Middle East News
Bush promises to veto Iraq bill with withdrawal deadline (Extra)
Mar 23, 2007, 19:27 GMT
Washington - US President George W Bush said he would veto a bill passed by the House of Representatives on Friday that sets a deadline for withdrawing US troops from Iraq and accused Democrats of abandoning American soldiers.
'Today a narrow majority in the House of Representatives abdicated its responsibility by passing a spending bill that has no chance of becoming law,' Bush said in a strongly-worded statement.
The majority Democrats in the House passed a 124-billion- dollar spending bill for the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan that creates a September 2008 deadline for withdrawing US troops from Iraq.
The 218-212 vote mainly along partisan lines poses the biggest congressional challenge yet to Bush's policy in Iraq and sets up a major confrontation with the White House. Bush said he will veto the spending measure because of the deadline requirement.
'Democrats in the House in an act of political theatre voted to substitute their judgement for that of the military commanders on the ground in Iraq,' Bush said.
Bush warned that funding for the troops will run out by April 15 if Congress does not send him a bill that he can sign into law. He said Democrats were trying to 'score political points' by attaching a deadline to the funding.
'It delays the delivery of vital resources for our troops,' Bush said.
Bush called the withdrawal deadline 'an arbitrary date' that overlooks the security environment in Iraq.
Bush also criticized Democrats for attaching domestic spending measures to the legislation to pay for 'pet projects' in their own districts unrelated to the war on terrorism.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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Older Talkback
page: 1
If you feel sorry for the troops, then sign up, no excuses. The age deadline was 40 last I knew. But that's just a sign of the times. In times past, if you 'supported' a war or 'supported' the troops, you joined the fight.
This war has produced a terrible epidemic of cowardice, hasn't it?
dan
Bush is an idiot. These iraqi's are going to be so damaged from us, we can never repair anything we;ve done over there. Steven Colbert For President!
So when Bush promises, we the people should...?
What? Bush complained that 'Democrats...voted to substitute their judgement for that of the military commanders on the ground in Iraq.' He does the same thing! He doesn't acknowledge intelligence or reports contrary to his agenda.
Where does the unelected president who was wandering the halls of the White House with nothing to do when his daddy was president get the balls to accuse the democrats of not listening to the commanders on the ground? The presidential coke addict ignored the commanders all these years.
It took 50 years to settle European wars.
This bill was a total waste of taxpayer money.
The Democrats bribed their own party members with money to get these votes.
They don't have a world view of their own, or any new ideas going forward.
We need to leave Iraq slowly once the goverment is strong enough.
Actually its the left with no stomach. Thats why you don't hear any suggestions from them on how to WIN. The only ideas they have is how to quit. I'm not happy with the way the Bush administration has managed the war, but I'd like to hear something concrete (not 'better and smarter')on how the left is going to change the 'failed strategy' into something that will keep us secure from terrorism.
Same story, Jorge. Sign up, no excuses. In times past, 'support for the troops' meant, 'I'm on my way to the recruiter's office.'
Where is your courage, Jorge?
dan
Unfortunately, I'm 47, or I would. I did, however, serve for 9 years in the Army. What's your excuse Dan?
When will all the war hawks and neo-cons learn that the war in Iraq has nothing to do with the war against terrorism?
I didn't support war. I'll fight you! But you're red, so you don't have the balls, Jorge.
dan
Are you the same kind of person as your leaders? I am not. They represent us in politics only.
We, the real, working people of America, have plenty of stomach to fight anyone, anywhere. The rest of the world whines and complains when we let 'the atrocities of the world' take place and do nothing.
As soon as we get involved, we are the worst country in the world, trying only to steal oil o change leadership or whatever other demonizing term is chosen for the month.
No real American has anything but love, support and admiration for all soldiers and every other citizen of MY nation.
I am an Iraqi who feels sorry for your troops fighting a lost cause. No soldier can fight a battle without a cause. Your congress is backing away from the fight. Sooner or later you will regret this vote when the Qaeda come back to the heart of the US with chlorine expertise learned in Iraq. A safe heaven for the Qaeda in west of Iraq will enable them just do this. Will you then invade Iraq for a second time? Or will you then use nuclear tactical weapons on Iraq? The latter is easier. Iraqi collateral damage will only be a side issue?
Bush has been living in a fantasy world. This is reality. This war, as the Bush administration, has been based on lies and a warped ideaology from the begining. Like the ill-advised Vietnam war this will end only when the US tires of banging it's head against the wall.
The war is a mistake. The idea of victory as defined by the Bush zealots cannot be obtained. We are bleeding troops and treasure because the supporters of the war are too proud to admit they were wrong. Much like the Bush administration (little wonder they continue to support both Bush and the war.)
'Same story, Jorge. Sign up, no excuses. In times past, 'support for the troops' meant, 'I'm on my way to the recruiter's office.'
Where is your courage, Jorge?
'
So is it up to everyone else 'dan' to keep you safe and secure? You precious little parasite. The world owes you something, doesn't it 'dan'. You think that you have stumbled upon some all purpose retort. 'If you support the USA go enlist.' Been there done that. If you don't support the USA 'dan' you paracite, why don't you leave?
The majority of you voted this guy in...........so live with it finish what you started and voted for. You are hippocrates. I didn't vote for what you (the majority) voted for but I'm not saying we should step back in shame now either.
This country is in trouble, if we allow the democrats to keep tearing down the economy and interferring in the war on terroism. We have enough intelligence in our military to know what to do in war matters. Gota better plan, lets hear it.
'I am an Iraqi who feels sorry for your troops fighting a lost cause.'
Why aren't you there helping them Iraqi? If you care about Iraq why aren't you back there helping rather then complaining in chat rooms?
Um...doesn't anyone realize that we've been 'safe from terrorism' for like 200 years and then a couple of isolated incidents
WIN? WIN?? How are we supposed to win? We are merely policing a religious civil war in a country whose people don't want us there. I think the Dems at least have the balls to say 'OK Iraq, we want to win and the way to do that is by getting you off your lazy azz so you can take care of your own country.' If they can't commit to this goal, absolutely we should leave.
Umm dave the majority didnt vote bush in initially but the electoral college did. Maybe you should check your facts before you say anything else stupid....THANKS!!!
Dear 'Well 'dan''
I can assure you that I'm perfectly capable of keeping me and mine 'safe and secure,' though I don't worry about it like you right-wingers...
dan
Dan, your regurgitation of the same, tired, nonsensical 'go enlist, then' leftist party line is not only wrong, but laughable.
Let me ask, do you agree with those fighting our presence in Iraq?
If so, why don't you fly over there and enlist in thier cause?
Do you support abortion rights?
If so, have you murdered your own children?
Do you support gay marriage?
If so, when can I expect my invitation to your same-sex wedding?
Dan - Since when did you have to be a soldier to have an opinion? Your comments are pointless and obnoxious.
The war is a mess... I don't think many would argue with that, but leaving Iraq now or in 2008 would harldly improve the situation. We need to give the new strategy of more troops time or come up with a better plan to strengthen Iraq, but a cut and run strategy is the worst possible suggestion. If we left, the situation would deteriorate into a mess that would only help the terrorists.
Jorge and Dan:
'Supporting the troops' does not mean enlisting. Not by a long shot. I'm amazed you can even suggest such a thing. Most likely, dan, you are just trolling anyway.
'I can assure you that I'm perfectly capable of keeping me and mine 'safe and secure,' though I don't worry about it like you right-wingers...'
I can assure you that you are a complete pussy. Get the hell out of my country and don't let the door hit you in the ass.
I served during the first Gulf war.
The UN would not let us go to take out Saddam.
We could only kick him out of Kuwait.
Iraq had tanks two miles inside of Saudi Arabia that had outrun supply lines.
The US does have nations in the area that want us there.
Planners felt troops would be there at least two years.
Signing up now to serve won't end this war, cutting off the funding to the insurgents will end it.
Bush was elected twice whether you believe it or not.
I didn't vote for him the first time
The Majority rules in this country.
Face facts
'supporting the troops' certainly doesn't mean enlisting if you're a 'college republican,' does it?
dan
I don't care do discuss the technical aspects of the election or to recount the Florida ballots again. I just hope some Arab kills a member of your family or cuts his head off on a video published on the internet.
Unfortunately the American public is devoid of logic. WE CANNOT WIN THIS WAR! WHY? because it is in Iraq! All the adversary has to do is maintain guerilla activities ad infinitum! We will go broke trying to snuff out a million little fires and the result will be that future generations and part of this present one will be virtual indentured servants. Sooner or later our debts will exceed the tax revenues and we will SOL. This is a stupid war and unfortunately the 'Stupid' are being taxed. CHECK YOUR WALLET!
You American people have no idea how well entrenched the Qaeda in Iraq now. Even if you run away now, they will come after you wherever you are, even in the heart of the US. This is why it is so wrong to give up the fight now.
Mission accomplished... that's what the Prince of Slease said to the American public on that aircraft carrier. You better believe it. OPEC and the US were trying to shut down Saddam's uncontrolled flow of oil to the world, and the genocidal invasion did that, and oil prices went up 300%. No thought was ever given to freedom, liberty and democracy in Iraq-- everything you hear and read in the media is just bull, designed to red herring the American voting public. Iraq oil is shut down and is going to stay that way until corporate America controls the region.
Quiting the war may be our only option. Just because we want things to turn out doesn't mean they will. Look to Vietnam for an example. We've already spent more on the war and been in it longer the WWII. We are no barely closer to stability today then 4 years ago. We could be there another 10 years and not be any further along. If the majority of their population doesn't want us there, how can we help them. Bush fires at the Democratic congress and press for not taking his viewpoint, but they are utilizing the only tools available to them to try to check and balance a presidency that has FAR too much power. Whether the president is Republican, Democratic or other, that branch currently has too much power. One man is basically going against all the fiscal responsibility usually associated to his party.
So philly daveMar 23rd, 2007 - 20:03:52
It took 50 years to settle European wars.
This bill was a total waste of taxpayer money.
The Democrats bribed their own party members with money to get these votes.
They don't have a world view of their own, or any new ideas going forward.
We need to leave Iraq slowly once the goverment is strong enough.
---
You do realize you just spelled out Republican talking points for the last 4 years right?
I mean you didn't insert anything remotely original - you just repeated their talking points. Are you even thinking, or are you just regurgitating what Fox News tells you?
Now then - since you say 'democrats have no plan'
Lemee tell ya what our plan is - we do have one.
Our *plan* is to /get the hell out of the middle of a civil war/. That's the plan. We should never have *BEEN* there but for Bush's lies.
We were lied to about WMDs.
So they said 'We're making Iraq safer!' - Except we've made more terrorists, making us AND Iraq less safe. (That's according to our National Intelligence Estimate - ya know, the 16 biggest intelligence agencies in our country. Ie: Not 'think tanks' - but places like the CIA and FBI and NSA.)
So when that didn't work out it was 'We're fighting for democracy in Iraq!' - Except the elections they had were hardly democractic. The candidates were mostly kept secret for fear of attack. Also - people were forced to vote in order to get *FOOD*. So again - hardly a democratic election.
Lets see... 3,200 dead Americans, 500,000+ Iraqis, 2.5 *million* displaced Iraqis, How many trillions of dollars spent?
Oh, and who's actually *winning* in this war? Halliburton. That's who.
If a Democratic president had started a war like this on dubious grounds to aid corporate allies - there'd be a crap flying on *both* sides of the aisle, and you know it.
Democrats have a plan - get us the heck out of Iraq - and that's the right plan.
Oh - I'll add:
If you say one word about 'micromanaging the war' - think real hard about this first:
George Bush has ignored advice from his generals and intelligence services because he has an agenda. He's ignored them repeatedly, and consistently, and he's fired several (General Shinseki for example, who said going into this thing 'We need at least 350,000 troops'. If we'd gone in with that number *maybe* this mess would have been 'OK' in the end. But we didn't, and now its way the hell too late.
Finally - if you really support the troops (I doubt it) - think OF the troops.
Many of them are on their third and sometimes fourth tours of duty. That's *years* of life in a combat zone. Keep in mind how much worse that is than Vietnam, in a situation every bit as difficult and dangerous. Imagine the strain on their families. Imagine the bills that pile up on these people too - when vets come home it's not uncommon for them to *LOSE* their home.
That's right - our country has been treating its soldiers like dirt this entire time; while asking them to fight a war based on lies.
But if you really, truely, absolutely must support the war: Get a flak jacket, you got work to do. Seriously - unless you're over 40, you can get our bum out there with a rifle. And if you're over 40? I'm sure there's a use for truck drivers or something else.
If you absolutely HAVE to support the war for whatever crazy reasons you have - you need to *get your butt out there* - because most of the troops /don't/ anymore.
Jorge ,dig your head out of the sand pile,oh I am sorry ,first we need to remove all the WMDs( Oh I am sorry ,there were no WMDs ) and dead american soldiers, so you can get a clear view of what the 'right' has done to this country,Failure after Failure! Yeah Jorge you are on the right track Or is that CRACK !
We've had four years of Bush's irresponsible highly politicized wartime leadership: tax cuts and culture wars at home, runaway domestic spending, supplemental spending requests for funding the war, lack of planning and preparation and demonizing anyone who questions Bush's policy. Please, spare me the line about supporting our troops. If Bush had listened to our military commanders prior to invading, we would have sent more troops initially and the strife we see now may have been avoided. No American wants to loose the war against terrorism or leave Iraq a broken state, but Bush et. al. have lost all credibility at home and abroad. Fix that problem and maybe we can find the resolve to see Iraq through at least until it can stand up alone.
51% was never a mandate.
I'm sickened reading all these comments from people who do not seem to have the knowledge to make the rash accusations they make.
Bush is president. We elected him. He may not have made every decision you or I would have, but, he has a lot more inside information than most of us.
He's not working for his 'dad', he's working for America. I respect him.
i wish all you stop fighting about democrat or republican, and try to talk sense out of the current situation.
i did not support this war, but now i am not sure that withdrawel is the only solution.
and for those who say that to support the troops i need to enrol, please spare that thought....i am not interested in getting slaughtered in a foreign country....for some oil corporations.
In other words i do not believe that Iraq was a threat to our security or freedom, so why should i go and fight them?
Our mighty military is so weak we can't take a county the size of California.
Rick,
WW2 is believed to have started in 1898 when the Japanese overthrew the Naval Hiearchy.This was considered the tipping point.the hot war ended in 1945. The War after that was the Cold war.
You can't use WW2 as a bench mark for all wars to come.
You will never be free of terrorism.
As long as someone in the world hates you enough there will be terror.
The misconception is this isnt a war on terror this is a war on muslim radicals. Sure we will never call it that as we dont want to have a war associated with the war on the 'Muslim World' in any fashion.
If this truly was a war on terror and all its forms we would eventually turn the 'gun' so to speak towards ourselves as we have caused all sorts of 'terror' for families in the process of our so called 'liberation from tyranny'.
But go ahead and continue to spout your mantra of 'support our troops' and painting anyone who says anything negative about the war as being unpatriotic cause obviously you have to want to kill americans by putting them in a combat situation that should never have been to be a true patriot.
Like I said JC, no ideas for winning, just personal attacks. That'll change minds.
Why would it be compulsory to 'sign up' for the military just because you feel sorry for our troops? What kind of idiotic remark is 'sign up, no excuses'? Coming from someone who doesn't support the war? Dan, you are either very young or very ignorant (or both). Your lashing out at people who have compassion for someone who is on orders to defend our country is not only immature it's unnecessary. You won't put your ideals out there...quit squashing everyone else's. And how are you going to fight someone on the internet?...stupid, stupid, stupid.
You have already lost the war so why don’t you leave Iraq now and spare us all this trouble?
I honestly to not know how the democrats, (dummycrats) can sleep at night. And for our men and women serving and risking their lives I say God Bless you and not everyone will let you down.
How can we win in Iraq?
Has anyone ever spelled out how to tell when we’ve won?
When everyone thinks like us?
Dresses like us?
Share our values?
We live in a Jew Dao / Christian country and it took hundreds of years of slowly developing to what we are today.
We think Muslim nations whom live by very different values and traditions will be instantly Americanized in a few short years.
Grow up people we cannot force a country to be little USA………..and no amount of troops will do that……………Unless we Kill every man woman and child there will always be someone left for the power hungry clerics to exploit and explode.
'You have already lost the war so why don’t you leave Iraq now and spare us all this trouble?'
Heh... Not that I believe that you are an Iraqi, but if we did leave do you think your troubles will go away?
If we leave we are going to leave a Shiite/Sunni civil war involving Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Lets go on to Iran!
Dave, our mighty military is among the strongest (if not THE strongest) in the world. If it was our intention to wipe Iraq off the map it would have been gone a long time ago. Our conventional military is bogged down because it's fighting a geurrilla insurgency.
To all good American people: You have lost this war; your congress has let down your brave troops. It is time that you leave Iraq now altogether immediately. You will have to fight the Qaeda next time at your doorsteps not in Iraq.
To Redblood, who asked America to be the worlds policeman the world did't,
America only goes where there is somerhing in it for them and they only went to Iraq for the oil to sarisify Bush's mate and that slime bag Dick Chenney and you wonder why your hated so much
This war is not about Republicans or Democrats, and Bush is just a puppet in the powerful hands of big corporations. See this video for more info:
video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=3968544393356669182&q=Confessions+of+an +Economic+Hit+Man
J Johnson.
Read my other post and stop shouting.
I don't remember seeing you there in '90.
WMD's was not the only reason why we went there.
Saddam had violated 5 UN resolutions by rearming.
look the war was a total failure, built on lies. bush is a Zionist in a fools mask.
the people are who are suffering, American, Iraqi both the same. forced into a a situation by people with a false agenda based on the wants of a terrorist state in Israel. Iran is no different if the US/western world attack them it will be because they are being puppets and their strings are being pulled by the same group responsible for the past two world wars. they now live just outside the west bank constantly invading it, annexing land and terrorizing innocent people labeling them terrorists for simply defending their homes/land.
Zionists/Israel abuse a religion/people they claim to represent which is total BS. ask anyone in the Jewish community if they support Israel and you will hear the same answer from most of them. 'if you support it, and believe in it. you would live there,' oddly enough they wonder all over the world, not there.......
TO Tangi
We are not hated as much as you think.
We don't fight for oil.
The US imports 50% from Canada,18% from the gulf, 2% from Africa.
The rest comes right out of West Texas USA.
We had signed an agreement to protect Japans interest if they kept a defense force in 1945.
Japan imports 80% of it's oil from the Gulf region.
When saddam went over those borders that triggered more treaties than you can count.
The United States must keep true to the Treaties it makes.
The United States people won't be told where we should be engaged in the world.
We are a part of this globe and believe people should rule themselves.
From the very begining of this whole tragic mess we the human beings of this world have been lied to by our leaders. We have been used and abused. Our children have been brainwashed and taken from us. they have been killed and wounded by the thousands as they were in all wars before. Make no mistake about it, 911 was a complete inside job. The present administration is laughing at all of us all the way to the bank. It's all about money,oil, and religion so that only a few ellite people can bennefit from this like never before in history. Bush and his associates in Washington, England, and Israel must be brought to justice and all our children must be brought back to their homes immedeately. Mr. bush has not learnd 'What goes around comes around'.
We the people will be the ones to suffer and pay for his game.
grow up ERIC america is broke now, it finances itself on bonds using other countries money and is not the only super fighting ? force on this planet
the Isrealis could and would in a stoush leave uncle sam for dead. strange how your so called intelligensia fill these pages with their drivel but who is holding the guns in Iraq for america, mainly guys from all the low socio economic parts of America, don't see the ivy league set being in too big a hurry to sign up but under the clock anomomity you spout your drivel
I met US Marines from Harvard and Penn.
There is no draft. They volunteered.
If we are broke where does the billions come from?
The debt just went down faster than anytime in history last year.
The unemployment just dropped Again?
Maybe if any of you checked your facts once in the while.
I, as a Texan, think Bush should go to Iraq and fight to the death. I want to see him yield a sword. I want see blood on his chest.
'grow up ERIC america[sic] is broke now, it finances itself on bonds using other countries money and is not the only super fighting'
The USA has a GDP bigger then the next 5 combined, idiot.
'the Isrealis[sic] could and would in a stoush leave uncle sam for dead. strange how your so called intelligensia[sic] fill these pages with their drivel but who is holding the guns in Iraq for america[sic],'
More strang[sic] is how many pseudonyms you come up with. BTW, surveys show our military is from a broad social strata and is predominately white.
'mainly guys from all the low socio economic parts of America'
Wrong.
'don't see the ivy league set being in too big a hurry to sign up but under the clock anomomity[sic] you spout your drivel'
Here is one who served. One of many 'ivy league' educated who went into the military.
What does it mean that my suggestion that those who 'support' the war should sign up and fight it elicits such a strong negative reaction from those on the right? I've been called stupid (I taught at Harvard), immature, a coward (you wouldn't say that to my face, I'm 38 and in fighting shape--I'm smart, AND I can fight)...
What does it mean?!?!
dan
yeah Tomas you are so right the masses have always been the ones to pay the price of suffering because the rich and powerful has always seen us as expendable, when will the ordinary amercican realise goverments don't run counties
big business does and Bush is their puppet more so than previous presidents who were at least smart enough to not show the obvious, and have us believe they were the all powerful instead of the puppets on strings that they really are, It never ceases to amaze me at how gullible we all really are
and what idiots we allow to run the country so I guess at the end of the day we are all comlicite as you republicans put bush there and the masses let it happen
Dan,
While you could be more diplomatic about it, your basic point is well-taken: we'd be less likely to support a war if our own blood were on the line.
They react so strongly because deep down they know they're wrong to support a war and not sign up. But they can't think negatively about themselves, so they've already thought through why it's 'ok' (too old, already served, I actually saw someone say they were too fat on another blog).
really philly dave what about all the covert activities america does all over this planet because a regime or goverment is not smypathetic too america's ill conceived policies, get out and travel this planet a bit more and you soon find out 'nobody loves us'instead of getting rid of saddam who at least could control his country abeit by foul means why weren't in daffur and that part of the would that really neede help
GPD more than what five I never said any however if one was to combine all of Asia's DGP that includes cina and japan uncle sam would be way down the list and who mentioned colour of skin I didn't you couldn't wair to could you Im takte it by your comment that there are no poor white people
To all those arguing the same democrat/republican differences just remember.
Arguing on the internet is like the special olympics, even if you win you are still retarded.
yeah josh you are so right it is pretty pointless isn't it so will go and work in my garden cheers
'get out and travel this planet a bit more and you soon find out 'nobody loves us''
I have traveled all over the world and have not seen the hate that you claim. Even if it were the case; It is better to be principled then popular. This isn't jr-high school.
GPD more than what five I never said any however if one was to combine all of Asia's DGP that includes cina and japan uncle sam would be way down the list
WRONG, idiot. Look it up, idiot.
'and who mentioned colour of skin I didn't you couldn't wair[sic] to could you Im[sic] takte[sic] it by your comment that there are no poor white people
English, speak English...idiot.
Will,
Your point that I must think negatively about myself because I am too old to enlist and already served is off base. I'm wrong because support the war I don't sign up? I never engaged in the kind of personal attacks that you and Dan have. I actually served in order to gain citizenship. I was able to earn a GED in the Army, and the GI Bill allowed me to pay for college. Do I have blood on the line? Yes, my children are in Iraq (one in the Air Force, and one in the Army). My original posting asked if the left had any concrete ideas for victory. Dan wants to fight me (odd for a Harvard man since others seem to feel that they don't serve), and you think I have self esteem issues. It seems to me that my original question is still not addressed. When I vote (a right I earned, but you were born with) I need to know if the Democrats have any better ideas that the Republicans. So Dan is smart and can fight, but he can't give a straight answer to a simple immigrant? How about you Will? Do you want to criticize me or discuss ideas?
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leave Iraq nowMar 23rd, 2007 - 19:57:01
Even a veto will not repair the damage. The message is loud and clear. The US has no stomach to fight the Qaeda or Iran. I feel sorry for the American soldiers risking their lives over nothing in Iraq now. The US should leave Iraq now.
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