SIT and WATCH’ Won’t Work
21 June 2006 6:06 pm by Taylor Marsh
“SIT and WATCH” Won't Work
WITHDRAWAL OF ALL U.S. TROOPS FROM IRAQ BY JULY 1, 2007, EXCEPT FOR
THOSE TRAINING IRAQI SECURITY FORCES.
- Kerry-Feingold
 |
John Kerry is speaking right now on C-SPAN2… meanwhile…
Senators Kerry and Feingold were not allowed the time needed and usually afforded
to have their debate on their important amendment. To give you an idea how the Senate screwed Kerry and Feingold on debate time, John Kerry just started speaking again at around 6:00 p.m. Pacific time, way after the news day is done. The Kerry-Feingold binding resolution will be voted on tomorrow.
It will not pass. But it is an attempt to change course. The Republicans' sit and
watch won't work. We may be stuck with the Levin-Reed non-binding resolution,
but it won't be for a lack of choice.
The debate that Kerry and Feingold are offering is one that the Senate is afraid
to have.
Below are notes from the debate as it happened much earlier today. That Kerry is starting his second round so late says it all.
To say that Feingold was upset at how he and Kerry have been treated in presenting
their amendment is an understatement. Feingold is tearing up the Senate floor.
It is the most absurd situation Feingold said he's seen in “my 25 years in the
Senate.”
Why aren't we focused on al Qaeda?
Good question, but we are not.
FEINGOLD: If we stay in Iraq we are facilitating al Qaeda.
If we stay in Iraq, repeating the same mistakes over and over again. We need
a new playbook. The playbook has nothing to do with 9/11.
The Kerry-Feingold amendment is about refocusing. We owe it to those have served,
who have died and will serve and die in the future to change course.
Choice number one is a completely open-ended commitment.
Another choice is to complete the mission and redeploy the troops so we can
refocus on the real enemy.
What emboldens the enemy is them thinking they have us in a trap and we don't
know how to get out. They're using our presence in Iraq to fuel hatred that
led to 9/11.
It is time to reverse course. It is time to redeploy. It is time to focus on
the real enemy.
Kerry began by saying he had to speak in an “abbreviated” manner
because he and Feingold weren't allowed a fair debate.
JOHN KERRY: This amendment is not what it is being characterized
by others. This is a binding resolution. This has a date. It is not open
ended. It also has an over the horizon force, especially in the region and in
Iraq. This amendment specifically strengthens the national security of the United
States. It empowers Iraq and helps the Iraqis get sovereignty.
It sets a date. It demands accountability.
Is this Administration telling us that the Iraqis don't have people to drive
trucks?
We set a date for the transfer of the provisional government. They said they
couldn't do it, but they did it. We set a date for the Iraqi Constitution, as
well as for the elections. We stuck with the Constitution and election date
and the Iraqis lived up to the deadlines.
If somebody else is willing to lose their life for you you won't stand up yourself.
It's time for the Iraqis to stand up and want for themselves what we want for
them.
Kerry then quoted the security adviser to the prime minister of Iraq:
Moreover, the removal of foreign troops will legitimize Iraq's government
in the eyes of its people. It has taken what some feel is an eternity to form
a government of national unity. This has not been an easy or enviable task,
but it represents a significant achievement, considering that many new ministers
are working in partisan situations, often with people with whom they share
a history of enmity and distrust. By its nature, the government of national
unity, because it is working through consensus, could be perceived to be weak.
But, again, the drawdown of foreign troops will strengthen our fledgling government
to last the full four years it is supposed to.The
Way Out of Iraq: A Road Map, By Mowaffak al-Rubaie
Where is the diplomacy necessary to deal with the problems fueling the insurgency
in Iraq?
From Kissinger to Vietnam to Baker to today, there is no diplomacy in place.
The policy today is based on “wishful thinking.”
Within one year, 16 out of 18 provinces will be controlled by the Iraqis.
“We ought to listen to the Iraqis.”
Kerry has no confidence in the current Administration, given the mistakes already
made.
Congress helped get us into this war. Congress can help to get us out.
SEGUE TO…
Bush's
favorite Democrat, Joe Lieberman, who just started speaking AGAINST both
Democratic Party amendments. Evidently, Joe Lieberman wants the Iraqi government
to dictate America's foreign policy. … He also conflated 9/11 with Iraq. Is
their any doubt on where this man now stands?
