It's Time To Debate Iraq by Rep. Lynn Woolsey

[jbfam4]

It's Time To Debate Iraq
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050823/its_time_to_debate_iraq.php
Rep. Lynn Woolsey
August 23, 2005


U.S. Representative Lynn Woolsey is a Democrat from California.


The Iraqi constitution is shaping up to be weaker on women's rights than even the regime of that famous egalitarian, Saddam Hussain. As the editors of The New Republic put it: "The idea that 1,800 American troops died so Iraqi women could enjoy the full blessings of religious medievalism ought to disturb the Bush administration and the American people."



Meanwhile, President Bush breezily enjoys his vacation, largely oblivious to the fact that roughly two-thirds of the American people disapprove of his Iraq policy. And obviously ignoring the fact that a woman named Cindy Sheehan—a friend of mine from Vacaville, California—stands outside his ranch waiting to get some answers about the war that killed her 24-year-old son. The president still refuses to meet with her.

Our famously steadfast president is suddenly vacillating quite regularly. The last few weeks has seen the White House flip and then flop about whether the United States will be increasing its military commitment in Iraq or drawing down some time next year (in time, conveniently, for the 2006 midterm elections).

And there's still convincing evidence that we're preparing to have permanent military bases in Iraq. All this from the same president who built a case for re-election on the fact that John Kerry was sending 'mixed messages' on Iraq.

[rodeodance]

1. "Our famously steadfast president is suddenly vacillating quite regularly"

[rodeodance]

2. she is right--too much energy and name calling being done!

The White House cannot even make up its mind about what to call this war. The tried-and-true 'Global War on Terrorism' appeared to give way to 'Global Struggle Against Violent Extremism,' before the president distanced himself from that phrase a week later.

How distressing that energy is being wasted on slogans and catchphrases, as if this were a marketing campaign for a new line of detergent. More statesmanship, less salesmanship, please. Everything about this war has been a ruinous debacle: the way we got into it, the way we've conducted it, the refusal of a plan for disengagement, the high price—in dollars and lives—we've paid for it. It must end as soon as possible. There is only one solution: Bring the troops home.

[rodeodance]

3. It is way way past time for a productive debate.

[rodeodance]

4. over 1800 dead so that women can once again 'religious medievalism"

"The idea that 1,800 American troops died so Iraqi women could enjoy the full blessings of religious medievalism ought to disturb the Bush administration and the American people."

[paineinthearse]

5. Over the summer I have heard this theme spoken by two US Reps

In person. I think it will be at the fore of the Dem's fall agenda.

Nomination #2.