrupt dismantle and defeat al-Qaeda. While preventing Afghanistan from again serving as a base for terrorists. Because -- brought down in Iraq we are now able to apply the resource is necessary to go on offense. In fact over the last nineteen months nearly a dozen al-Qaeda leaders. And hundreds of Al qaeda's extremist allies have been killed or captured around the world. Within Afghanistan I've ordered the deployment of additional troops who under the command of General David Petraeus. Are fighting to break the Taliban's momentum. As for the surge in Iraq. These forces will be in place for a limited time and to provide space for the Afghans to build their capacity. And secure their own future. But as was the case in Iraq. We can't do for Afghans what they must ultimately do for themselves. That's why we're training Afghan security forces and supporting a political resolution to Afghanistan's problems. The next strongest we will begin a transition to Afghan responsibility. The pace of our troop reductions will be determined by conditions on the ground. And our support for Afghanistan will endure. But make no mistake this transition will begin. Because open ended war serves neither our interests. Nor the Afghan people it's. Indeed one of the lessons of our effort in Iraq. Is that American influence around the world is not a function of military force alone. We must use all elements of our power. Including our diplomacy. Our economic strength. And the power of America's example. To secure our interest and stand by our balance. And we must reject a vision of the future of the space not just our fears. But also on our hopes. A vision that recognizes the real dangers that exist around the world. But also the limitless possibilities of our time. Today old adversaries. Are peace and emerging democracies are potential partners. New markets are good stretch from Asia to the America us. And new push for peace in the Middle East will begin here tomorrow. Billions of young people wanna move beyond the shackles of poverty and conflict. As the leader of the free world America will do more than just defeat on the battlefield those who offer hatred and destruction. We will also lead among those who -- willing to work together to expand freedom and opportunity. For all people. Combat effort. Let's begin within our own borders. Throughout our history America has been willing to bear the burden of promoting liberty and human dignity overseas. Understanding its links to our own liberty and security. We have also understood that our nation's strength and influence abroad must be firmly anchored in prosperity at home. The bedrock of that prosperity must be a growing middle class. Unfortunately. Over the last decade. We've not done what's necessary to shore up the foundations of our own prosperity. We spend. A trillion dollars at war on financed by borrowing from overseas. This in turn is short changed investments in our own people and contributed to record deficits. For too long we have put off tough decisions on everything from our manufacturing base toward energy policy. To education reform. As a result too many middle class families find themselves working harder for less. Our nation's long term competitiveness. Is put at risk. And so what this moment. As we wind down the war in Iraq. We must tackle those challenges at home with as much energy and -- And sense of common purpose. As our men and women in uniform what's served abroad. May have met every test that they -- Now it's our turn. It's our responsibility to honor them by coming together. All of us and working to secure the dream that so many generations fought for. The dream that a better life awaits anyone who was willing to work force. And reach port. The most urgent task is to restore our economy and put the millions of Americans lost their jobs back to work. To strengthen our middle class. We must give all our children the education they deserve. And more workers the skills they need to compete in the global economy. We must jump start industries that create jobs and then our dependence on foreign oil. Most unleashing an impatient and allows new products to roll off our assembly lines and nurture the ideas spring from our -- for Norse. This will be difficult. But in the days to come it must be our central mission as a people. And my central responsibility. As president. Part of their responsibilities making sure that we honor our commitments to those who have served our country with such an hour. As long as I'm president. We will maintain the finest fighting force that the world has ever known. And we will do whatever it takes to serve our veterans as well as they have served us. This is a sacred trust. That's why we've already made one largest increases in funding for veterans in decades. We're treating the signature wounds of today's wars. Post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. And providing health care and benefits that all of our veterans have earned. We're funding the post 9/11 GI bill that helps our veterans and their families pursued that dream of a college education. This is the GI bill help those who fought in World War II including my grandfather. Become the backbone of our middle class. So today's servicemen and women must have the chance to apply various. To expand the American economy. This part of any war responsibly. This standing by those who fought it. We have two weeks ago. America's final combat brigades in Iraq. We army's fourth Stryker Brigade. Journeyed home in the predawn darkness. Thousands of soldiers and hundreds of vehicles made the trip from Baghdad. The last from passing into Kuwait in the early morning hours. -- seven years before. American troops and coalition partners have fought their way across similar highways. This time no shots were fired. It was just a convoy of brave Americans. Making their way home. Of course the soldiers left much behind. Some were teenagers when the war began. When you serve multiple tours of duty and far from families who more or burden of their own. And during the absence. Husbands embrace. Her mother's kiss. Most painfully. -- -- war began. 55 members of the fourth Stryker Brigade made the ultimate sacrifice. -- over 4400. Americans who have given their lives in Iraq. As one staff sergeants. I know that to my Brothers in arms he fought and died. This -- would probably mean a lot. Those Americans who gave their lives. For the values that have lived in the hearts of our people for over two centuries. Along with nearly one point five million Americans -- served in Iraq. -- -- far away place for people they never knew. They stared into the dark darkest. Of human creations. War. And help the Iraqi People. Seek the -- piece. In an age without surrender ceremonies. We must earn the victory through the success of our partners and the strength of our own nation. Every American who serves. Joins an unbroken line of heroes that stretches from Lexington to Gettysburg. From Iwo jima didn't -- -- -- to conduct. Americans -- fought to see that the lives of our children. Are better than our -- Our troops. Are in this deal. In our ship of state. I know our nation may be traveling through workforce. They give us confidence. That our course is true. And the beyond the predawn darkness. Better days prior. Thank you thank. God bless your. -- may god bless the United States of America. And all. The server but of course that's president Barack Obama speech at 7 o'clock tonight we will we will read to free -- -- -- -- -- Get dinner -- the good sensible the president said tonight and bottom line question is is is it worked and I USA today poll. -- 60% of Americans said no when they were as do you think the situation Iraq was worth going to war over. We'll take your calls to come back to securely 78668890. Always somebody and also we're gonna talk to saint Bernard parish president -- -- There's been another development will be paid. You know beat -- have. Everything is so wonderful -- then when they're here to pay all the bills and stuff like that well has been another little Smith. We'll get an update on that went after the break and WW LAM implement dot com. Pretty -- court opinion poll question today is the official -- they of the US combat operations in Iraq today that. Many people been calling for for years and years and years do you support. Scaling back the US role or you think it's too risky. I'm surprised I thought this was going to be. A slim built you know like eighty -- or 9010. But a WWL dot com 64%. Say I've supported his -- start leaving. 36%. Still think it's too risky I'm gonna get your phone calls on our opinion poll question we gonna get to your phone calls. That now that it's starting to wind down the album troops are coming home do you think it was worth -- do you think we or any safer. Today. Then we were before we started this war in Iraq what happens. If things get worse in the Iraqi military can handle it do we have any other option but to return. But I do want to take our break permit and bring -- the president of saint Bernard parish Craig to Karl. We we got this story this afternoon. -- them sit let me see if I can understand what's going to hear more from our friends. And BP they are paying their rent and that means you have to move the entire. Parish oil -- command centers like correct. Well out. Potentially what's at stake -- -- We have the you know landlord of the property. It is is owed a substantial amount of money. Poor. A barrier is barriers. Part of the operations such as fuel to basic of the operation obviously it's millions of dollars and now while we're we're talking at least it -- agreement yet looked thoughtful well. It. Fuel. Covering news is sure. Cost that that were incurred termed. I'm putting down. You Rhode -- and limestone and electrical and plumbing and and various servers is that. The work part -- get to base. Operational or. Cruel sport spots. In addition to that there are some Burson mental issues that virtually could be negotiated but. The the main ensured there are hard costs that that I just described. You can really put your own money on for so long so what does BP's responsiveness. Well how I didn't have the chances to equip. Went. Mr. output from BP -- this evening and he expressed that. That he thought part of the problem is that there's some problem would would be invoicing. What it just. It just doesn't present GO very easily simply. Being voicing. That apparently was going on was pushed on an -- so. -- between July. July 1. You know the landlord of -- go in and to produce. Basically so at that point. Anxious soared to. To fall apart term boot really process and no -- invoicing. And that there's -- let them -- in a position whether you can't continue to carry the bird. Yeah it sounds like Cuomo's companies but doesn't wanna pay for money or 120 days so they can keep their money in the bank can still own funeral or heard a few bucks interest. I don't know what the motive is I mean outside of the invoicing or or use them some matching up audit. Situation and I'm hoping I'm hoping this will will be quickly resolved. Public to move the entire operation. There's is a very significant. Extraction Q. The work that's going on Georgia needs a 20. We don't have -- we will have an alternate spot identify just yet. We started working on that and discussing that. Late this afternoon and and that will pick a person in the morning. It if indeed we have -- -- there's landowners. Are in the area -- Have waterfront and that we may have to go approach and MVP you are to work out a specific pilgrims have been going to pick someone else he just makes sense to pay you very aware more live radar. And be able to -- -- How much time you have before you have to start. Moving things out. But -- debate Kate was it was a ten day notice. So. We we can't wait thirty days to come up with an ultimate client. Also adult requirement which is being developed a process. Oh start start baccalaureate tomorrow morning. And and at the move will have to start actually. Almost immediately in order to youth deconstruct what have to be deconstruct it and constructed somewhere else. Really would be by the end of the week. Be moving things to an optimum location that's what we're could do. But he he has not been a trust worthy company. -- about it it's follow -- on call we have some things that they've done and of production and Leo poetry we support of two -- to the overall process. But then -- one run into the east now and where where people are worried about what's going to happen in -- reportedly employed. You we have important commuting trip we have. In some of our some of our call center employees you know we have a he normally does a great job -- Per example -- what field calls and make calls and then. Lo and behold called -- polled were disconnected. -- note notice. And we're going to be transferred to another operation center you all don't know noticed that they're not that's when we hit piece that I could just doesn't make any sense to us. The coordination and communication have to continue through crew. Public and remember we were getting into the long term recovery part of this that's going to be much more involved in the response. Craig thank you for sure that information could look tea I've got a big driveway but I don't I don't get should be sufficient enough -- and Bob Gregory. I'm gonna ask all of you and holes and on those silly human holy for a long time and and I truly apologize. And -- I'll give you more than sufficient time to express. While your opinion but I do have to take one more break and then I'll come back and I'll just go right to your phone calls. I'm Bob Mitchell as she WWL AM FM and not done counseled you on hold please stay with me. 1870 point 8668890. Wait seventy okay that's go to legs and as well when Mike -- I apologize for Fabian a whole bushel on thank you. Thank you -- Stick in a room. Well Michael. Think of a good thing that should happen and deported us. I don't think -- Colombia last thing. These people they're nature is nowhere hours they've been doing it three years and I think -- as I don't know you know and it's just been given the freedom to go back to their old -- but I'm hoping overall. But. You know I think will be an apple -- done think it is just so much division you know we are angry over pieces. Oh well we still have 50000 troops -- -- as well but they're not being in classified as a combat troops but I'm not. My feelings on that is it's it's just to run. Just to please us just to just to -- the with the public right now because. I like you. I wanna see workout and but you know don't they don't even have a government and -- should we've that we had two guys who fold and tonight both did -- a -- both feel that. But I was leaving that. The for the Iraqi military the Iraqi police just does not have. But on the number of people nor -- -- that the skills. To fight the insurgency and they've -- feel it you know it's it's not gonna take long before we're going to be right back down and again. And you know and what do we do two weeks. Right do we do we stay there forever because I mean -- from a and I wanna I want everyone to come home within. But then the moral -- -- -- And to get me to unleash people who never believe we should have gone to begin with okay. And we did. And we disrupted. But the country you are yet they had a dictator but he but we did we went in and send. You know we -- we're gonna take this government apart. And no more do we do do police and how long do we stay there. When we know. Well we we started this thing went out and and if it takes only a narrow it 25 years you know we can just turn our back on these people we started this mess. Which was a mistake to begin -- and I think the true motive but start that war was. Finances at all you know the president with a man out of Texas. And the -- got a man was made and companies. Dick Cheney is you'll. That our burden. And I think all had a big little -- you know it's phenomenal but of course he deserved what he got. You know that he with a you can man in and it got what dessert worth. Visit our duty and -- around the world. Taken people out. -- that that's -- I'm I'm what do you and that you know and that the big mistake we made. Was disbanding and all that military that they that they already have in place and Oprah perhaps of course hindsight. Is. -- can always look back at things but I'm I'm sure now that that they probably wish they would have tried to keep that military intact and then just be able to control it. I think that would have been done impossible because -- ever met the enemy you know whom we couldn't join us live we wanna. The people doing and keep out the side you know we can go in that full force. And like it I think it was a mistake from the beginning. I was we have you have to build on you know we we had deployed in Afghanistan. Because it didn't warn that destroyed about well you know. Saddam had nothing do with. Like a -- thing to true motive in going in at this Saddam was off. -- -- Don't we don't see in the beginning that. In an auto debt -- that as saying that I wonder why don't we here war and never. About what happened concerning the fuel that I think just. It was deliberate attempt of the government that told the major broadcasters stations. Do not report any -- concern and well. And what's going on open that we could and the public here had no. Right here if ballot burden in this. Well we all thought in the very beginning. That some of the oil was gonna pay for the expense for the war I was always under the impression that we were going to get. Oil from Iraq to help cover the expense -- the war. And you don't hear anything about that all years all the money it's costing us you hear nothing about the fact that. Any kind of plan and all that Iraq. Intends to pay any of this back to us with all all you hears us with more and more money we have to spend to rebuild the country. All right let's -- I think this is the government Ireland's CVS and all the big abroad doesn't station just. If you don't going to you don't talk about it don't talk about the respond -- and what American company called today and what's going -- -- -- The big no no. Until I don't believe that the media would back down that I just think that we don't know. -- -- just do not believe that the media. Would would listen to the government where they would say you can't report on this I've I've I think our media over. It tells we can't do something and then we wanna do it you know so I don't think bad. But you're right no information comes out. It is a total Russia about. You know an all situation -- any American company that we know you're a veteran went and write -- whip Dick Cheney was CEO. And you know and people started saying well we go we can have you know vice president CEO of this company going I'd been making billion dollars billion resigned as CEO. Right it. I think there is some -- them. I show by the government they do not report anything above all and when this is open -- maybe go have a shot at. All right -- -- I just feel you -- this is within the first step in trying to withdraw from there and I think the president doing the right thing like. Going to trial. British actor Colin when we come back we have -- and and and Elton and that Chico on the road in -- a -- of -- -- take a break we'll come out with more your phone calls to WWL AMF and -- dot com. Welcome back to the show well when he ran for election he said he would break the combat troops home game. Combat combat troops home when he made that announcement tonight -- -- what do you think of of the president's action tonight. Well that's -- speak. Would love to meet his preacher. I want him a spot speak I'm -- run -- part of this but. Look it comes down to that. As long as the governor -- river -- stay in place. Will bet that the permanence. Supporter of the insurgency in Iraq. And am lucky that you -- to -- really make this worsen relations which is a good story about debate. On September 11 2001. But we're stuck there it very easily for the next forty years -- back. A pan -- I don't understand how big this -- that the American people probably against the military draft. It's probably aren't so sure we want to reinstate the draft he knew that -- the draft reinstated. He returned the American -- brought into the streets it would be the Vietnam. But they don't look at what with regards to protest. And I will be the end of our foreign policy of involvement in the middle East Coast. The world would seem that the American people but but really -- back. The policies of the government. And that would be that that was what about the quickest way to -- that there's this whole thing. That Israel is -- kind of blank check for those of defense contractors. And for the international banking system. Do you think. About Mike but that's called late -- was right about I hope you don't get anything about. They don't know obviously the auto. It is as collateral. As an -- because historical resource wealth it's in the ground for the international banking system because which is really running the work as a as there -- a lot of the media. But I wanna go there. Because it's called an immediate corporations corporations run the gauntlet of the. -- and -- two news only a few seconds that you think there's any way we're gonna be a mostly out of combat in Iraq I don't know if our. Now I'm I'm with the -- -- I think that is. When you have a good bye Joseph thank you thank you so much okay. I'm gonna ask a Chico marked TJ and Elton to just. Do me a big favorite if you can hang on we'll go to the news and when though we come back you guys.
