Democrats promise 'new direction' in Iraq

[bigtree]

25 Nov 2006 16:06:07 GMT

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N24341513.htm

WASHINGTON, Nov 25 (Reuters) - Democrats on Saturday promised to help "forge a new direction" in the Iraq war when they take control of the U.S. Congress in January from President George W. Bush's Republicans.

"This we will do, and much more -- not because we believe in the infinite wisdom of government, but because we believe in the innate goodness of our people and the promise of a brighter future in the land that we all love," Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland said in delivering his party's weekly radio address.

"More than 40 years ago, our 35th President -- John F. Kennedy -- perhaps said it best: 'Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future,'" Hoyer said.

Hoyer said, "We will work with the president and our Republican colleagues in Congress to forge a new direction in Iraq -- because, clearly, the current strategy is not working."

"Sectarian violence continues to rage," Hoyer said. "Our brave servicemen and women continue to be maimed and killed. And the war is not making our nation safer or more secure."

"In the days ahead, the Iraqis must make the tough decisions and accept responsibility for their future. And, the Iraqis must know: Our commitment, while great, is not unending," Hoyer said.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N24341513.htm



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[mike_c]

1. I wish they'd stop speaking in political tongues and just say...

...what they mean. Does that mean a withdrawal?

[Monkeyman]

2. A drip down withdrawal

We will be out middle of the year. Only heavy combat force will stay near the border about 20,000

[bigtree]

3. How in the world can a political body stop speaking in political terms?

Folks have to come to terms with the fact that our democratic institutions are managed by a very diverse membership. There is a 'stay the course' faction, an immediate withdrawal faction, a partial/phased withdrawal faction, a faction which advocates pulling back to perimeter bases, and folks who want everything in between.

Hoyer has to manage all of those factions to achieve the withdrawal that both he and Speaker Pelosi have said unequivocally they expect to achieve.