Those progressives in the blogosphere--where are you?
Why aren't we seriously discussing the Troop Withdrawal bill that Republicans in the senate have now decided to debate? I'm honestly curious why I'm not finding any new notes on this story--there's supposed to be a 30 hour discussion at the hill today and I'm not sure why it's not the most important thing on people's minds.
I'm seeing Texas, Ohio, Texas, Texas chants all over the internet and it hasn't changed since I was at the computer during the lunch hour in Montana. At the Kos, I'm seeing topics like "The Biggest Problem With the Clinton Campaign, Distilled."
Who gives a flying fuck, seriously? The war in Iraq has been coined a prime issue since the previous mid-term elections and yet has faded away from the Democratic Party platform and the spotlight! I don't believe this new conservative strategy will do anything to the War in Iraq's faltering approval, but I must consider both parties useless (and the blogging world to boot) if we do not act, if we do not rear our teeth and demand at least gradual troop withdrawal.
We will not see the reduction in military bases around the world, which remains a strident reminder to Muslims that we intend to occupy--this is the root of insurgency (and terrorism) operations.
Most importantly I see another opportunity to take an issue by the reins and enact policy. The Republicans in the senate want a debate. They indeed wish to improve the odds that issue will not hurt their candidate in November. LET THEM EXPLAIN WHY STAYING IN IRAQ FOR THE NEXT ONE HUNDRED YEARS WOULD HELP THIS COUNTRY! There is no easy solution to a quagmire and until we begin the discussion, and begin a timetable for withdrawal, there will be no change. Sound obvious? Then blog.
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The Senate debates all the time. Nothing will come of it. The President won't sign it and the majority in congress isn't big enough to overturn a veto. If anyone in congress was serious about ending the war, they could've voted against funding it. But that did not happen. So, they'll bicker and then may pass a bill with a timetable withdrawal (which I doubt) and that will then be vetoed.
"But are not the dreams of poets and the tales of travellers notoriously false?"
H. P. Lovecraft
I realize that they're not serious about passing the bill, not until we get involved--not until we're out in the streets. But your cynicism is inappropriate.
What I hear you saying is that it's unimportant that the American people see a president and a party completely resist their will and explain why they're ignoring the will of the people? And veto this bill again?
You're telling me that is not a worthy strategy?
Let them do it! Let this president veto everything that comes to his desk. This will ensure more progressives entering the congressional chambers next election and, hopefully, a takeover of the White House!
Sustainably yers, Green Underbelly
"But your cynicism is inappropriate."
Why? You even admit that it is founded.
"not until we're out in the streets."
ah, if only there was a draft...
"What I hear you saying is that it's unimportant that the American people see a president and a party completely resist their will and explain why they're ignoring the will of the people? And veto this bill again?"
I am not saying it is unimportant. I'm saying that it is true. Bush doesn't have to worry about popularity since he can't be elected again and the Congress is, unfortunately, just a pool of faces to most people.
"You're telling me that is not a worthy strategy?"
No. I'm saying that the bill won't be passed.
"Let them do it! Let this president veto everything that comes to his desk."
Unfortunately, he doesn't need my permission. (Yes, I'm a sarcastic jerk. No, it has nothing to do with you.)
"This will ensure more progressives entering the congressional chambers next election"
The only problem is the extreme amount of apathy displayed by our current crop. That might harm the democrat's chances.
"and, hopefully, a takeover of the White House!"
Almost a given. If only one of them would pull out (preferably Hillary. I like the fact that Obama is willing to talk to people), then it would almost be a certainty. As it is, it is still highly unlikely that McCain can rally enough support to beat the democratic candidate.
"But are not the dreams of poets and the tales of travellers notoriously false?"
H. P. Lovecraft