American Troop Levels Will Remain Too High In War-Ravaged Iraq

There have been many pundits who have argued over the past months that the Iraq War was no longer the main issue in this election year.  Housing woes and health care, as part of the overall ailing economy, were seen to be the issues that most Americans were now stressing to pollsters as more important than the war.  The fact that the national price tag for the war is damaging the national economy seems forgotten by many Americans. 

To be sure the economy is a major issue that makes many uneasy, but after the Congressional hearings today and Wednesday I think the Iraq war will again become an issue.  The smooth talk from Gen. David H. Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker does not quite balance out the fact that 4,000 Americans have been killed, and the lull in violence in Iraq has now started to climb once again.

The fact that there have been no real political answers applied in Iraq over the past year, while the whole purpose of the ’surge’ was to allow for that very thing, is unsettling.  The lead paragraph from the New York Times seems to place the right somber tone for the nation.

The senior commander of multinational forces in Iraq warned Congress Tuesday against removing “too many troops too quickly” and refused under stiff questioning to offer even an estimate of American force levels by the end of this year.

There is no end to the conflict, and no hope for an end given the current political climate in Washington, D.C.  Instead of hoping that the war will somehow end if we just no longer concentrate on it is folly.  The economy is rough, but the war should be the top priority this election cycle as it deals with international, economic, legal, and moral aspects of our lives as citizens.

It is time for the war to be back on page one above the fold in our morning papers.

In stating the Democratic Party’s case against administration war policy, Senator Levin, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said that Mr. Bush’s goal of creating “breathing room” for political progress by sending five additional combat brigades last year “has not been achieved.”

“That reality leads many of us to once again challenge President Bush’s policies,” Mr. Levin said as the general and the ambassador sat motionless at the witness table. Senator Levin said the current Shiite-led government in Baghdad has shown “incompetence” and “excessive sectarian” policies.

The fact that an occupying force of American soldiers will be in Iraq for the foreseeable future is clear.  And wrong.  Has no one ever read the history of the Middle East in the Bush White House?

It has been widely anticipated that American troop levels in Iraq would be held steady for some weeks after the departure by July of five extra brigades ordered to Iraq last year by President Bush. There would be 15 combat brigades and close to 140,000 troops remaining in Iraq.

Given the time required to remove troops from Iraq or to halt departures of heavy equipment from the United States, senior officials have said that even under the best of circumstances no more than two or three more brigades could be brought home before Mr. Bush leaves office in January.

Even if all goes well, more than 100,000 troops would probably remain in Iraq into next year, leaving any decision on major reductions to the next president.

Technorati Tags: IraqWar, PresidentBush, Election08, Democrats, GeneralPetraeus

U.S. Death Toll In Iraq Reaches 4,000

This is a shame!  A damn shame.  Damn you President Bush.  And all the Republicans and Democrats that voted for the war.  A liars words carried us to war, sent our nation into a recession, and Vice President Dick Cheney was quoted as saying the views of the public in relation to the war  do not matter.  How many rich Republicans bury dead soldiers?

BAGHDAD - Four U.S. soldiers were killed by a bomb blast in southern Baghdad late Sunday, raising the death toll for American forces since start of the war to 4,000, according to the Pentagon.

The grim milestone was reached less than a week after the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion to topple former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and coincided with a spate of violence across Iraq on Sunday that left at least 61 people dead.

Technorati Tags: IraqWar, MiddleEast, PresidentBush, Congress, War, MSNBC

President Bush Forcing Hand Of Next President With New Iraq Treaty?

The idea that President Bush is working to orchestrate a plan in conjunction with Iraq’s government where our military forces would be committed for a long term stay in that country is now a real possibility.  And a real concern.  In addition, the idea that a more complex ’strategic framework agreement’ with Iraq is in the works should concern every American!

If the Bush White House can conclude agreements with the ‘democratic’ government in Iraq about the scope and length of our military intervention, and how our two nations relate and work with each other in a broader and more complex manner, there are two serious matters that all Americans who pay the taxes for the war, and pay the costs of burying dead soldiers must ask.

First, is whether this agreement should be more accurately called a treaty, and therefore require approval from the U.S. Senate.  It would seem to many of us who have witnessed our democratic ideals being stripped away by the Republicans that a large and long-term commitment in Iraq would need broad based consensus from our elected officials.  And since a large majority of the public have grave concerns over this war the idea that a policy of this type taking shape without oversight is not only dangerous, but also not democratic.

Second is the idea that the next President would be held firm to any obligation made by the rogue Bush Administration.  At a time when the nation is eager for change and new direction it is dismaying to think that President Bush would still control policy even when kicking back with his drinks in Texas.

The White House will weave and strut around saying these agreements do not require Senate approval, but as a taxpayer and concerned citizen I know I want oversight and investigation into the murky details of  any plan Bush and Company pen.

I bet my readers do as well.

Technorati Tags: PresidentBush, Iraq, IraqWar, Election08, U.S.Senate, ForeignPolicy

My Letter To Congresswoman Barbara Lee Still Resonates

This weekend as I sorted some things I read the letter I wrote on September 15,  2001 to Congresswoman Lee, and suspect tonight that a majority of my fellow citizens wish these words had been heeded by the White House and all of Congress.  I am rather proud of my words after seven years, in light of the woes we now face as the result of very serious and careless actions from Republicans and Democrats alike.

Honorable Barbara Lee
United States House of Representatives
426 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-0509

September 15, 2001
Dear Representative Lee,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your courageous vote regarding the course of action that our nation should employ regarding the horrendous events that unfolded on September 11, 2001.  Public service is a noble calling and made more so by those who are motivated by conscience, and as such, work against the prevailing winds.

As an American who watched with revulsion as our nation was besieged by terrorism I share the national outrage and anger that we commonly feel.  I strongly want the perpetrators found and dealt with forcefully.  While I believe that this deed must be met head-on with a strong American response, I am also very concerned about the national lust for blood and the foreign policy repercussions that would result from open-ended reprisals.

National discourse on foreign policy is a rarity.  Even during national campaigns the issues that confront the United States on the world stage are relegated to a low status.  Our national foreign policy intelligence quotient is quite low.  And yet the polls show that overnight we have become a nation of “experts.”  National anger, as demonstrated by polls, and a Congress that does not have the will to demonstrate leadership apart from the prevailing mood, will insure long-term effects that we will regret.

The Middle East has always been a highly contentious and volatile area.  The history and religions of the area have often blinded both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from finding common bonds.  Generations of Palestians have lived with the knowledge that America funds Israel and supplies them with armaments that are often used against Arabs and Muslims.  The utter frustrations and anger that have festered in the Middle East have helped to radicalize many against Israel and the United States.  Even the moderate elements of the PLO along with nation-states in that region are facing a more difficult time in urging restraint against the radical elements.  And if America strikes in a fashion that only makes it more improbable for moderate voices to be heard, the future looks bleak.

I propose that you use your position to urge a double-pronged approach to the new dynamics that we confront. While we must act against those responsible for this heinous crime we also must pursue a high level and visible diplomatic mission to the Middle East.  We must insure that even-handedness is the basis by which we act. We must be willing to act as boldly in our diplomatic resolve as we are prepared to do with our military means. Such a dual track will ensure that a just response is leveled against those who did our country harm, but also will show our desire to work for a meaningful and just resolution to the Middle East conflict.

I am reminded of a diplomatic mission that was deemed impossible in the 1970’s.  President Jimmy Carter, with unshakable faith and tenaciousness held firm to his goal of a peace accord between Israel and Egypt.  When Prime Minster Begin and President Sadat wanted to leave Camp David without an accord our President relentlessly pursued the goal of our better angels.  In the end a treaty was agreed to that still provides benefits to both parties.

That scope of vision and determination once again has to be our mission.  As the leader of the free world we have the means and power to shape a more hopeful world.  History will severely judge us if we do not try.

An often-told story should guide you and other members of Congress in the days ahead.  On his march through France, Napoleon ordered trees to be planted along the roads his marching troops were to use.  One of his advisors replied that it would take 20 years to achieve that goal.  To that Napoleon said, “Well, then we better start planting today.”  

Our nation has been deeply wounded.  Our fears have been heightened.  But our history shows that when difficult times confront Americans we pull together and respond with unity and hope for a better tomorrow.

The vote you took, and the stand you espouse, can be the first visible step towards a better tomorrow.  We urge your continued resolve and involvement with this chapter of our nation’s life.

Sincerely,

Technorati Tags: 9/11, BarbaraLee, JimmyCarter, MiddleEast, IraqWar, Democrats, Israel, Palestinians
 

Dennis Kucinich Correct To Not Attend Closed Session Of Congress

Something does not smell right over the closed session of Congress tonight, as the members talk over controversial electronic surveillance legislation. If the Democrats cave in to the President on this issue, who will be so silly as to give more money to the House Democrats this fall?  How would even Howard Dean spin that House fiasco into a silk purse?

To his credit, Representative Kucinich, and a few other members made it known they would not attend the session.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) said debating such an important issue behind closed doors “raises questions about the constitution of the U.S.” arguing that the House floor is “the citadel of free speech” and should not be closed to public view. Kucinich said he would not be attending the session.

House Republicans called for the session—which will be closed to the media and all but the highest level staff–to discuss classified information relating to an update to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Democratic leaders agreed to go along with the session earlier in the day.

Congress has been deadlocked for weeks over the measure, arguing over whether or not to grant retroactive immunity to telecom companies who aided the government in the wiretapping program after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Republicans have argued that if members are able to learn more about the program, they will grant the immunity to the telecoms.

It is just the sixth closed session in House history and the first since 1983 when the chamber discussed aid to Nicaragua. 

Prior to the closed session, several Democrats took to the House floor to express their disappointment with the decision.

“I smell something, and I don’t like being manipulated,” said Rep. Diane Watson (D-Calif.).

Technorati Tags: DennisKucinich, FISA, Congress, Republicans

Congressman Barney Frank, The Gay Boyfriend, And President Bush

As President Bush walked into the House of Representatives to give his State of the Union address he bumped into Congressman Barney Frank, who was on the phone with his boyfriend.

Read the whole story here.  This is a great read.

Technorati Tags: BarneyFrank, PresidentBush, GayRights, GayMarriage, Congress,

Some Things To Ponder As We Enter The Election Year

“If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost.”     Aristotle

“An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics.”   Plutarch

“Governments exist to protect the rights of minorities. The loved and the rich need no protection: they have many friends and few enemies.”   Wendell Phillips

Seeing A Terrorist At Every Turn

I have long been irritated at the Bush Administration proposal to slow down the vacationing public by requiring passports with Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean.  It is pure lunacy to think that every person crossing the border is a national threat.  The chaos that has resulted from this policy has caused much concern in Congress.  Therefore there is a plan in Washington to thwart the Bush Administration plan.  But the White House wants to continue to play the terror card with the public.

The first phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, or WHTI, went into effect earlier this year, requiring U.S. travelers returning by plane from Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean to carry a passport. As a result of the new requirements, demand for passports soared and the State Department issued a record 18.4 million passports in fiscal year 2007, compared to 12.1 million in 2006.

As a result, wait times for passports ballooned from four to six weeks to 12 weeks, but they have since returned to normal.

Even members of the GOP understand that a change in Bush policy is required, as the AP reports.

Sen. Norm Colemna, R-Minn., said the government should have more time to implement the law, and ”do it in a way that won’t cause the same passport headaches we saw with the air travel requirement earlier this year.”

In border states like Coleman’s, the new laws have also raised concerns that local trade and tourism will suffer. In response, the State Department plans to create passcards which will cost less than half the nearly $100 charged for a new passport.

Technorati Tags: Passports, PresidentBush, FearMongering, NormColeman,

Larry Craig Had Sex With David, Mike, Greg, And Tom But Is Not Gay! Right!

If BS could fly Republican Senator Larry Craig would be in orbit tonight.  Lets face it, this new story, with audio, only adds weight to the evidence that Republican U.S. Senator Craig has been living a double life.

David Phillips. Mike Jones. Greg Ruth. Tom Russell.

Four gay men, willing to put their names in print and whose allegations can’t be disproved, have come forward since news of U.S. Sen. Larry Craig’s guilty plea. They say they had sex with Craig or that he made a sexual advance or that he paid them unusual attention.

They are telling their stories now because they are offended by Craig’s denials, including his famous statement, “I am not gay, I never have been gay.” Those words, spoken on live national TV on Aug. 28, are now memorialized on a just-released-for-Christmas Talking Senator Larry Craig Action Figure.

David Phillips is a 42-year-old information technology consultant in Washington, D.C., who says Craig picked him up at a gay club in 1986 and that they subsequently had sex.

Mike Jones is a former prostitute who told the world he had sex with the Rev. Ted Haggard last year. The former Colorado Springs evangelist at first denied it but eventually confessed. Jones says Craig paid him for sex in late 2004 or early 2005.

Greg Ruth was a 24-year-old college Republican in 1981 when he says he was hit on by Craig at a Republican meeting in Coeur d’Alene.

Tom Russell, now 48, is a former Nampa resident who lives in Utah. Russell said his encounter with Craig occurred at Bogus Basin in the early 1980s.

A fifth gay man, who is from Boise but who declined to be named for fear of retaliation, offered a recent and telling account: He was in a men’s restroom at Denver International Airport in September 2006 when the man in the next stall moved his hand slowly, palm up, under the divider. Alarmed, the man said he waited outside the restroom and then identified the man in the adjoining stall as Craig, whom he had met in Idaho.

Technorati Tags: LarryCraig, IdahoStatesman, Conservatives, Republicans

Minnesota Judge Denies Senator Craig’s Request

A Minnesota judge has rejected a bid by Senator Craig to withdraw his guilty plea concerning a sex sting operation.  The case started with the conservative Republican from Idaho seeking sex in a men’s bathroom at an airport.  He was trying to have sex with an undercover police officer.

On Monday Craig spokesman Dan Whiting said in an e-mailed response questions about the toe-tapper, “Senator Craig continues to work for Idaho in the Senate. I don’t expect another announcement about his future in the Senate until after the judge rules on his case in Minnesota.”

The fat lady has now sung, and the the GOP needs to make sure this Senator is removed from his perch.  With the national mood running so counter to the GOP they can do no less than shove this guy off the cliff.

More to come.

Technorati Tags: SenatorCraig, Minnesota, SexScandal, Conservatives

Historic Tourist Site To Be Removed

A piece of Americana will be replaced and no one will ever see again the place where it all happened.  A great friend sent me this today, and as the story states, the tourist site will be gone within two months.

Technorati Tags: LarryCraig, StarTribune, Minneapolis

Exposing GOP Hypocrisy, Again

Hypocrisy among the GOP is the topic today.  I found the MoveOn ad flap in the New York Times to be just a big pile of rubbish.  MoveOn was right!  The GOP members of Congress went wild eyed in their theatrical response to the ad.  The chest thumpers on FAUX News did all but draw blood as they foamed at the mouths.

But I think the following puts it all into perspective.

Technorati Tags: GOP, Hypocrisy, MoveOn, NewYorkTimes, IraqWar, <a rel=”tag” Technorati Tags: BillClinton