Should incoming Dems trust Baker Commission (Iraq Study Group)?

[philly_bob]

From Wikipedia, here is membership:

"The ISG is led by co-chairs James Baker and Lee Hamilton, and will be composed of five Republicans and five Democrats, including:

* Sandra Day O'Connor, former Supreme Court Justice
* Robert M. Gates, former Director of Central Intelligence
* Edwin Meese III, former US Attorney General
* Vernon Jordan, Jr., business executive
* Leon E. Panetta, former White House Chief of Staff
* William J. Perry, former US Secretary of Defense
* Charles S. Robb, former Governor and Senator of Virginia
* Alan K. Simpson, former Wyoming Senator"

Note presence of Gates, replacement for Rumsfeld and Iran-Contra heavy.

I don't know. At least a couple of these guys, both Republican and Democrats, seem to be traditional political fixers. My instinct would be to accept their recommendations, with thanks. And then ask them to turn over their paperwork to a Study Group formed by new Congress, chaired I suggest by Kucinich.

Here's the Iraq study group website: http://www.usip.org/isg/

[bemildred]

1. Trust has nothing to do with it.

The danger is that they will still want to meddle beyond our real capabilities, but they can't be any worse than the fuckwits we have had the last 6 years.

[Donna Zen]

2. There are no good options left

From what I've heard about the this plan, it is the only chance America has to get out as soon as possible with some saving face. There will not be a victory in Iraq as spouted by bush. I think this last and only option is all there is. This war was a waste created by a lie.

[randy5235]

3. NO!

Check this Link

[Sadie5]

4. Lee Hamilton

is a sleaze bag, more of a Repug than a Democrat. What was that about Hamilton shooting watermelons in his yard to test his Clinton lie theory?

[chieftain]

5. I don't think it is a matter of trust. It is a matter of obligation.

We have to fairly evaluate whether what they come up with gives this country an acceptable way to leave Iraq. There are no good options available so whatever they come up with it will be painful. We must find a way to end our direct involvement in this carnage as soon as possible. I say direct because even after we leave, the killing will continue. Partially because of the historical enmities among the various ethnic groups there but also because we set in motion the chain of events that loosed the hitherto contained forces of hatred. We need to realize that our presence perpetuates violence; it does not suppress it. So if Baker comes up with the fig leaf doofus needs to get out, I say let's embrace it and get our men and women the hell home as soon as possible.

[unc70]

6. Hell No !!!!!

Fixer is an appropriate term. Insider (in the worst connotations), power broker, persuader. I don't trust a single one of them, no matter what party. For example, Vernon Jordan often hangs out with the wrong crowds (e.g. Barrick Gold).

[mtnsnake]

7. No! This is just a feeble attempt at prolonging our stay. It's time to get out

period.

[karynnj]

8. No - they should consider the plans on their merits

but there is no Democratic representation to the left of Bill Clinton. I assume that people like Warner on the Republican side and and Kerry/Feingold and Biden will also have their say.

[PtotheJ]

9. Ummmm.....

NO. Another waste of money just like the 9/11 commission. All the 9/11 commission did was give us a story acceptable to most people without presenting the full facts of what happened that day. How many of its recommendations have been fulfilled?

What makes you think this new Iraq commission won't be the same? After all, it is headed by Bush family crony James Baker.