Posted on 12/07/2006 3:51:25 AM PST by BigSkyFreeper
WASHINGTON - Although the Iraq Study Group's report will not magically solve the problems in Iraq, the "hell of a good try" proves that politicians of opposite parties can work together on major issues, former Sen. Alan Simpson said Wednesday.
Iraq has become "one of the most vexatious problems of our lives," said Simpson, a Republican from Wyoming.
"This one is a tough one," he said. "We don't have a silver bullet."
Simpson and the other commission members presented their report to President Bush at 7 a.m. at the White House. An engaged Bush spent an hour with them, asked questions and took notes, Simpson said.
"He went around the room and asked each of us on the study group our thoughts," he said. "Each of us gave him very complete, candid assessments of our report."
Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and spokesman Tony Snow also attended the meeting, Simpson said.
Nothing in the report likely surprised Bush or Cheney, Simpson said, since the group kept in touch with the administration. But some things in it will "cause a difference of opinion," including the recommendation that the U.S. talk with Iran and Syria.
"Iran hates us," Simpson said. "They may not even want to come to the table... They may hate our guts, but there's something they hate more. That's anarchy in Iraq."
Simpson said during his turn to speak at the White House, he talked about the critical importance of bipartisanship and his sadness that the American people feel the federal government is "dysfunctional."
He said the group's work is an example of how politicians on both sides can come together on big issues.
"If it doesn't work, it was a hell of a good try," he said. "And if it doesn't work and people say the Republicans and the Democrats could get together and do something, well here it is."
He said the commission deliberately avoided "flash words" like "cut and run" or "stay the course."
Instead, he said, "We just threw out 79 recommendations."
At the group's press conference releasing their report to the public, Simpson used his trademark humor to bring the only moments of levity.
Simpson predicted that the report would draw criticism from people he termed "100 percenters."
"A 100 percenter is a person you don't want to be around," he said. "They have gas, ulcers, heartburn and they seethe. They're not seekers, they're seethers. There's a lot of them out there. And we're going to get it from the far right, we're going to get it from the far left. We're going to get, bombs away."
He added that many people will predict their recommendations can't work.
"But we're just sincere enough to believe that it will," he said. "... Maybe we can do something. That's what we're here for. People of goodwill and good faith. Maybe it's corny, maybe it won't work, but it's sure as hell better than sitting there where we are right now."
They also vote for people that get typically a tiny percentage of the vote count. That's why they're also known as .005 percenters.
Can you imagine this taking place during WWII? Further evidence of the Oprahfication of America. Our enemies both inside and outside the country know they have a winning strategy in defeating us. Just inflict 75-100 casualities per month on our forces, which is easy to do, and we will surrender. We no longer have reason to mock the French.
There are also quite a few of them on Free Republic : )
Seems the spin by the elites to usurp the presidency via Pr is on its way.
The Elitist Junta is rushing the White House.
Maybe they feel that way because it is, f'rinstance:
No, Senator. One of the most vexatious problems of our lives is how to prevent Liberals from turning our country into a totalitarian communist "utopia". So far we're failing.
Don't tell me you buy into Simpson's spin.
It'd be like telling Hitler he can go into Poland and fix it.
Blindingly dangerous naivete.
re: Iraq has become "one of the most vexatious problems of our lives," said Simpson
Wrong, wrong, wrong! Our unwillingness to defend our beliefs and our way of life in whatever means necessary to assure its continued presence in our world! Iraq is a symptom of the disease, not the disease itself. We are going to bankrupt ourselves chasing solutions to dozens and dozens of symptoms while the disease goes on unabated presenting three new symptoms for every one we 'solve'.
Time is running out. I see the next few weeks as the turning point for America. If President Bush does not stand up and identity the disease, and follow through with his promises of Sept. 2001, the die is cast. Iran and Syrian have been shown repeatedly to be the roots of the unrest that the religion of piece is sowing around the world. They have yet to be made to pay a price for their evil ways. Until they find themselves having to pay the price for their activities they can hardly be expected to change their ways.
You've nailed it.
"We no longer have reason to mock the French."
Ouch. Not denying it but, ouch.
Wrong. Iran has been maneuvering for anarchy and chaos, and not only in Iraq, for a very long time. It's their goal.
Simpson is a poster boy for what's been wrong with the GOP since forever. His constant disdain for principled people is why we have 7 of the 9 Supreme Court justices who were picked by Republican presidents and yet the Court remains liberal and constitutionally moronic.
What a maroon! Iran LOVES the anarchy in Iraq; they are the ones fighting a proxy war there. Simpson is 180 degrees out of phase, as usual, from what is true and good.
That's the name I was thinking of yesterday, mew. Perfect.
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.