Posted on 11/15/2005 5:30:28 PM PST by RWR8189
Pathetic.
One expected no better of the Senate Democrats, who want to get out of Iraq as soon as possible, or sooner than possible--most of them don't really care--and who want to embarrass president Bush. But couldn't the Senate Republicans have stood and fought against passing an irresponsible resolution suggesting that Americans want to get out of Iraq more than we want to win?
The Republican leadership may have figured they didn't have the votes to defeat the Democratic proposal without giving their members a weaker alternative to vote for. But better to lose such a vote by a small margin than to go on record voting for a resolution that sends a signal of irresolution and weakness at precisely the time when a message of strength is most needed. After all, in precisely a month, the Iraqis will vote for their first government under the new constitution, and one thing they must weigh in their calculations is whether they can count on U.S. staying power in the fight against the terrorists. With today's vote in the Senate, the Republican leadership, apparently working hand in glove with White House staff, showed itself today to be tactically myopic and politically timid.
One hopes Republicans in the House will show more spine. One trusts that President Bush will not bend in any way to these winds of worry. One hopes that a year from now this vote is simply remembered as a minor hiccup on the way to success and victory in Iraq. But one doesn't win a war by showing weakness. And one doesn't win a political fight by half capitulating to one's opponents, and, in effect, accepting the premises of their critique.
All honor to the 13 Republican senators who stood up against the me-too, we-want-to-get-out-as-well-but-not-quite-as-quickly, Republican leadership: Bunning, Burr, Chambliss, Coburn, DeMint, Graham, Inhofe, Isakson, Kyl, McCain, Sessions, Thune, and Vitter. Let's hope their colleagues reconsider and join their ranks in the near future.
--William Kristol
Maybe we should try to be patient. I hear there is a cure called Roveititus, but there may be a DeLay in getting it.
I had thought that Graham was opposed to the federal appeals courts being involved in this matter whatsoever. But SCOTUS determined there was appeal review via habeas corpus petitions.
This legislation we're talking about is in place of that (habeas corpus petitions) and likely will give less of a review chance to terrorists as the appeals process will only determine whether they are lawfully declared enemy combatants.
But hasn't a military tribunal already done that? And don't we trust the military JAGS to do their jobs more than the federal judges currently sitting on appeals courts?
So although it sounds like this legislation will give less protection to terrorists than SCOTUS tried to provide, it's more than I'm comfortable with. As a JAG, I'm surprised Graham is going for this.
I was so incensed I forgot to say:
in common with the Vietnam war.
Just heard GunnyBob say that Levin coined a new phase for surrender. Calls it "phased redeployment". These people are the fifth column.
You are hot tonight! And I will try to be patient, but that's not one of my better qualities and the Republicans have gotten on pretty much my last nerve.
later...
Or...someone remind GWB that he's the head of the Republican Party.
I love this President, but he cannot expect to hold a Party together if he continues to run from defending himself and his policies.
Why in the name of Heaven would a Republican politician stand steadfastly with a President who won't stop being a political punching bag?
no problemo
What is your take on this?
Will check in later...
Please, stop shooting the messenger.
Where is Bush?
So the definition of defense is a primetime address?
No, the President is not proudly willing to absorb these lies any longer as you contend. Since Friday the discussion has fallen to his strong offense to fight back. Everyone has made note of it. from two speeches, to toss away parting shots to the press boarding his plane, to the RNC's daily quotes put out, the RNC video being picked up on TV stations showing Dems making the case to remove saddam, from Scott McCellan of all people calling Ted kennedy out for lashing out at the Prez more than he ever did Saddam.
The Congress, and Allen as a member, dropped the ball here. The President has finally picked his up.
Chambliss and Isakson both on the list.
I should clarify, that stood up against the weak weak leadership.
A good thing.
Don't worry about it. The pres polls are low, but Congress' are in the cellar. Last I saw Bush 46, Congress 28 Rassmussen.
I better bow out and say goodnight before I lose my dim wit. Seriously, the Pubbies have gotten on my last nerve too.
See ya...
glad you agree.
He is making a planned overseas trip to Asia which is why cowards like Allen and Warner stabbed him in the back.
There was no warning that this was coming.
You bet it is.
If a prime time address was necessary to explain the aftermath of a hurricane....it sure in heck is necessary to refute the lies being told (and believed) about Iraq.
For the President, Iraq will lead to Mt. Rushmore or impeachment.
I think this is worth the President's attention.
Yeah, and Congress deserves those poll numbers.
They won a Majority showing a unified front, hitting back at the Dems/MSM and advocating a conservative agenda. They've failed to do any of that since election. yet they think going Left and buckling to the MSM is the answer for re-election. Go figure.
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