Not much has changed since victory day. In spite of new Democratic power, it is disappointing to see that the congressional Democrats are still reacting to Republican frames. Control of the house and senate has given Democratic voices a new resonance. And yet, the Democrats are still on the defensive. Still trying to conduct themselves in ways so as not to present the Republicans with ammunition to attack them. They are not yet bold.
This non-binding resolution for example is BS, but it is a necessary step solely because of the untenable position in which the Democrats have once again found themselves. They are afraid of being accused of not supporting or funding our troops, and they are jumping through hoops to avoid that fate.
This is exactly where the Republicans want them. It explains why Bush is being so cocky and daring the Democrats to cut off funds. The Republicans know the Democrats do not have the courage to go that far. They will tinker, but they do not have the guts to stand by their principles. Having the courage of their convictions is always the thing that ties up and traps Democrats.
Why does a Democrat have to aver that s/he is patriotic and supports our troops every single time s/he speaks? Republicans have no such burden.
Let us suppose for a moment that with this new power also came a new aggressiveness, street-smarts, boldness and less fear. A determination to force Bush and the Republicans to react to Democratic frames and ideas, instead of continuously being on the defensive and reacting to them.
It would then be easy characterize Republican behavior for what it really is and to clearly contrast it with our own positive position:
We Democrats are the ones who support the troops because we want to bring them home and out of harms way. The Republicans support Bush, that is all. They really do not care how many troops they send to die as long as Bush does not look like a loser. If Republicans supported the troops, they'd make damned sure that they were well armed, had proper and sufficient supplies including protective armor. They have shown no such concern. All they care about is giving Bush what he wants, and the troops are the pawns in their game.