Posted on 01/10/2007 2:30:20 PM PST by STARWISE
Unswayed by anti-war passions, President Bush will send 21,500 additional U.S. troops to Iraq and build the American presence there toward its highest level to quell worsening bloodshed. The move puts Bush on a collision course with the new Democratic Congress and runs counter to advice from some senior generals.
Set to announce his decisions in a prime-time speech Wednesday night, Bush was to acknowledge making major mistakes in Iraq, primarily failing to deploy enough U.S. soldiers and demand more Iraqi troops and cooperation to confront the country's near-anarchy.
In advance of Bush's address, White House counselor Dan Bartlett said U.S. military operations have been "handcuffed by political interference by Iraqi leadership" — but now will proceed under rules allowing troops to confront Shiite militias as well as Sunni insurgents.
(snip)
The new Democratic leaders of Congress met with Bush and complained afterward that their opposition to a buildup had been ignored. "This is the third time we are going down this path. Two times this has not worked," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "Why are they doing this now? That question remains."
Senate and House Democrats are arranging votes urging the president not to send more troops. While lacking the force of law, the measures would compel Republicans to go on record as either bucking the president or supporting an escalation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Carried live online by: C-span
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Condolances to you, MamaB. Prayers.
I agree, Howlin. Marajade is either a disruptor or seriously uneducated!
Right on, Princess. Our military has been hamstrung from the gitgo.
"Major Garret is reporting that by next week Dem Senators are going to vote on opposing this plan."
Why wait? "
THEY WILL WAIT ON THE SILLY POLLS...THAT"S WHY THEY WILL WAIT...BECAUSE THEY ARE SPINLESS TRAITOR JACKASSES!!
(Sorry for the rant...lol)
You do?
Bullsh*t.
smokes cigs....ROFL!
I love this picture. Thanks.
The Pres admitted things were bungled...
There is a lot they can do to find money. They can slow down production of the F-22 and Joint Strike Fighter for starters. They will hit TDY funding first, followed by no PCS moves unless absolutely necessary, freeze training funds that are not required for mission essential readiness, slow down modifications that are not absolutely essential, lengthen the time between depot maintenance so when the money is there a surge will occur at the depots, and a host of other items. Been there in the past when funding was needed for other things. The services will find a way to support the surge IMHO and the DemocRATs and a few Republicans in Congress can take it and shove it IMO!
The military will make sure our men and women have the funds even if Congress doesn't.
Is there a "C" answer for all of the above?
Brownback, pro amnesty and anti surge.
Good points about the big picture.
The president was great tonight. His tone was calm. He was deliberate with his words. And he let our enemies know that we are coming after them. Defeat is not an option.
He also let the Iraqis know that they better step up too.
I note on Yahoo New front page that their headline says something about Bush takes blame in Iraq. I suspect that will be the media line, reinforcing their template for the story that "it's another Vietnam" by using the President's words against him.
Yep. The left just can not stand the thought of an American victory. Dick Durbin reminded us of this when he gave the "Democrat response" to the president's speech tonight--LOL, of all people.
I don't disagree with that
But this is all about PR .. and just having a Headline saying that Congress cuts off funding would hurt us big time
This one isn't. Call the crusade!
Damnit, Smith is really beginning to piss me off.
He's pro-life and doesn't support gun control, but he supports open borders, on the whole he's been a good senator, but man, since the GOP loss he's becoming a hard-core RINO.
Where did you hear that Smith's come out agains the speech?
By the way, Oregon freepers, it's snowing like crazy in Southern Oregon!
Ed
Well, here is one Catholic who is NOT a pacifist.
So now your against him again? Your box os a crayon short.
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.