Bush vs. America: The Gathering Storm

[babylonsister]

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/6424

Bush vs. America: The Gathering Storm
by Bob Burnett | Mar 29 2007

snip//

H.R. 1591 places common-sense restrictions on the President's authority in Iraq: he must certify U.S. troops are adequately prepared and the Iraqi government is keeping its commitments, and begin troop withdrawal no later than March 1, 2008. The White House refuses to accept these restrictions and bristles at any suggestion Bush is an inadequate commander-in-chief. In response to H.R. 1591, the Administration message machine charges the congressional majority with "micro managing" the Iraq campaign and "bleeding" away support for our troops. In truth, Congress is--finally--exercising it's constitutionally mandated oversight responsibility. And, it is the Administration, not Congress, that is guilty of "bleeding" the troops: it was this White House that rushed them into battle with inadequate training and supplies, this President who ignored sage counsel about the probability of civil war and didn't send a large enough force, this commander-in-chief who didn't plan for an occupation and ignored evidence that a malevolent insurgency was building, and this Administration that failed to provide enough medical support for America's wounded. George Bush has been bleeding American troops for four years and bleeding the American people, as well.

On Saturday, Vice President Cheney decried congressional intent to set limits on Presidential power: " will hamper the war effort and interfere with the operational authority of the President with our military commanders... we will not stand by and let it happen." The President promises to veto H.R. 1591. It's likely he'll start a game of chicken: say to Congress: "give me what I want or I'll accuse you of voting against the troops."

Because most Republicans blindly support the President, Congress will not have enough votes to override Bush's veto of H.R. 1591. Faced with the necessity of supporting our troops, Democratic leaders will have three choices: continue to send Bush the same bill and, if he vetoes it, blame him for bleeding the troops; cave in and give the President the bill he wants; or, do something creative.

Congress must not capitulate to Bush. While his conduct of the war in Iraq is the most important policy issue, the President's power grab is the pivotal process issue because it threatens our democracy: the constitutional system of check and balances must be restored. Whatever strategy they finally adopt, the congressional majority must take their case to the public. Democratic leaders should point out they've tried to work with Bush but he remains obdurate, refuses to abide by the will of the people. Democrats might hold a national plebiscite on Bush's conduct of the war: ask the public, do you want the President to continue to have a blank check on Iraq? This process could serve as the basis for a national debate about Presidential power, in general. Given Bush's low approval rating, it's unlikely he would prevail in the court of public opinion.

Congress must confront President Bush and challenge his usurpation of power. Bush can't be trusted with a blank check on Iraq or any other national security issue. Congress needs to restore the constitutionally mandated balance of powers. This is the time to take a stand in the matter of Bush vs. America.

[Bitwit1234]

1. You say bush can't be trusted on a blank check

on Iraq...I say and most Americans say BUSH JUST CAN'T BE TRUSTED..PERIOD.

[CrazyOrangeCat]

2. Kick and Rec

[hootinholler]

3. Use this to put Impeachment officially on the table

Combine with hte stuff Conyers and Waxman are gathering, Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

Oh, I'm hoping to be surprised with a veto override.

-Hoot

[Canuckistanian]

4. Let him veto it

Then throw it right back in his face. Each time, he'll lose a few more points in popularity.

Iraq will never get "better", nor will there be any great "victory" by American forces.

This is a lose-lose proposition for Bush. And, given his pigheadedness, a cinch to dig his own political grave.