Reply #14: Reply [View All]

[bluestateguy]

On the one hand, we don't tie up the regular defense budget in the war $ debate. That's bad politics, and wrong for the country. We also need to get these troops a well deserved raise.

Now, Bush may just use the regular Pentagon budget for the Iraq War if Congress balks at giving him the money, but then it will be on him. Or what would stop Bush from using money for HHS or or Social Security for the war? Don't overestimate the ability of Congress to defund the war. He can find other ways to keep it going, even if if means having to raise the money privately, as Iran-Contra was partially privately funded too.

Bush will probably order Petraeus to deliver a cheery, optimistic report to Congress next month, and then all of the DLCers and other spineless Democrats (namely the 41 from the other day) will fold like a house of cards and give the little spoiled child more money to play war with his toys in the desert again.