May 02 2007
Why Would Bush Cave?
The liberal media is really grasping to understand the obvious. I don’t need to link to all the stories speculating Bush might compromise, but they fail to understand one thing – why would he? If he was OK with limitations and timelines he would have signed the Bill and maneuvered expectations to move dates around, adjust benchmark expectations, etc. The timeline language was so full of holes (and not binding anyway because the money was there for Bush to use as he saw fit) there is no reason for him to do anything now but help the Dems save what little face they have left in for THEIR compromise. I find it truly sad so many people do not get this.
Don’t worry. I got it.
There is a danger in a bill, resolution, or service request, et al, that is full of holes.
Is the mainstream media blaming Bush for holding up the funds?
Captain’s Quarters said yesterday that the Democrats’ efforts weakened them. You’re right that the Democrats have little face left til ’08 elections.
The Senate Judiciary Committee’s fight against Gonzales has basically faded away.
Waxman’s committee fight on the Plame story is fading away for now.
But the impeachment cries are increasing, which will weaken them further.
AJ,
Here is GW’s official response to the House of Representatives (It is a smackdown):
May 1, 2007
TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 1591, the “U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007.”
This legislation is objectionable because it would set an arbitrary date for beginning the withdrawal of American troops without regard to conditions on the ground; it would micromanage the commanders in the field by restricting their ability to direct the fight in Iraq; and it contains billions of dollars of spending and other provisions completely unrelated to the war.
Precipitous withdrawal from Iraq is not a plan to bring peace to the region or to make our people safer here at home. The mandated withdrawal in this bill could embolden our enemies — and confirm their belief that America will not stand behind its commitments. It could lead to a safe haven in Iraq for terrorism that could be used to attack America and freedom-loving people around the world, and is likely to unleash chaos in Iraq that could spread across the region. Ultimately, a precipitous withdrawal could increase the probability that American troops would have to one day return to Iraq — to confront an even more dangerous enemy.
The micromanagement in this legislation is unacceptable because it would create a series of requirements that do not provide the flexibility needed to conduct the war. It would constrict how and where our Armed Forces could engage the enemy and defend the national interest, and would provide confusing guidance on which of our enemies the military could engage. The result would be a marked advantage for our enemies and greater danger for our troops, as well as an unprecedented interference with the judgments of those who are charged with commanding the military.
Beyond its direction of the operation of the war, the legislation is also unacceptable for including billions of dollars in spending and other provisions that are unrelated to the war, are not an emergency, or are not justified. The Congress should not use an emergency war supplemental to add billions in spending to avoid its own rules for budget discipline and the normal budget process. War supplemental funding bills should remain focused on the war and the needs of our men and women in uniform who are risking their lives to defend our freedoms and preserve our Nation’s security.
Finally, this legislation is unconstitutional because it purports to direct the conduct of the operations of the war in a way that infringes upon the powers vested in the Presidency by the Constitution, including as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. For these reasons, I must veto this bill.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
May 1, 2007.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070502-1.html
Thanks Roonent1!
Bush asked Congress for money. They approved the funding. He vetoed the funds he asked for.
Who will blame Bush – as of the Pew survey, 60% of Americans want Congress to sende another bill WITH time requirements.
This is a losing issue for Bush and the Republicans.
Soothie,
Thanks for demonstrating the difference between the Libs and us Cons. We do things because it is best for the troops and the country, you people do them to gain polling points.
Lives are much more important. Thanks for showing the true colors of the left so clearly.
Here we go again.
Congress approved the funding, but with a bill that required the military to start standing down two months from now. “Here, here’s your money, troops! Use it to start stowing your gear and come marching home, ‘coz we’re tired of the war! Let the Iraqis deal with al-Qaeda by themselves, ‘coz the Pew survey says America says so!”
And again, how does Bush get the blame if Bush was always the “warmonger” up until now? Are we supposed to think that Bush went to war on flimsy excuses but is now suddenly, for no clear reason, rejecting funding for “his” war that the Democrats insisted on providing???
Gee. I guess if Bush keeps this up, America will blame him for the troops going without funding, so he’ll wind up not getting re-elected in 2008. [/sarcasm]
I really hope Bush isn’t elected in ’08 ’cause it would violate the constitution that the dums refuse to read. H… he might rule (oops) reign (oops again) preside ( yeah that works) until they can find those typewriter monkeys that can read and comprehend….. Then they could impeach him….
sooth:
It is amazing how cavalier you are about the seperation of powers. The Congress has no right to dictate to the commanders in the field. If they don’t respect or understand that then they need to look for other jobs. Because they obviously do not understand theirs. But then again, they knew Bush would have no real alternative but to veto the bill so they thought they could grandstand and preen.
Spinning, spinning spinning themselves into a very big web…of lies, these sorosites have done.
They continually try to get America to doubt their lying eyes…
Keep it up. It’s the best fundraising tool we could have to defeat the global socialist/communist sorosites.
… and I highly doubt the validity of said poll. Americans are tired & weary of bad war news (the only news the MSM reports), but want victory, and support Bush and the troops to allow the surge to work. Of course, the “polls” seldom frame the question in a manner that reveals positive news. When polls do, the MSM either ignores them or spins them into something it doesn’t say.
I see that the Democrats caved in by agreeing no timelines at all but the Republicans gave them benchmarks for NON-military aid in Iraq.
The Democrats still insist that they will fight this again in a few months. Congress is scrambling to come up with something.
Both Bush and the Democrats approved the funding for the US troops. Bush is right by saying that the Democrats have no constitutional authority in micromanaging the military, which he used as one reason for vetoing the bill.