Bush Winning War On Congress

[Better Believe It]

Bush winning war on Congress
By Clarence Lusane
The Progressive
April 10, 2008


If Bush was fearful initially that a Democratically controlled Congress would curtail his Iraq adventures, he quickly realized he needed only the pretense of accountability and then could continue on his merry way. Having agreed to an escalation branded “the surge” 19 months ago, Congress created a reporting mechanism that has become an exercise in spin.

The obligatory testimony to Congress every six months is not really about putting restraints on the administration or stopping the war. Democrats don’t have the spine for that, and Bush uses the occasion as a forum of disinformation to maintain the quagmire in Iraq.

Bush also uses the six-month ritual to set the stage for conflict with Iran. Petraeus told Congress Iran’s role was “particularly damaging,” “destructive,” “lethal,” and “nefarious.” Bush followed that up by threatening Iran. “The regime in Tehran also has a choice to make. It can live in peace with its neighbor,” Bush said on Thursday, or “America will act to protect our interests, and our troops and our partners.”

The real point of the recent testimony was to let legislators know that the administration was not going to honor the implicit bargain it made with Congress and the American people: that the surge was a temporary necessity and would result in fewer troops in Iraq. That deal is over and done with. Petraeus made clear that the drawdown would come to an end after July, and that at least 140,000 troops will still be in country well into 2009.


http://progressive.org/mp_darder041008

[SammyWinstonJack]

1. K&R

:argh:

[acmavm]

2. Well, when dems are heavily invested in businesses who do

goverment contracting, what opposition could there be? I mean, they would have to chose between their bank balance and what is right for the country. You fucking KNOW that bank balance is gonna win out every time.

[spanone]

3. after six years, any congressperson who thought bu$h* would keep his word is a fool

[atreides1]

4. What Does that say about the voters

When the fools keep getting re-elected!

[amihol]

6. that is not the best...

[Individualist]

7. Hear, hear!

Among other things, it says those who vote for enablers are a big part of the problem.

[Fireweed247]

8. The voters are just beginning to learn how bad the situation is

and it is time to elect a new Congress- we need fresh perspectives
www.peacecandidates.com

[man4allcats]

5. It seems to me that it's not really a question of

Bush having won the war with Congress. He didn't actually win it; like everything else in his miserable life it was handed to him by a Congress that surrendered without a fight.