WP: Inside the Vote to Fund War, Rebuilding (Repugs loudest skeptics)

[kskiska]

Last fall, with much of the nation in sticker shock over the Iraq war's mounting costs, Republican lawmakers were some of the loudest skeptics of President Bush's $87 billion request to fund the fighting and reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But what was once seen as a tough political vote for Republicans has turned into a line of concerted attack against Democratic White House hopeful John F. Kerry, whom Republicans accuse of forsaking U.S. troops by voting against the once-unpopular measure. Bush campaign spokesman Steve Schmidt, accused Kerry earlier this month of "mounting desperation to explain to Americans his vote against funding for our troops."

(snip)

Republicans who fought Bush on the package said they still believe the president was wrong to oppose the loan package. Indeed, they said, Bush's stance could be a significant political liability. But they also said Kerry's ultimate vote against the package is fair game.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12131-2004Jul24.html

[Eric J in MN]

1. If anyone wants to write an email about the $87 billion

to the Washington Post or any other newspaper, you're welcome to use points in my blog entry at MoveLeft.com:

http://www.moveleft.com/moveleft_essay_2004_07_22_respond_to_bush_deceit_about_the_87_billion_for_Iraq.asp

[teryang]

2. Neither the $20 Billion in reconstruction

...nor a similarly huge amount in Iraqi oil sales revenues have been accounted for by the administration of the CPA. One of the reasons they needed to get out of Baghdad early was to avoid audit teams from the UN.

[Disturbed]

3. $87 Billion then $25 Billion more...

Is a fraud on the American tax payers. Of course the top 2% aren't paying for this illegal war and Occupation that is making the BushCo cronies more wealthy.