It's always interesting to see in the aftermath, what kind of bullshit the Democratic leadership will spew to try to spin their selling out America as a "win". With that sentiment in mind, I received my first email today from Rep. Harry Mitchell, AZ's 5th district. Harry won the seat through a lot of hard work and money on our part. This is one of two seats we snatched from Republicans in 2006. So we can be clear on Harry's votes, here is the rundown:
*He voted for the blank check on the Rule vote.
*For the first vote on the supplemental.
*For the second vote.
Well, at least he was consistent in selling us out.
His letter follows:
Dear Friends,
Last year, when I campaigned for Congress, I made clear that we need to do three things to ensure success in Iraq: establish Congressional oversight, develop a plan with clear benchmarks, and demand greater accountability.
I also said it was "essential that Congress and the Administration work together to establish benchmarks... and demand that Administration officials publicly report on the progress of those goals."
These principles are essential to ending the war in a responsible way. That's why yesterday I voted to send an Iraq emergency supplemental to the President that establishes critical benchmarks to demand greater accountability in Iraq, and requires the President to publicly report on the progress of these benchmarks.
Okay, so WTF? Does he really think we are so stupid? That compromise to him means bending over and taking it? That accountability means giving Bush everything he needs to fund and continue the war to his discretion?
Harry, you insult my intelligence.
This is historic legislation because it is the first time in the history of this war that the President has been forced to accept legislation that demands accountability. And while this legislation is not perfect, it is an important first step in what will be a continued process to end the war in Iraq.
Wow. Yes, Harry is right that this is "historic legislation". It shows for history to see just what complete spineless corrupt jerks the Democrats are. "Forced to accept legislation that demands accountability". I nearly choked on a pretzel right there. I guess Harry's idea of accountability is handing your 13 year-old daughter over the child rapist and then "forcing" him to 'report back' every few weeks. Yes, I notice Bush was so torn up about the blank check that he couldn't wait to sign it with the gleeful smirk on his face and the media is loving to report what a win this is for Bush and the Republicans.
This has been a hotly debated issue with strong emotions on all sides. I have heard from those who believe the President should never have been forced to accept the benchmarks. Yet, I continue to believe they are critical to restoring checks and balances in our country.
Can you believe that quote? He is actually trying to make us believe that bad cop, good cop routine and tell us these meaningless benchmarks were so harsh that some "believe the President should never have been forced to accept" them. F@#k you, Harry!
There are also those who say the only solution is to pull out all of our troops from Iraq immediately. However, an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops would have serious and long-lasting consequences. Because the Iraqi government cannot provide for its own security and stability, sectarian violence would increase exponentially and provide al Qaeda and other outside influences with even greater opportunity to create chaos and kill innocent Iraqis. Indeed, an immediate withdrawal would leave open the doors for genocide in Iraq that could kill hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians. We simply cannot allow that to happen.
Immediate? Harry, you consider March 2008 immediate? You consider Feingold who has submitted bills since 2005 and Kucinich some terrorists that want to cause instability in Iraq, help al Qaeda and that only with US occupation with the escalating violence escalate more be fettered?
In addition to establishing benchmarks, the new Congress is doing what the previous Congress refused to do: conduct oversight. In just the first few months of the new Congress, the House and Senate have already held more than 180 oversight hearings on Iraq. We will continue to conduct oversight to hold the Administration accountable.
You haven't used your oversight and power up to know, why would I have any faith you will ever use it when nothing is enforceable to begin with in the supplemental?
While this legislation is not perfect, I believe it is a step in the right direction. The American people voted for change last November, but unfortunately they did not provide Democrats with a large enough majority to override the President's veto.
Oh, I see. Now it is our fault. Because even if you had 99% majority, you f@#kers would STILL sell us out and make excuses! How about starting with getting the Democrats we DO have to actually vote the way they promised while running for office?
While there are advocates for a stalemate between Congress and the President, I don't think either side should place the well-being of our troops in the middle of our political crossfire.
Hey, Harry. Thanks for repeating the Fox news, RNC neocon talking points. Really. Thank you. I don't get enough of the bullshit from the Reublicans. It is nice to know that I can always depend on Democrats to put the nail in the coffin.
Our sons and daughters are in harm's way, and though I do not agree with the policies that put them there, I cannot in good conscience deny them the resources they need to protect themselves.
Yeah, that terrorist Feingold was really trying to kill the troops. No matter that you already had the funds to support the troops through the summer and not one bill submitted by Feingold or any other progressive cut off anything for the troops...on the contrary it gave them more funding to get the hell out and support their families. If you cared about getting them out of harm's way, you would have voted to bring them home.
I will continue to serve as a voice for those who seek to demand greater accountability in Iraq and end the war in a responsible way that sets the course for greater security and stability in the Middle East for generations to come.
Sincerely yours,
Harry
No, Harry Mitchell. I want you to START serving as a voice for those who want accountability. Each serviceman and servicewoman who dies from this day forward in this illegal war -- their blood is on your hands.