Democratic Illinois Sen. Barack Obama speaks to supporters of incumbent Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell at a campaign rally inside Temple University's McGonigle Hall, in Philadelphia, Saturday.
Posted on 10/23/2006 2:16:51 PM PDT by MinorityRepublican
WASHINGTON -- Democrats say they will burst out of a 12-year exile with a bang if they win control of Congress in two weeks. They promise to quickly pass a minimum wage increase at home and to reduce the U.S. war role in Iraq.
Made-for-televison hearings would focus on faulty intelligence used to justify the invasion of Iraq, strategic and tactical missteps once there and the sending of troops into combat with insufficient armor, the Democrats say.
From the helm of the House Armed Services committee, they would press for an almost immediate troop drawdown. They also would try to switch the U.S. from a major role in Iraq to a supporting one _ counterterrorism and logistical tasks rather than patrols of the streets of Baghdad.
All that is assuming the Democrats win, a matter still to be decided by voters.
As in other policy matters, there's also a question whether the Democrats could agree on how to force Bush's hand. For example, they remain divided on how many troops should be brought home right away. Many dismiss any suggestion they would try to cut funding to end the war as in the Vietnam era.
As for investigations the Democrats might start, targets could include the administration's handling of agency finances and Bush's habit of issuing statements attempting to limit his obligations in following some details of laws he has signed.
"We haven't had any oversight hearings in six years, except for cheerleading sessions," said Rep. Pete Stark of California, who is in line to chair the House health subcommittee should Democrats become a majority.
Over the years, majority Republicans have developed an all-purpose reply to Democrats' gripes: When they gain control, they can run Congress as they please.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Democratic Illinois Sen. Barack Obama speaks to supporters of incumbent Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell at a campaign rally inside Temple University's McGonigle Hall, in Philadelphia, Saturday.
Weren't they the ones that opposed a minimum wage increase recently?
Or was that because it was a bill backed by Republicans?
Yeah...a minimum wage increase. That'll get the "gimme soumthin' fer nuthin'" voters out in force.
Backing a minimum wage increase should be considered criminal action. And those proponents should be tarred and feathered and run outa town on a rail...SSZ
"burst out of a 12-year exile with a bang"
Isn't that what one calls exploding....?
Lest anyone need reminding just how much is at stake in two weeks!!!!
Nancy Pelosi and her gang of thieves cannot be allowed to take back the House! Disappointed Conservatives must rise to the support of those who are running on the ticket this year. It is not time to sit out or waste a vote on a third party candidate!
I do not think increasing the minimum age will gain them anything. Those earning the minimum wage are kids who are too young to vote or wouldn't vote anyway. If my assessment is accurate, campaigning on increasing the minimum wage is a wasted campaign tactic.
If they win, the Democrats will not approve military funding for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan unless Bush agrees to pull them out by 2008.
Higher Taxes, Cut and run, More Government, stagnate a booming economy...sure looks good to me..../sarc
Oh..... I did not know that. Excuse my ignorance.
I am betting the Demcrats will devolve into an impeachment campaign no matter what Pelosi says will or will not happen.
There's the real reason. The liberals know that mandating increase in the minimum wage results in a net loss of "starter" jobs but they don't care. It's all about pleasing the unions.
Democrats already planning surrender in Iraq.
I actually support the Congress using the tactic of defunding acts by other branches they don't approve of; I just wish it were done against outrageous court decisions instead of military ongoing military efforts.
Ah yes, increase the minimum wage. Now there is a political winner alright.
Management," Team, I called you all together to let you know that the democrats have passed a higher minimum wage,
that's the good news, the bad news is I'm going to have to
fire two of you to make up the difference, please feel free
to pick among yourselves ....."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.