"Congress needs to stand firm and strong. Congress should answer the president's veto, by sending him another bill with a timetable for withdrawal."-John Edwards
May 2nd 2007
It came as no big surprise that President Bush vetoed the war budget sent to him by congress on Tuesday. He said he planned to veto it, after all, it didn't give him his way. He wants to continue on in Iraq, with the current flow of business as usual, despite the terrible toll it is taking on America, both here on our own soil and in Iraq to our overworked and drained military. Honestly, it is depressing to know that our own president is so selfish, that he would surround himself with yes people on all sides, to enable his deep denial over the situation in Iraq. Something must be done to put a stop to this national tragedy, but I don't think it will come by way of our new democratic house and senate. I don't think they will hold up under the pressure. There are already rumblings that they will cave, and consider putting in non-binding resolutions for setting benchmarks for the Iraqi's to meet. Not good enough! Not good enough by any stretch of the imagination. The Iraqi's care so little about the state of affairs in their war-torn nation, that they are considering a two month vacation over this next summer. Does that sound like a country who has any intention of stepping up to the plate, to take control of their own fate?
It is a depressing thought that congress would cave, and allow the opportunity to end this war to slip away. They are in a tough place when it comes down to what to do. If they cut off funding to the soldiers, they will be blamed for the consequences of their actions, when in fact, those consequences should be resting on the shoulder of the president.That pin works both ways. He can't say that he has no choice but to veto... sure he does, he just won't consider other options. He is too busy with photo op's on American Idol, and thanking the American people for their generosity. The fact of the matter is, we have to be generous, because we can't count on our own government to take care of us. Ask the people of the Gulf Coast, if the Bush Administration has come through for them.
The white house is still looking for a "War Czar" which is yet another made up office, designed to shield Bush from taking responsibility for his decisions as Commander-in-Chief. Amazing.And can you believe that the official White House website, still has the press release announcing "Major Combat Operations In Iraq Have Ended," you know, the speech he made under the banner, "Mission Accomplished," still available? "Major Combat Operations In Iraq Have Ended." Last month, was one of the deadliest months in Iraq, since he made that famous speech in 2003, over 100 military members were killed in April. Over 100!
So, if we can't count on our new congress and senate to hold up under the pressure, what are we to do? I think it is going to fall on all of us, the over 60% of Americans who want a swift end brought to this war. The democrats needed a 2/3 vote to override President Bush's veto, and it wasn't achieved mostly due to the Republican vote. Ok, you can be a republican and still not support the war. I know there are some of you out there... the poll numbers indicate you are there, so here is what I think should be done. Right now. It doesn't matter what political party you belong to, if you think we need to be out of Iraq, send your senators and congressmen an email before the next proposal is sent to Bush's desk. DEMAND that congress sticks to it's first inclination for setting a timetable for withdrawal. Change must come from you and I.
Let the politicians know, that come the 2008 national election, we will be casting a vote based as a direct result from their actions right now. We have that power. Dick Cheney recently told singer Sheryl Crow, that he doesn't work for her, he works for the American people. I am still trying to figure that one out, considering she is an American citizen. Sigh. Perhaps he meant he only works for those HE considers Americans, in other words, those who follow him with near idol worship. Those who follow him with blind faith. Considering his poll numbers... I don't think it's a terribly big group, but the point is, if he is going to be serving as VP, than he has an obligation to all Americans. I wish he would remember that. Sigh.
I have been listening to John Edwards over the last couple days, and I am gaining more and more respect for him. He said exactly what I have been thinking over the last week or so. "Congress needs to stand firm. Congress should answer the president's veto by sending him another bill with a timetable for withdrawal." I appreciated that. I am impressed with the choices we are being given on both sides of the campaign. The 08 election process will be exciting to watch unfold over the next year. Based on information on the candidates to date... John Edwards impresses me the most, as someone who will lead America to a surer, safer future. He doesn't have to do it with fear tactics or bullying, he will be doing it with common sense and courage. Hillary Clinton is a good bet as a candidate, as is Joe Biden, but right now, barring anything unforeseen, I think I will be supporting John Edwards. Now go, be Americans, and email or snail mail your representatives. Make your voice heard loud and clear, before the next round of negotiations with the president take place.
-OndineMonet
Sign an online petition at the Edwards campaign site, to end the war in Iraq
Bush To Congress: Stay Out Of My Way (ABC News)
John Edwards Comes Full Circle On Iraq
Edwards Statement On Bush Veto Of Iraq Funding Bill
Major Combat Operations In Iraq Have Ended
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