? Why is Tsunami aid included in Iraq/Afgan $82,000,000,000 request?

[spanone]

I don't get it. Why would you stuff the aid for Tsunami victims in the Iraq 82 BILLION DOLLAR request?

[chelsea0011]

1. It makes it harder to say no.

[Kellanved]

4. And to keep it out of the Budget

n/t

[ComerPerro]

8. Exactly

[Stop_the_War]

2. To try and trick us..

If we vote no they will try to say we voted no to tsunami aid. which is total bullshit.

[veteran_for_peace]

3. So that Democrats won't vote against it.

Or the administration will say that they don't want to help those people who were hurt by the Tsunami.

[TWiley]

5. Because Republicans are Liars, and they want to Demonize

the Democrats if they do not pass the bill.

[moondust]

6. "Democratic candidate ________ voted AGAINST tsunami aid!"

Remember: "John Kerry voted against supporting our troops!"

Allows half-truths to later be told by liars.

[ComerPerro]

7. All of the above, but also a more dishonest reason

Naturally, the Republicans want to stick it to us. They have been doing it for years, drafting terrible shit into otherwise decent legislation. That way they can say "The Democrats voted against _____".

But there is another reason that I haven't seen listed yet.

By including Tsunami aide, Bush can pretend that this is "emergency spending". That way, he doesn't have to put it in his budget.

[Wonco_the_Sane]

9. dunno

I think (illegal) Iraq War spending counts as "emergency" spending too. No?

[ComerPerro]

10. Probably, but this shuts up anyone who dares protest

Because, this way conservatives can just say "So you don't support helping Tsunami victims?"

[Wonco_the_Sane]

11. No doubt

I agree with the points made above. Sorry if I was getting picky about your point there.

Typical pug strateegery. Like mis-naming other proposals. (see: no child left behind, patriot act, clear skies etc etc...)

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

12. To give pro-war Democrats cover to vote for it.

Which they will.