A nation's divisions over Iraq war come into sharper focus

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05233/557583.stm

Home for their August recess, members of Congress are meeting voters anxious and polarized over the war in Iraq.

As polls reflect as drop in overall approval of President Bush's handling of the war, lawmakers' constituents are expressing views that range from a determination to nurture democracy in Iraq to outraged demands for the speedy withdrawal of American troops.

"I'm not hearing from people that we need to get out; what I am hearing is that we should give our soldiers everything they need to protect them while they're doing the job there,'' said Rep. Melissa Hart, R-Bradford Woods, who supports Bush administration policies.

"Get out; get out of Iraq; that's the overwhelming reaction,'' said Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, who supported invading Iraq to get rid of Saddam Hussein but has been sharply critical of the administration's post-invasion performance. "People understand the danger there," said Murtha, a Vietnam veteran. "They see the carnage and they feel they were misled.''

These disparate views are coming into sharper focus as key thresholds are crossed in the continuing conflict in Iraq.


Carole Wiedmann of Sewickley is taken into custody by Pittsburgh police, one of three people arrested yesterday morning during an anti-war protest outside an Army recruiting station in Oakland.

Missy Woods district while having some blue collar is more affluent Repuke. The "our kind of people" don't serve in the military but gee we support you poor kids fighting the war with our big ass SUV's with yellow ribbons and W'04 stickers. Murtha's district used to be strong Democratic, but being more rural has seen a shift to the Repukes. Murtha's district is an area that used to be strong industrial/rural. Steelmaking, railroading, coal mining that has seen a tremendous loss of jobs and of some population. Many of the citizens up there have bought in to the NRA and anti-abortion rhetoric.

[iconoclastic cat]

1. "Key thresholds"? What the hell is that supposed to mean?

As if there's a polling number at which all these politicians will start singing a different tune? Sluts.

[mhr]

2. Politicians Are Poser Leaders That Are Really Followers

We have the power to kick their asses out of office.

But collectively, we have become as meek as lambs.

[Buns_of_Fire]

3. "There go the people. I must follow them, for I am their leader."

That's a quote. I don't know who from, but it speaks to me.

From the local dogcatcher to the county commissioners to the various and sundry congresscritters to the lazy-ass scumsucking piece-of-shit Biker-in-Chief himself -- they answer to us.

Sometimes, though, I just don't think we get it.

[Pharlo]

4. I have heard that particular phrase credited to Ghandi....

Damn tough act to follow, but admirable one.

[ConcernedCanuk]

5. Benjamin Disraeli appears to be the originator - but Ghandi also

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"I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?"
~ Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)

http://www.zaadz.com/quotes/authors/benjamin_disraeli/?page=2



Ghandi is recorded to have used a similar phrase:

Gandhi was a leader. Obviously I never knew the man, but he once said, “There go my people and I must follow for I am their leader.” That spoke a lot to the quiet affirmation of leadership that he had.

http://www.rescorp.org/members/gentileinterview.htm

[anitar1]

6. Sorry,maybe I am dense, but what does the link have

to do with it?

[ConcernedCanuk]

7. Each link is the source for the quote above it

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Some people like to verify information,

and it's source

and I'm one of them! :silly:

[AnnieBW]

8. "Sweet Melissa" is a b***h

My parents live in Melissa (Joan) Hart's district. I think that they're the only Dems in the North Hills. :( My Mom was an election monitor for her precinct, and the Repugs were trying every sleazy trick in the book. She ran 'em off when they started to cross over the 20-foot line for handing out literature. Rumor has it that the Dems have got someone good to challenge that obnoxious b***h in 2006. It was also Little Ricky's congressional district before he became a Senator. (gag)

No wonder they keep wanting me to move back home! They need two more Dem votes in my old district! (Mine and my husband's.)