Potpourri: Banks Opposes Troops Leaving Afghanistan
December 22, 2018 at 2:10 a.m.
Third District Congressman Jim Banks wasted little time weighing in on the retirement of Secretary of Defense James Mattis and talk of reducing troops in Afghanistan.
The Columbia City Republican avoided commenting on the magnitude of Mattis’ announced resignation, which came a day after President Donald Trump announced plans to pull out of Syria. Instead, Banks called Mattis a “true American hero,” and said he hopes Trump can choose a replacement “who can build on the progress” started by Mattis.
Banks was more blunt about speculation that Trump wants 7,000 troops in Afghanistan to return home.
“Withdrawing half our troops at this critical time is a major risk that would lead to greater instability and jeopardize America’s national security. We cannot allow terrorists to regain control of Afghanistan,” Banks said in a news release issued Thursday night.
Banks serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014-15 during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel.
SMITH CHIMES IN – Kosciusko County Democratic Chairman Brian Smith also offered a quick thought on Mattis’ exit.
“This is not good. General Mattis was the ONLY responsible and respectable member of the administration,” Smith wrote on his Facebook page.
Smith said he’s “terrified” over whom Trump might install as the next secretary of defense.
BIG GESTURES – On a somber note, the grandfather of the three children killed in the bus stop accident in October near Rochester said the response from the public has been incredible.
Among the acts of kindness, said Michael Schwab, Gov. Eric Holcomb personally delivered a note of condolences to his family during a wake. A church in Honduras, where Schwab has visited, held a candle light vigil.
Two companies stepped up to cover funeral expenses, he said.
He also said Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has offered support. The team sent a large floral display for the funeral and invited the family to spend time with the team this weekend.
“It’s amazing how far this story has reached … all across this country. It’s amazing,” Schwab said.
HEADED TO THE GAME – Alan Alderfer's daughter, Katherine, will be on the field at the Colts game Sunday and serving as the Riley Coin Toss Kid. She will walk out with the Colts captains and stand to observe the coin toss with the another Coin Toss Kid and parent.
Third District Congressman Jim Banks wasted little time weighing in on the retirement of Secretary of Defense James Mattis and talk of reducing troops in Afghanistan.
The Columbia City Republican avoided commenting on the magnitude of Mattis’ announced resignation, which came a day after President Donald Trump announced plans to pull out of Syria. Instead, Banks called Mattis a “true American hero,” and said he hopes Trump can choose a replacement “who can build on the progress” started by Mattis.
Banks was more blunt about speculation that Trump wants 7,000 troops in Afghanistan to return home.
“Withdrawing half our troops at this critical time is a major risk that would lead to greater instability and jeopardize America’s national security. We cannot allow terrorists to regain control of Afghanistan,” Banks said in a news release issued Thursday night.
Banks serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014-15 during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel.
SMITH CHIMES IN – Kosciusko County Democratic Chairman Brian Smith also offered a quick thought on Mattis’ exit.
“This is not good. General Mattis was the ONLY responsible and respectable member of the administration,” Smith wrote on his Facebook page.
Smith said he’s “terrified” over whom Trump might install as the next secretary of defense.
BIG GESTURES – On a somber note, the grandfather of the three children killed in the bus stop accident in October near Rochester said the response from the public has been incredible.
Among the acts of kindness, said Michael Schwab, Gov. Eric Holcomb personally delivered a note of condolences to his family during a wake. A church in Honduras, where Schwab has visited, held a candle light vigil.
Two companies stepped up to cover funeral expenses, he said.
He also said Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has offered support. The team sent a large floral display for the funeral and invited the family to spend time with the team this weekend.
“It’s amazing how far this story has reached … all across this country. It’s amazing,” Schwab said.
HEADED TO THE GAME – Alan Alderfer's daughter, Katherine, will be on the field at the Colts game Sunday and serving as the Riley Coin Toss Kid. She will walk out with the Colts captains and stand to observe the coin toss with the another Coin Toss Kid and parent.