"We’d rather lose lives than elections*," is the new slogan of the Democratic party.
It is their justification given for caving in to Bush and for removing any timelines or conditions from the war funds.
Dem insider Tomasky writes:
As indefensible and tragic as the war is, this is the best Democrats can do right now. De-funding would have handed the Republicans a great argument going into next year’s election – which is, of course, one in which Democrats have their best shot at winning the White House in a long time. Iraq is Bush’s war, and Democrats need to make certain that it stays that way.
"Make certain it stays that way," by paying for it. That twisting of logic and lack of morality is breath taking.
But you may excuse that lack of morality, lack of standing for what the people think is right, because there is such a big threat out there.
It is dangerous in DC’s streets and being hassled a bit by ones own voters at home is simply less dangerous than being attacked by those very dangerous Republicans:
Democrats said they did not relish the prospect of leaving Washington for a Memorial Day break — the second recess since the financing fight began — and leaving themselves vulnerable to White House attacks that they were again on vacation while the troops were wanting. That criticism seemed more politically threatening to them than the anger Democrats knew they would draw from the left by bowing to Mr. Bush.
The Democrats are right I guess. Will there be hords of betrayed voters storming their home with pitchforks during those recess days?
There should be such action and much more. But that threat seems unlikely and is obviously not an issue.
The danger is that Bush might take the bully pulpit and explain that the Democrats have little spine to fight and pay for his war on terra the way he wants. To avoid such deadly accusation, the Democrats show they have no spine at all.
Meanwhile each day more and more people are dying in "Bush’s war." Dying because the Democratic party, working against the will of the U.S. people, fears a toothless political enemy.
Where will your Congress rep and your Senators be through their recess?
Find out, meet them. They don’t fear you. They should. So don’t forget to bring your pitchfork.
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* By membership rule one party members are required to restrain from sharing harmful consequences.