Torture issue: Why does it seem like the Republicans and NOT the Dems are

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

taking the lead in opposing Bush on this specific issue (not the endless occupation of Iraq itself)?

Why is it that McCain and Lindsey Graham are portrayed as the principled opposition?

Where have the amendments or bills from prominent Democrats been on this topic?

I'm more than happy to see the Republicans infight on this, but that doesn't mean it's acceptable to me for the Democrats to appear to be on the sidelines on this most important moral issue.

[Renew Deal]

1. Dems have stayed out intentionally.

The Republicans have started this fight, and short of Bush calling McCain and Graham terrorist appeasers, they can't touch us on this.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

2. The right and moral position on torture is obvious, and I think it's wrong

to "sit on the sidelines" regardless of the political calculus.

[bklyncowgirl]

4. I agree with you.

Although the Democrats have long opposed these practices, and maybe they have some sort of deal worked out, I would like to see them speaking out more.

[Toots]

12. They are not sitting on the sidelines

They are opposed to this yet a Democrat opposed to Bush* is not news. Several big time Republicans opposed to Bush* is big news so they get the airplay. :shrug:

[alfredo]

3. It isn't news that the loyal opposition is in opposition, but

when his kool aid gang turns on him, it is news.

bush is trying to get immunity from war crime charges. the Gitmo 14 talk with the Red Cross, the shit will hit the fan.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

6. Has there been legislation introduced by Democratic lawmakers on this?

Or even attempted? Whether or not squelched?

[alfredo]

10. It wouldn't even be considered. Look at what happened to

Hillary's attempt to provide for health care for 9-11 first responders? It didn't even come up for a vote. Imagine what would happen if the Dems tried to hold bush accountable for anything.

The republicans have changed congress from deliberative bodies into tyrannies.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

11. But they should try to introduce it anyway, and make the Repubs squelch

them, and be "on the record" in a sense.

[alfredo]

15. I agree. Still the media should report our efforts.

[INdemo]

5. Because the MSM media is reporting it as if the

Repukes are taking the lead in this.The media makes us assume the Democrats are in the background on this and they are not.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

7. Have there been actions taken that have not been publicized?

[INdemo]

9. Porobably,but has the media ever give the Democrats point of view except

for a three second sound bite out of context...

[unblock]

8. the media only reports on democrats when it suits them.

seriously.

on most banana republican proposals, they'll lead with some banana republicans presenting their supporting view, and then follow with other banana republicans presenting their mischaracterization of the democrats' opposition view and why the democrats are wrong.

democrats only get quoted
(a) when they support the banana republicans
(b) when they are laughably out on the lunatic fringe so banana republicans can make all democrats look wacko
and otherwise (c) once in a blue moon, just to keep up pretenses.

[mmonk]

13. Dems want to appear tough on terrorism.

What bothers me is rewriting laws and redefining article III of the Geneva conventions in Congress. Dems that go along with this are part of the darkness.

[mtnsnake]

14. because our Democrats are being suckered AGAIN

This Republicans vs Bush "standoff" is just a charade that's being produced so that, come election time, Republicans can say ONCE AGAIN that Democrats offered no alternative......and they'll be right....and we'll lose AGAIN.