According to the latest figures, Bush's "new" plan would boost the number of U.S. troops in Iraq from 132,000 to 153,500. This mere 16% increase would result in a smaller force than we had at the time of the Iraqi elections (160,000). That's right: the so-called "surge" is just a ripple, the same as all previous minor adjustments.
Bush has no plans to increase economic assistance to the Iraqis themselves, only to American contractors. Bush's plan ignores the Iraqi Study Group's recommendations, including the key call for him to engage in diplomacy with Iraq and Syria. And don't even try to find any timetables or benchmarks--it's still the same open-ended commitment.
Bush had his chance to change course with at least some dignity when the Iraqi Study Group issued their recommendations in November... but he could not swallow his pride. After all this time, this is what he comes up with? The same old plan again?! Great gods above, are there no limits to this man's incompetence?!! In the most recent Gallup poll, 72% of Americans disapprove Bush's handling of Iraq--is it any wonder why? And now, once again, Bush has let us all down, especially those who have tried to stand by him. This so-called "new" way forward is a sham. For the sake of our troops, Democrats and Republicans in Congress must come together to stand up to this arrogant President and demand a better plan.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Demand a Better Plan
Posted by Dr. Strangelove at 5:07 PM
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5 comments:
I can only think that Bush has different goals than either most Americans have or than what he is telling us. I can only think that he sees the perpetuation of the war in Iraq as an end in itself.
I know that for practical purposes impeachment is probably a non-starter but it seems to be the only way out of this mess.
// posted by RBR
It's that 70's show.
// posted by USWest
I've been listening to comments on Bush's plan and I have been most struck by some Republican comments. Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NB) said the plan would be the "worst foreign policy blunder since Vietnam." Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) said he opposed the plan and wanted to look into revoking the President's authorization to use force. When Condoleeza Rice testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee today, reporters said she was, "visibly taken aback," by the questions and their tone.
Is this empty sham of a policy the last straw for Republicans too? Has Bush's long-delayed reckoning come at last? The squawks of anger from across the political spectrum over Bush's latest and most desperate farce may well be the sound of Bush administration imploding. It is too early to say it, I know, but I'm going to say it anyway. It's all over but the yelling. As of today, the Bush Presidency is dead.
Yep. Add to this issue the veto proof vote tally on the minimum wage bill and you have a week of Bush being smacked around pretty badly.
It's yet more evidence as to how out of touch this administration is that Rice was surprised at her reception by Congress.
// posted by RBR
Everyone should watch this:
Keith Olberman delivers a blistering attack on the Bush plan.
// posted by USWest
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