For quite a while we've been hearing the argument that the Democrats were for war with Iraq back in 98 because the signed the 98 Iraq Liberation Act.pdf You see the argument on winger blogs like Redstate, The Weakly Standard and all over wingnut radio. Just this morning I saw it used in a letter to the editor in the LA Times. Of course, as usual, it is a disingenuous argument. Each and every one of them leave this part out:
SEC. 8. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize or otherwise
speak to the use of United States Armed Forces (except as provided
in section 4(a)(2)) in carrying out this Act.
Approved October 31, 1998
That's a pretty relevant section, no? Why do you suppose they would leave that out?
Now I first saw this section by following a link over at Balloon-Juice posted from the former resident liar, Darrell. People like him will post these types of things because they know that few will follow a link. But I did and found a two page piece so it wasn't hard to find that last section. Of course it has proven extremely difficult for the pundits, the regular media and, most pathetically, our own worthless talking heads. I have yet to see any of them point this out.
So we have to. We have to point it out each and every time some liar on the right uses it. Just like everything else these days we have to do what so many others get paid big bucks to do.