The Democratic Party

Democrats Pass Revised Iraq Accountability Act

Posted by Stephanie Taylor on May 11, 2007 at 02:55 PM

Since Bush vetoed the Iraq Accountability Act, House Democrats have worked round-the-clock to find ways to fund our troops without writing a blank check for the Bush administration. On Thursday they passed HR 2206, the revised Iraq Accountability Act, by a vote of 221-205.

The revised Iraq Accountability Act splits the original bill into two parts. While making $42.8 billion available immediately to provide our troops with the equipment and armor they need, the other $52.8 billion in requested funding would depend on Bush and the Iraqi government meeting benchmarks by July.

From Speaker Nancy Pelosi:

[W]e will not give the President a blank check. We will not support an open-ended commitment to a war without end.

By July 13, Bush would have to report to Congress on progress by the Government of Iraq. The Government of Iraq will have to meet key benchmarks like agreeing to share oil revenue among all Iraqis, disarming militias, and pursuing extremists.

Within 7 legislative days of receiving the report, both the House and the Senate would vote on whether to release the remaining defense funds. The House would also vote on whether or not the remaining funds could only be used to redeploy troops from the region.

The revised Iraq Accountability Act also includes:

• Prohibition on the establishment of permanent bases in Iraq
• Prohibition on torture
• The Murtha troop readiness provision
• $2.25 billion to improve homeland security
• $1.8 billion for veterans’ medical care

Bush has already threatened to veto the measure, although he now says he is open to the idea of benchmarks. Previously he said he wanted $95 billion with no strings attached.

Comments (116) «

Democrats!

I believe in YOU!

You will restore trust!
You will restore democracy!
You will restore HONOUR!
You will end the Bush Depression!

I BELIEVE IN YOU!

Brain on May 11, 2007 at 05:03 PM

Please don't water down the benchmarks. You will not be helping the troops by making it easier for Bush to dodge the bullet. He has to start acknowledging there will be a day of reckoning. The American people do not want an open-ended occupation.

SandyH on May 11, 2007 at 06:26 PM

Impeach the chimps Bush and Cheney

rjsnj on May 11, 2007 at 07:52 PM

I admire your efforts. It is beyond all comprehension that the Republican party continues to stand beside their man regardless of his failed policy and the pleading of the majority of Americans. The whole world, including the american people, know this war is wrong and has no real mission other than to make the rich richer.
I hope the efforts of the DNC is sincere and the end result is to right this wrong as well as many of the others that have been committed in the last six years.

NoName on May 11, 2007 at 08:09 PM

"he wanted $95 billion with no strings attached"

least us not forget that GW obliterated the pottery rule and our finest have paid the ultimate price. in monetary, the no bid contractors (aka GW donors and benefactors) have reaped this blood money while those returnees experience sub par rehab. demos and honest repubs need to no longer deal w/this decider-divider playing president. hold fast, or the poll numbers of the demos in congress will continue to mirror the great divider-decider.

america1st on May 11, 2007 at 08:18 PM

I heard that a group of repugs raked bush over the coals too. not sure if I believe that. he's so out of touch with reality, I doubt if he even cares. the surge is not working. the war is lost. it's time to bring the troops home and put bush and cheny in prison.
KUCINICH FOR PRESIDENT!

Sadie on May 11, 2007 at 09:13 PM

Sadie, I think it was all theatre. To note the so-called moderate Republicans who "raked Bush over the coals" all followed GOP party line when it came time to be counted.

Impeach Cheney and Bush!

rjsnj on May 12, 2007 at 07:35 AM

Billions in Oil Missing in Iraq, US Study Finds
By James Glanz
The New York Times

Saturday 12 May 2007

Between 100,000 and 300,000 barrels a day of Iraq's declared oil production over the past four years is unaccounted for and could have been siphoned off through corruption or smuggling, according to a draft American government report.

Using an average of $50 a barrel, the report said the discrepancy was valued at $5 million to $15 million daily.

The report does not give a final conclusion on what happened to the missing fraction of the roughly two million barrels pumped by Iraq each day, but the findings are sure to reinforce longstanding suspicions that smugglers, insurgents and corrupt officials control significant parts of the country's oil industry.

The report also covered alternative explanations for the billions of dollars worth of discrepancies, including the possibility that Iraq has been consistently overstating its oil production.

Iraq and the State Department, which reports the numbers, have been under relentless pressure to show tangible progress in Iraq by raising production levels, which have languished well below the United States goal of three million barrels a day. Virtually the entire economy of Iraq is dependent on oil revenues.

The draft report, expected to be released within the next week, was prepared by the United States Government Accountability Office with the help of government energy analysts, and was provided to The New York Times by a separate government office that received a review copy. The accountability office declined to provide a copy or to discuss the draft.

Paul Anderson, a spokesman for the office, said only that "we don't discuss draft reports."

But a State Department official who works on energy issues said that there were several possible explanations for the discrepancy, including the loss of oil through sabotage of pipelines and inaccurate reporting of production in southern Iraq, where engineers may not properly account for water that is pumped along with oil in the fields there.

"It could also be theft," the official said, with suspicion falling primarily on Shiite militias in the south. "Crude oil is not as lucrative in the region as refined products, but we're not ruling that out either."

Iraqi and American officials have previously said that smuggling of refined products like gasoline and kerosene is probably costing Iraq billions of dollars a year in lost revenues. The smuggling of those products is particularly feared because officials believe that a large fraction of the proceeds go to insurgent groups. Crude oil is much more difficult to smuggle because it must be shipped to refineries and turned into the more valuable refined products before it can be sold on the market.

The Shiite militia groups hold sway around the rich oil fields of southern Iraq, which dominate the country's oil production, the State Department official said. For that reason, he said, the Shiite militias are more likely to be involved in theft there than the largely Sunni insurgents, who are believed to benefit mostly from smuggling refined products in the north.

In the south, the official said, "There is not an issue of insurgency, per se, but it could be funding Shia factions, and that could very well be true."

"That would be a concern if they were using smuggling money to blow up American soldiers or kill Sunnis or do anything that could harm the unity of the country," the official said.

The report by the accountability office is the most comprehensive look yet at faltering American efforts to rebuild Iraq's oil and electricity sectors. For the analysis of Iraq's oil production, the accountability office called upon experts at the Energy Information Administration within the United States Department of Energy, which has long experience in analyzing oil production and exports worldwide.

Erik Kreil, an oil expert at the information administration who is familiar with the analysis, said a review of industry figures around the world - exports, refinery figures and other measures - could not account for all the oil that Iraq says it is producing. The administration also took into account how much crude oil was consumed internally, to do things like fuel Iraqi power plants and refine into gasoline and other products.

When all those uses of the oil were taken into consideration, Mr. Kreil said, Iraq's stated production figures did not add up.

"Either they're producing less, or they're producing what they say and the difference is completely unaccounted for in any of the places we think it should go," Mr. Kreil said. "Either it's overly optimistic, or it's unaccounted for."

Several analysts outside the government agreed that such a large discrepancy indicated that there was either a major smuggling operation in place or that Iraq was incapable to generate accurate production figures.

"That's a staggering amount of oil to lose every month," said Philip K. Verleger Jr., an independent economist and oil expert. "But given everything else that's been written about Iraq, it's not a surprise."

Mr. Verleger added that if the oil was being smuggled out of Iraq, there would be a ready market for it, particularly in smaller refineries not controlled by large Western companies in places like China, the Caribbean and even small European countries.

The report also contains the most comprehensive assessment yet of the billions of dollars the United States and Iraq spent on rebuilding the oil and electricity infrastructure, which is falling further and further behind its performance goals.

Adding together both civilian and military financing, the report concludes that the United States has spent $5.1 billion of the $7.4 billion in American taxpayer money set aside to rebuild the Iraqi electricity and oil sectors. The United States has also spent $3.8 billion of Iraqi money on those sectors, the report says.

Despite those enormous expenditures, the performance is far short of official goals, and in some cases seems to be declining further. The average output of Iraq's national electricity grid in 2006, for example, was 4,300 megawatts, about equal to its value before the 2003 invasion. By February of this year, the figure had fallen still further, to 3,800 megawatts, the report says.

All of those figures are far short of the longstanding American goal for Iraq: 6,000 megawatts. Even more dispiriting for Iraqis, by February the grid provided power for an average of only 5.1 hours a day in Baghdad and 8.6 hours nationwide. Both of those figures are also down from last year.

The story is similar for the oil sector, where - even if the Iraqi numbers are correct - neither exports nor production have met American goals and have also declined since last year, the report says.

American reconstruction officials have continued to promote what they describe as successes in the rebuilding program, while saying that problems with security have prevented the program from achieving all of its goals. But federal oversight officials have frequently reported that the program has also suffered from inadequate oversight, poor contracting practices, graft, ineffective management and disastrous initial planning.

The discrepancies in the Iraqi oil figures are broadly reminiscent of the ones that turned up when some of the same energy department experts examined Iraq's oil infrastructure in the wake of the oil-for-food scandals of the Saddam Hussein era. In a United Nations-sponsored program that was supposed to trade Iraq's oil for food, Mr. Hussein and other smugglers were handsomely profiting from the program, investigations determined.

In reports to Congress before the 2003 invasion that ousted Mr. Hussein, the accountability office, using techniques similar to those called into play in its most recent report, determined that in early 2002, for example, 325,000 to 480,000 barrels of crude oil a day were being smuggled out of Iraq, the majority through a pipeline to Syria.

But substantial amounts also left Iraq through Jordan and Turkey, and by ship in the Persian Gulf, routes that could also be available today, said Robert Ebel, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

"Any number of adjacent countries would be glad to have it if they could make some money," Mr. Ebel said.

Mr. Ebel said the lack of modern metering equipment, or measuring devices, at Iraq's wellheads made it especially difficult to track smuggling there. The State Department official agreed that there were no meters at the wellheads, but said that Iraq's Oil Ministry had signed a contract with Shell Oil to study the possibility of putting in the meters.

The official added that an American-financed project to install meters on Iraq's main oil platform in the Persian Gulf was scheduled to be completed this month.

As sizable as a discrepancy of as much as 300,000 barrels a day would be in most parts of the world, some analysts said it could be expected in a country with such a long, ingrained history of corruption.

"It would be surprising if it was not the case," said John Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, which closely follows security and economic issues in Iraq. He added, "How could the oil sector be the exception?"

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_MarthaA on May 12, 2007 at 10:46 AM

I don't like the benchmark on Iraqi oil. Why are we presurring the Iraqi people to sign a PSA? That's wrong! This should be taken out of the Senate bill.

rjsnj on May 12, 2007 at 11:30 AM

Iraqi Lawmakers Back Bill on U.S. Withdrawal

By Joshua Partlow
Washington Post Foreign Service

BAGHDAD, May 10 -- A majority of members of Iraq's parliament have signed a draft bill that would require a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. soldiers from Iraq and freeze current troop levels. The development was a sign of a growing division between Iraq's legislators and prime minister that mirrors the widening gulf between the Bush administration and its critics in Congress.

The [Iraqi] draft bill proposes a timeline for a gradual departure, much like what some U.S. Democratic lawmakers have demanded, and would require the Iraqi government to secure parliament's approval before any further extensions of the U.N. mandate for foreign troops in Iraq, which expires at the end of 2007.

"We haven't asked for the immediate withdrawal of multinational forces; we asked that we should build our security forces and make them qualified, and at that point there would be a withdrawal," said Bahaa al-Araji, a member of parliament allied with the anti-American Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, whose supporters drafted the bill. "But no one can accept the occupation of his country."

In Iraq and the United States, there is deepening frustration among lawmakers and the public over President Bush's troop buildup, a policy that has yet to prevent widespread killing in Iraq.

Iraq's lawmakers are moving further away from the views of the government, particularly on the basic issue of the American presence in their country. The draft bill is being championed by a 30-member bloc loyal to Sadr, but it has also gained support from some other Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish legislators. So far, at least 138 lawmakers have signed the proposed legislation, the slimmest possible majority in the 275-member parliament, according to Araji. Nasar al-Rubaie, another Sadr loyalist, told the Associated Press that the proposal had 144 signatures.

"We think that America committed a grave injustice against the Iraqi people and against the glorious history of Iraq when they destroyed our institutions and then rebuilt them in the wrong way," said Hussein al-Falluji, a lawmaker from the largest Sunni coalition in parliament and a supporter of the timetable proposal.

"Pressures are increasing here in Iraq and also in the States for the withdrawal of the multinational forces. . . . and it seems that keeping these forces here indefinitely won't solve the problems in Iraq," he said. "But it should happen gradually, so that Iraqi forces can handle the security tasks."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/10/AR2007051000387.html

_MarthaA on May 12, 2007 at 11:43 AM

Another reason to Impeach Cheney
May 12-13, 2007 -- Hookergate involves fired US Attorney. US District Judge for the District of Columbia Gladys Kessler, a Clinton appointee, has re-issued an order prohibiting DC Madam Deborah Jeane Palfrey from releasing any more phone lists of her Pamela Martin & Associates customers. Secrecy of the phone records has been a priority for DC Assistant US Attorney William Cowden. Palfrey released her 10 years of customer phone records to ABC's "20/20" before Kessler's March order prohibiting such a release took effect. As WMR reported, ABC and Disney, under pressure from the Bush White House, killed the story and stated that there were no "newsworthy" names on the Madam's list. WMR has been informed by three well-placed sources that Vice President Dick Cheney, while a part-time resident of McLean, Virginia and while serving as Halliburton's CEO, was a customer of the DC Madam.

The focus on the DC Hookergate story has now moved to Baltimore, and the firing by the Justice Department in December 2004 of the US Attorney for Maryland, Thomas DiBiagio. DiBiagio was fired, along with a number of other US attorneys, after George W. Bush's re-election for political reasons. One of DiBiagio's public corruption targets was the staff of then-Republican Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich, some of whom had engaged the services of Madam Palfrey's escorts. The US Attorney's office in Baltimore first became involved in the investigation of the prostitution ring after the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office and IRS agent Troy Burrus in Baltimore made a criminal referral to the US Attorney's office in Baltimore. Subsequently, an asset seizure warrant for Palfrey's assets was issued. Palfrey and her employees used two telephones in Maryland for their escort business, 301 231-5800 in Rockville, near some of the "mansions" in Potomac, Maryland and Great Falls, Virginia described by "20/20" as the locations in DC where Pamela Martin escorts would pay calls, and 410 244-1818 in Baltimore.

After Ehrlich complained to then-Deputy Attorney General James Comey about the aggressiveness of DiBiagio, the Baltimore-based US Attorney was placed on the firing list in the wake of the 2004 election. David Margolis, an Associate Deputy Attorney General, claimed he did not know about any investigations of Ehrlich's staff by DiBiagio when he informed the number one Justice Department official in Baltimore that the Justice Department had lost confidence in his abilities.

DiBiagio had already witnessed the brutal murder of his Assistant US Attorney Jonathan Luna in December 2003. A husband and father of two, Luna had departed in his vehicle, strangely leaving his cell phone on his desk at his office, and drove a circuitous route through Delaware, New Jersey, and then Pennsylvania before he was found in a creek near the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Denver, PA stabbed to death 36 times, supposedly with his own pen knife. Federal authorities leaned toward a suicide but local investigators treated the death as a homicide. In 2004, DiBiagio claimed he was being pressured to stop his investigation of Ehrlich's staff for links to gambling (particularly the gambling interests of jailed Maryland/DC GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff), prostitution, and other corruption and filed a threat report with the FBI. The Washington Post and Washington Times then reported that Luna was fearful that DiBiagio was going to fire him, which led to Luna's "suicide." It is a charge DiBiagio strongly denied. DiBiagio told the New York Times that the pressure from Ehrlich's office and the Justice Department served "to intimidate my office and shut down the investigations." Maryland Democratic Senator Ben Cardin has asked for an investigation of DiBiagio's firing.

Luna's death on December 4, 2003 was followed a few days later, on December 10, 2003, by the indictment of Maryland State Police Superintendent Ed Norris for using his Executive Protective Unit (EPU), the unit that protects the Governor of Maryland and other state VIPs, to transport prostitutes to various locations, including posh Baltimore and New York City hotels, including the Baltimore Hyatt. Like Palfrey, Norris also came under investigation for tax evasion by the Baltimore IRS office. ABC's 20/20 reported that Madam Palfrey's escorts were also driven to expensive Washington hotels, including the Hay-Adams. Palfrey, herself, has suggested that some of her escorts may have been linked to the case of jailed California Republican Congressman Duke Cunningham, Mitchell Wade's MZM, Inc., and Shirlington Limousine. The limousine service was, according to investigators, involved in transporting escorts to the Watergate and Capitol Hill's Westin Grand Hotel for "poker parties" with top Republican congressmen and CIA officials.

Hookergate expands: Cheney (l.), fired US Attorney Thomas DiBiagio (c.), who charged he was fired because of pressure from DOJ and Maryland GOP Governor, and Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich (r.), whose staff was linked to a prostitution ring.

The murder of Luna and the firing of DiBiagio eliminated the threat that the well-heeled customers of the DC/Baltimore prostitution ring, many of them GOP stalwarts, would be exposed prior to the December 2004 presidential election. The attempt by Justice prosecutors and Judge Kessler to limit the criminal case to Palfrey continues the effort to punish the DC Madam and her employees and divert attention away from the customers. In May 2004, at the same time Norris and his chief of staff agreed to a plea deal in the prostitution case and received light semtences, Palfrey came under intense federal investigation. Palfrey claims that she is being scapegoated by the very same people who were her customers.

This past January, after being exposed by the media as running an escort, Brandy Britton, a PhD and former Associate Professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus was found hanging in her home in Ellicott City, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore. Britton's home had been foreclosed after she was charged with running a prostitution service using the name "Alexis" and has since been identified from Palfrey's phone lists as one of the Pamela Martin & Associates escorts. Palfrey used the name "Julia." The Bush administration, clearly concerned about a sex scandal that will bring down more than just former Assistant Secretary of State Randall Tobias, is hoping to keep the focus on "Julia" and her employees, and not on "Backseat."

My2cents on May 13, 2007 at 12:34 AM

They should have sent him the same bill they sent him last time. Quit caving!

slbw43 on May 15, 2007 at 09:07 PM

This is wonderful news that the Democratic Accountability Act has prohibition on the establishment of permanent bases in Iraq.

Thanks to Democratic leaders we ARE leaving Iraq and we ARE NOT going to still somehow be there for a long time like many people have thought we would be!

ElizabethJW on May 20, 2007 at 11:36 AM

In light of the incredibly poor performance by this administration in Iraq this is more than a fair offer. Bush should be held accountable for this war - if he worked in private industry he would have been fired a long time ago. I think it would be a terrible mistake to back down from Bush now - this is a man who has been used to getting his own way probably all his life. Please...stand firm and don't back down - don't let this man bully you.

trdr1 on May 21, 2007 at 02:50 PM

And now today we see the Senate will send bush a bill with no timetable for withdrawl. I am all for compromise but this looks like caving to me...

johnford on May 21, 2007 at 09:38 PM

The American People are tired of the politics about this war. This Administration took this country to war because this President has such a big ego that he wanted it to happen. Reported this documented in several different publications. He had his henchman Rove cook up some spin and the American people and American politicians bought in to it. This President should be IMPEACHED and his legacey brought down in SHAME. He is a disgrace to our great country and the American way of life. Remember Katrian, remember he gave the Oil Company's a hugh tax break. Not in the interest of the American people, but in political campaign funds. The purpose of Government is to support it citizens. We have not border control except if you are coming in to America from countries other than Mexico and the other South American countries. This war is costing the American Taxpayer over $8 billion dollars a month and no progress is being made. Over $400 billion dollars that was to help rebuild Iraq from OIL profits is not coming from Oil Profits, but the American taxpayers pocket. What is happening to the OIL Profits and why should we not be getting that oil for next to nothing while this Administration stubbornly sites back while more and more of our troops are killed or wounded. This is not the court of King Arthur, but modern times and it is time to stop and pull out of Iraq. This Presidents own father advised him not to go to war, but did he listen, oh no. How can Americans site back and allow the Politicans to continue this war. This is our country and it appears that politicans from both parties no longer listen to the will of the people, but rather the WILL OF BIG MONEY. Haliburton is making tremendious profits are the cost of the American taxpayer and average citizen. It was recently reported that Haliburton will move it's world headquarters to Saudia Arabia. Looks like Michael Moore's reporting that Bush (both of them), Cheney, Blair and others are in bed with the Saudia's. The Saudia's as reported recently are funding Al Quedia, all the while Bush is their busom buddy. Sounds like someone should be investigating this, or are politicans above the law of the land?
As far as the Democrats go, they have again shown that they have no back-bone with regard to dealing with this administration. How can they let such a tyrant break them? The solution to this is quite simple - 1 - SENT BUSH A BILL THAT FUNDS THE TROOPS, JUST THAT. If he refuses to sign it than his true colors come forth. This will show the American People and world that you have guts and are willing to stand by our troops.
Next, sent him a bill to withdrawal the troops. If he refuses, send it again and again.
Support Rep. Murtha in his battle to bring IMPEACHMENT charges against this adminsitration.
If the Democrats do not start showing some guts and stand up you are doomed in the upcoming Presidential elections as well as future House and Senate elections.
WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO SEE THAT THE PARTY IS SHOWING WEAKNESS TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHEN THEY NEED STRENGTH. WAKE UP DEMOCRATS AND FIGHT THIS TYRANT IN THE WHITE HOUSE.

Feedup on May 22, 2007 at 09:38 AM

I've just heard that the Dems are caving to the Idiots and are taking out any form of consequence for not meeting the benchmarks. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING???!!! STAND UP!!!

FrustratedAndAngry on May 22, 2007 at 02:37 PM

I am disappointed that the Democratic controlled House and Senate have caved. We know that King George did not hear the voters last November regarding our demand that the war in Iraq be brought to an end, but we thought that the Democrats had heard us. If you did, perhaps you don't realize that we don't want you to say I hear you, we want action. This is not playing it safe so that you can get re-elected. This is a national crisis. YOU MUST STAND UP TO THE TYRANT IN THE WHITE HOUSE. NO FUNDS FOR THE WAR IN IRAQ UNTIL WE HAVE A DATE CERTAIN THAT THE TROOPS WILL BEGIN TO COME HOME FOR GOOD.

CaroleJT on May 22, 2007 at 02:44 PM

CaroleJT on May 22, 2007 at 02:45 PM

CaroleJT on May 22, 2007 at 02:46 PM

Personally my position is that the Constitution trumps all other considerations.

We need to end this war and bring our troops home as soon as possible.

I would support the authorization of enough funding to accomplish that immediately.

Since when is the security of the Iraq people more important then the security of our troops?

The lies and fear mongering by this administration in order to manipulate our thoughts and feelings makes me sick!

We have absolutely no business meddling in the affairs of any Nation under any circumstances to begin with and have generated by far more animosity then we can even measure in the Middle East and around the world.

Ron Paul has it down pat and we are indeed listening!

You people would do well to convince Dr. Paul to become a Democrat and throw your weight behind him and this country for a change!

That little man can more then make up for your lack of fortitude and courage in these issue so critical to us and the survival of this nation!!

I don't think Dr. Paul would compromise on his principals, he hasn't yet! But I guess it requires the presence of principals to begin with.

There is an old country song which says, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything" That says it all!

My question to you all is why are you so afraid to stand for what you know and believe is right? Why are you compromising you position? All that says is your position was public posturing with no substance to begin with!

searcher711 on May 22, 2007 at 05:23 PM

I am very disappointed in the Democrats for caving into the Administration's antics. I really believed the Dems in Congress would do what the American people wanted done when we spoke in November. We want the brave soldiers home. We don't want to spend more money on this war based on deceit. I am so disappointed.

Dabb on May 22, 2007 at 06:40 PM

No wonder people call us the "Gutless" party, the party of Wimps. We just don't seem to be able to make a stand on anything. The hell with the bases, the hell with the Troop readiness provision, and damn to hell giving the administration another 2.25 BILLION dollars to spy on us and to set in motion more devious plans to rob us of the very Freedoms that you, our congressmen, are SWORN to uphold.
This President has said, and I quote "We won't leave Iraq as long as I'm President", knowing that we have only one path, Starve to wars funding, make them bring our troops home now. Attack with full force the criminals that started this illegal war. First it was WMD, then it was get rid of Saddam, then it was bring freedom to the Iraqi People. This administration want's endless war in order to fatten it's constituancy, ie. the MIlitary Industrial Complex, read: Big Oil and a bigger Military to keep them in power.
I've been a yellow Dog Democrat since I was 18, Vietnam era Veteran USMC and I now am embarassed, EMBARASSED by my party's lack of fortitude and leadership on the war, on ILLEGAL immigration while allowing Dick Cheney, Carl Rove, Donald Rumsfeld, Alfredo Gonzales and Paul Wolfowitz to pull the strings of a moron intent on destroying our culture. Only Jimmy Carter had the balls to tell it like it is and none of you simpering wimps backed either him, Murtha or Kucinich when they spoke up. You are pathetic, look for a job as many of us are beginning to look towards an Independent that might stand up for what's right for a change instead of lock stepping for Big Money. You should all be ASHAMED that you've stood by and let down the American people.....shame on you, you still don't get it...you will, your jobs are not that safe.

WatcherOne on May 22, 2007 at 06:48 PM

This is caving in and I don't like it. Just keep sending him bills with a time table. Force him to back off. Remember why we voted the way we did in the last mid-term election. We want the war ended, not funded indefinitely. If you go ahead and pass this bill, take my name off the list. Don't call me for donations if you cave in on this.

ConnieinSpring on May 22, 2007 at 07:20 PM

! ! Nancy Pelosi ! ! and ! ! Harry Reid ! !
........... ! ! ! RETIRE NOW ! ! ! ...........

You are both TOO OLD TO FIGHT!!!

Your minds are NO LONGER SHARP FOR BATTLE!

YOU KEEP GETTING YOUR ASSES HANDED TO YOU!!!

Your belong out on your front porches in rocking chairs babbling to the strangers that pass by in front of your houses!!!
NOT RUNNING OUR GOVERNMENT!!!

F*CK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nancy Pelosi = 67 YEARS OLD!!!
Harry Reid = 68 YEARS OLD!!!

GET OUT OF THE WAY BOTH OF YOU!!!!!

RETIRE ALREADY!!!

YOU TWO ARE THE BIGGEST FOOLS IN WASHINGTON!!!

NO ONE TAKES YOU SERIOUSLY ANYMORE!!!

Let someone else lead our country!!!

You two are NOT CAPABLE ANYMORE!!!

YOU ARE TOO F'N OLD!!!!

chasemonster on May 22, 2007 at 09:31 PM

How pathetic! The Democrats Revised Accountability Act that does not hold Bush accountable...imagine that!

I hope I don't have to hear a Democrat say another negative word about the occupation in Iraq. I hope I don't have to hear a single one of you say another negative word about Bush because the Democratic party has taken the wind out of the anti-war movement and at the same time gave life and legitimacy to Bush and his policies.

The majority of the Democratic party really are spineless and I don't think I can support you any longer. :-(

Spotlight on May 22, 2007 at 09:33 PM

I hope Chuck Hagel runs.
I will be voting for him!
I am done losing.
This was the last straw!
Pelosi and Reid will never be able to lead our party because no one takes them seriously.
They're too old, and far too incompetent.
And they won't retire, so our party is stuck with a bunch of geriatric has-beens.
I mean, how inept can they possibly be when the stupid little bubble-boy Bush keeps kicking their ass???
MY GOD!!! Their incompetence is off the charts!!!

chasemonster on May 22, 2007 at 09:55 PM

Iraq is bad enough but this is icing on the cake....

According to Dem Reps Marcy Kaptur and Brad Sherman on Lou Dobbs, the Democratic leaders on the Ways and Means are secretly negotiating to give Bush free trade fast track authority.

DESPERATELY WANTED!!!! A Third Party that walks and talks straight and honestly, and actually supports Americans. Instead we get the same ole that we had before 2006 with a different name but the same agenda. The agenda is still to support corporate money changers, croneys and lackeys that Bush has been in bed with and have enjoyed screwing American middle class. But then what could we expect when Clinton pushed through NAFTA.

Robson on May 22, 2007 at 10:19 PM

I received an e-mail from Howard Dean yesterday asking me to donate. Donate when the democrats just caved in and are letting this president continue his occupation. I have not been this mad at my party in a very very long time. I immediately wrote Mikulski, Cardin, Sarbanes, and Pelosi.

MSUSpartan on May 23, 2007 at 07:25 AM

I am extremely dissapppointed that the Democratic party caved in and did not live up to the mandate sent it by the people in the last election. I feel I do not have a party any more and that noone in Washington DC cares about the people they are elected to serve only their own agendas.

JULIEW on May 23, 2007 at 08:05 AM

I am so disappointed in the Democrats. What spineless wimps. Why do they think they were voted in in November? I am sick about this. I will not donate another dime to them until they grow some spine and stand up to Bush/Cheney.

Pattio817 on May 23, 2007 at 08:18 AM

All of this, and then the Party sells us out in the Bill they put together yesterday, essentially giving in to Bush and giving him what he wanted to continue the War. Where is our power of the majority? Where is the promise to end this war? We elected a Democratic majoriy last November to keep Bush in check, not to knuckle under to him. This new bill makes me ashamed to be a Democrat, it is a total sell-out and will be the ruin of this Party. What do Democrats now stand for? Apparntly the same things as the Republicans now. Harry Reid, how could you do this to us? I am afraid my votes will be wasted in the future on 3rd Party candidates because after these lies I trust Democrats about as much as I do Republicans. Today is a sad day for America... it is the death of the 2 party system.... certainly the death of the Party I loved.

chick1951 on May 23, 2007 at 09:27 AM

chick1951 on May 23, 2007 at 09:28 AM

You know, I’m disgusted that I was so active and fired up to help place the milk toast spineless representatives that that so many of us worked so hard to get into office. We now have placed a herd of boot lick Lieberman clones in office. After all of the posturing and promises they have demonstrated just how republican light that they are going to be. I can’t believe that Reid has the testicular fortitude to state on national TV that “I don’t think that anyone can state with any fervor that we haven’t made progress” when Every one is saying just that, even the Republicans. Makes me want to Puke!

dustym47 on May 23, 2007 at 09:50 AM

dustym47 on May 23, 2007 at 09:51 AM

I am furious! Did you forget the main reason people voted for you this year was to get us out of Iraq! How dare you not have the courage to stand up to this lunatic we call President. To CAVE on timetables for funding this war is spineless and does not represent the people you are Supposed to work for. Let him veto your bills till the troops come home, the loss of funding would be on His shoulders. As long as the democrats allow Bush to continue to intimidate and "stand firm" our kids will continue to die and now that can be on your heads. This party has become no better than the republicans you say you oppose. I believe I will stay an Independent. Thanks for wasting my vote!!

comet on May 23, 2007 at 10:32 AM

Now I knew Pelosi is a complete sell-out, but Reid, sadly has shown that he's nothing but a liar like the rest of them. And you people are asking me to donate? When hell freezes over! Never again! We the American people, made a more than obvious call last November for you to act in OUR best interests. And why am I not surprised that you care nothing about the voice of the American people, you care nothing for the soldiers or their families. And you're calling the this last bill of funding the Iraq war a victory??? Once again you've backed down. Truly, you've stooped so low that you're likened to the dog crap on Bushwaks shoes!!

akred on May 23, 2007 at 10:54 AM

I feel like the Democrats gave in. Why allow Bush to ignore benchmarks? Basically, it is a shallow compromise at best. The party let me down.

ModerateFree on May 23, 2007 at 10:58 AM

The leaders of the Democratic party are no better then The leaders of the Republican party. They are all bought off by the corporations and international bankers the "one world order" crowed. That is why you don't see the Democrate controlled congress impeach Bush. It no longer matters who runs the congress or who is in the presedency they are the same! It's all a show so we think we have a chose. WAKE UP!

bornfree on May 23, 2007 at 11:16 AM

You people rolled. You are spineless. Being in the south, I know the DNC has sold the southern democrats out because you feel you can't win. Well you won't win until you start showing some backbone and quit being GOP light. Do not call or email me for money.

Liberalgi on May 23, 2007 at 11:54 AM

It’s somewhat confusing to me that I like most people who voted Democratic wanted change. It seems that what we got was more of the same. The main issue was and STILL is IRAQ. You can claim all the other victories in the same bill but the root of our problem remains the same. All you’re doing is extending an already overextended war. You claimed when campaigning that you’re going to do something immediately. Now you pass a bill that gives our honest and truth telling leader the go ahead as he pleases with the war but to report back in a few months. I guess we can count on him telling us the truth and we can also count on the military officials on the ground to tell us the truth. Oh I forgot, the ones who told us the truth on the ground are no longer there. The administration just replaced them with ones that sit as he has them on his leash.

I don’t know what television anyone in Washington is listening to but when I turn on the news all I see is death in Iraq. Unfortunately the only way to track on weather things are going right over there is our military body count.

January 2007 83 killed
February 2007 80 killed
March 2007 81 killed
April 2007 104 killed
May 2007 80 killed so far

Our military officials put a statement out saying they expected this as more of our soldiers walk the streets. They are prepared for more deaths? I’m sure glad they are because I’m not.

Now what happens when the president and our military officials come back in a few months and claim they need more time because the troop surge is now in full force? What happens when they claim conditions are improving in Baghdad? What happens when our military body count doesn’t change? I’m disappointed in the Democratic Party and it is now a very sad day once again!

JordanS on May 23, 2007 at 01:44 PM

Too little, too late. I have been a Democratic Party member for 30 years. Last year I did everything in my power to help turn the tide in Congress. I have given money, signed petitions, protested, and sent more money. Now this Congress is playing games with Bush! He is a criminal. He should be impeached. The war should end NOW.

So, I quit. The party that made me proud when I voted for Jimmy Carter no longer exists. Today's Dems are ambitious creeps like Hillary Clinton. I am not going to help them get elected. I will NEVER vote for Hillary Clinton for president.

I quit. I am now going independent. I was among the core of your constituency, the votes you could always count on, but you have so alienated me that I quit. I am not proud of being a Dem any more. The Dems in Congress are not ending this war or using criminal investigation and prosecution to get the madman out of the White House.

Being a Democrat has no meaning or purpose any more. Nader recognized this before anyone else, and he took a beating for it. Now I realize: He was right. We're not getting anywhere. This party does not represent me any more. It's over.

GoneIndie on May 23, 2007 at 01:56 PM

SO MUCH FOR BLUSTER AND BIG WIND. THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP HAS AGAIN LET BUSH HAVE HIS WAY...YET ANOTHER BLANK CHECK. I AM TRULY A MAN WITHOUT A PARTY.

manwithoutaparty on May 23, 2007 at 02:02 PM

It is time to quit giving money to the so-called Democratic Party. Our senators and congressmen act more like Republicans than Democrats. Democratic representatives seem to forget there are people back in their states to represent. They have shown no leadership and certainly no guts.

I think we should start a movement called "No More Money for Democrats." Both Republicans and Democrats already get money from the large corporations. They do the bidding of the large corporations, e.g. the bankruptcy bill, the Medicare drug program, etc. Why should we continue supporting "our" representatives when they do not represent us?

The movement would continue to take donations from people who want to support certain efforts: stopping the war; gas price investigation, control, or nationalization; voter machine fraud; investigation, impeachment and imprisonment of Bush, etc. The money would go only to Democrats who actually vote or work to promote OUR ideas as real Democrats.

No more caving in. We need real leaders for this country. If our representatives are Democrats in name only, they might as well be Republicans, and they don't need any more of our support.

I say no more to the endless solicitations from party leaders and candidates. No more money until they start acting like real leaders and real Democrats.

CalifSteve on May 23, 2007 at 02:27 PM

NO MORE MONEY FOR DEMOCRATS

CalifSteve on May 23, 2007 at 02:41 PM

The Dems have let down everyone who gave their time and money to get them into the majority. Inexplicably, they have caved in to the warmongers. What could have possibly happened to make them do this? I hope their very lives and the lives of their families were threatened because that's the only thing that would justify this. Imagine how many lives are going to be lost because they have done this. The Commander Guy is going to see this as more political capital and he is going to spend it on Iran. Oh, and the Republicans are still going to accuse the Dems of not supporting the troops. This cowardly move is not going to save anyone's ass at election time. Republicans are still going to lie about the Dem candidates and now their own constituents are going to be out to unseat them in favor for someone who will drag themselves out of the pork barrel and save the f***ing country!

CindyinEncinitas on May 23, 2007 at 02:43 PM

I have found someone who never was in the pork barrel. His name is Congressman Ron Paul who has run for president in the past as an independent. He is running for president in 2008 in the Republican Party but the party is trying to get him kicked out of any more debates. Look at his web page ronpaul2008.com you can check out his voting record. If you didn't know better you would think he is a real democrat! His voting record is better then Hillary Clinton or any other candidate in both parties. The leadership of both parties are bought and paid for.The only hope we have is to look for the best person no matter were they come from. Their are a few good people left in both parties and I hope they get together and fight for our liberties.

bornfree on May 23, 2007 at 03:45 PM

bornfree on May 23, 2007 at 03:47 PM

Congress, you are PATHETIC.After the niagara of lies and phonied-up documents,the corruption and lawlessness,what will it take you to develope a spine?It's UNBELIEVBLE.You simply CAN'T govern.How do you expect votes!? Suddenly Bush releases reports on Bin Laden and you probably buy in once again.Do you wonder why he waited til his ratings were at an all time low,an election is upcoming and he wants to prolong the war to do so?Oops, I answered my own question!Every time there's the slightest cause for hope that these criminals will AT LONG LAST be dealt with, you fold.I can't help seeing you as anything but accomplices.You are cowards and disgust me

billito on May 23, 2007 at 04:25 PM

Why do you our newly elected leaders not understand we want an end to this war NOW!
The Congress is only continuing this war by funding it. They must stop the funding if it does not contain timelines for withdrawal if the President doesn't sign it so be it. Without money the President must stop no matter what. Forget this Veto stuff if he doesn't want the money too bad it is his choice.
WE ELECTED YOU TO STOP THIS WAR!!! WE THE PEOPLE WILL ELECT OTHERS WHO WILL, IF YOU DO NOT!!!!

Brian De Grego

SSBW on May 23, 2007 at 07:29 PM

Brian De Grego

SSBW on May 23, 2007 at 07:29 PM

Why are we giving the DNC money if they are not representing the views and concerns of their constituents?!?

How dare they back down to Bush on the war funding bill?!?

Cowards. We must replace the representatives in Congress yet again.

NO MORE BLOOD, NO MORE MONEY!

Russ Wolfe

PhxAzDem on May 23, 2007 at 07:57 PM

We voted you in to end this mess. Have some backbone. The Pentagon has enough money to fund the troops for several more months. Do you even know the details of the funding requested? Hold firm. The american people are smarter than you are giving them credit for. We expect you to stick
to your guns. Edwards is right.
Chief3

Chief3 on May 23, 2007 at 08:28 PM

Chief3 on May 23, 2007 at 08:29 PM

We, the people of the United States of America, elected a Democratic Controlled Congress, to prevent a domestic enemy threatening our Constitution and our Country, The Bush Administration and the corruption of the Republican Party.

I have been a loyal Democrat, I did what I could to get out the vote, made meaniful donations to as many Democrats running for office,and confronted any Republican that deceitfully manipulated the facts.

But all of us must stand up and face this enemy who I believe is more Dangerous than any terrorist..........This President!

Our Country has suffered enough over the past seven years, and our country is now deteriorating, our world has, thanks to this.........president.

I am dissapointed about how our Congress has behaved this week, our leaders who should have opposed legislation giving the president another blank check for the War and the pending bill that is a flawed Immigration Bill.I am dissapointed in another Free Trade Agreement, that helps Outsource more American Jobs.

We elected our party to stop the madness that has ruined every aspect of Our Country's heritage and way of life.

I hope that Speaker and Representative Nancy Pelosi and Senator Harry Reid, will someday find the Courage to impeach this President and Vice President and stop the Tyranny that is happening to our Country.

Respectfully, Mike

mikeintemecula on May 23, 2007 at 08:38 PM

But all of us must stand up and face this enemy who I believe is more Dangerous than any terrorist..........This President!

Our Country has suffered enough over the past seven years, and our country is now deteriorating, our world has, thanks to this.........president.

We elected our party to stop the madness that has ruined every aspect of Our Country's heritage and way of life.

Respectfully, Mike

mikeintemecula on May 23, 2007 at 08:40 PM

"Enough is Enough! Vote Democratic!" As a life-long democrat (I'm 72 years old.) I thought our Party would stand together against the Bush-Cheney irresponsible, endless war in Iraq. I am in despair that congressional democrats have given up on timelines. What better way to support our troops than to get them out of this Iraq slaugher house?

RevJim on May 23, 2007 at 08:50 PM

RevJim on May 23, 2007 at 08:53 PM

Bush/Cheney need impeached, and someone that has been consistent enough and with the enough guts to oppose our militaristic imperialistic foreign policy and the Iraq War, like Ron Paul needs elected.

I'm sick of the gutless inconsistent pro-corporate wonders that our Party is foisting on us. I'm also sick of their pandering to Mexico and US Chamber of Commerce for cheap labor at the expense of Americans .

Robson on May 23, 2007 at 09:10 PM

Considering the recent Iraq funding vote, what is it about "Get us the hell out of Iraq" the party doesn't understand?

zootsuitbeatnick on May 23, 2007 at 09:21 PM

Nancy Pelosi + Harry Reid = SELL OUTS!!!!

I can't believe they caved to BushCo.

The Democratic Party can kiss my ass. They will never get another cent of my money.

THROW THE BUMS OUT!!!!!

ccatmoon on May 23, 2007 at 10:53 PM

I'm beyond disappointed in the Democrats. But not really surprised. It's far from the first time the Dems have proved to be all show and no go. I expect the same result on ethics reform. When push comes to shove, you're just Republicans in blue clothing.

katandmoon on May 23, 2007 at 11:23 PM

What has happened to the "Elect us and we'll stop George W. Bush and end this war" party???? It sure seems like they not only blinked, they caved. I was so excited when the Dems won the Senate and the House. I was even more excited when they stood up to the President, thinking that just maybe this would be what it took to end this war. When Nancy Pelosi took that gavel I was excited that we were seeing history in the making. I can't believe how wrong it has gone and how quickly. Tell your Senators and Representatives to vote against this "compromise". Let's get a Speaker of the House who will truly speak for those of us who elected him or her. We want this war over NOW. What part of that don't Pelosi and Reid understand?

MontanaKC on May 23, 2007 at 11:41 PM

If the Congress, with a Democratic majority, passes a supplemental war funding bill that does not have time limits, the Democratic Party will lose one member, me. This is the same whimping out that happened in '02 when only a handful of Democrates, notably including the current Speaker,opposed the war powers bill. Most went along with the Cheney/Rove/Bush rush to war because they were afraid of being called unpatriotic. Real American patriots oppose a policy of pre-emptive war, cooked intelligence, war profiteering, blatant lies and putting our service personnel in harms way for no valid purpose.

Gamse on May 24, 2007 at 12:15 AM

I don't care how you try to frame this, as far as many Americans are concered, the Democratic Party failed to stand up to the WORST President in U.S. History!

The message being delivered to people like me who voted for change is that you DON'T GET IT!

President Bush is an absolute miserable FAILURE. Long after President Bush retires to his Crawford estate without a care in the world, there will be generations of Americans left to pay for his lies and failures.

And today, the party I supported as failed me!

Shame on the Democratic Party!

Lukas on May 24, 2007 at 01:52 AM

As much as Bush is dumb, democrats are wimpy for sneaking in the minimum wage issue with the Iraq bill! If the minimum wage is that important, shouldn't it be on a separate bill? Ever wonder why Bush won the last two elections?

Why don't democrats shut the #$#@ up and let dumb people die for whatever causes they believe in? You can't help dumb people get smart! Hmmm... why should I waste my time writing this?

wimpy_democrats on May 24, 2007 at 03:05 AM

I am embarrassed and to call myself a Democrat today. I am ashamed of the leadership of my party. You had a chance to really stand up and make a statement and you caved earning the spineless timid reputation we have. Like John Kerry said to Congress during Viet Nam, “How do you ask the last soldier to die for a mistake?”

PEOPLE ARE DYING FOR NO GO REASON and you just helped drag it on longer and made the WORST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY GLOAT and give him more money to do more damage.

No you have the nerve to spin this as some sort of a win. You must think we are stupid! We voted you in, we can vote you OUT!

PrideDEPOT on May 24, 2007 at 04:24 AM

Stop caving to Bush. Stand up for what you say you are going to do. This war gets worse each and everyday and you are not serving our Heros by prolonging the bad policy this administration has put in place from day one of his election.

tuttbs on May 24, 2007 at 07:08 AM

The Democrates who said vote for me "I will stop the war" are now just as guilty as Bush. They lied to get elected and Bush lied to start his war. Pelosi and Reid understand exactly what they are doing by funding the war. They don't care about the american people who voted for the Democrates to change things in Washington. They are in bed with the leadership of the Republican party which is run by Bush! We the people are no longer represented in Washington. Wake up to the facts it no longer matters if you vote Democrate or Republican they are the same party. The democrates aren't afraid of Bush they are voting for the war because thats what they want! THEY LIED TO US! I have had enough of the lies from both parties and am going to vote for Congressman Ron Paul for president.

bornfree on May 24, 2007 at 10:07 AM

Seriously, Dems, this is all you got? If you need someone to have a spine, send me up there, since you are all to fucking old to fight for whats right. And don't tell me I don't understand politics. I seem to understand it better than you do, at this point. DON'T YOU GET IT!?! Who cares what they say, you should about what the PEOPLE are saying!! And we say that you caved! Stand up for yourself and us or we'll find someone who can!!

And after the number of comments on this, I think its a bit unanimous.

telrich on May 24, 2007 at 10:08 AM

WOW, and I thought I was disappointed in "our" Democrats, but there is not much more I can add to the conversation that has not already been said here! I too am just "sick" that the Democrats keep saying one thing and doing nothing. Now this "moron" of a President is about to hold a news conference in about 15mins.from now to brag about what he has done in backing down Congress. I am also sure he will continue to say the same stupid things and use this bill as a spring board to try and show he was right all along. Does anyone know if our leaders even visit this site? I am just about ready to become an Independent. I will not give one more cent to this party till it "grows" a pair. Now I hear they did all this to leave for the holiday, I can't believe it.

DMask on May 24, 2007 at 10:53 AM

Why are the Democrats not living up to their campaign promises to get the troups out. Hold Bush responsible for this tragedy. Our men and women are dieing needlessly each day. Stop this mess. Benchmarks aren't going to work. Let's get some backbone and fight. The Republicans want to be re-elected this coming November also. It shouldn't take much to convince them to vote with the Democrats. Right now I am very dissapointed with the Democratic Party. I would look at a third party if one comes along.

cinnamon_bear on May 24, 2007 at 10:57 AM

NO MORE VOLUNTEERS, NO MORE
MONEY FOR DEMOCRATS ...

...Until they start representing our interests and those of the United States of American...and not their own.

CalifSteve on May 24, 2007 at 11:12 AM

NO MORE VOLUNTEERS, NO MORE
MONEY FOR DEMOCRATS ...

...Until they start representing our interests and those of the United States of America...and not their own re-election issues.

CalifSteve on May 24, 2007 at 11:12 AM

Ditto for the above entries. I am this day ASHAMED to call myself a Democrat. In the last 6 months you have managed to go BACKWARDS! If you're NOT going to STAND-UP to this bush-cheney band of IDIOTS then RESIGN and get the hell OUT-OF-THE-WAY and let someone else stand-up and make some NOISE on behalf of AMERICA'S BELIEFS! You've had the Country's backing, yet act like a bunch of "deers in the headlights", and cater to this MORON'S every whim! I sure hope SOME Democrat can grow a set of BALLS by 08', otherwise the GOP(Good Oil Profits) will SPIN their way back into the White House! Maybe even 'NEWT'...Good Grief! Here's hoping Edwards & Dodd can show us the way!

Alpha25 on May 24, 2007 at 11:16 AM

DEMOCRACY 1. government in which then power is vested in all the people. Hmmm I guess the 70 some per cent of ALL the people who want this war to end don't count. Democracy is dead. Instead of have young kids die in Irag to establish a "democracy" maybe we should be looking at our own country and be fighting to keep what is left of it alive here! Democrats... ha what a joke, they are the same as the republicans, totalitarians' (Dictatorship) in thin disguise. Somehow we need to take our country back!!!

comet on May 24, 2007 at 11:17 AM

No one appears to be listening to the will of the American People!!, neither Democrat or Republican and the party recently nominated by the American people for change (The Democratic Party) has FAILED US COMPLETELY. I am so frustrated and ashamed of the Democratic Party at this point, that my next vote will be "NONE OF THE ABOVE". By the way, is anyone reviewing and listening to the concerns posted on this site.....or is this just another way to let us vent our frustration to the (Whimpy) Democratic Party with absolutely nothing happening afterwards.

winston1 on May 24, 2007 at 11:34 AM

You know I firmly believe and I think Bush and his boys believe also, that if the troops return home he will be impeached! It would not suprise me any if he instigated something with Iran to try and hold on to power unchecked. Although I do pray nightly that he does not do it. I dont think the Dems have the courage to start impeachment hearings while "fighting", hell I am starting to think they can't even define courage. Also why in the hell do we allow this administration to continue the lies and deception unchecked. I want to see a Democratic rapid response team to counter every speech or address this administration makes immediately follwing statements. Almost like the Democratic response after the State of the Union speeches. Yet having the bully pulpit has it's advantages, but they could do it if they had the courage. My beloved Former Gov of Texas Ann Richards, may she rest in peace, said it best while running against "shrub"...."Bush will give the same answer no matter what the question is or how dumb the answer may sound"(paraphrasing here). He also says the same things over and over and over and he has continued to do that and it WORKS. Yet the Democrats will appear in front of a camera and speak for a short time then fade back into their offices or something. And Alpha25 if Newt is elected I am moving to Canada. Maybe we need a petition sent to the Democrat leadership...sorry i laughed when I said leadership, demanding they stand up or step aside. Lastly where the heck is Howard Dean, why is he not on TV more taking a stand in public? I would have voted for him, but now I don't know.

DMask on May 24, 2007 at 11:41 AM

DMask on May 24, 2007 at 11:45 AM

Sorry for the double post!

DMask on May 24, 2007 at 12:06 PM

What the H**L! Do the Dems have a death wish to lose the white house in 08? The American public spoke in the last election and elected the Dems to stop this "freakin" war. We all worked hard to get them elected and when it happened, we all finally had hope that things would change. Bottom line, they lied to us to get elected. That's what the republicans have been doing for the last 6 years......it's so disappointing knowing that they are really all one in the same. How quickly the hope fades away.....are we all thinking "third party"!!!! Cause i'm done!!!!

106Woodland on May 24, 2007 at 12:09 PM

Once again the American people have been victimized by our leaders. We voted the dems in only so they could do exactly what that moron in the oval office wanted. 120 Billion Ms. Pelosi? If that is not a blank check I don't know what is. Now I have to watch that bastard on TV gloat about how he got his way yet again. Dems we voted your sorry asses in we can damn sure vote your sorry asses out. As that idiot once said, "fool me once er...shame on you er uh...fool me twice...ummmm we won't get fooled again.

jeffL on May 24, 2007 at 12:12 PM

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! The elections were in your favor so you'd CHANGE the situation in Iraq. We need to cut off funds and bring the troops home now. This doesn't bode well for the '08 elections and makes the party look WEAK!

oconnell68 on May 24, 2007 at 12:15 PM

...........TRAITORS NANCY PELOSI AND HARRY REID............

* * THE STUPID LITTLE BUBBLE-BOY KICKED YOUR ASSES, AGAIN!!!!!! * *

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO LOSE AGAIN TO THE MOST INCOMPETENT IDIOT ON THE PLANET???

DO OUR PARTY A FAVOR AND RESIGN!!!!!!!!!!!

STOP HOLDING ON TO YOUR JOBS LIKE THOSE STUPID GREEDY INCOMPETENT REPUBLICANS!!!!!

chasemonster on May 24, 2007 at 12:16 PM

TRAITORS PELOSI AND REID

GUESS WHAT?

THE BUBBLE-BOY BUSH HAS A MESSAGE FOR THE BOTH OF YOU:

"You're both doing a HECKUVA JOB!!!!!"

chasemonster on May 24, 2007 at 12:19 PM

you can't keep sticking in the sand. I guess it's time to vote for a 3rd party. your so worried about the 2008 elections that your not dealing wit today. Never has the republican party been weaker and you are so full of trying to be politically correct instead of doing the right thing! maybe a new party can do better!

rbell95 on May 24, 2007 at 12:43 PM

I am angry that my party did not at least offer the alternative of 're-directing' our human resources to Afghanistan out of Iraq in a phased shift. Afghanistan, the orphan war, could use the support that, the chosen child, Iraq got. Afghanistan at least was a justified response to a real injury. We allowed ourselves to fall for a 'con' job and got taken. Too late for recriminations, we should formulate a solution with minimum casualties on both sides. Real or imagined, the threat is worse and we are compounding it by feeding Bush everything he wants. Americans did not put Democrats in charge for things to stay the same! Don't bother justifying your actions/votes - just fix it!
So disappointed, I could spit!

BossKitty on May 24, 2007 at 01:39 PM

BossKitty on May 24, 2007 at 01:42 PM

Until an hour ago I was a Democrat, a lifelong Democrat. However I can no longer stand by and watch the constant groveling of the Democratic Party. You have for way too long tried to figure out what the best solution was to getting the Democratic Party back into the White House and in doing so, somewhere along the way you have lost sight of the fact that you have to stand up for what is right. I urge all my fellow Democrats to become independents.

It takes no money. No huge organization. Let's go back to what this country was founded on a grass roots movement to do what's right. The Democratic Party is paralyzed by indecision and a blinding desire to get the White House back. Who cares if we get the White House back if we wind up with some spineless president who keeps putting their finger up in the air every five seconds to see how the political winds are blowing, such as Hillary Clinton. The great reality is the Democrats and the Republicans in the pursuit of power will tell us whatever they think we want to hear. Put an end to it. I worked, I voted, I contributed in the last election. For what? I won't be fooled again! The Democratic Party has done itself and the country a great disservice. Instead of being a party of reconciliation, it has become a self-serving political entity that is no better than the Republicans party. Shame on the Democrats, the Republican Party has never been weaker and we were never in a better position to make true change, if they couldn't do it now they will never be able to. It's time to make a new beginning. Go independent

rbell95 on May 24, 2007 at 01:55 PM

Here is what I posted today on my blog; bluebloggin.com:

Pelosi and Reid Have Failed America

As Bush stand in the Rose Garden this morning giving his same old tired speech about the young Iraq Government and the his new strategy, I wonder how many new strategies are we going to have for this failed war. I’m sure September will bring another new strategy.

I am deeply disgusted with Congress for allowing Bush to again get his way in his continual lies of the Iraq war. The Democrats in Congress should be very ashamed of the selves. They won both houses of Congress to get us out of Iraq, and yet they side with Bush.

Their statement that this bill is the beginning of the end for Bush and his war is crap. I believe that for the Democrats approving this bill is the beginning of the end for the Democrats. Shames on you Speaker Peolsi, shame on you Harry Reid, both of you have failed the American public. Voters in November propelled both of you to power to stop the maniac that we call our President and you have failed.

There are a few in the House that are standing firm and will vote against the current bill and I applaud them. My own Representative Lloyd Doggett, will be voting against his colleges in the House. Mr. Doggett realizes the need for the troops to come home and he hears the voices of his constituents. I give Mr. Doggett a standing ovation.

My disappointment and disgust with the 100th Congress, has made me decide that I will not support, nor vote for any democratic running for President who votes for the current bill. This bill is a sham and yet, they call it ending the Iraqi war. My focus has now turned to supporting Mr. Dodd and Mr. Edwards for they are the voices standing firm on what the American public wants. They apparently don’t have a hearing problem.

nytexan on May 24, 2007 at 01:57 PM

Capitulate at your OWN PERIL.

You were elected for a reason. You say you'll STILL give the President a BLANK CHECK with NO benchmarks with ANY teeth. No, you are ROLLING OVER once again. I have contacted my Congressman, John Dingell and I will relay to you the EXACT message I relayed to his office (who CLAIMED they didn't know how he'd vote):

I will, as will TEN of my family members, STAY HOME on election day 2008 if you capitulate and DO NOT cut off funding, put a hard and fast date to end the war or benchmarks with TEETH. You had better come up with one of these three things to our satisfaction or we stay home.

We'll not vote GOP but we'll not be voting for a party that rather than SUPPORT troops and save lives would not 'relish the prospect' of GOP attacks over the next week.

You get it right or don't call me, don't ask me for money and DO NOT expect me to vote for this party of capitulation.

mharvey on May 24, 2007 at 02:18 PM

Let me say something if i might -- you folks are so full of hypocrisy and unmentionable things in your statement above, it is not amusing.

Another thing -- for us folks at the base of the party, who energize it, give money, and are the most active of all -- just remember this for any of you who care and are reading, and remember this alone: we are watching today's vote. we will not be fooled by procedural votes. we will know who voted which way (already we have a log from the McGovern Amendment Bill and Feingold-Reid), though a few might change since that (like Jerry McNerney has).

And we will use EVERY OUNCE OF OUR STRENGTH to defeat those of you who voted and will vote for the continued occupation of Iraq.

That is all.

Dr. MSS Gill

doctadeep on May 24, 2007 at 02:20 PM

I am disappointed and angry, this is an unjust war, this is a war for oil, we are responsible for the death of yong american soldiers and innocent Iraqi's, this war is planting seeds for future terrorists. Why democrats pass Revised Iraq Accountability Act, we voted for you to stand up and fight for what is right, to save lives and end this evil war. I am ashamed and I will never vote Democrat again.

MaxMalek on May 24, 2007 at 02:31 PM

I am sickened-

Keith Olbermann summed it up best. -----

Few men or women elected in our history—whether executive or legislative, state or national—have been sent into office with a mandate more obvious, nor instructions more clear:

Get us out of Iraq.

Yet after six months of preparation and execution—half a year gathering the strands of public support; translating into action, the collective will of the nearly 70 percent of Americans who reject this War of Lies, the Democrats have managed only this:

* The Democratic leadership has surrendered to a president—if not the worst president, then easily the most selfish, in our history—who happily blackmails his own people, and uses his own military personnel as hostages to his asinine demand, that the Democrats “give the troops their money”;
* The Democratic leadership has agreed to finance the deaths of Americans in a war that has only reduced the security of Americans;
* The Democratic leadership has given Mr. Bush all that he wanted, with the only caveat being, not merely meaningless symbolism about benchmarks for the Iraqi government, but optional meaningless symbolism about benchmarks for the Iraqi government.
* The Democratic leadership has, in sum, claimed a compromise with the Administration, in which the only things truly compromised, are the trust of the voters, the ethics of the Democrats, and the lives of our brave, and doomed, friends, and family, in Iraq.

Teflon on May 24, 2007 at 02:40 PM

This is simply unacceptable! I don't care that we don't have the votes to overturn the President's veto. I care that we stand for something when standing for something is the most difficult! Today's NYT says 6 out of 10 Americans oppose the war -- the numbers are significantly higher within Democratic Party! Stand up until they knock us down, then stand up again! If not now, when???

Lemeritus on May 24, 2007 at 02:40 PM

I am SO disappointed in the democratic leadership!! We have been dealing with George Bush wielding his executive powers so heavy handedly with the obstinence of a 7 year old! I was so excited about a balance of power being returned to federal goverment.. and the promise of finally putting an end to that quagmire in Iraq.. Those brave men and women that have fought and died over there have my unwavering appreciation and admiration for their sacrifices and patriotism.. apparently you have forgotten about them..

We supported.. and elected a democratic majority that PROMISED they would stop George Bush's insanity, and get our American heroes out of that slaughterhouse.

I am just STEAMING RED FACED PISSED OFF about this! What? Does the democratic congress/senate not think the people that voted them in are paying attention?

People wonder why voter turn-out is so poor. because apparently it doesn't matter who we vote into office.. they do NOT represent us.. they represent only their OWN interest. and the interest of whoever hands out the biggest PAC fund (they need to fuel up their Yacht's right?).. and promises from lobbiest.. and they freakin lie down due to fear of being called 'anti-troops'.. What would you call them now allowing Bush to keep the war going in the Iraq? I would absolutely call them Anti-troops now for sure! Instead of ending the war and allowing them to come home and go back to their normal lives..Now they are keeping them in harm's way..

Until the DNC can come up with a candidate that has the balls to stand up to the president, and fullfill their election promises.. I will no longer support the democratic party..
The American people have been decieved again!
I am so PISSED!!!!!

newsyphotog on May 24, 2007 at 02:50 PM

Hey, Democratic elected officials, if YOU don't care about the direction America is taking, DO NOT ask me to. This means NOT calling me for money. This means NOT sending me mail asking for money. This means NOT asking me to volunteer my time.

Have you done ANYTHING on domestic ILLEGAL spying? No, it continues

Have you done ANYTHING about setting hard benchmarks, a drop dead date for the end of the war, or cutting funding for such? No, it continues

Have you done ANYTHING to roll back huge portions of the Patriot Act? No, it continues

Don't come crying to us when your majority lasts two years. I'll be in Europe along with my family. You don't stand up to Bush now, forget later, later WILL NOT matter.

If you cannot stand on ANY principles (except looking the other way at election and lobbying reform you PROMISED to do something about) kiss my ass, we're talking LIFE AND DEATH HERE

Ask Republicans how to get blood off their hands, you'll need what they have been using.

mharvey on May 24, 2007 at 03:00 PM

Oh, and by the way, while Democrats scurry for political cover, Sauron amasses more forces inside the gates of Mordor

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/002145.php

"There is a race currently underway between different flanks of the administration to determine the future course of US-Iran policy.

On one flank are the diplomats, and on the other is Vice President Cheney's team and acolytes -- who populate quite a wide swath throughout the American national security bureaucracy.

The Pentagon and the Intelligence establishment are providing support to add muscle and nuance to the diplomatic effort led by Condi Rice, her deputy John Negroponte, Under Secretary of State R. Nicholas Burns, and Legal Adviser John Bellinger. The support that Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and CIA Director Michael Hayden are providing Rice's efforts are a complete, 180 degree contrast to the dysfunction that characterized relations between these institutions before the recent reshuffle of top personnel.

However, the Department of Defense and national intelligence sector are also preparing for hot conflict. They believe that they need to in order to convince Iran's various power centers that the military option does exist.

But this is worrisome. The person in the Bush administration who most wants a hot conflict with Iran is Vice President Cheney. The person in Iran who most wants a conflict is Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Quds Force would be big winners in a conflict as well -- as the political support that both have inside Iran has been flagging.

Multiple sources have reported that a senior aide on Vice President Cheney's national security team has been meeting with policy hands of the American Enterprise Institute, one other think tank, and more than one national security consulting house and explicitly stating that Vice President Cheney does not support President Bush's tack towards Condoleezza Rice's diplomatic efforts and fears that the President is taking diplomacy with Iran too seriously.

This White House official has stated to several Washington insiders that Cheney is planning to deploy an "end run strategy" around the President if he and his team lose the policy argument.

The thinking on Cheney's team is to collude with Israel, nudging Israel at some key moment in the ongoing standoff between Iran's nuclear activities and international frustration over this to mount a small-scale conventional strike against Natanz using cruise missiles (i.e., not ballistic missiles).

This strategy would sidestep controversies over bomber aircraft and overflight rights over other Middle East nations and could be expected to trigger a sufficient Iranian counter-strike against US forces in the Gulf -- which just became significantly larger -- as to compel Bush to forgo the diplomatic track that the administration realists are advocating and engage in another war."

mharvey on May 24, 2007 at 03:10 PM

Biggest losers of all. Us the American people. We voted these jokers in. Apparently they will only do what Georgie wants. Cowards all of them I dont care how they voted they are cowards I will no longer send money to any Democrat until they start leading this country like we (the people) mandated. Jerks

100

canuxfan on May 24, 2007 at 04:19 PM

Point of Reason

I’ve been thinking what possible reason could the Democrats have to cave into Bush? After reading some of the comments in previous posts, a light went off.

A few weeks ago, several Republicans said that if things in Iraq have not turned around by September they will no longer support Bush. So maybe, just maybe the Democrats strategy is give Bush what he wants now because they will have the Republicans on their side in September to stop the war and override Bush in the next veto.

I’m not making excuses, I’m just thinking out loud.

101

nytexan on May 24, 2007 at 04:31 PM

Point of Reason

I’ve been thinking what possible reason could the Democrats have to cave into Bush? After reading some of the comments in previous posts, a light went off.

I’m not making excuses, I’m just thinking out loud.

102

nytexan on May 24, 2007 at 04:33 PM

What a betrayal. To capitulate now, after all of those months of tough talk, is unexcusable. You guys are spineless, and I won't feel sorry for you if you lose in 2008 because of this betrayal to the electorate and to the effort to end the war.

Pelosi and Reid truly have no idea how to fight a political battle. Bush has reached record-low approval ratings, he is probably the most unpopular wartime president in American history, and the Democrats cave in to his demands now? It's a good thing these Democrat lame noodles weren't in charge of the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. Otherwise, the Allies would've snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in World War II.

The talk about how this compromise will prevent Bush from criticizing the Congressional Democrats over the Memorial Day recess is absurd. Bush is incredibly unpopular, he lost his bully pulpit a long time ago. The Democrats have that pulpit, and they should use it. Pelosi and Reid should go to the microphones everyday and say simply that they passed a bill that fully funded the troops and provided a way to stabilize Iraq but Bush vetoed it. It's Bush's fault that they're not being funded, not the Democrats.

Stop saying that this bill is a great achievement. While you do have some provisions banning torture and permanent military bases, removing a strict timetable for withdrawal is to essentially give Bush and the Iraqi government a blank check. You deserve whatever backlash you get from the voters who you promised in 2006 to not hand Bush a blank check like the Republicans did. While this funding bill is not a total blank check, it still leaves Bush and the Iraqis unaccountable.

From now on, the blood of every Iraqi and American soldier that dies because of this broken policy is on your hands. They died because you decided to give Bush the money he wanted without demanding that he adhere to a timetable. Those poor people in Iraq will suffer because you gave up the fight.

103

Brett4763 on May 24, 2007 at 05:05 PM

I was gonna send the Dems a blank check, but after this week....
NO BLANK CHECK for you either!
Gutless...

104

mavelous on May 24, 2007 at 05:19 PM

Democrats won the 2006 election to get out of Iraq. Stop giving in to the worst president in the history of our country

105

anndm on May 24, 2007 at 05:38 PM

Yeah right. No blanks checks, no caving in to Bush, "accountability" all the way. Right! You know what? I don't know why any of us should be surprised at your total lack of courage under pressure. After all, many of you went along with Bush during the run-up to the war. Half of the American people, and most of the people in the rest of the world KNEW Bush and his buddies were lying . . . and that they'd do and say virtually anything to get their war started. Yet a good number of you Democrats went along!

And now . . . after being handed control of both houses of Congress for the express purpose to go after Bush, you are doing virtually nothing! Sure there are a handfull that don't have their tails between their legs, like Henry Waxman and Russ Feingold, but a whole bunch of you are looking totally pathetic.

Guess we'll just have to see how it goes from here on out. If, 10 years from now, our kids' history books have a chapter discussing the trials, convictions, and imprisonment of George W. Bush and his buddies, then maybe that'll mean that some of you Democrats eventually DID THEIR JOBS after all. On the other hand, if Bush is allowed to finish out his term and ride off into the Crawford sunset, then I predict the history book will lay the blame for all this at not only Bush's feet, but at YOURS.

(Oh, by the way, life-long Democrat here. And same goes for nearly all of my friends and family members. But that might change drastically come the next election if you people don't stop acting like Bush's Poodles!)

106

ratmach on May 24, 2007 at 08:30 PM

The Iraq occupation is illegal under international law, paying for the occupation is also illegal. Voting to fund and prolong an illegal occupation should also be prosecuted and swift impeachments would be appropriate.

107

forthepoor on May 24, 2007 at 08:43 PM

Today is the first day in my life that I am embarrassed to call myself a democrat.

108

venamartin on May 24, 2007 at 09:03 PM

To say today I was upset with the Democratic members of Congress would be a major understatement! Did we not win a mojority so that we could make bush listen to the desires of the American people?
What the hell do you call what you did? You showed that the Democratic Party has no spine, no true respect for needs and demands of the people that voted for you.
I'm not sure that we got the representation we were so thrilled to elect in November.
If Rep. Pelosi and Sen. Reid won't call this back and change the wording back to a forced deadline and make the fool in the White House veto it over and over and over again then I think we should ask for another vote be taken for a new Soeaker of the House and Mojority Leader in the Senate.

109

madashell2 on May 24, 2007 at 09:16 PM

110

madashell2 on May 24, 2007 at 09:16 PM

Thank you for waging illegal war in my name. A proud Democrat!

111

forthepoor on May 24, 2007 at 10:18 PM

Since it was first announced that a "special emergency election" will be held next week, polls have made clear that only a handful of the current members of the House and Senate will retain their seats. It appears that not only will virtually all Republicans be defeated, but so will a large number of Democrats. The common denominator, the polls show, is whether a given senator or congressman/woman stood up to President Bush in the recent vote on the Iraq war funding bill. It now appears that any member of Congress who voted to continue funding the Iraq war will be defeated by historically large margins come next week's special election.

112

ratmach on May 24, 2007 at 10:57 PM

To Nancy Pelosi, You just gave the president a blank Check! Where is the withdrawl date? Bush vetoes you once and you cave? This county voted you in for change but all we have gotten for the last 5 months is more of the same. You keep this up and you will cost of the 2008 election!

113

jodenver on May 24, 2007 at 11:01 PM

During the Clinton Administration, in 1995 the Republican controlled Congress shut down the federal government. It wasn't that our troops were dying in a wrong, unwinnable war. It wasn't that the President was breaking the law and running amuck. The reason why the Republican-led Congress shut down the federal government was because of budget disputes.

So now that the Democrats are in control of Congress and won that control based on the failed war in Iraq, what do they do? They bend over and take it from President Bush. The Republicans lied us into this war; the Democrats lied us into voting for them to get us out of the war. The Democrats should be pulling out all the stops to force Bush to pull our troops out of Iraq. The Democrats in Congress could shutdown the federal government. They could stop any bills from coming up for a vote until both houses of Conress pass and the President signs a bill to pull the troops out of Iraq. What the Democrats in Congress did today was a disgrace. They must be condemned. The Democrats who voted to continue Bush's failed Iraq War must be labeled, "Bush Democrats", since that is what they are.

No one in Washington is defending our troops or our national security. The United States of America is doomed.

114

DennisR on May 24, 2007 at 11:05 PM

I thinks it's about time we all sit down and watch "V for Vendetta"!

115

ratmach on May 24, 2007 at 11:10 PM

Marshal Law is next folks! Although the neocons will have to spen a little bit of money, the little emperor thinks it would be real fun eh eh eh. We have no one to support us..the democrats are showing their true colors and that they really are Bush's whores. Why were they scared to present Bush with the same bill? Either they were threatned to have their heads cut-off by Bushies cronies or they are all in on it together. They have been for decades. They are all getting something from it. Friends, I'm afraid that the mini-series V has come to life and that some lizard-like alien race took over our country in 2000. They have turned an intelligent hard working country into a world-feared, scandal-riden, gas glutant, war mongering, gun toten, mindless t.v. watching, natural disaster riden, make me keep my rapists baby, forget the war keep shopping, unaccountable, materialistic dead land. For what? So that a few white and their friends people can be rich. They need to start the draft and send their lily white old asses over there and fight.

116

littleblackdog on May 24, 2007 at 11:25 PM

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Democrats Pass Revised Iraq Accountability Act

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