Login HereSteny Hoyer and his Republican friends (PDF) may think that "benchmarks for the Iraqi government" is an acceptable "compromise" as they hand over to George Bush all the money he wants, but others don't.
"President Bush vetoed a bill that supports our troops and ends the war in Iraq that he declared won four years ago," said Edwards. "Congress needs to stand firm and strong. Congress should answer the president's veto by sending him another bill with a timetable for withdrawal. And if he vetoes that one, Congress should send him another and another until we end this war and bring our troops home."
I won't support a supplemental spending bill that doesn't have binding language to redeploy U.S. troops from Iraq. There's a lot of talk right now about Democrats getting the President to sign a bill that only has benchmarks for the Iraqi government to meet. But we're long past the point when just setting benchmarks was enough. Even if funding for the Iraqi government is conditioned on it meeting those benchmarks, that misses the main point -- which is that, whether or not the Iraqis meet their benchmarks, we need to get out of Iraq so that we can focus on the national security threats we face around the world. And if those benchmarks aren't binding, then they are nothing more than suggestions. The American people aren't asking us to offer suggestions to the Iraqis -- they are asking us to bring our troops out of Iraq.
The next step to ending the war isn't to give in, but to step up the pressure on the President. I'm pleased to be working with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on a bill to end our open-ended military commitment in Iraq. Now that the President has rejected the will of the American people with this veto, our bill, or some other proposal to end funding for a failed policy, should be the next step to end the war.
MoveOn is sponsoring a series of emergency veto rallies tonight. You can find one in your area here. And if you haven't contacted your represenentative yet, please do so. Let them know that David Broder's stamp of approval for Steny Hoyer's plan is not exactly what the American people have in mind.
The House is debating the override of the President's temper tantrum on CSPAN now. Use the comments thread for discussion.
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MalKKKin?
Boehner’s logic is so convoluted it’s painful just listening to him contort himself.
kdh22 @
1
Thankfully no.
Sorry, my mistake. Should have viewed the video first.
Jane Hamsher @ 1
He is soooo infuriating (and nauseating)!
Jane Hamsher @ 2
C’mon Jane, you know better than to expect any logic or coherency from anyone in the Republic party.
GO MURTHA!
I keep resisting any other course other than to impeach Cheney first, but maybe I am wrong.
It’s a good ad, and a very good message for Edwards to send to his primary rivals. If the congress caves, Edwards can tie this around both Clinton’s and Obama’s necks, and help differentiate himself, possibly to break out.
Cool ad!
But I think that the congress should just move on and not send him anything right now.
kdh22 @
1
Her non-evil twin?
I just sent moveon.org my first money to them ever. not much, ’cause I’ve been leery of their positioning of several issues. but this IS important.
Pachacutec @
9
Its a good ad even if you dont support Edward, which I do
The Dems should do what Bush does with the Supreme Court when they rule against him. Change a couple words and then send it back and see if it flies.
I suggest changing the word Benchmark to something else because I’m tired of hearing Bush say it. Maybe one of these…
barometer, basis, benchmark, bore, capacity, check, criterion, degree, depth, example, exemplar, extent, guide, guideline, height, indicator, magnitude, mark, meter, model, norm, pattern, rule, sample, scale, scope, size, span, standard, test, thickness, touchstone, type, width, yardstick
The Democrats have to remember that they passed a funding bill. It is Bush who vetoed it, so when he tries to blame them it’s bullshit.
It’s like if I gave you dinner and you said, I don’t like the peas, so I’m not eating it. That’s fine, but you can’t blame me for not giving you dinner! (Unless you’re Bush).
He’s trying to micromanage the lawmakers!
who will rid me of this troublesome Hoyer?
Edwards and Feingold doing the job. Oh Hillary…….. where are you?
Glenn Greenwald has another must read on Salon. He dissects Harvey Mansfield’s argument in today’s WSJ that what America needs is a strong man. No, not Jeff Gannon, though that may be Mansfield’s underlying theme (no pun intended).
As Glenn points out, Mansfield is openly articulating the Bush Co., logic, that the President is and should be above the law. Not just during emergencies, but all the time. The President’s oath to obey the law is just one of his duties, and is subject to exigent circumstances thaty may exist permanently.
He also points out, as if needed, that the MSM is not covering this.
Can any FDLers be tempted?:
Appreciate the heads up.
I just called Steny’s office. I told the woman that answered that if Steny wanted me to contribute to a primary opponent against him in 2008, he was doing a terrific job. Then I asked if she wanted my name and phone number. She said she “no” she didn’t need it.
I was on hold for awhile, so I don’t think that I was the only one calling Steny today.
The time to end the War is now. Let us stand up to the liars now. Peace does indeed take courage. Peace is always honorable. Let us take back our language and our liberty now! Let us take to the streets and bring our troops home. Silence equals consent!
In terms of war, the two Democratic front runners do not inspire confidence or fortitude.
Terrific ad.
I’ll be at work when my local rally is happening, but I called my rep (Pryce-R) and told her no funds without timelines, or not to pass a supplemental at all.
Also emailed my Senators this morning, same sentiments.
OT - New Froomkin
At this point, it’s really difficult not to scream obscenities into the phone to every democrat that would cave in. Since when is caving in a negotiating tactic?
TJ @ 25
That has been the problem with the dems for quite some time now.
I sent faxes to my representatives. Sometimes I think that’s better than phone calls.
I am a member of my County Democratic Committee and we are involved in my town’s local council elections which happen Tuesday the 8th. There is a candidate forum this evening which I am committed to attending and can’t attend a rally.
I will certainly catch up on all the happenings via the internets.
Wonder why Bushie didn’t sign the funding legislation and then do his “signing statement” trick voiding the troop withdrawals? Has he lost his nerve? Would that have made him more vulnerable to impeachment?
I’m for just tweaking the bill a little and sending it back. Let him veto it again. and again. September comes soon.
“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” Thomas Jefferson
Marilyn In Texas @ 28
Agreed. Where in Texas?
I’m at work listening to CSPAN (don’t tell my boss) and I am amazed at how strong the anti-war/anti-repuglican sentiment is at the moment. In the past I’ve really wondered at the high percentage of right wing callers on the various CSPAN lines but right now things have totally swung in the other direction. Perhaps a glimmer of hope?
Pachacutec @
9
Yupper.
Marilyn - I say move the date one week sooner, and sooner again if he vetoes again. The president should see that the more he vetoes, the less he gets.
Dems don’t back down. It’s Bush’s war. You have presented him with a bill that funds the troops. He wants to get the upper hand. Don’t compromise. Let him sit on it and spin for awhile. Repubs who vote to continue the war do not speak for the American people. Let them live with that. Keep throwing the ball back at him. When you meet with him, just smile and hang tough. If you back down, the American people will equate that with legitimately-elected presidents who concede to soon…Make him agree to the Katrina and veteran’s language.
RealWorld @ 30
Yup. Now if they would call their congresscritters, too!
By the way: I’ve heard that if the House fails to override, the bill is dead — is that so?
Good ad.
commenter on youtube used the surrender word. so here is the logic police:
McCain (re Reid on TDS): If we’ve lost, who won?
My reply: If we surrender, who are we surrendering to?
anyone?
Marilyn In Texas @ 28
No changes to the bill, it’s fine the way it is. The Democrats should send it again and again and again.
Rep. Shimkus loves the Cubs…Uses silly Baseball analogy about the Iraq War
No more war forever!
No more war
No more
No
Jane, Round up a CT reggae band… I think you have a hit! (again!)
do-si-do @ 35
“THE ENEMY” according to Georgie.
Edwards/Feingold 08?
Makes the ganglia twitch!
Great ad, and IT WORKS!
GO JRE! We need to stand up to Bush RIGHT NOW, not next month…
Someone has to say it, and that ad says it quite well. It is a wonderful way to utilize campaign money outside the loop.
OT Breaking News from ABCNEWS.com:
A TRAIN CARRYING TWO SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS FOR THE SPACE SHUTTLE HAS PLUNGED INTO A SWAMPY AREA OF ALABAMA AFTER A BRIDGE COLLAPSED
Phoenix Woman @ 34
If the bill is dead, Bush and the Repubs killed funding for the troops. They will have to deal with that, won’t they.
The six Democrats (so far) who are voting against overriding the veto should ashamed of themselves (if not shamed by the country).
This isn’t a vote for the bill itself anymore. Now it is a vote for the authority of the Congress against the unchecked power of a reckless and recalcitrant president.
6 Dem NAYS so far and one Present?
A caller on CSpan just said his son is deployed from Texas, his son is telling him they are rushing “shit” (yes he said shit on CSpan) to the front lines that is breaking down and unreliable.
PW:
Yep–bill is dead if House can’t override. And Bush killed it. Right now the House is trying to revive it.
Biodun @
46
Why doesn’t Bush support the troops?
tbsa @ 45
Yes. The TX national guard is running out of equipment and its last shipments to Iraq included trucks and other equipment that had previously been “retired” to the yard.
Marilyn In Texas @
28
You mean cynically ignoring the law as opposed to cynically blaming Democrats for being cynical?
twolf1 @ 47
Because they are not a multi-national corporation or a rich crony.
Biodun @ 46
How many votes do we need?
Texas Betsy @
10
Reid has said that the next bill will hit the president’s desk in early July. that’s good strategy. Let the Blue Dogs discover that the politically astute thing to do is to stand up in opposition to the open-ended Iraq occupation.
Biodun @ 46
That is a good thing for the Dems right now, because it highlights that the Repubs and Bush are willing to cut off funding for the troops, Katrina, Veteran’s care, etc.
Is it possible that Hoyer is just a finger in the breeze? It seems inconceivable that Pelosi would allow him to float his “compromise” without her consent.
I’m convinced Madame Speaker is a master politician and doesn’t make a move without some kind of goal in mind. If this is a game of chess, she’s five moves ahead of Boehner, and already knows how to get to checkmate with Bush.
When the Congress sees the furious public outcry against Bush’s supposed compromise, she can turn around and say to Shrub, “See, it’s not the Congress, it’s the American people who expect us to withdraw from Iraq.”
Cozumel @
44
without know who it is voting, those votes are consistent with the original vote patterns.
OT regarding another story of interest:
(Written answers of fired U.S. attorneys to questions posed by Judiciary.)
http://judiciary.house.gov/Pri.....ection=534
Thom Hartmann pointed out today that the Iraq War was won in 2003 and there is no such thing as winning an “occupation” which is what we’re in now. The only endgame for an occupation is negotiating a political solution that’s acceptable by the majority of parties involved. So it’s leave or not leave, there is no win or lose.
7 Dems side with Bush .. and 1 votes present? .. WTF??? What a bunch of cowards.
Yeah I just love the way Chimpy says “micromanage” when actually he wants a blank check.
The Bill is dead. It’s okay. It gives ammo to the Dems.
mui @ 51
292 I believe.
Now seven Democrats, one present. Disgraceful.
Texas Betsy @ 50
Why does he hate America?
John Kerry has his take on the veto.
Go after the weak Senators.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/5/2/9256/89504
Veto override not passed
Edwards is beginning to attract my political attention.
puppethead @ 57
Nonsense! The contractors and the Iranians can win our occupation.
Dover Bitch @ 43
good point.
Is there a word for when someone completely perverts the entire English language? Anytime someone with an R after their name says “compromise” it means “but not me, you” “Bipartisan” means everyone votes Republican. etc.
withdrawal means surrender, etc etc etc. Partisanship means dems are not caving.
Send the same bill. Send the same message.
Just called my critters — among them a weak-spined Democrat (Salazar) who I’ve been hounding with regular phone calls to encourage him to do the right thing.
I’d kinda given up on calling my rep, Marilyn Muskrat, because she is so despicably in Bush’s pocket. But she barely won the last election, and Rove’s powerpoint presentation had her listed as someone who needed the GSA’s help to keep her seat, so I figured I’d go back to giving her an earful. She keeps sending out emails about how bipartisan she is (hahaha) so she knows she’s in trouble. If she ever votes against Bush, we’ll know the tide has truly turned…
Bill is dead…
SO the Progressive caucus voted to override the veto? Or nay?
Screw Chimpy. Just for that veto, Chimpy, we’ll impeach.
do-si-do @ 68
I believe the term you are looking for is “Orwellian”
RealWorld @ 30
More like a sea change.
But the MSM doesn’t want to cover it, because they are one of the primary reasons for the “mad as hell” indignation that finally loosened all those “liberal” tongues.
twolf1 @ 63
same answer
RawStory has another goodie.
Hours after 9/11 attacks, Rumsfeld allegedly said, ‘My interest is to hit Saddam’
TJ @ 32
Bingo!!!!!
Love it, yes, yes, yes.
Edwards is making me proud. He is proving to be a leader on the issues that are important to me. I gave him another $50 today for the ad.
kdh22 @
1
How dare you utter such language on this thread? *g*
Go wash your mouth young lady, er man, er, person … *g*
Dover Bitch @ 43
Like I said yeaterday, any Democrat who refuses to defy the veto should be targeted for replacementin the next election…
FYI: Edwards just sent out email asking for funds to pay to put this ad up all over D.C. Here’s the gist:
dakine01 @ 73
I believe the term you are looking for is “Orwellian”
OK, I knew firedogs had a word for perversion of words. thanks, I needed that.
Orwellian language drives me nuts!
(((((Jane)))))
mc at 54
Hi.
I got so steamed up, trying to contact Hoyer, that I came up with something different that others might want to try.
Since Hoyer has rendered himself virtually unreachable to all but his own small constituency, but Speaker Pelosi has no such firewalls in place, I sent HER an e-mail with a very pointed, pithy letter to Rep. Hoyer appended, and asked her if she would please see that my feelings were transmitted to Hoyer.
I also grumped to her about Hoyer’s lack of accessibility, while holding a position of leadership.
Thereby - killing 2 boids wid 1 stone - Pelosi ALSO gets reinforcement from my message.
A variation on the theme, but hopefully it’ll work. ;->
A list of today’s DINOs? PLEASE!
Texas Betsy @ 39
That would be Eastasia. We have always been at war with Eastasia.
Petrocelli @ 79
Lady I am…young, not so much. Please forgive me! Had a severe lapse in judgment.
*sucking on bar soap while typing*
JEP @ 80
I look forward to seeing the roll call. Seven (eight) Democrats without the spine to assert the co-equal authority of the Congress against a president who has expanded executive authority to a previously unimaginable extent.
Eight representatives who don’t deserve the job.
Adie, WTG! May I ask how you contacted the Speaker? number or email?
Lou Costello @ 84
Good idea.
Adie @ 83
Good on ya. Pelosi needs to get the message loud and clear.
puppethead @ 57
Yep. Calling it a “war” imvho gives it a weight that it never deserved.
Phoenix Woman @ 31
Not much time to read and write today.
But I want to hold hands with everyone and say:
– I wrote to my Congressman, Mike Thompson, asking him to stand up to the president and telling him JUST SEND THE FUNDING/TROOP WITHDRAWAL BILL BACK AGAN. We voted vor DEMS to change the course.
– I made dates to attend the MoveOn.org demonstration tonight at 5 P.M.
– I sent money to John Edwards for his AD and
– to John Kerry for his ACT BLUE effort with
– 10% for FDL
– I asked family and friends to the same.
Now, back to work!
John Casper @ 77
Before I go, just wanted to add my voice to this idea,it is a good one! Two or three vetoes down the road, and Bush will get the well-deserved rap as the real wrench in the works that is keeping funds from our troops.
John Murtha wouldn’t have said what Hoyer said.
Jacqrat, I’m in! thanks for the heads up…)
Hoyer’s office hung up the phone on me.
That is UNACCEPTABLE. Hoyer, you fucking fuckhole, you work for US, not vice versa. Your employees have no right to hang up on a citizen voicing his or her opinion on the people’s business.
If anyone decides to run a primary against Hoyer, they have my unconditional support.
Eureka Springs @ 88
e-mail. (I’m no good on phone, and HATE being put on hold)
Go to her name in the Congressional directory, & her page has separate forms for constituents, vs those contacting her in her capacity as Speaker.
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.shtml
btw, when I wrote “appended”, I actually meant Hoyer’s letter was printed separately within the text of the letter to Pelosi. I assume they’d be leery of actual “attachments” & potential for viruses.
Do you s’pose this is why Pelosi wanted Murtha instead of Hoyer?
Hope CREW and the folks at TPM who worked so hard to destroy Murtha’s bid for majority leader all take a long hard look in the mirror.
And hope they spend the next several hours on their knees, retching.
Blood, blood, blood - Iraqi, Afgani, American.
More blood and gore in Iraq - a proud legacy for CREW and those at TPM who were so eager to sink Murtha’s Majority Leader bid.
How many more Americans and Iraqis will die before the cold, dead hand of the DLC is dragged off the political table for a long overdue burial?
How long will the Democratic “leaders” ignore the putrefying flesh, the death, the gore, the bloating corpses, the flies?
How long will Steny Hoyer and the DLC serve as A*P*C’s fifth column, rather than as advocates for the freedom and security of Americans and the American people?
How many more Americans and Iraqis must die while Steny and his DLC cronies use their elected positions to serve A*P*C and a foreign power?
If this is not treason, let us come no closer.
Jacqrat @ 81
Just sent some cash.
No money for occupation. Bush refuses to end the occupation. He is planning to stay there forever.
If the pull-out timeline is eliminated, the Dems will be funding endless occupation and aggression. No compromise.
Here is the list:
Nay:
Barrow (D-GA)
Boren (D-OK)
Davis, Lincoln (D-TN)
Marshall (D-GA)
Matheson (D-UT)
McNulty (D-NY)
Taylor (D-MI)
Present:
Kucinich (D-OH)
Eureka Springs @ 95
Hi, ES! !!
If Edwards forgets to, may I take this opportunity to THANK YOU! and others who help get the message out, either by sending 5 or 10 to this, or calling their reps, or STINKY HOYER or Speaker Pelosi …
Thanks so very much. And thank you Jane and Christy and Pach and Trex and everyone for creating a space where we can all gather and become a powerful force. (save a tip for the FDL jar, is what I mean)
HR 1591.Making emergency supplemental appropriations for fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes
QUESTION: Passage, Objections of the President Not Withstanding
Roll call
Dover Bitch @ 102
What does Kucinich’s vote mean?
Hi Texas Betsy (at #29)
San Antonio
JEP @98 is on target. Despite all the hooflah against Murtha during talk of majority leader appointment, I was surprised some were willing to disregard his strongest asset - contempt for the Iraq War, over flaws that occurred decades ago.
Not to say Murtha didn’t have other skeletons in his closet, but in his case, I like to back Agenda, rather than Virtue.
Texas Betsy @ 105
Kucinich’s vote is an abstention. He probably voted that way because he is opposed to any funding period.
Texas Betsy @ 105
He doesn’t want to fund at all??
http://speaker.gov/blog/
here’s Nancy Pelosi’s “The Gavel” website blog address, can’t do anything right now,maybe it will open up for comments later.
Texas Betsy @ 105
It means that any thought I had of supporting him is gone.
Thanks very much for the list Dover.
Just sent a note to Senators Feinstein and Boxer (and my representative, Brad Sherman(I’m from California)and among other things, I wrote:
I’m writing to urge you to continue to stand up against the POTUS and his administration’s request for a “blank check” to continue their ridiculous waste of time, money and lives in the war in Iraq. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Don’t give them what they want. I believe that our country has not only lost our moral standing in the eyes of the world, but also taken on an immense (what I call) collateral karma.