Nov 15 2005
Rep Senators Screw Us All
UPDATE VI:
Baldilocks joins the club of the unimpressed – welcome. So far all the reps did was not set a timetable for surrender – whoopee!
And Baldilocks points us to QandO for their position – which is clear from their title
UPDATE V:
More from Powerline with a link to Andrew McCarthy
And here is a new website dedicated to findng some spine for our leaders.
You’ve come across the beta version of No End But Victory. This site must and will be the online rallying-point for all Americans and Iraqis from all political persuasions who understand that the war in Iraq must be won.
Via Hugh Hewitt
UPDATE IV:
Concurrence from Ankle Biting Pundits
UPDATE III:
Funny how one of the best voices supporting our efforts in Iraq was previously the Democrat Vice Presidential candidate [Hat Tip: Anchoress]:
“I like the way in which the Warner amendment recited again the findings that led us to war against Saddam Hussein and, quite explicitly, cited the progress that has been made. I do think Senator Levin’s amendment doesn’t quite do this part enough, about the progress, particularly among the political leaders of Iraq. They have done something remarkable in a country that lived for 30 years under a dictator who suppressed all political activity, encouraged the increasing division and bitterness among the Shia’s, the Sunnis, the Kurds. These people, with our help and encouragement, have begun to negotiate like real political leaders in a democracy. It is not always pretty. What we do here is not always most attractive. That is democracy. Most important of all, 8 million Iraqis came out in the face of terrorist threats in January to vote on that interim legislation. Almost 10 million came out to vote on a constitution, which is a pretty good document, a historically good document in the context of the Arab world.
And speaking of The Anchoress, see her views on this issue here. BTW, I was not one of those berating The Anchoress for her righteous indignation last week. The reps are losing more and more ground with the broader conservative base. I hope The Anchoress is right and I am wrong in this. But if the Senate stomps on Bush’s message anymore I will have to conclude the clowns have taken over the asylum.
UPDATE II:
More from Bryan Preston, also sitting in at Michelle’s.
Stuck On Stupid links to Bryan’s post with this post discussing the GOP’s pushback on the Dems on the “Bush Lied” campaign. It is a great example of what should be headlining the news, but what will probably be drowned out by the Senate non-binding resolution to win in Iraq (duh).
The Llama Butchers agree this is a confused mess with the Senators stomping on Bush’s efforts.
UPDATE:
The response to this news (NY Times article here) has been interesting, if not a bit pollyanish in some quarters. Most of the response has been negative.
Capt Ed thinks this is a winning strategy – especially if Bush reports to Congress every quarter toexplan our progress (use the bullypulpit). Unfortunately, that could be done right now without all the negative impressions that he is buckling to Congress. And it this approach will be giving an opening to Democrats to say they were right all along. There are those waiting for Bush to prematurely hint at withdrawal so they can claim we lost and Bush is simply trying to make the disaster look good. I am not convinced this is as good as the good Captain sees it.
Lori Byrd, sitting in at Michelle’s place, has this ‘starter’ post on the subject which I am sure will grow over time. Lorie also has this posted at Polipundit here with comments rolling in.
Here is Rick Moran’s take at the Right Wing Nut House:
Senate Republicans appear to be about ready to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in Iraq.
In honor of Veterans and small towns, here is Small Town Veteran’s take on this mess:
Why don’t we just set a date in advance and tell the God-damned jihadis that if they just lie low and wait a little longer we’ll pull out and turn the country over to them? The only thing they [Congress] need to know is that we’ll bring our troops home when the legitimate government of Iraq is capable of defending itself, and not a day sooner. I’m too pissed off right now to even put together a coherent explanation of how I feel about this (hint: I’ve never forgiven Congress for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in ‘Nam after I lost friends and risked my own life there. ) I’ll probably have more to say after I’ve gotten some sleep (if I can) and calmed down a little.
It doesn’t look any better in the light of morning. You think the Iraqi war vets are going to be pleased with this whimp out? The republicans may have lost their most faithful base – the military. As Rick Moran says in his post above – the Iraqi’s want this more than our tepid Senators worried about their cushy jobs. Well, no need to worry about cushy jobs. I think it is time Senator Warner retire from my good state of VA and we find new blood with a firmer spine.
Here is Hugh Hewitt’s response (not happy).
And for some comparison check out the crowing at Daily KOs and MyDD (confirming my predictions).
Obviously the blood letting on the right is going to proceed apace for a while. Bush is out on the stump making excellent speeches and a Senate full of Brutuses just stole the headlines from his bullypulpit. I am not sure event the RNC ad campaign is going to get much airing now that the media and liberals can spin this as a loss.
END UPDATES
Here I am posting about how Iraq is heading into the final stages of success – and Senate Republicans demonstrate the French-Surrender maneuver!
The U.S. Senate opened debate today on measures that would put the chamber on record for the first time asking President George W. Bush to set limits for keeping American troops in Iraq.
The Bush administration “needs to explain to Congress and the American people its strategy for the successful completion of the mission,” say resolutions introduced separately by both Republicans and Democrats.
Oh please! Do all Senators suffer from double lobotomies? The only positive I can see in this is I am not a Republican so I do not have to hang my head in complete shame!
The answer is to establish a steady, democratic Iraq that can defend itself and help us in the Global War on Terror.
Both parties also would require that Iraq’s rival political factions be told they must make the compromises necessary to achieve a stable government, united against the insurgency, which will allow U.S. troops to leave.
Horse hockey. A democratic and free Iraq does not take orders from doddling old fools in the US Senate. Who is being imperialistic now? And how about playing the Vietnam card
While the measures express a non-binding “sense of the Senate,” together they’re “early pressure on a major U.S. military operation, in contrast to the Vietnam War” where congressional resistance didn’t occur until the early 1970s or about eight years after the start of the major military build- up, said Louis Fisher, a senior specialist on congressional war powers for the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.
Earth to death, blind and how-we-wish dumb senators: The people of Iraq support their new government by margins that would make a US Senator wet their pants in delight if they could get those numbers. What a lame PR stunt
The Republican amendment requires an unclassified White House report within three months of the authorization bill’s passage and every three months thereafter outlining the current military situation, the status of Iraqi forces troop training and status of efforts…
Like more status reports to Congress will make a difference in Iraq. That is it! No more money to any party. I am sick and tired of spineless politicians, who don’t have to do anything but preen in front of cameras, pulling the rug out of brave and valiant Americans risking life and limb to make a better world.
If we bring the troops home – then every seat in Congress needs to be filled with a veteran of Iraq!!
What a bunch of losers. Who cares who wins elections when all these people are good for is hot air and hiding in front of cameras.
I am placing this on Outside The Beltway’s linkfest Beltway Traffic Jam to see how other bloggers feel. Hopefully they will link back here and join the discussion.
Just Exactly What We DON’T Need
Senate Republicans Pushing for a Plan on Ending the War in Iraq Washington, Nov. 14 – In a sign of increasing unease among Congressional Republicans over the war in Iraq, the Senate is to consider on Tuesday a Republican
REPUBLICAN NERVOUS NELLIES
Senate Republicans appear to be about ready to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in Iraq. Just as the nascent Iraqi government starts to get up a head of steam in anticipation of next month’s elections, some “nervous Nellies” wh…
What do you mean you’re not a Republican. You always gave the impression that you were.
Snapple,
I walk and talk like a republican – and probably should be one. But when I left the democrat party I promised myself I would not just blindly follow any party orthodoxy and buy into the propoganda. George Bush is probably the one person who is going to help me across that line. The hard core cons are probably going to keep me from crossing that line.
However, independents carry the power on which party get’s elected. So there are benefits with not being associated with any party. But I am a proud, strong conservative. Nothing new there.
The Sunday WAPO stated that the GOP is 55% conservatives and 39% are moderates. Right now I can’t tell the difference between the Dems and the GOP leaders, but I do know we are not united as a party and I for one am sick and tired of this during a time of war. The President said last night at Elmendorf Air Force Base:
“As our troops fight a ruthless enemy determined to destroy our way of life, they deserve to know that their elected leaders who voted to send them into war continue to stand behind them. Our troops deserve to know that this support will remain firm when the going gets tough. And our troops deserve to know that whatever our differences in Washington, our will is strong, our nation is united, and we will settle for nothing less than victory.â€
Amen Mr. President….. This is nothing more than a stunt by the GOP leadership to cover their backside. Is this the GOP response to shutting down the Senate? I’m not looking for capitulation. I want to see some backbone now!
Time to take out the Republican Trash!
Once again, Senator Republicans like Frist are grabbing their ass with both hands and jumping around to the Democratic whip, and evidently poll numbers.
AAaarrgghh!!
Just give me the President’s Cabinet and Sen. Allen to run this Country. Give me my SS Account to handle. Drill for Oil everywhere you see fit.
Can we get rid of 99% of the Senate? Disregard the House?
OK, I am being extreme. What do you expect when the Repukes cave in the the Dems and disregard the well being of our Country? The SENATE is bsically giving up on the GWOT. Too difficult. Too rough. The PUSSIFICATION of AMERICA continues on the fast track. F it all and open the Borders, let em all in. We can’t wait to be like Fwance and have toe UN call the shots.
I’ve got nothing more to say. I hope Nader runs again in 2008, he’s got my vote. I am voting for every Green Party Candidate i can, think I will go to the Dem States where I can vote Multiple times.
Sorry AJ, I am sick of this crap and refuse to support any Repuke again (cept George Allen). I want a conservative in Office, but all I get are WIMPS, PUSSIES and CRYBABIES. No. More.
Well said Luckey
AJStrata
This may be an oversimplification, and say so if it is……but
There are 33 Senate seats up for grabs next year – 15 are Republican – Doesn’t this account for … a. The Democrat Senators’ sudden case of amnesia with regard to pre-war intelligence AND b. The Republican Senators’ sudden movement away from the President over how to handle the war?
Mac,
I am sure it does. But political expediency is not what we need. We need resolve to do the right thing. Do the right thing and Americans will see it and reward it.
Agreed. It certainly shows us who these Republican “leaders” really are…..God help us if Santorum jumps ship!
Senate Republicans Go On Offense
Bill Frist is finally going after the Democrat lies in the Senate. Here is the latest Memo From Frist to the RINOs and assorted Conservatives: TO: Senate RepublicansFR: Majority Leader Bill FristDT: November 15, 2005RE: Iraq Rhetoric: Weapons of Mass …
REPUBLICANS are COWARDS
What part of ‘support the troops’ don’t you understand?
Congress is full of whimps who can’t handle the truth that we are winning in Iraq.
DON’T DESERT THE TROOPS that have fought there, are fighting there now and those who have given their lives.
Stop listening to the ‘liberal’ press and polls, and letting Cindy Sheehan win.
This proves all Republicans have not only turned RINO but are spineless ‘turn-coats’ as well.
This shouldn’t be about your pitiful ego or chances for re-election, it should be about the men and women YOU sent in harms way!
Start thinking as a Republican again only this time with sense, responsibility and accountability.
How dare you pull out of another war when our military is winning!
How dare you pull out of Iraq and leave those people defenseless!
How dare you destroy the image of America again!
Why don’t the Republicans have the guts to speak out?
They need to tell about what Sen. Rockefeller said in his treasonous memo in Nov 2003 while we were fighting in the Global War on Terror in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan or the recently revealed trip he took before Operation Iraqi Freedom even began!
“SEN. ROCKEFELLER: No. The – I mean, this question is asked a thousand times and I’ll be happy to answer it a thousand times. I took a trip by myself in January of 2002 to Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria, and I told each of the heads of state that it was my view that George Bush had already made up his mind to go to war against Iraq – that that was a predetermined set course which had taken shape shortly after 9/11.”
I want a government that for American not against it.
Delirious,
Excellent comments. And may I suggest Republicans are a political party and act like one when the going gets tough. Conservsative Americans stand tall and firm and have no party to pay homage to.
That may help you understand why I stay an independent. Troops over party any day of the week.
[…] So this is as far as my “slack” will go. I am willing to believe, based upon what I am reading, that this latest move by the GOP senate may NOT be the end of the world as AJ Strata knows it . I am willing to believe that with this move the GOP is doing a couple of possibly shrewd things: […]
Tuesday Night Round-Up
On the 24th of November, William Buckley Jr. will celebrate his 80th birthday. The Economist (via The Mote in God’s Eyes, with an amazing post) takes the chance to ponder about the future of the American Conservative Movement and the Republican Party…
Rally the Veto! Stop the GOP surrender!
Hey, the minority Republicans did salvage SOMETHING from the majority Democrat juggernaut: they are going to withdraw, just not on a TIMETABLE. Idiots. We still have to take out Iran and Syria. Commitment to withdrawal is commitment to making Iraq ou…