The DSM, Iraq withdrawal, update on Russ - Goju's wife

[goju]

Hello everyone. I'm not goju, I'm Z's/goju's wife, he's been in the hospital and now bed rest after his surgery but I wanted to update everyone on him and Russ. Russ is coming home in September for a week after spending a week in Okinawa. What happens after that, we don't know yet, but we are excited about him coming home.

Z wont be running for city council after all. Wilkes will run again and will most certainly win but we can do alot to push the issues or at least make some noise. Z says hi and will check in when he can.

Here's a brief summary of a discussion during a dinner/fundraiser we attended for Skelton.

Iraq withdrawal is going to become a talking point/issue in the run up to 2006 elections. Some "gearing up" is going on already but they will be maneuvering toward that more over the next few months, depending on the security situation. They wont come out now, but depending on the situation in Iraq within the next 6 months, they can respond accordingly. Look for a serious ramping up of withdrawal rhetoric from Pelosi, or Biden, depending. One will take the lead depending on what type of traction the issue will bring. Lets hope!

The downing street memo issue is a political noose at this point. Even if it were "stamped by the sec of state" it wouldn't amount to anything more than speculation. It has the potential to do more damage than good and "who will hang their future on that?". Here is how it was broken down to us.

-The substance of the memo doesn't amount to anything that outweighs the possible fire it will draw. The issue is why put yourself in the spotlight to answer questions as to the substance of the memo, after proving its not "suspect". Paraphrased: "What is revealed in the memo was known by anyone and everyone, so whats the point?" People are afraid to "tie" themselves to this issue because they could just as easily be "tying their own noose" but that could change. The issue itself smells of political "gotcha" with not much weight behind it. Its all game-playing, and most have decided to back off and wait for someone else to push it, wait for the outcome, then tie themselves to it if it amounts to something tangible.

-There are more questions coming about the integrity of the memo. Its the questions that count and nobody is eager to put themselves in the position of having to address them. Because it isn't solid, the questions will take the spotlight and will "dirty" anything that comes of it. It may provide some political capital after the media gets on board but it depends on the level of scrutiny. The media looks to be on track to develop the story, but few are willing to weather the questions at this point.

-A concerted effort is being made to move beyond "circumspect issues" and into concrete areas that have more popular support. Bolton nomination, SC nomination, SS reform, health care reform, homeland security. Areas where there is clear weakness will be highlighted. The direction is, "anyone with a future" wont walk the tightrope. But, the more media attention the memo gets, the more willing some will be to align themselves with the issue.

Alot more issues came up but this is the gist of it. I'm fairly happy with what he had to say but Z isn't decided whether he wants to push for him or not. Z will be back on his feet in a week so I will keep you up to date on what we hear till then. We are planning a huge party in September for Russ, I cant wait. Chat with you all later.




Oops. I put this on the wrong message board :). I hate Mondays.