Lugar critical of president on Iraq, terrorism

[maddezmom]

By Mark Pratt, Associated Press, 5/22/2004 15:09



MEDFORD, Mass. (AP) In a broadside against the Bush administration, Republican Sen. Richard G. Lugar on Saturday said the U.S. isn't doing enough diplomatically to stave off terrorist attacks and chided the president for failing to offer concrete plans for Iraq's future.

Lugar said he hasn't seen any plans for the makeup of the new Iraqi government, even though the administration intends to transfer political control of the country to the Iraqis in little over a month.

It's still unclear how much control the Iraqi people will have over the security of the nation as of the June 30 transfer, or how roughly $18.4 billion in reconstruction money will be distributed, the Indiana Republican said.

''I am very hopeful that the president and his administration will articulate precisely what is going to happen as much as they can, day by day, as opposed to a generalization,'' Lugar said at an appearance at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.

Bush must offer those specifics when he addresses the issue during the next week in a concrete plan that wins the approval of the international community, he said.

~snip~
more: http://www.boston.com/dailynews/143/region/Lugar_critical_of_president_on:.shtml

[Jacobin]

1. Hmm, republicans distancing themselves from their "popular wartime

president".

What a nice thing to finally witness. :-)

[MikeG]

2. Way to go, Lex!

[Webster Green]

3. The makeup of the new Iraqi government......

will be a bunch of dead guys. They will be assasinated shortly after they are appointed.

[Bozvotros]

4. Another article, same subject

Stronger language.

http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/8731839.htm

I have written Lugar numberous times, believing he was capable of integrity. He tends to be critical of Bush but far too often muzzles it and votes with him against his better judgement. Sounds like he has had enough.

Lugar could turn other moderate republicans away from Bush. I have a hunch that there are more than a few who have been hoping that someone prominent in the party speaks out. One just did.

[Disturbed]

5. Lugar is not a wingnut.

I have listened to him on several occassions and he has my respect as a person. He is one of the Republicans left that has not succumbed to the BushCo Cult.