I just called Sen. Reid's and Rep. Pelosi's offices, and politely asked them to pass on a suggestion I just thought of.
Send the same Iraq bill back up.
I think that it will be very difficult to negotiate a new bill, and that if it gets changed too much we will lose votes and possibly get defeated in a vote.
Losing a vote such as this, or pulling it from the floor just prior to a vote which we know we could lose with an altered bill that is viewed as too weak or too tough, will "embolden" the Rethugs and their lickspittle media supporters.
Instead, if we can get the votes this time, then there should be no reason we can't get the votes next time, and the next, and the next. Just keep sending the bill back again and again, and get up in front of the cameras and say "We want to give Bush the money, but he just won't take it. We don't know why he doesn't want to support the troops, but there it is. We are trying to give them the money, and he just wants to play chicken with the lives of our troops."
The staffers were very nice, and promised to send up the suggestion. Always be nice to the staffers, they are doing their best.
If you agree with this suggestion, please call them and voice your support.
Sen. Reid's office numbers:
DC - 202-224-3542
NV - 775-882-7343, 702-388-5020, 775-686-5750
Rep. Pelosi's office numbers:
DC - 202-225-4965
CA - 415-556-4862