It is puzzling to me that nobody has publicly explained the de-funding tactic that is sure to end the disastrous Iraq war in short order. This tactic neatly avoids the challenge of "not supporting the troops." All that is necessary is for the Democratic Congressional majority to put a hold on spending for the prized gold-plated weapons systems of the MIC. Specifically, the F35, the Osprey, missile defense, and the next super-carrier. By leaving the Army and Marine Corps ground force budgets untouched, immediate funding for the Iraq war would continue, but the Military-Industrial-Complex would receive a kick in the balls that would concentrate its mind wonderfully on ending the Iraq war.
This tactic is easily justified for the following reasons:
- The Cold War weapons programs have degenerated into ridiculously mismanaged farces, and even a cursory inspection will provide ample reasons for funding halts.
- The Cold War weapons programs are inappropriate counters to low-tech terrorist threats.
- The defense budget can't continue to carry the Iraq and Afghanistan wars off the books, so sacrifices must be made.
- Since most of the key Democratic Congressional representatives are coin-operated functionaries of the corporations, there is no prospect of the main MIC programs being cancelled. But they can be delayed for a good reason, and ending the Iraq war is an excellent reason.
- Once the nature of this deal is put in front of the MIC, they will dump Bush's Iraq war in hours.
In summary, the fastest way to end the Iraq war is to suspend funding of the useless weapons programs of the Military-Industrial-Complex for a few months. This is entirely within the powers of the Democrats, and nothing Bush or the Senate Republicans can do can stop them.
Stand and deliver, Democrats. You have no excuse for inaction.