I’m so angry I could spit.
The Democratic caucus in Congress is proving that they didn’t understand the voters when we elected a Democratic majority. The election of 2006 was a referendum on the Iraq war and this Administration’s handling of the ‘War on Terror’. We handed our new Democratic Congress a mandate to provide oversight of the Administration and to bring the Iraq war to an end. Not to flounce non-binding resolutions about the chamber like so much toilet paper for the Administration to treat accordingly.
What do we get instead? A cowardly refusal to superintend or constrain the Administration’s defense-related spending in Iraq. An abdication of the Constitutional powers of Congress to direct the conduct of war, or even to demand that the President obtain the consent of Congress prior to starting another war in Iran. A pusillanimous refusal to force the closure of the detention facility at Gitmo, which stains the honor of this nation every day it operates. A resolute trepidation pervades the Democratic ranks when it comes to setting any sort of time table for the withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. There are still opportunities, but the window for serious change is closing as the 2008 primary approaches. Already, it is all but accepted that we cannot possibly force Bush to withdraw from Iraq before his term expires. What a bunch of fucking pussies.
The Democratic caucus is proving to be utterly contemptible, and their only excuse is that they fear that voters will punish them should they take the bold actions they were hired to take. They should be worried about what we Democratic activists will do to them if they don’t.
A wonderful example of the sort of mixed messages that our Democratic representatives think is good politics is the first bill sponsored by our own Gabby Giffords and her marvelous foreign adventure. Gabby wants to ensure that spare F-14 parts aren’t going to be sold to Iran. This is fine policy, though of dubious military significance, but what does it really say and who does it speak to? First, it assumes that Iran is our enemy at a time when that is exactly the drum that the Bush Administration is beating so jingoistically. It gives the Administration’s paranoid ravings credence and an appearance of bi-partisan support. There are fine and valid reasons for us not to supply the Iranian air-force, but the timing is cretinous.
Is this really the most important thing for Gabby to be spending her political capital on? Or is it a way for her to insulate herself from the seditious brush with which the Administration is trying to paint our caucus? Does it help the Democratic drive to end the war, and prevent new ones, for Gabby to be standing beside Kyl on their junket as Kyl whips up the Israelis about what a dire threat Iran represents and what a wonderful idea Bush’s surge into Baghdad is? The junket to the Green Zone and Israel and her F-14 bill may have helped Gabby settle into her seat, but it did nothing for the larger goals of Democrats. I’m sure she’s well-intentioned, as are all our Representatives and Senators (excepting Lieberman, perhaps), but when the road you are on is paved with good intentions, you are well advised to look for the sign that says where that road is leading you.
This sort of narrow, self-regarding view is rampant in our caucus. Far too few are willing to take the political risks required to stop a war-time President in his conduct of war and national security affairs. Frankly, I don’t think anything short of an impeachment will do the trick, but I’d be pleased to be proven wrong. In any case, fanning the flames of fear and militarism is not what voters hired the new Democratic majority to do, nor is warming their seats by the heat of the conflagration. We hired them to end the war in Iraq and to restore sanity and mature reflection to the people’s house. I’m disgusted at the compromises Democrats are making with a morally compromised lame-duck President with a sub-40% approval rating and his lick-spittle ethical black hole of a GOP caucus rump. I want to see some bare knuckles, people.
Have some pride and stand by a few principles, Democratic caucus – it’s the reason we gave you the sovereign power of the Congress. Use it to stop this madness. You think that if you just stand by as this President runs this nation into the ground, he’ll take the blame and you’ll smell like a rose. Wrong. If you stand by and do nothing as Bush destroys this country, you will be judged more guilty than he. Bush at least thinks he’s doing the right thing and is only monstrously wrong. You know that what is happening is wrong, and yet you still do nothing; you will be judged as moral cowards. Even should you ultimately fail, at least you will have failed trying. Don’t just stand by impotently playing accompaniment to Nero’s fiddling.
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See you at The PROTEST THE WAR in front of The Davis Monthan Main Gates as a 100,000 people go on base to see The Air Show and The Blue Angels passing by The DEMOCRATIC PARTY?
Correction; December of 2005 NOT 2004:
I want to make my position regarding Giffords and her use of INSIDER POLITICAL OPERATIVES that were used to raise FUNDS IN DECEMBER of 2004 where she raised over $250,000 dollars(more than Tim Sultan; Eva Bacal;and most every Candidate for cd8 in history) in a Month that I engaged with Washington Political Stragetists who brought into question LUMPING CONTRIBUTIONS INTO THAT ONE MONTH where CHRISTMAS IS A BAD MONTH FOR FUNDRAISING.
I AGREE with JEFF LATAS that IT WAS A DONE DEAL before any potential announced Candidate had a chance to raise money or get the word to the public that they will represent their constituents NOT POLITICAL HACKS and INSIDERS as LATAS put it’ DECIDED AROUND A TABLE IN A SMOKE FILLED ROOM!”
Iam NOT talking about Jim Kolbe’s practiced religion ; Iam talking about who he voted for and was supported by time and time again, you will note the same people who PAID FOR THE GIFFORDS CAMPAIGN backed Jim Kolbe; FRANCINE, GIFFORDS IS A REPUBLICAN RAISED AS A REPUBLICAN ; I NEVER changed Parties to benefit my chances because I thought it would be a LIE; and I will NOT engage in LYING to the Voters just to futher my own cause.
I DO NOT THINK GIFFORDS IS A SHOE IN;in 2008; there are alot of questions to be answered ; one is her Campaign Finances and NOT BEING SHOWN ON THE FEC web-site for 2005 or 2006 is troubling!
You know, it’s my line and until someone has a better suggestion, I think we should tell our elected representatives and anyone else in Congress with whom we want to communicate what they have to do to represent us. I do it! I urge you to do it. You can discuss anything you want to – but if it’s results you want, tell the representative what you want her/him to do. The very clear implication is that this is what needs to happen for me to support you for election/reelection/ you name it. Does anyone doubt that I do what I am urging everyone else to do? and you know why? Because I don’t want it to look like I’m the only constituent who find these things important. I want it to look like there is a thundering herd of us out here – I want there to be a thundering herd out her – and we all vote and another election is coming up – Believe me – I’ve been there and I’ve seen it – once a person is election s/he just wants to get re-elected and re-elected, etc. Well, let’s let them know what it takes to get our vote!!!!!!!!
First, I think that this is an excellent post. For what it’s worth, Michael, I am as angry as you are. I’ve been angry for so long now that I think it’s affected my life expectancy. I may as well have been a drunk or a chain smoker given what this Bush Administration has done to me.
I knew when I read this that someone would try to shut down any meaningful discussion about Giffords. That just isn’t allowed on these local “lefty” blogs.
Well, maybe it’s time to start having those discussions without attacking those who are less than satisfied with the new CD8 representative, or any other elected representative, or the new Democratic Congress.
Cut Gabby some slack. Hey! she’s the only Democratic congresswoman we have – our challenge is to make the best of it. Deriding her and making it difficult for her in 2008 will only help the Republicans – and frankly, I really, really don’t want to be represented by a Republican. Let’s make it as clear as we can what she has to do to represent us – and keep reminding her – and, just for good luck, remind her again!
I think I may be the only person on this blog who has seen how Congress works, from the inside. If you want to place blame, blame the Rahm Emmauel’s who think they know best and push candidates who are “in the center” – wherever that may be. Blame her lack of experience – but that’s really not practical – it was no secret she wasn’t experienced. Be angry with the Senators who had the money but not the intestinal fortitude to get rid of Joe Lieberman – there’s an angry worth being!
The Republicans will not forfeit this seat again in 2008. There is no Democrat who can beat Gabby in 2008 – anyone who stands against her will only send damaged merchandise into the general election – please don’t do that. At the risk of repeating myself, be sure to let Gabby know what she has to do to represent you!!!!!! And beyond that, try to understand just what being one of 435 Congresspersons is like!
I’m really surprised not to hear as much harsh feeling directed at that core of so-called Blue-Dog Democrats who oppose ending the war. They form a rock-solid bloc opposing what Nancy Pelosi is trying to do. That’s where my disgust is directed.
Ted, you take issue with ‘cretinous’? How about ‘fucking pussies’? If you want to chose some fighting words, I think those are better candidates.
And what is this bullshit about the ‘anti-war left’? Are you channeling the DLC now? I am not anti-war. As Obama aptly said, I’m just anti-stupid wars. There is nothing milquetoast pacifist in opposing a pointless war that even it supporters can find no more compelling reason to continue beyond the supposition that stopping the war would somehow widen and intensify it.
I won’t address what Michael says, although when folks on the anti-war left use rhetoric calling folks “cretinous,” they can’t really be suprised when even an ally like David Obey gets frustrated with them.
But Dwight…what the heck is your problem? Check your facts man, Kolbe is a Methodist. The very fact that you even bring this up makes me wonder about your motives here.
Might I point out a well known factor in finding the ROOT of any problem : “FOLLOW THE MONEY!”
Giffords raised 5 times the amount of money than any other Congressional Candidate ever did in cd8 because of the support of well known Tucson Jewish Community Leaders from the REPUBLICAN Party and she told you about that support as did they ;(GIFFORDS IS NOT LISTED ON THE FEC WEB-SITE AS IAM AND EVERY OTHER CD8 CANDIDATE:WHY????) and you still voted for her ; as I WARNED you last year about her support and what it would mean in the future of U.S. Policy in the Middle East.
Iam for a TWO STATES living side by side in PEACE; Isreal and Palistine; Iran needs to STAY OUT of that process as does Syria its puppet and so on. RUSSIA IS THE PROBLEM by CONTINUING TO SUPPLY THE IRAIAN NUT CASES WITH WHAT EVER THEY WANT ALONG WITH CHINA!
Now we come to the crap going on in our Government with a press conference held by Nancy Polosi that was remenisant of my First Grade resess; a rambling that it is 199something oh yes this is 200 something and a re-deployment by July that if Bush does not certify what it is it goes to August then if Bush does not certify something it goes to October then if Bush doesnt certify something it goes to March of 2008; or 1999 or something to that effect.
I listened to this on the radio and could NOT believe my ears!
You are right and if you can’t see its all about Isreal then you can’t see the forest for the trees. The Star did an article about Giffords as the first Jewish Woman to serve in Arizonas Congressional Deligation and her following in the footsteps of another Jewish Congressman Jim Kolbe;as Giffords welcomed him on to the stage of The Democratic Party after she had won the election.
as Colin Powell said as Secretary of State “Our Suport For Isreal is ROCK HARD!”