How long can progressives continue to support this Democratic Party that still fears taking a stand against what is – at best – our generation’s Vietnam?
Several Democrats joined President Bush yesterday in rebuking [Howard] Dean’s declaration to a San Antonio radio station Monday that “the idea that we’re going to win the war in Iraq is an idea which is just plain wrong.”
– Washington Post: Democrats Fear Backlash at Polls for Antiwar Remarks, 12/7/05
And here I was getting all excited about Bush Backlash in the 2006 congressional elections! Nevermind. 🙁
REAL multiple party elections in the US now!
What the these Democrats are concerned about is the welfare of our troops in the field *until* we can get them home as soon as possible.
There is a problem of talking defeatist while a war is going on — it incourages the enemy, helping them with recruitment. This is why the “correct” phrasing has phrases like “timetable for withdrawl.”
Backoff, Ruby. This is public diplomacy in action.
You’ve stated Dick Cheney’s position very well, Tom. George Bush wouldn’t know diplomacy if he choked on it.
Nothing helps “the enemy” with recruitment more than our presence in Iraq! Insurgents don’t learn anything new when we get realistic about the war – they already know how much it sucks and how badly we are losing. It’s only a matter of the press and politicians admiting it and seeking a more reality-based policy.
And there’s not an American who isn’t concerned about the welfare of the troops (except for Bush, Rumsfeld, and few others I could name) so don’t even give me that line. I have a friend with one less arm thanks to this war. Do you really think I’m not concerned about the safety of the troops?
If we really wanted to help Iraq, we would be over there with books, computers, food, medicine, and construction crews building homes, schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure. Their problems can’t be solved with guns, and I don’t think we’re even trying to help. We’re trying to control.
If leading Republicans sent their own children to fight in this war today, I might begin to be convinced that they thought they were doing the right thing. I don’t think even they buy it, except maybe Bush sometimes.
Ummm, Tom, if you judge success by W’s original parameters for the war, then “we” have already been defeated. Game over bud. By every measure, our nation’s actions are the best recruitment tool there is for the insurgency (but I imagine you know that).
Ruby, I suggest you play your last card as a Democrat – leave the party and join the great unwashed unaffiliated ;-)!
Whoops! You already have…
Duh, Will… that’s why the title of the post is “they” don’t get it… 😉
I haven’t been registered as a Dem since they lifted the restriction on voting in partisan primaries. As I said to my friend Matty last night “I’m a socialist, but I’m still on your side.”
I am for a Murtha-written timetable, but calling THAT defeat, as Dean effectively has, encourages terrorist recruitment and endangers our soldiers. Dean’s effort is also politically knuckleheaded.
It is simply politically foolish to get into a debate where the semantics are such that Bush is speaking of “victory” while our side is preaching “defeat.” Dean isn’t the politician who flamed out spectacularly and deservedly in the last race for president for no reason; he corners himself every time. He is a disaster for Peace and for the party.
What needs to happen is the Democrats have to challenge Bush regarding what “good” is; not stand up for “bad.”
Funny me. I like to win elections and protect soldiers’ lives and limbs. I want it all.