Romney: American military power is vital for peace around the world

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said late on Tuesday that American military power is vital to the preservation of US security and for the preservation of peace around the world. "With less than two months to go before Election Day, I would normally speak to a gathering like this about the differences between me and my opponent's plans for military and for our national security", said Romney in remarks in Reno, Nevada. "There is a time and place for that, but this day is not that. It is instead a day to express gratitude to the men and women who fought, and who are still fighting, to protect us and our country, including those who traced the trail of terror to that walled compound in Abbottabad, and the SEALs who delivered justice to Osama bin Laden", he added. Romney noted that "this century must be an American century. It began with terror, war and economic calamity. It is now our duty to steer it onto the path of freedom, peace and prosperity". "America must lead the free world, and the free world must lead the entire world. In the dealings we have with other nations, we must demonstrate confidence in our cause, clarity in our purpose and resolve in the application of our military might", he added. Romney affirmed that "American military power is vital to the preservation of our own security and for the preservation of peace around the world. Time and again America's military has been the best ally of liberty and peace. American forces rescued Europe twice. American forces stood up to brutal dictators and freed millions living under tyranny. America's military leads the fight against terrorism around the world, and it secures the global commons to keep them safe for the trade and commerce that are vital to lifting people from poverty". "While the war in Iraq is over, nearly 70,000 American troops will still remain in Afghanistan at the end of the month. Our goals should be to complete a successful transition to Afghan security forces by the end of 2014. We should evaluate conditions on the ground and solicit the best advice of our military commanders", he concluded.