Unlike many Kossacks, I sympathize with the Democratic leadership when it comes to Iraq. Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi have difficult situations. You can twist arms, make threats, pressure, cajole and otherwise try to cobble together a majority from Blue Dogs and conservatives like the Nelsons, Pryor, Landrieu and others, but, ultimately, you can’t shout your way to victory. The Speaker or Majority Leader cannot force anybody to vote the way they personally wish. I cannot, however, sympathize when they present this ugly compromise as some kind of victory, as legislation that will do anything to curb Mister Bush. It is anything but.
In the past month, we’ve seen a majority of House Democrats and a smaller majority of Senate Democrats favor three pieces of legislation that – while far from as strong as they should have been – would have put the onus on Mister Bush for continuing the occupation. Good for them. If only there were more like them.
If the latest legislation is as it appears to be, a toothless, gutless, spineless bill that gives Mister Bush his blank check, Democrats who vote for it are essentially buying the occupation.
Voting "nay" on such a conference bill is the best course of action for those 29 Senators and 169 Representatives who voted for cloture on Feingold-Reid and for the McGovern bill. I urge them to do so. They will not succeed in stopping it. But they will at least remind their fellow Democrats of how a majority party ought to behave when faced with an intransigent President whose unfettered policies and actions will mean the deaths and maiming of tens of thousands of Americans and Iraqis over the next 20 months.
MB has a good point — this is not a meaningless vote, and those who expect us to look to them for leadership beyond 2008 ought to know that the 65% of the country who want out of this war will be watching. I find it ironic that everyone is afraid of being branded a coward when it comes to talkin' trash about a war they don't personally have to fight and never worry what we think when they won't stand up to a cheap sandlot bully like George Bush when it counts.
As those who voted to authorize this war in the first place should know, there is no safety in numbers.
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zed
Voting to give Bush a blank check IS the coward’s way out.
On the new bill …. what are the details about helping veterans, the wounded, etc?
the chickenshitocrats are BACK!
I’m so angry about this I’m just sick to my stomach. How do those people sleep at night? Don’t they get it? They’re sacrificing *people*. People’s lives and mental health. All to protect that monster George Bush’s vanity.
How are they any better than he is?
I’m nobody but it’s so obvious it just screams at me – it doesn’t matter how any dem votes, DEMS WILL ALL be called cowardly troop-hating traitors who hate ‘Amerika’ & bushie-brand “freedom”. Why would any sane, thinking person believe otherwise? ARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!!
65%. That number ought to be plastered all over the place.
65% — is your JAR that high?
65% — that’s a clear majority of Americans.
65% — with those kinds of odds, we’d play the lottery.
65% of Americans voted for change. This isn’t it.
If we had a draft, this war would have ended
months ago…
Bush should be impeached. He is such an arshole
http://www.salon.com/opinion/k…..mpeachment
Got that in the mail an hour ago and don’t see it anywhere but ABC news. Anyone else?
Bay State Librul @ 6
link broke
Maybe they won’t be able to pass the supplemental. Then where are we?
Jane! Great post. This whole business about courage and machismo is driving me crazy.
I keep quoting this junior-high-school kid, from the Raleigh News & Observer, on how the war can be brought to an end:
>>
“‘I don’t think it’s never going to stop unless someone finds the courage to back down.’
Gary Anderson, a Smithfield eighth-grader
>>
http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/567687.html
Why does this 8th-grader know more about real courage than all the weenies in Washington do?
This is one of the most profound statements I’ve ever seen about what it takes to end a war.
tw3k @ 8
Better linky…
http://www.salon.com/opinion/k…..peachment/
Blue Dido @ 10
agreed.
Let’s all go down to the local stationery or scrapbook store and buy a bagfull of “R”s and send them off to all the “Democrat” Reps and Sens who support this total capitulation…or would that be too subtle?
This is exactly damned right– every Democrat who votes for this piece of shit bill is buying the occupation. They can kid themselves and say they are going to fight another day, come summer, come September, come 2008, come the revolution, what fucking ever, but they are just lying, whether to themselves or the rest of us I don’t know. This is yet another example in an endless string of examples where doing the right thing would also be the politically strong thing. But the Dems can’t see it, and they never do. It is sickening that this is what we are reduced to.
They need to vote against this bill, but they need to do something else, something I think is very important: They need to show some solidarity by either signing a document or vocalizing an identical statement which spells out decisively that they support funding for the troops with accountability for the president.
Obviously, this is true. But the point I’m trying to make is that if they all — all of them — go on the record with an identical statement of support for a smarter alternative, they will at least inoculate themselves against what happened to John Kerry in 2004. When Kerry and Edwards were the only ones to vote against the $87 billion… well, we all know how that protest vote worked out.
If they’re going to take a stand — and dammit, they better — they should also make sure the public knows what they are standing for. I’d hate to see another repeat of 2004.
SusanD @ 3
The don’t really care. Most in Congress have blood on their hands and sleep just fine. They know they will not be held accountable because so many people are still in a coma or are working their tails off just to get by. The MSM keeps the public in the dark or distracted. Will it takes pitchforks and torches to wrest the levers of government from primarily priviledged, white, middle aged fat men?
Grrrrrrrrr!
TexBetsy @ 7
blitzer mentioned it about an hour ago
I called Steny Hoyer’s office a couple hours ago after I first heard about his comments on NPR. Then I sent a couple emails (”I’m extremely disappointed…”) to Reid and Pelosi. I’m in a red state, so does anyone else have any suggestions for effectively reaching out to Democrats in Congress?
This is disgusting: rubber-stamp Democrats. Karl Rove is LAUGHING, LAUGHING, LAUGHING!
Show some guts, dammit.
TexBetsy @12: one of the nuttiest things about this war is that almost none of the Republicans ever went to war—our president and vice-president avoided Vietnam—but they ALL argue that any Democrat who opposes war must be a coward. That argument somehow includes the Democrats like John Kerry, Max Cleland, John Murtha, and Al Gore, who DID go to Vietnam.
Question: how can battle-averse Republicans cast themselves as more macho and courageous than battle-tested Democrats?
Answer: because they’re putting other people’s children and lives (and the entire nation of Iraq) at risk, not their own children, let alone their own lives.
So why NOT raise our troop level to 200,000?
If any of these jerks like McNerney who can’t find some spine think they are ever getting another penny from me, they’re mistaken.
I’m asking for my money back from every one of the candidates I donated to who votes to support more money for the escalation that sends two of my loved ones back for another tour in Iraq.
VOTE NO!!!!
All the Dems are getting out of this now is a bunch of “chickenshit” publicity. Way to go Pelosi and Reid.
VOTE NO!!!!
No timeline, NO VOTE!!
Miscellaneous desperate attempts to register with a Congressional conscience:
1. “Supporting the war” is what the supplemental does (though it may fund some materiel for the troops, as an afterthought).
2. “How is bringing the troops home abandoning them?” [Stolen from ActivistGuy at DailyKos]
3. “Bush and his Bootlickers” = the Republican Party (and it looks like the “left” wing of the Two-and-ONLY-Two Party System is about to join the bootlicking club). [Stolen from dov12348 at DailyKos]
4. This is a colonial occupation and conquest of the sole Iraqi natural resource for corporate profit that the American people want nothing to do with.
5. It’s time for this country to start making friends in the world again (especially if we’re so concerned about our “national security”).
6. And something that Jim Webb just alluded to (with some welcome passion) on the Senate floor: our active-duty Armed Forces are the most endangered, yet least-compensated participants in this violent occupation of Iraq. The corporate war-machine CEOs are rolling in it, the mercenaries are rolling in it, Congressional TV-ad accounts are watching the corporate donations roll in, etc., etc. – all at the expense of the “troops” who are the only ones required to stay in the line of fire, no matter what.
[Note that the Memorial Day “break” is not just the three-day weekend the rest of America gets - but is a week-long recess for the Congressional elite. They don’t “do” long weekends - they’re always extended into a week or more.]
Blue Dido @ 21
Needs to be more publicity about how they are sending already wounded, PTSD & sleep-apnea soldiers BACK to Iraq. Now THAT takes courage. Ugh!
I place no small amount of the blame for this cave-in on Hillary Clinton for kicking the can down the road till October ‘07 with her “rescind the authorization” charade, done jointly with Bobby Byrd.
This bill was proposed May 4, just two days after Bush’s veto of the first Iraq funding bill.
http://www.npr.org/templates/s…..d=10011888
yup. who are the cowards and who are the leaders?
excellent post, jane. thank you.
Spitting mad. This is so wrong and so dumb. Yet again, Republicans have been allowed to frame the issue. So I want to know right now where Clinton, Obama, etc. stand on this bill. And the one who votes no or opposes it will be the one who gets my vote.
No, it’s not about courage. It’s about numbers. Our parade has to be bigger and louder. And that’s what will stop this disaster.
I’m finding it difficult to keep my powder dry. it’s kind of like drinking two or three beers on an airplane and finding the lines rather long into the bathroom.
TexBetsy @ 8
CNN (TV) also had it “Breaking” a couple hours ago – don’t know if they’ve had anything since – haven’t been watching.
Dems who support this are enablers just like someone who serves liquor to an alcoholic or looks the other way when dad abuses little Susie.
The only thing Bush has is bravado. Stand up to it and 65% of America will stand with you.
Support the troops not Bush’s war.
The Democratic leadership ought to start publicly insulting this piece of shit president every time any of them gets in front of a microphone. The SOB should be accused of murder, nonstop. It might not be a good idea, but it would make me fel a hell of a lot better!
How well do people think Congressional approval is going to be polling?
drive by posting:
http://www.ombwatch.org/budget…..ageact.pdf
bush doesn’t even need an appropriations bill! he just wants the “political theatre” (except when its AGAG….)
no thirty…
What ever happened to “elections have consequences?”
This is Bull Sh*t. plain and simple.
Thinking very hard about a primary here in 2008.
I am having a problem with the idea that Democratic movers and shakers are taking progressive Demos seriously. This vote is an act of cowardice. At best. Perhaps political bribery. At worst.
RevDeb @ 35
amen Rev
The Dem leadership can’t force the blue dogs to vote for a particular bill. I get that. But the leadership *can* prevent a bill from coming to a vote, right? Can’t they at least stall for a few months to let us pressure the “moderates?” Why do we have to sign the blank check *now*?
Alfred Kelgarries @ 33
Ding.
The highlights…
Why Bush hasn’t been Impeached
…
so the Dems defer justice for expediency, hmm, isn’t that characteristic of the crimes of the Bush administration…
How exactly are they going to restore respect for the rule of law, when they are themselves flaunting it so cynically ?
We still have troops in Germany from World War II, how can anyone not think that there will be troops in Iraq for at least 50 years.
All sold out: the worthless corporate Democrats have just caved into the lying election-stealing treasonous Bush and his imperial occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq with their plan to continue funding of these quagmires.
Since the corporate Democratic Party is unwilling to stand up to the bully Bush, we need to create a new political party that is independent of corporations and their endless greed.
Back in January 2006, I made and published a proposal for such a new Voter’s Internet Party. See a link at my web site: http://www.bottlebrushpress.com/votersinternetparty. Or do a Google search for “voter’s internet party.”
The text is below:
The Voter’s Internet Party: a modest proposal.
To the Editor:
We need to create a new Voter’s Internet Party. With every passing day in the 21st century, it is becoming painfully more obvious to all but the most fanatically partisan of us that the vast majority of the Senators and Representatives from both of the two major political parties are irrevocably corrupted by the unseemly influence of major corporations and the wealthy ruling elites. Therefore, we, the vast majority, who want clean honest open government need to form a new political party that will serve our interests, and not those of the ruling wealthy corporate elites. Therefore, may I suggest that we create a new Voter’s Internet Party to honor the ideal of a traditional count-all-the-votes democracy.
With widespread use of the Internet, we now have a relatively easy, inexpensive and efficient way to contact and organize the many millions of American voters that have been disenfranchised and disillusioned in the 21st century by the Bush & Co. theft of the 2000 and 2004 Presidential elections. The brilliant example of the highly-effective grassroots campaigns of the Internet-based MoveOn.org in the 2004 Presidential campaign has shown that Internet-organizing can be a powerful tool for progressive social change.
Orange. Since orange has been clearly identified in the mass media as the color of protest of election fraud first in the Ukraine and later in the United States, let us use the color orange to help identify our new Internet Voter’s Party.
We need our new Internet Voter’s Party to help facilitate our country’s return to the exclusive use of traditional hand-counted paper ballots. We need to stage thousands of 21st century versions of the 1773 Boston Tea Party by dumping all of the computerized electronic voting machines and computerized electronic vote tabulating machines into the nearest body of water. As long as there are any computerized electronic voting machines and computerized electronic vote tabulating machines used in any voting precinct in the country, there will be Republican hackers, riggers and thugs who will find ways to rig, hack and steal future American elections. Just say no to the use of electronic computerized voting machines and electronic computerized vote tabulating machines in any future elections.
We need our new Internet Voter’s Party to demand that all future elections be administeredby professional non-partisan state civil servants, not by partisan political hacks such as the 2000 Republican Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris and the 2004 Republican Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will be grass-roots based on small individual annual contributions not to exceed a maximum of $100 per year. Our new Voter’s Internet Party will thus avoid the corporate corruption which has long been the hallmark and the curse of the two large political parties.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will honor the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will honor and preserve our natural environment.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will honor social security, labor laws and privacy laws.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will honor a woman’s right to choose.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will honor international law, international treaties and international obligations.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will not torture anyone under any circumstances. Our new Voter’s Internet Party will consider the Golden Rule regarding torture: If you don’t want it done to you when you are in legal custody, then we will not do it to anyone in American legal custody.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will honor the working people of American with good working conditions and a living wage for all.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will honor the public’s right to control public airwaves and to thus require public interest broadcasting on television and radio instead of the current arrangement of allow greedy private corporations to dominate our airwaves.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will honor the right to universal health care and universal single-payer health insurance.
Our new Voter’s Internet Party will return the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to its traditional watch-dog role of protecting the American consumer instead of its current practice of protecting and enlarging the obscene profits of greedy drug manufacturers.
Yours truly,
James K. Sayre
26 January 2006
Cheers.
Sophist @ 41
precisely! It is all kabuki.
There’s no way I’m voting for the front runners in the Democratic primary. And the next general election may be the last I vote in as a Demo.
please call your D congress critters (those that have them) today, if it’s not too late, and tommorrow…. let them know that you want them to vote NO on anything without a withdrawal timeline.
Like everyone else, I find this thoroughly disappointing. But the dems are all we’ve got to fight back with right now, the only thing to do is keep pushing them. I’ll be calling my rep’s office in the morning, though I’m fairly sure he’ll (Keith Ellison) be inclined to vote no anyway.
truly, you want to lead the nation but you can’t even win a poker hand from a a dunce like bully coy bush?
exactly why should you get our votes?
and another thing: this basically gives the repugs a stick to beat you with every time you try to point out that this is the goopers’ war.
so much stupidity in so short a time. impressive, really.
SDS brothers and sisters. Where are you when we need you?
Any statements from the Out of Iraq Caucus that anyone has heard of?
New math for Rahm and Steny
When is 68=99=8 valid?
When Chicago = Seattle = Denver
If someone were trying to needle me, that pix at the top is effective.
“a cheap sandlot bully like George Bush”
Well said, Jane.
This notion that Congress HAD to pass a bill that Bush would sign is A LIE. They could refuse to offer a spending bill on Iraq…and end the war.
They chose to continue the bloodshed. Those who vote for more bloodshed, from ANY party, should be defeated by the nearly 70% of us who demand our soldiers be brought home.
This is beyond shameful. There is NO EXCUSE.
I think the argument is sound, but I don’t believe we have a well founded grip on what has happened to destroy any chance of democratic government remaining.
more deeds were “leaked” today that show the congress, not demos or repubs or independent, have ignored their constituents wishes and are ignoring them. There is no politician that witnessed the last November election and does not realize that they are going to be removed if there is another election. These few that will vote against such a measure are heroes.
but as you can tell from the other events, permanent bases, no end to war, halitosis moves to become a company of a Middle Eastern nation rather than the US, the US is supplying arms to the Sunni’s in vast numbers, whether Saudi Arabia>Al Caca connection, or the other sunni based groups. they have to, this is ordered by the people that own our government now, and they are controlled by the saudi because they can cripple the world by helping start the war on Iran.
this is never going to end now, it is what they have sought and worked toward. and we, the people have and will pay for it all.
this is most naive and repellent that our democratic controlled congress would even consider another bill to send before the king. damn the magna carta.
RevDeb @ 43
precisely! It is all
kabukitriangulation.This is disappointing, but not unexpected. I’ve only been a registered member of the Democratic Party for a month now, and I’m not going to walk away over this. The Party had been out of power in congress for 144 months, and has only four plus months back in power. 2008 will give us many victories in the House, a few in the Senate, and maybe the WH. There is SO MUCH to be done between now and the 2008 elections, I hate to see the Party get shunted into a few energy sapping issues like a continued war funding stalemate or impeachment. Investigate, investigate, investigate.
OTOH, I hate this goddam fucking war!
Blue Dido @ 11
Ten Reasons Why Washington Does NOT Want to End the War (not necessarily in order of importance):
1. George Bush’s legacy
2. America’s prestige
3. Military-Industrial profits
4. Middle East instability (desired)
5. Control of Iraq’s oil
6. Israel
7. Weak domestic job market
8. George Bush’s legacy
9. Control of Iraq’s oil
10.Military-Industrial profits
You don’t really think that the will of 65% of the peon class matters, do you? Or the wisdom of an 8th grader?
Ok Kiddo – there is a new SDS – just fyi
But the real question is where are we and what can we do. I’m printing out photos from Iraq – and mailing them to each congresscritter who votes for this travesty.
And I’m hoping we remember precisely what just happened … and make sure they know we are watching. We gave the D’s a pass by allowing them to quash the Out of Iraq caucus on the supplemental – let’s not do that again.
AP – Flinching in the face of a veto threat, Democratic congressional leaders neared agreement with the Bush administration Tuesday on legislation to pay for the Iraq war without setting a timeline for troop withdrawal.
I need to calm down.
E-mailed to Boxer, Pelosi, and Feinstein (Feinstein’s e-mail page is screwed up, looks like they got halfway through a redesign and quit with two pages competing for e-mail):
TexBetsy @ 1
Hi, TexBetsy!
Congrats on the zed. You’re ON it today! I’m just tuning in on my lunch(!) hour.
Bob in HI
What was that Pottery Barn rule?
They break it, we buy it?
The problem is that Pelosi likes Bush. That is the main problem. She is not passionate enough against him personally to take a firm stand. He must have gotten to her and snake-charmed her.
On the picture at the top:
‘George go walkie?’
(to quote from one of Swopa’s caption contests)
Publicus @ 54
AMEN!
Bob Schacht @ 62
Hey Bob. Good to see you.
TeddySanFran @ 10
This is exactly what should happen. Vote NO on this bill!!!! Leave the Preznit with NO money to fund his War Games! And take away his allowance, too! (Sorry, got carried away.)
Bob in HI
Looks like Pelosi might vote no.
Could have paid off our debt to China with what we’ve put into this sinkhole.
Gee, sorry Mr. Prezdinent, we had the votes to get the bill to your desk before, but YOU vetoed it…now we don’t have the votes…Too bad, so sad.
Maybe that’s the plan.
LS @ 71
The FDLers are clearly smarter and more creative than the elected officials.
More details on the Falwell anti-protester wanna-be bomb throwers from Fox News. I guess they’ve got good sources with the fundies.
I thought if we fought them over there, we wouldn’t have to… Wait, if we retreat they’ll follow us… How is staying in Iraq stopping domestic terrorism again?
Balrog
Congratulations on the wee one!
alton @ 73
It isn’t terrorism if they’re WHITE silly.
And where in the world is the creative thinking that could come up with valid alternative conference language that would help the Democrats at least hold the line against the Executive Branch? Because the other thing that’s about to go down in flames here is the co-equal independence of our Legislative Branch of government. The Founders would be horrified to see this failure to defend institutional territory and prerogative by our federal legislature. [The Byrd/Clinton AUMF-deauthorization proposal at least asserted the Constitutional powers of the legislature - but there hasn’t been a peep about that approach since the week it was first proffered.]
Have Reid and Pelosi asked for input from every Member of Congress about a solution, or are a handful of stale multi-decade-incumbents who ended up as “leaders” by default hording to themselves all debate about options and ideas for this conference report?
Balrog @ 67
Pelosi 07!
Yes, Congrats Balrog!
What Ed*ard Teller said (57 above) except that I have been a Democrat for 35 years.
P J Evans @ 65
Here’s the same thing from a different angle…
From Balrog’s “NO” link:
“Mindful of the split within their ranks, and of the fury the compromise will likely spark among anti-war activists, Pelosi and the rest of the House Democratic leadership will promise to return to the timelines — and other measures designed to pressure Bush to withdraw from Iraq — in the Defense appropriations bill for the next fiscal year. “We’ll be able to write a lot of policy in appropriations that Bush won’t be able to veto,” says the official.”
So, what is UP with That Photo at the top?
Is he sayin’ It’s This Long? or is it the old..
See, I tole ya, I cain’t lose. See, I’m always gonna be the Winner.
And, when we’re all put on trial for Murder, will we be able to Plead The Fifth, like all the others?
It’s a crappy Tuesday afternoon. I’m bummed, to say the very least.
D. Moore @ 81
Maybe he’s saying: “It’s good to be King”.
P J Evans @ 65
All of the wounded and all of the survivors of those killed in Bush’s war should get an autographed photo of the what-me-worry? preznit.
Ed*ard Teller @ 57
Disagree completely.
There is nothing more important than ending this war now, and the Dems could easily paint Bush as the cause of the stalemate, if only they had the will.
Pentagon’s Teen Recruiting Methods Would Make Tobacco Companies Proud
LS @ 83
At least 100x a day.
snakedoctor @ 14
Maybe buy some marbles instead and send them all some balls.
We’re No. 1! America Leads the World in War Profits
Frida Berrigan, Tomdispatch.com
ForeignPolicy: The United States is
a proud nation of firsts — among them weapon sales, military expenditure, oil consumption, CO2 emissions, external debt, private military personnel and more.
Siun @ 58
maybe that wasn’t a “first step” to ending the war? sigh.
So now we take note of who votes for this disgusting bill and we act accordingly.
What must happen for the Congress to realize that we must bring them home? NOW
Pat Murphy on the Housr floor, passionate!
Bay State Librul @ 12
This is an important article! And a good companion piece for Al Gore’s new book.
Bob in HI
Prime the Pump!
America’s greatest problem is a corrupt, incestous, amoral ruling elite. It’s not unlike the ruling elites of Russia before their revolution. Wealth concentrated in fewer and fewer hands. A sycophantic, fawning military and bureacracy. Increased levels of poverty and privation. An official press that was strictly controlled. A war (WWI) that was unpopular with troops who were poorly trained and equipped. Early 20th Century Russians appartently had a lower tolerance for corruption, crimes malfeasance, and governmental indifferece than the American public, but then the Russians didn’t have “Russian Idol” or “Can You Dance?”
tbsa @ 88
Ha ha ha ha ha!!! LOL
Hi y’all!
Now, now, now. Let’s calm down and figure out how we can turn this pig’s ear into a silk purse.
I suggest the meme be furthered that the Democrats are supporting the troops by funding them when Bush who thinks soldiers get too much pay and the families of those killed in his war receive benefits for which they are unworthy threatens to veto the funds which would protect our men and women in harm’s way.
In fact, it seems to me that this is what is actually happening even though I would like another attempt at passing the previous bill one more time first.
No matter what they do, Bush will stamp his feet and whine and wail and, believe you me, most of the corporate press will be only too quick to give him the “benefit fo the doubt” and remind us that September is coming soon.
tw3k @ 55
from david sirota today:
We had graduation last night at the school where I work. I am pleased to say not a single senior signed up to serve under Bush.
Are they at least going to attach the minimum wage increase to bill? I feel sick.
LS @ 70
I LIKE IT!
This is appalling. I emailed Pelosi, Reid, both of my Senators and Rep. All I can say is they damn well better vote against this thing. And I think we need to recruit and promote progressive challengers to EVERY Democrat that supports this travesty.
.
By law the military is supposed to receive a 3.7% pay raise. But this nation is no longer concerned about the rule of law.
Pelosi live on MSNBC
Oklahoma kiddo @ 96
Best news of the day.
TexBetsy @ 8
IOKIYAR?
I do not understand my party right now. They are acting like last November did not take place. When it comes to the war they cower like they are in the minority and do not have any power. Perhaps a wakeup call is needed.
I bet if contributions decline rapidly from the grassroots folks, or some grassroots groups target a few D’s that vote Yea you would see some serious re-direction.
Emanuel: this bill is the beginning of the end of the war in Iraq. These people must have bumped their heads…..
selise @ 93
thx, i had missed that.
MSNBC: Pelosi not likely to vote for bill with no timetable (paraphrased from chyron)
OK, that’s much better.
Harry Reid, weasel, what’s the difference?
It’s a trick question. There isn’t one.
The Speaker does not look happy on MSNBC.
dick c @ 96
2nd!
tbsa @ 106
Can you link that tbsa ? I’m not a fan of Rahm’s, but I’m curious to see the context for that remark.
She looks drawn and sad
Dems show some spine make Bush pay for at least half the cost of this war during his term! I would like to see Bush try and argue being forced to pay for HIS war is pork. I would love to see Republicans argue we need those tax cuts for the rich more than our troops need money. Democrats should make a stand no more funding the war on credit! No more leaving it for the a Democratic President to clean up a Republican President’s spending! Democratic Presidential Candidates should start worrying about what comes next AFTER they win. I think the war would be over tomarrow if Republicans had to pay for it!
IrishJim, I agree. I’m a regular donor to Russ Feingold’s Progressive Patriots Fund and FDL’s Blue America candidates. I cut off the Democratic Party while ago, given their invertebrate tendencies. Perhaps this will inspire others to send their donations directly to progressive candidates. Maybe that will get the attention of the leadership. Then again, maybe not. They don’t hear us little people as long as the wealthy donors keep cooing in their ears and stuffing their coffers with cash…
What about the permanent bases? How do they explain this?
bill not finished. nothing to hand out till tomorrow.
Maybe they won’t pass a bill at all. If my Congresswoman votes against it, that means the entire Out of Iraq Caucus can vote against it. If the Dems don’t whip the bill (and the Speaker’s vote would indicate they aren’t whipping the bill) then they can’t pass it, can they?
I swear if Bushie has a chance he will bomb Iran to save his fucking legacy…
We need to emasculate him…
Helen @ 102
She looks exhausted
Pres said he’d sign?… we’re still in negotiations on that
This from the AP:
WASHINGTON – Flinching in the face of a veto threat, Democratic congressional leaders neared agreement with the Bush administration Tuesday on legislation to pay for the Iraq war without setting a timeline for troop withdrawal.
Flinching! You see fellow Democrats – our leadership is allowing Democrats to be portrayed as weak and flinchers. Do not give him a bill without a timeline. Make him keep vetoing it until he runs out of money and has to accept whatever congress will give him. Are the Democratic Congress people this f-ing stupid?
so we get
increase mimimum wage increase.
$$$ for Katrina and other
School loan money
what else?
Teddy San Fran, Do you have an email addy for Leader Reid or is giveemhellharry the only way for those of us outside of Nevada to reach him?
so we set benchmarks that require the Iraqis to hand their oil over to big oil …
and we give W a pocket full of waivers
but gosh, it’s not a blank check per Rahm
and Nancy says “September is the date” … ?
neurophius @ 53
Yes, this is the phrase that jumped out at me because this is exactly how I think of that…person.
Let the Reps and a handful of Dems pass it, the rest of the Dems vote against, and start singing “See You In September.”
Libby conviction on the heels of the election changed the dynamic, Gonzo resignation/impeachment/indictment by September along with more war dead will change the dynamic some more.
snowbird42 @ 122
The Iraq War.
Hugh @ 126
oh that!
TexBetsy @ 89
“Private military personnel?” Oh, you mean mercenaries. Hired thugs, that’s what you’re talking about.
Hi everyone…TCU #114, I think that’s a great place to start, and Bluetoe #93, your analysis of the historical analogy is right on. All the Romanovs lacked were the bread & circuses.
snowbird42 @ 116
Who, the media? Simple: they don’t.
I remain displeased.
Schuster: “Democrats are backing down”
Going with Warner language – no timeline, no readiness threashold.
Eureka Springs @ 123
You can contact Reid from outside Nevada via this form on his website
http://reid.senate.gov/contact/webformIAV1.cfm
Schuster,
18 benchmarks for success
Bush comes back in July and Sept with progress
Dems backing down because not enough votes to override veto
Dems trying to explain to us why they gave in
Mike Vecara (?)
John Warner legislation, no timeline, no readiness threshhold for soldiers
Couldn’t leave this out over Memorial Day as $ is running out for troops
They did the math, couldn’t override
Pelosi not likely to vote for it
Jane:
I linked to this in the AM here, but it actually is on-topic here.
On NPR this morning, the father – a Vietnam vet and a critic of the Iraq war – of a soldier killed in Iraq, was eloquent on this very subject
The people need to get louder.
Nancy’s going to get the flip-flop treatment from the right (and elsehwere?) if she votes against a bill she allowed* to reach the floor.
*(in the public perception that is, regardless of the actual procedures)
I know we need labour’s support I want a minium wage increase more than anyone but with gas prices right now higher in inflation adjusted dollars than THEY HAVE EVER BEEN and expected to go higher over the holiday. I don’t see Republicans voting agaisnt raising the minium wage. Retail stocks have been taking a hit especially low end retailers if you want the AMERICAN market to rise how about getting poor people to spend. Rich folks are spending sure but they are INVESTING IN EVERY COUNTRY BUT OURS GOING AFTER HIGHER RETURNS! Poor folks spend their money in America because they live there. Lets see the Republicans argue that we need tax cuts so rich people can keep investing in other countries!
Helen @ 133
No, this is completely untrue. They are simply undertaking a strategic redeployment to the rear.
So now this
ABC News: Bush Authorizes New Covert Action Against Iran
VictorLaszlo @ 128
seriously, i never even hear reps or senator speak about it in rebuttal.
Thanks phred.
Where are my manners? Good evening, everyone!
punaise @ 137
Bring ‘em on.
snowbird42 @ 138
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thebl…..rizes.html
Helen @ 133
And last I checked Pelosi has not changed her stance that “impeachment is off the table”. Where does all this leave us? A criminal Executive branch and an absentee Legislative branch. The founders would be ashamed of us.
snowbird42 @ 140
I do not think that word means what you think it means…
Mutant Poodle @ 142
Good evening sir.
Howard Fineman on Schuster MSNBC
Dems are going home to face their constituency, and they’ll have big trouble !!!!!
No cheering in WH, dems will be back
September is enormous, could say all bets are off.
Republicans own this war. More bites at the apple(?)
All pressure on republicans in Sept.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 145
Whoops! Guess that wasn’t supposed to slip out near the beginning of a news cycle.
http://hnn.us/roundup/entries/39113.html
Shakespeare anyone?
Eureka Springs @ 142
You’re welcome :) Now go give him an earful… well, eyeful, since you’ll be typing ;)
albaz @ 95
No, I won’t calm down. And I won’t adapt the meme to suite the situation. It doesn’t yield results, only warmfuzzies. And I’m not looking for warmfuzzies.
I will stay angry. And I will keep up the fight. And I will redouble the effort. And I will remind EVERY elected official who they work for, and who they answer to.
Nothing personal albaz, but I have no intention of calming down.
Sophist @ 112
It was just on MSNBC. Those are HIS exact words.
TexBetsy @ 66
Y’know, maybe I’ve got the timing screwed up, but I thought I just read today that David Obey, (D-WI), who is on the Budget Committee, said there was NO DEAL. Or is that obsolete now?
Bob in HI
Snowbird #140,
Operation Ajax.
Redux.
tbsa @ 154
The beginning of the end should have been back in January, Rahm. When do you plan to get around to the middle of the end?
…and, BTW, isn’t Bush backing down by accepting benchmarks?
‘cuz while I hate this version of the bill, it’s certainly not “clean” the way the “cheap sandlot bully”* wanted…
* epithet (c) 2007 Jane Hamsher
tbsa @ 152
they reran it on BNN, er CNN (i have to keep reminding myself its not the Bush News Network) and i watched him closely. eyes shifty, won’t focus on the camera, body straight but rigid, as if warding off blows. pols behind him looked like they were getting a bayonette enema…not good…
Mutant Poodle @ 158
Well, yes, but it looks like there’s a general sentiment here that spoonfeeding Bush benchmarks isn’t enough compromise at this point. We’re well past the point where he should be forcefed policy changes like the political Terry Schiavo that he is.
LS @ 64
Before my heart breaks in two please share what evidence you have that Pelosi likes Bush?
Balrog @ 69
Maybe the strategy is, give the prezenitwit what he wants, and then vote it down. Then say well, gee mr. presnitwit, we did what you tol’ us to, and look what happened! Sorry, it didn’t work out. Catch ya later.
Bob in HI
Bob in HI – Obey was standin’ right next to Nancy spinning as fast as the rest of ‘em.
calm down – nope
fight harder
I think its time for Feingold to filibuster one Senator can stop any law from being passed if he starts talking and keeps talking if other Senators help (like any Democratic Presidential candidates who wants our vote) they can keep talking until the law is withdrawn from consideration for a vote. Then we can offer a minium wage increase as a seperate law right before the holiday and watch Republicans explain why it isn’t needed when gas prices are higher than they have ever been. That plus Senate Leader Reed can hold the Senate open until the bill is passed the Republican Senators running for President need the Holiday more than our Presidential Candidates do to raise money. They will either cave or leave to campaign over the holiday taking their votes with them and thus make the bill easier to pass.
RonD @ 155
exactly! and we’re still suffering the blowback from that one (to say nothing of what the iranians have suffered). did no one in government read steven kizner (overthrow, all the shaw’s men)?
The benchmarks are benchmarks that Iraq has to meet – not the US as far as I can tell.
Any one have a copy of Warner’s version?
off to dig around for it
I want Goodling to hand the House Judiciary Committee the head of Karl Rove.
It won’t make this sad excuse for a deal any more palatable, and it sure as hell won’t help the misery that is the Middle East today, but it would wipe the smirks off the WH rabble.
LS @ 81
I thought that was supposed to be the thinking for THIS year. They can’t kick this one down the road.
Bob in HI
EvilDrPuma @ 128
I just wrote a new post using that info.
OT (from MSNBC) -
Must be those damn left-wing radical…oops!
I’m sure we’ll get Fort Dix six-like discussions of radical fundamentalist domestic terrorism based on this event where a religious fanatic…
Oh, never mind.
SnarKassandra @ 169
Good one, Cass.
Mike Viquera
Public way ahead of congress.
Sense of resignation on the part of dems
July 15th deadline won;t be given much credence.
Schuster-dems folding.
SnarKassandra @ 94
Cassie! G’day and welcome! Is school over yet for the year?
Bob in HI
EvilDrPuma @ 160
Hmmm – has Bill Frist opined on whether Bush is in a persistent vegetative state? Because either diagnosis, from Dr. “I murdered cats” Frist would be fairly amusing.
Has anyone seen W respond to visual stimuli?
Hi Bob. No. Two more days. By Thursday at 4 I am DONE!
Gawddamnitall, I am FURIOUS.
I want my pound of flesh and I want it right now.
This happy-happy-horseshit I just saw on MSNBC with Pelosi and Hoyer and gang all smiles and Schuster going on in the background about Dems caving and Howie-pain-in-the-ass going on about Dems “agreeing” with the POTUS is making me lose my dinner.
I think it’s time to go nuclear winter on Democratic leadership and tattoo their foreheads with a glow-in-the-dark brand that reads, 65%
Just wrote to my reps, even the Bush-toady Marilyn Muskrat. Gotta keep up the pressure and let them know we’re watching.
But fat lot of good it’ll do, just like all my other attempts to urge Congress to do the right thing. Very discouraging…
MP @ 170
From what I heard earlier, the student was a “true believer” who was worried about protesters disrupting the funeral of St. Jerry.
Mutant Poodle @ 170
There’s still hope. I haven’t found a picture of Mark Uhl yet, so I can’t tell you for certain that he isn’t at least a little bit swarthy.
SnarKassandra @ 169
Hi Cassie – nice piece. I left you a snarky comment over there.
SnarKassandra @ 169
Machiavelli in the “Prince” has some great historical examples of Nations that have lost wars by relying on Mercs. Just who exactly in the Pentagon signed off on or said nothing when the President decided to use Mercs?
Bush outsources catching Bin Laden. $1 billion to Pakistan per year:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/
Peterr @ 167
I guess we have that to look forward to. I don’t know enough about Goodling to guess whether it will be great or just boring. From what I do know, she doesn’t look like she’s up for the job of being grilled by House politicians in front of all those cameras. So she could fall apart, or she could just be boring.
Mutant Poodle @ 174
Not only is Dubya in a persistent vegetative state, it’s contagious.
Peterr @ 167
ITA.
Any chance Monica will “let go and Let God?” who is the higher power? Rove or …
Peterr @ 178
Well, then that’s OK, I guess…
tw3k @ 140
tw3k – That is the $21 TRILLION dollar question. [In other words, it’s the value of the untapped “sea of oil” under Iraq, which apparently most of Congress can’t wait to hand control of (as the “prize” for our taxpayer debt-funded and American troop-death and Iraqi civilian-death war crimes folly of an invasion) to multinational corporations, under guise of a “revenue sharing” Iraqi oil bill written (and submitted for passage by the Iraqi Parliament, or else) by American consultants from the Bearing Point Company on behalf of Shell, Exxon, BP, Chevron, Cheney, Bush, etc.]
Here’s a source (he’s an Iraq consultant for the Quakers) who managed to get ahold of the Iraqi oil-theft bill and get it (re-)translated for the world to read (Congress has no excuse to be ignorant of this attempt at colonial robbery on a grand scale):
http://raedinthemiddle.blogspot.com/
[See March 1’s entry]
Loo Hoo. @ 182
Yeah, that should work well.
I don’t understand these politicians. They send him a bill with deadlines that don’t have to be met, and Bush vetoes it anyway. Then they back down from that and take all the deadlines out? Whoopie fucking doo!
Now when Iraq is an even bigger mess in September, Bush will say, well, the Democrats funded the war, so I guess they agreed with the strategy.
tbsa @ 88
Maybe made of brass?
Georgesimian @ 181
don’t get your hopes up:
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/….._0522.html
OTOH:
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/….._0522.html
Ed*ard Teller @ 57
The Democrats have not been out of power for a contiguous dozen years. We should never forget that the shameful October 2002 AUMF vote, for which too many Democrats have yet to atone, took place while the Democrats held the majority in the Senate.
EvilDrPuma @ 150
“Alfred Kelgarries @ 145
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thebl…..tml”
Whoops! Guess that wasn’t supposed to slip out near the beginning of a news cycle.
____
Well, you know how it is when you’re feeling all warm and, er, triumphant.
(Can you hear the suppressed rage, people? Just passing through, gotta go meet a ride.)
The Democrats should read that part about Mercs in “The Prince ” into the Congresional Record and then vote to cancel all funding for the mercs a private army anwserable only to the President is a waste of money and a danger to the Nation. A danger especially if they come back here!
Hugh @ 127
Hugh,
Selise suggests I contact you. Please drop me a note at Priming the Pump.
Thanks,
Bob in HI
bush owns the
iraq war
he could end it anytime
he owns it
heh…
Oh it has….for Bin Laden.
Things Come Undone @ 192
what do you mean “IF”?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/5/8/194021/3527
EvilDrPuma @ 188
Why would they ever want to find him? Then the payments would stop. The money’s in the hunt, not in the capture.
I think this post should be Spotlighted and sent to the Democrat and Republican members of congress!
No logic allowed!
Peterr @ 167
Not only do I want it, I expect it!
Directly or indirectly, she’s got to give up something that sticks to this a-hole.
Enough already.
And Rayne@176, I’m with you. If this knucklehead doesn’t deliver tomorrow, torches and pitchforks heading to Washington should be the order of the day.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 192
I guess they just don’t want to give the papers up before she testifies. I mean, they can’t not obey the subpeona, can they?
When is the House going to physically get someone to go over to DOJ and take what they’ve asked for? Can’t they get a search warrant? What can they do if subpeona after subpeona is just ignored?
ralphbon @ 192
Democrats=Mensheviks and Social Revolutionary Party, Russia, 1917.
No matter how many times we close our eyes and clap our hands, the Democrats will never be anything but the other side of the GOP. They stand for everything that is anathema to peace and justice for everyone who isn’t part of the club whether it be a petty bourgois small business owner, a contractor, an intelligentsia lawyer or professor, or part of the top 20% income percentile.
The rest of us are on our own here and the sooner we start making some serious moves towards organizing with other folks on this shitpile that is the American dream, the better.
A working class hero is something to be, as a better man than I once wrote.
What the Senate Democratic office needs is someone holding some real bone spines outside of their front doors and offer to transplant one to every Democratic Senator who keeps Jellyfishing to Bush and the GOP.
Looking at all the stalling Republicans are doing now, I can’t help but wonder…why didn’t the Democrats do it to them and kill Bush’s pleasure programs in red tape?
twolf1 @ 199
Apparently, the hunt for Bin Laden is a lot like some sport hunting…somebody decided it would be a lot more fun if you just spent the day drunk so stupid you couldn’t hit a barn from inside.
Apparently most dems are going to vote against the bill- but they are giving their members who feel the need to vote to give money to the troops the room they need- and expect that the goopers and the blue dogs will pass the bill between them.
Weird
Regarding Pelosi and Bush…
It’s not been my impression that she LIKES him, but what do I know…? Still, I found these…
HERE
and
this funny one.
Alfred Kelgarries @ 199
I think a congressional war crimes commision looking into war crimes committed by the Mercs especially their leaders and how much Bush and our government knew could lead many of them to go into informal exile.
Georgesimian @ 201
answers:
1) This is the admin that tried to extort an illegal signature out of a criticially ill fellow repub in an icu. you think they understand “have to”? I don’t.
2) The next step is up to the DOJ since congress has no enforcement powers. Gee, i wonder why AGAG hasn’t resigned……
I just don’t understand. This clown Bush is somewhere in the high 20;s for approval and these gutless wonders in the Congress and Senate cave in to this jerk. I thought we voted for a new direction in this country in November but all we got was more of the same. We HAVE GOT TO DO SOMETHING TO SHAKE THESE PEOPLE UP. When this vote is taken on this idiotic appropriation I want to see a list of how each Senator and Congressperson voted so I know whom to work against when they come up for re-election.
TexBetsy @ 89
Is this another Berrigan?
pow wow @ 184
erg… i get a DOS effect from that page with all the embedded media. i’m on an old pos 500mhz 8mb vram.
it’s just dumb to endlessly talk about timelines when there is so much more to it than timelines.
Fixed.
The government could save a lot of money by just giving me $500 million to not catch Osama instead of paying Pakistan.
$500 million in savings right there!
SnarKassandra @ 175
Got any big plans for the summer?
If not, maybe you can help prime the pump? [he said, helpfully] :-)
Bob in HI
Phule @ 212
you don’t have nuclear weapons. pakistan does.
Oil and Military companies should be allowed a 1% profit with the rest of the money going to pay for this war until this war is payed for! Anything less would be AntiAmerican and helping Terroists!
FYI, new thread
They had them before they were getting paid too. So?
I’d like someone to outright ask these Dems what they are afraid of.
A Veto?
Tell CF to stick it up his ass. Then re-send it. WTF is Bush gonna do, cry?
Things Come Undone @ 181
Linky, please?
Bob in HI
Alfred Kelgarries @ 211
I thought someone here said that the Sergeant at Arms was responsible for enforcement and had authority to enforce.
Bob Schacht @ 195
I’m not exactly sure how to leave a message at your site. Can you contact me through selise?
Phule @ 219
I’ll do it for $300 million, and how do you know I don’t have nukes in the bathroom closet?
Bob Schacht @ 221
Sorry don’t know how to do links I’m on a mac if that makes a difference Chapters 12 and 13 are a good place to start plus if you google “the Prince” the book appears to be available to read online
Georgesimian @ 183
Last night, in honor of her upcoming testimony, I submitted the lyrics to the old Zombies song, She’s not there!, and for Cassie, who has probably never heard the song and its dynamite bass line, and who will probably giggle helplessy at the preppy suites young rock & rollers were wearing back in those days, here’s the video.
Bob in HI
Things Come Undone @ 209
An excellent idea!
Bob in HI
TexBetsy @ 224
Final offer: I’ll do it for $200 Million, and I will never let Hans Blix come to our house (I would meet him for coffee downtown, and buy, since I could afford it)
Fucking Dems. The only ‘mandate’ they might have is with Jeff Gannon. I wonder if they realize yet how much trouble they’re in next election.
Do they think we’re as stoopid as the Christianists, homo-haters, cronies, gun nuts, and nonorgasmic Sadie-Sadie-married-ladies they cobbled together as cover for the last two stolen elections?
Hugh @ 223
You can go to the discussion tab on the main page and leave a comment. Then I can answer you off-tab. Or I can pass a message through Selise tonight.
Thanks,
Bob in HI
tw3k @ 212 – Try this one – it’s the link from the blog that you can’t get into:
http://www.box.net/public/ehdzt13d71
[The pdf there should be the oil-theft bill.]
pow wow @ 228
Thank you!
Listen, after Osama had Saddam fly his plane through the Trade Centers, he directed him to smash into the Pentagon. This is just one of the reasons the President saw fit to increase the war budget and call for tax relief .
#43 has some good points. We can’t depend on our reps. to represent US. Even Hitler backed down (if the history channel is true) killing mentally retarded people after a public outcry. The only big outcry I’ve seen on MSM has been over social security. If WE knew what this war is costing in money , aside from reputation and lives, the oil money would not be worth it. WE are in the tubes and the oil companies and military industrial complex are fine.With no good reason to be in Iraq except to steal their oil. And I get the feeling a lot of people in DC don’t care what happens to US.
Bob Schacht @ 230
For reasons I don’t know but I expect it has something to do with my computer illiteracy I can’t join/sign into wikispaces to leave a message. So if you don’t mind try selise.
Ben Ferguson on CNN says Rudy’s 3 marriages and tumultuous personal life are going to hurt him with conservatives.
Guess the kid hasn’t made the transition from public virgin to abusive patriarch yet. Give him time.
Wow!
Something funky going on. Left a comment on the thread upstairs http://www.firedoglake.com/200…..perp-walk/ and it kicked me out and now that thread is completely gone
phred @ 100
Now, that’s the kind of fighting attitude we need!
$50 million and I will bite the head off of a live chicken in front of the UN building. :P
snowbird42 @ 140
Well, at least it wasn’t action against Hungary or Denmark or someone else who hasn’t attacked us.
Nincompoops rule!
Never mind, it’s back
Things Come Undone @ 217
Now that sounds like a terrific bill to put Republicans in a hole and besides, it would be good for America. To Republicans: Support the troops…or we’ll call you all fascist traitors.
well, the “Democrat” majority decided to get down on their knees and suck it. How many of Pelosi’s children/grandchildren are heading over to Iraq to protect our “freedom?” She’s more than willing to put them up on stage; maybe she should encourage them to take a few bullets for the neocons.
The Dems have betrayed us.
American democracy would seem to be in it’s last throes. An Executive that has usurped and corrupted almost all instruments of power and governance, a Congress that is becoming about as relavent as the Roman Senate during the reign of the Emperors, a public saited with the smell of a powerful gasoline and spoonfed indoctrination and propaganda and a MSM that is more concerned with priviledge and power than truth and justice. The life of all great nations follow a predictable arc. America is no different despite it’s stubborn belief in the myth of exceptionalism. Only when the people rise up in a tidal wave of righteous indignation will the Republic have a fighting chance. Until then there is nothing but sound and fury amounting to nothing.
Doesn’t this “compromise” illustrate that our elected representatives are listening to and obeying a different consituency?
I believe these forces are at work…The military-industrial -media conglomerates see this as a source of power and wealth. Also in play is the desire for a base in Middle East to replace Saudi Arabia, control of Iraq’s oil and Israel’s interests as respresented by their extreme right. All of these interests have a stranglehold on our government. in both parties.
The only solution I see is for a third party candidate to represent mainstream America. The platform is simple, end the war, national health insurance, public financing of elections, end dependence on foreign oil, and an unprecedented emphasis on education. Keeping it simple along consensus issues would easily gain 51% of the vote.
Any other strategy will fail as surely as this vote on Iraq.
Perhaps Dr Dean could write a few prescriptions for some spines and some balls.
Late to party, cannot help commenting: The Demicrat Party in Congress has just shown itself to be CRAVEN COWARDS in their actions funding without limit an IMMORAL, ILLEGAL, AND CRIMINAL ADMINISTRATIVE WAR. I shall BOYCOTT their ilk with my consideration. Every one of them should ask themselves if PONTIUS PILOTE ever got his hands clean from HIS decision; The Demicrat Party now has the blood of America’s children and all innocent Iraqis on their hands and the Kharma of Fascist Germany applies. A pox on your house and all your generations. When will you ever learn.
Both present parties must reinvent themselves as well as creating other viable parties – at least five, so that never again can only one party subvert another and administer government. Only by making compromise manditory between conflicting parties to gain administration powers can any reasonable safety be found for the Republic. Neither Republic nor Demicrat parties as presently constructed ever be trusted with power ever again. Only by public funding, stringently regulated, in time limited political campaigns, can the public once again become the rightful masters of themselves. Oh, yes, don’t go clothing yourselves in orange just yet, you need to first earn the right to use that now honourable symbolic color the honourable way, by definitive action to regain your rights.
Consider what you are about…….