During his response to President Bush’s State of the Union address, Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., referred to the crises of division and war faced by two of history’s better Republican presidents, Teddy Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower, and then issued an ultimatum to the current occupant of the White House:
“These presidents took the right kind of action for the benefit of the American people and for the health of our relations around the world. Tonight we’re calling on this president to take similar action in both areas. If he does, we will join him. If he does not, we will be showing him the way.”
Full Transcript (from The New York Times):
Good evening.
I’m Senator Jim Webb, from Virginia, where this year we will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown—an event that marked the first step in the long journey that has made us the greatest and most prosperous nation on earth.
It would not be possible in this short amount of time to actually rebut the President’s message, nor would it be useful. Let me simply say that we in the Democratic Party hope that this administration is serious about improving education and healthcare for all Americans, and addressing such domestic priorities as restoring the vitality of New Orleans.
Further, this is the seventh time the President has mentioned energy independence in his state of the union message, but for the first time this exchange is taking place in a Congress led by the Democratic Party. We are looking for affirmative solutions that will strengthen our nation by freeing us from our dependence on foreign oil, and spurring a wave of entrepreneurial growth in the form of alternate energy programs. We look forward to working with the President and his party to bring about these changes.
There are two areas where our respective parties have largely stood in contradiction, and I want to take a few minutes to address them tonight. The first relates to how we see the health of our economy—how we measure it, and how we ensure that its benefits are properly shared among all Americans. The second regards our foreign policy—how we might bring the war in Iraq to a proper conclusion that will also allow us to continue to fight the war against international terrorism, and to address other strategic concerns that our country faces around the world.
When one looks at the health of our economy, it’s almost as if we are living in two different countries. Some say that things have never been better. The stock market is at an all-time high, and so are corporate profits. But these benefits are not being fairly shared. When I graduated from college, the average corporate CEO made 20 times what the average worker did; today, it’s nearly 400 times. In other words, it takes the average worker more than a year to make the money that his or her boss makes in one day.
Wages and salaries for our workers are at all-time lows as a percentage of national wealth, even though the productivity of American workers is the highest in the world. Medical costs have skyrocketed. College tuition rates are off the charts. Our manufacturing base is being dismantled and sent overseas. Good American jobs are being sent along with them.
In short, the middle class of this country, our historic backbone and our best hope for a strong society in the future, is losing its place at the table. Our workers know this, through painful experience. Our white-collar professionals are beginning to understand it, as their jobs start disappearing also. And they expect, rightly, that in this age of globalization, their government has a duty to insist that their concerns be dealt with fairly in the international marketplace.
In the early days of our republic, President Andrew Jackson established an important principle of American-style democracy—that we should measure the health of our society not at its apex, but at its base. Not with the numbers that come out of Wall Street, but with the living conditions that exist on Main Street. We must recapture that spirit today.
And under the leadership of the new Democratic Congress, we are on our way to doing so. The House just passed a minimum wage increase, the first in ten years, and the Senate will soon follow. We’ve introduced a broad legislative package designed to regain the trust of the American people. We’ve established a tone of cooperation and consensus that extends beyond party lines. We’re working to get the right things done, for the right people and for the right reasons.
With respect to foreign policy, this country has patiently endured a mismanaged war for nearly four years. Many, including myself, warned even before the war began that it was unnecessary, that it would take our energy and attention away from the larger war against terrorism, and that invading and occupying Iraq would leave us strategically vulnerable in the most violent and turbulent corner of the world.
I want to share with all of you a picture that I have carried with me for more than 50 years. This is my father, when he was a young Air Force captain, flying cargo planes during the Berlin Airlift. He sent us the picture from Germany, as we waited for him, back here at home. When I was a small boy, I used to take the picture to bed with me every night, because for more than three years my father was deployed, unable to live with us full-time, serving overseas or in bases where there was no family housing. I still keep it, to remind me of the sacrifices that my mother and others had to make, over and over again, as my father gladly served our country. I was proud to follow in his footsteps, serving as a Marine in Vietnam. My brother did as well, serving as a Marine helicopter pilot. My son has joined the tradition, now serving as an infantry Marine in Iraq.
Like so many other Americans, today and throughout our history, we serve and have served, not for political reasons, but because we love our country. On the political issues— those matters of war and peace, and in some cases of life and death—we trusted the judgment of our national leaders. We hoped that they would be right, that they would measure with accuracy the value of our lives against the enormity of the national interest that might call upon us to go into harm’s way.
We owed them our loyalty, as Americans, and we gave it. But they owed us sound judgment, clear thinking, concern for our welfare, a guarantee that the threat to our country was equal to the price we might be called upon to pay in defending it.
The President took us into this war recklessly. He disregarded warnings from the national security adviser during the first Gulf War, the chief of staff of the army, two former commanding generals of the Central Command, whose jurisdiction includes Iraq, the director of operations on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and many, many others with great integrity and long experience in national security affairs. We are now, as a nation, held hostage to the predictable—and predicted—disarray that has followed.
The war’s costs to our nation have been staggering. Financially. The damage to our reputation around the world. The lost opportunities to defeat the forces of international terrorism. And especially the precious blood of our citizens who have stepped forward to serve.
The majority of the nation no longer supports the way this war is being fought; nor does the majority of our military. We need a new direction. Not one step back from the war against international terrorism. Not a precipitous withdrawal that ignores the possibility of further chaos. But an immediate shift toward strong regionally-based diplomacy, a policy that takes our soldiers off the streets of Iraq’s cities, and a formula that will in short order allow our combat forces to leave Iraq.
On both of these vital issues, our economy and our national security, it falls upon those of us in elected office to take action.
Regarding the economic imbalance in our country, I am reminded of the situation President Theodore Roosevelt faced in the early days of the 20th century. America was then, as now, drifting apart along class lines. The so-called robber barons were unapologetically raking in a huge percentage of the national wealth. The dispossessed workers at the bottom were threatening revolt.
Roosevelt spoke strongly against these divisions. He told his fellow Republicans that they must set themselves “as resolutely against improper corporate influence on the one hand as against demagogy and mob rule on the other.” And he did something about it.
As I look at Iraq, I recall the words of former general and soon-to-be President Dwight Eisenhower during the dark days of the Korean War, which had fallen into a bloody stalemate. “When comes the end?” asked the General who had commanded our forces in Europe during World War Two. And as soon as he became President, he brought the Korean War to an end.
These Presidents took the right kind of action, for the benefit of the American people and for the health of our relations around the world. Tonight we are calling on this President to take similar action, in both areas. If he does, we will join him. If he does not, we will be showing him the way.
Thank you for listening. And God bless America.
Bank of America Lied to Homeowners and Rewarded Foreclosures, Ex-Employees Say
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By Boggs, January 28, 2007 at 7:31 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Web did a terrific job in responding to the (prez) sotu speech.
Report thisTo respond to one of the other comments above,
all of us heard the same lies coming from the same bunch of misleaders. About 36% of us never did believe the fiction coming from the neo-cons and have a hard time believing that anyone with a grade school education would believe the boogie man garbage they were spoon feeding you.
The quivering masses ran toward Bush like he was the Messiah.
NO MORE BUSH AND NO MORE CLINTON!
By John, January 26, 2007 at 11:07 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Angel your post reminds me of the old southern joke as to how many southern people does it take to change a light bulb…4…one to change the bulb and 3 to talk about how good the last was….In the world I live in today I want us out of Iraq as soom as possible. Now you and others can sit around and talk about how bad Bush is and what we should do because you think he lied to the American public and while you do that you are leaving soliders in that god forsaken country to get killed. Get out of IRAQ NOW and once we are out you can impeach to your hearts content. You wouldn’t force an abused wife to stay with her abusing husband until you could prove abuse. You’d remove her from the home immediately to prevent further abuse. That is what I want to do now…..Once we are out of Iraq let the vultures feast all they want.
Report thisBy Goffredo, January 25, 2007 at 7:32 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
This talk of impeachment is pretty unbeliveable. If the Dems have the evidence necessary to impeach (and they do according to people here) then impeachment proceedings should be a walk in the park for you.
(They would be a walk in the park but your boys are pretty good at keeping secrets and shredding documents. The simple fact that Bush and others lied should be enough. Too many congressmen and congresswomen are worried about their political careers. Either that or no one cares about this at all like we citizens do)
I dont hear the Clintons, Obama, and others calling for impeachment. Lets get them out front on this and let us see what tremendous leaders they are. Hiliary should certainly have experience in dealing with impeachment proceedings dont you think.
(Not if you’re running for president and not if you’re husband was impeached as president. That would be suicide for them and they know it. You will see them comment on this less and less and instead Jim Webb will be walking through the White House with a billy club.)
Before the elections all we read/heard was we have a plan to end the war WHERE IS IT? Now all you guys are saying is lets impeach. How did you lose track of your original goal?
(They never really said they had a plan John. Sorry to disappoint there. They greatly criticized the current debacle and have often suggested pulling the troops out. Problem: congress CAN’T pull the troops out. Bush is commander of the world and his constitutional power allows him to direct things from here. Congress can cut off funds but Cheney doesn’t care. He will leave them there to die and blame the Democrats…it’s a no win situation. A phased redeployment is what most call for instead of war/troop surge. When your buddies O’Reilly and Hannity ask you if you want the United States to win, ask yourself John, “What does ‘win’ look like? Does ‘win’ mean they surrender?” Do you think they will surrender John???)
You control both sides of the isles now and yet YOU NOW CANNOT GET THINGS DONE.
(They have been on the job since Jan. 10. They’ve done more in 2 weeks than last congress did in the last 6 months of their term.)
SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A NASTY LITTLE SNAG IN YOUR MINIMUM WAGE BILL. IF YOU CONTROL CONGRESS AND HAVE A MAJORITY HOW COULD THAT HAPPEN.
(It’s called democracy. Which means that the majority rules and there can be discussions regarding the passing of a law—-unlike for the Patriot Act)
CONGRESS GET OFF YOUR GOD DAMN COLLECTIVE ASSESS AND FIX THE COUNTRY.
(Fix the country? And what is your job as a citizen John? Wait for a handout? Come on, why don’t you write to your congressional representative about that one…?)
Report thisBy Angel Gabriel, January 25, 2007 at 7:14 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
John,
Report thisI’m terribly disappointed to see you responding to many other comments on your rant’s but not to the one I posted, #49495 - Angel Gabriel.
I must say John, you seem a little tichy about how other folks are feeling with regard to your insistence that there’s no proof that Bush has lied in the reason’s he’s used in leading America to War with Iraq. My goodness, you are even resorting to using all cap’s, which means you either hit the “Cap Lock” by mistake and didn’t bother to correct it, were completely pissed off and wanted to show your outrage through capitalizing your rant’s, or the medicine wore off while you were contemplating how to get out of the outrageous stories you put up as a cover for your far out defense of Republican- Neoconservative Ideology support. Regardless John, I don’t think even a temper tantrum will get you out of the pickle of trying to support Mr. Bush and his fumbled policies with the grand War on Terror.
As I mentioned to you before, even if the Democratic majority now leading the country were divinely gifted supreme Deitie’s, it would be near on impossible to dig America’s Military out from under the blunders created by this administration. Even the arguably best strategic minds in America have not been able to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. This has been one giant screw up John! You can only blow wind up people’s rear ends for so long before it comes back at you at great pressure. It’s a simple law of Physic’s! At this stage John, people are so tired of having wind blown up their rear ends repeatedly with the same dismal results that there are no second, third or fourth chances left to give Mr. Bush, sorry. ENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNT - time’s up!!
Now as for impeachment, here’s another weak link in your DNA chain. Most logically driven American’s look at Impeachment very seriously. After all it is the ultimate method in correcting mistakes made by publically elected official’s granted. A lot, and I mean A LOT of very level headed people in this country, and many OTHER countries around the world feel there is VERY good grounds to consider Impeachment for Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, (although since he was sacked/quit, he’ll probably end up with a presidential pardon or the peace medal), and last but not least Condoleesa Rice. In the interest of preventing a total meltdown on the scale that has never been seen in America before, I think most people, even those Moonbat’s as you GOP guys like to call far left wingers, feel that it’s not in the country’s best interest. Personally I would like to see this administration tried and prosecuted too, but the REALITY (there’s that word again John) is that Impeachment would be a disaster, and finding a way to bridle the horse is a much better option without shooting it - if you catch my drift???
So please stop with the capital letter’s and realize you are on VERY shaky ground with your antique rant’s of second hand talking points, and accept that your guy isn’t the flavor of the month anymore nor are his dismal policies. America needs a new direction. Support it or get out of the way - we’ve all had enough of your rhetoric. A dead horse is a dead horse.
By John, January 25, 2007 at 6:43 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Ich I agree and here are other changes I would like to see. Term limitations for congress. 3 term limit. We are not suppose to provide people with lifetime employment as Congressmen. Have guys like Kennedy and Byrd EVER had a real job?Everyone in the Exective and legislative branch has the same agenda from the time they are elected….re-election. Take away their perks. Make them get health care at the same costs the rest of us do. Reduce their pay by 2/3rds….how do we build a great military paying them what we do? But we do….pay people like the President $150k a year instead of $400K and members of congress $75-100K….hell it would only be for 3 terms at best…..we can also get people to run for office if they know the terms are limited and their real purpose will be to do whats best for the country rather than doing whats best to help them get re-elected.
Report thisBy Ichthus, January 25, 2007 at 6:07 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
THE DEMS AND THE GOP ARE FAILING US!
TROOP ESCALATION IS A DIVERSION FROM BOTH THE PENDING IRAN CONFLICT AND THE REAL SOLUTION TO IRAQ, TOTAL WITHDRAWAL.
REPUBLICANISM IS NOT IN ITSELF FASCIST. THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE PERVERTED IT WHO ARE!
IT IS TIME FOR A FULL BLOWN REVOLUTION!
WE NEED A TRUE DEMOCRACY WHERE THE CONGRESS ONLY SERVES TO FINE TUNE AND HOLD DEBATES REGARDING LAWS. IF WE ARE TO BE FREE WE MUST HAVE A CHOICE IN EVERY MAJOR DECISION, WHETHER IT BE THE PASSAGE OF THE MILITARY TORTURE ACT OR THE CIVIL LIBERTY DESTROYING UN-PATRIOT ACT.
WE NEED TO ALL BECOME INVOLVED WITH POLICY.
THE UNITED STATES IS IN DESPERATE NEED OF MAJOR, MAJOR REFORM. OUR CURRENT SYSTEM HAS BEEN CORRUPTED. WE NEED MORE LIMITATIONS TO THE PRESIDENT’S POWER. WE NEED DIRECT PUBLIC OPINION ON LEGISLATURE, MORE THAN EMAILING YOUR SENATOR.
THE BUSH’S AND THE CLINTONS ARE TO PUPPET REGIMES CONTROLLED BY THE NEW WORLD ORDER. WAKE UP, FOR HEAVENS SAKE.
Report thisBy John, January 25, 2007 at 5:51 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
John,
EVERYONE voted to go to war, even the squirrels in the trees. WE WERE FED LIES!
John, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but we were headed to Iraq before 9/11. 9/11 for the Bush administration was like finding the Holy Grail. Finally, a reason to get back at my daddys arch nemesis. (and then Cheney chimed in, Hey, and make sure you drop a lot of bombs so my company can help with the reconstruction…while youre at it, can you order about 1,000 more Apache helicopters…my wife is on the Board of Trustees for Lockheed Martin”—-and she still is!!!!)
Geoff we(I) can do without the condecending mommie attitude. If you dems are soooooo smart you should have KNOWN you were being lied to. You have no clue what went on in the White House and how/where/when/what information Bush was given. You just KNOW he lied…..but you believe ANYONE who tells you Bush went in to impress his Dad and you KNOW Cheney wanted to go in so his company would do better. Geoff you listen to anyone who tells you what you wanted to hear in the first place.
Geoff what would you do to get us out of Iraq as soon as possible?
Report thisBy Lee Dekker, January 25, 2007 at 4:18 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
#49543 by Lefty
“Bush, Cheney, Gonzalez & Co. deserve nothing less than impeachment, prosecution, conviction, removal and the most severe punishment.”
Yep, we should make them all where red dresses in prison. Ken Starr should wear a red tutu.
Report thisBy Goffredo, January 25, 2007 at 1:29 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
John,
EVERYONE voted to go to war, even the squirrels in the trees. WE WERE FED LIES! Who knew about Joe Wilson, or the “Iraqi guru” who said that he had seen the WMD or the Iraqis around Detroit who told Wolfowitz…“yeah, just go and take Baghdad and the people will love you.”
John, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but we were headed to Iraq before 9/11. 9/11 for the Bush administration was like finding the Holy Grail. Finally, a reason to get back at my daddy’s arch nemesis. (and then Cheney chimed in, “Hey, and make sure you drop a lot of bombs so my company can help with the reconstruction…while you’re at it, can you order about 1,000 more Apache helicopters…my wife is on the Board of Trustees for Lockheed Martin”—-and she still is!!!!)
http://www.rationalenquirer.org/features/portfolio/
Report thisBy John, January 25, 2007 at 10:24 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
This talk of impeachment is pretty unbeliveable. If the Dems have the evidence necessary to impeach (and they do according to people here) then impeachment proceedings should be a walk in the park for you. I don’t hear the Clintos, Obama, and others calling for impeachment. Lets get them out front on this and let us see what tremendous leaders they are. Hiliary should certainly have experience in dealing with impeachment proceedings don’t you think.
Report thisBefore the elections all we read/heard was “we have a plan to end the war” WHERE IS IT? Now all you guys are saying is “lets impeach”. How did you lose track of your original goal?
You control both sides of the isles now and yet YOU NOW CANNOT GET THINGS DONE. SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A NASTY LITTLE SNAG IN YOUR MINIMUM WAGE BILL. IF YOU CONTROL CONGRESS AND HAVE A MAJORITY HOW COULD THAT HAPPEN.
CONGRESS GET OFF YOUR GOD DAMN COLLECTIVE ASSESS AND FIX THE COUNTRY.
By John, January 25, 2007 at 10:14 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
“John,
Lets back up a second. The Republicans HAD NO PLAN BEFORE INVADING IRAQ!”
Again tell us your plan instead of non-stop bitching about Republicans. Democracts were elected because of the war..GET US OUT NOW OR ADMIT YOU LIED WHEN YOU SAID YOU HAD A PLAN
“Its not that we dont have a plan: its that our plan does not use doctored intelligence or Apache helicopters.”
WELL THAT IS A CUTE ANSWER BUT YOU SAID “our plan”...WHAT IS IT?
“Sorry if that disappoints you. But keep drinking the koolaid brother, and believe what Bush tells you, that our enemy is in Iraq. Its not, it never was and it never will be. When was the last time your buddy talked about Bin Laden? Wasnt that the guy Bush had a beat on immediately after the attacks? What about your party not holding up its word? You said you would get him…where is he?”
I HAVE FREELY STATED THAT BUSH SCREWED UP THE RUNNING OF THE WAR AND DEMOCRACTS WERE VOTED IN TO CORRECT HIS MISTAKES. ONE MORE TIME…..WHAT IS YOUR PLAN? DON’T TELL ME WHAT YOUR PLAN IS NOT….TELL ME WHAT YOUR PLAN IS OR ALEAST ADMIT YOU DON’T KNOW OR DON’T HAVE ONE.
Get a clue. Democrats have been in congress for 14 days. Its hard to unscrew 12 years of chaos in two weeks.
BUSH HAS BEEN IN OFFICE FOR 6 YEARS. PLEASE TELL US WHAT CLINTON SCREWED UP IN HIS LAST 6 YEARS. YOU DEMS ARE SO CHILD LIKE IN THAT NOTHING AND I MEAN NOTHING IS EVERY YOUR FAULT. CLINTON WAS IN POWER FOR 8 YEARS AND THE REPUBLICANS SCREWED UP THE COUNTRY ACCORDING TO YOU AND OTHERS. THE FACT YOU KNOW ABOUT KOOLAID TELLS ME YOUR MATURITY LEVEL SO MAYBE ITS TIME YOU GREW UP AND LEARNED TO TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY.
ONE LAST TIME…WHAT IS THE DEMOCRACTIC PARTIES PLAN TO GET THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OUT OF IRAQ AND THIS WAR.
Report thisBy Lefty, January 24, 2007 at 7:16 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Under 6 short years of republican rule, the U.S. has been turned into a classic fascist and nearly totalitarian state. Under fascist/republican rule, the Governments, state and federal, serve only the interest of corporate greed, nothing else.
George W. Bush has been the most corrupt and criminal president in the history of the United States, by far, and the rest of the corrupt and/or mamby pamby, pathetically whimpy GOP has laid a red carpet for him. Under the circumstances, I think that Mr. Webb’s comments were extremely measured and restrained. Bush, Cheney, Gonzalez & Co. deserve nothing less than impeachment, prosecution, conviction, removal and the most severe punishment.
Report thisBy lawlessone, January 24, 2007 at 7:15 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
What the Democrats should be doing is showing Bush the “door” instead of the “way.” It’s time to impeach so that investigations can begun using subpoena power to determine whether, as suspected, high crimes and misdemeanors have occurred.
Report thisBy Lee Dekker, January 24, 2007 at 6:56 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I liked President Bush’s stake in the Union address. I really liked the parts where Nancy and the others all jumped to their feet at the same time. That was fun. It reminded me of school. Everyone looked like they were all having fun too. And everyone was very polite to each other. It’s really nice to see everyone being polite and smiling, while other people are having to get killed and stuff and while lots of billions of dollars are going byebye.
Report thisBy TAO Walker, January 24, 2007 at 2:35 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
G.W. Bush gets up in front of god and everybody and regurgitates a bunch of stale platitudes to the applause of 535 trained seals. He trots out the buzz-words and waves the red flags of fear and war while blow-dried co-conspirators smile and cheer. He holds up an Operation Iraqi Plunder vet as an example of what is best about America even as his own daughters, nephews, and nieces along with those and the sons and eligible grandchildren of nearly every other privileged individual in that chamber pursue “other priorities.”
Then along comes James Webb, as an extremely rare exception to that rule, to make mention of the hypocrisy without getting into how deep and widespread it is…...or what a factor it has been in the corruption eating away still at the country he insists is “the greatest and most prosperous nation on earth.” He also peddles glibly the official version of 9/11, thereby allowing those he claims to oppose to continue setting the terms of the whole debate.
A really honest response to all that presidential political theater would’ve told Theamericanpeople in no uncertain terms that they and their children and grandchildren for generations have been sold into perpetual wage-and-debt slavery, that the public treasury is being looted to even further enrich the plutoligarchs who hold much of the “paper” on them, that they are by virtue of the very structure of their political arrangement accomplices to the criminal enterprise in Iraq, that there is no cheap or easy or painless way out of the shocking and awful mess they’ve gotten themselves and one another into. Apparently it is still considered impolitic to bluntly acquaint this pampered polity with the cold hard facts about the probably terminal condition their condition is in.
So all the talk about Bush’s “bubble,” while no doubt true enough as far as it goes, serves really just to divert attention from the same suffocating insulation (from the consequences of things done in its name and wrapped in its flag) surrounding virtually the entire U.S. population. A people having always to trumpet their “greatness” and “generosity” and “freedom” is now plainly revealed to the rest of the world as being possessed of very little if any of those things. The Democrats now running Congress show no more stomach for confronting these entirely internal “threats,” or facing the serious flaws in the national character, the fatal inconsistencies in its ethos, than the Republicans who have until recently been taking such lucrative advantage of them.
Awhile back many in the punditocracy welcomed what they called “the grown-ups,” in the persons of the Iraq Study Group, into a place of influence once again in the affairs of state. It turns out they were mistaken not only in their hopes, but in their belief that any bunch of carreer establishmentarians would exhibit sufficient wisdom and maturity to rein-in the gang of delinquent juveniles they had slap-happily tossed the car-keys to six years ago. There may be some real adults among Theamericanpeople, but no one with a public platform at the moment seems willing to tell them in plain words it is their own woeful lack of self-discipline, not nineteen “freedom-hating” patsies with boxcutters (and their billion or so brethren), that has put them in the dire predicament they “enjoy” today.
HokaHey!
Report thisBy Angel Gabriel, January 24, 2007 at 2:28 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
#49415 John,
I would like to put a contentious issue to rest for once and for all here with regard to the claim that seems to pop up constantly from the far “Faux” right. The claim in summary as stated in your post ” Correct me if I am wrong but a vote by Congress overwhelmingly endorsed the USAs entry into the War. Hilary voted to go to war, Kerry voted…no wait we wont go there. Kennedy voted to go to war. Were they being reckless”?
To be perfectly clear, concise, and honest - The grounds for this war were predicated entirely on lies fed to Congress, and the American People. The lies were fabricated by this President, and the case for war with Iraq was planned and sold with the aid of many in the Administration that stood to imeasurably gain by moving the focus from finding and bringing Osama Bin Laden to trial and justice for his alleged role in the 911 attack on NY, to an invasion of Iraq, who had no part in the 911 catastrophy.
As you John, I am tired to death of this issue being thrown in my face because when you peel away the commonly quoted spin - you find underneath a core of corruption and a deliberate misleading through an elaborate maze of false intelligence, of our congressional leaders and the American people that can only be looked at in the true light of day as criminal.
Why on earth our congressional leaders in the Democratic Party, who are now the majority in Government are willing to continue to turn away from a criminal act and not hold Mr. Bush and those who conspired to defraud the American People accountable for this crime, I am utterly - utterly perplexed! This is social denial on the grandest scale in the history of the human race! It shames every American man, woman, and child.
Yet most everyone seems to remain in denial, and still refuses to accept that someone has so completely sold them a bill of goods as horrendous as this!
To hear the constant braying of those who continue to try and perpetuate this grand lie is disgusting to those who have some semblance of reality based ethic, and moral conscience.
Further, to use the weak excuse of “Still I dont see the Dems offering one solution of substance to affect this change.” I’m afraid you must be stone deaf, and legally blind if you have not heard the words of the Democratic Congressman and Woman, many Republican’s, and of the American People as to their wish to end this disaster we are in the middle of through this administrations bold criminal deceipt.
If you for some reason think that the Dem’s should be able to magically come up with a solution from the grave we find ouselves buried in through this administrations horrendous blunders - you must truely consider them super human deities, or you are truely a pitiful soul in your trying to pass this off as something they now have to fix after the fact.
We must support our troops at all cost, but we must get them out of harms way in a conflict they do not belong in as quickly as possible without sacrificing their safety in so doing.
Now that you claim to have “seen the light”, and no longer support this war yourself, why are you lecturing us in what appears to be a pretense of trying to play both sides in this debate through your denial that “even our Military leaders do not support this conflict”. You dismally digress in trying to insist that the current Joint Chief’s are NOT opposed to this escalation of troops, yet in the reality of the situation, why would they show opposition? All of them are close to retirment age, why jepordize their pensions by disagreeing with someone who wouldn’t even blink an eye in sacking them for disloyalty? Remember the ” Either with us or with the Terrorists” statement?
I’m sorry, I’m not in a very partisan mood. I guess it would be much easier if I saw some semblance of bi-partisan gesture from the president that would assure me that the healing of the past 12 years will commence. Still, I’ll try! I’ll try.
Report thisBy Lisa W, January 24, 2007 at 1:24 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
To those who have reminded us that ‘talk is cheap’, I submit that this has been exemplified that so eloquently in the last 12 years. So much for the ‘moral America’ with Jack Abramoff, Bob Ney, Duke Cunningham, Tom Delay, just to name a few.
I’d also like to add that Democrats have done more for the American people in the first few days of their majority return than the Republicans have done in their 12 years of majority leadership. It was also the Republican controlled lawmakers that demanded a 2002 National Intelligence Estimate in a time constraint far too restrictive to competently evaluate the situation of which both houses used to make their determination. It was a severely flawed estimate AND a rush to judgement. Those who did make the effort to seek qualified answers went unheard (Dennis Kucinich, for one).
As to plans of withdrawing from Iraq, there have been several, but few have (or are) listened(ing). It’s interesting that there was little to no Republican outcry with Republican corruption and mismanagement and now they demand immediate action now! Republican hypocrisy at its best!
What I hope for (too idealistically perhaps), is that our leadership actually leads by common sense, potentially risking their corporate political funding for the sake of the American people so that the less fortunate can improve their status and the middle class can regain some measure of security and that, ultimately, the economic playing field is leveled so that all benefit. I hope that the voice of the American People is heard over the quiet confines of corporate headquarters.
But that requires sacrifices from ALL OF US! I don’t drive around in a gas-guzzling SUV, do you? I don’t have credit cards maxed out and paying the minimum monthly balance, I pay them off monthly, do you? I don’t have every new techie gadget or motorized toy for my recreational delight, do you? For those that do, are you willing to sacrifice those things for the overall improvement of our nation? Are you willing to consume less gas and goods to bring down your debt? We all need to become more responsible; it’s not someone else’s job, problem, or responsibility; IT IS ALL OF OUR RESPONSIBILITY.
So if you want to help, then start conserving! If we want to be more secure, then lets quit being so dependent on foreign nations that supply our petroleum addiction who inherently support terrorist activities. It’s only when we work together for the benefit of society, that we brighten the future for our children. But that doesn’t mean we jump of a cliff because our leaders tell us to (be it political party, religious, or otherwise). Let’s start using our ingenuity, creativity, and compassion to make this a better world for everyone.
A constructive, even heated, discussion is healthy, as long as we maintain diplomacy and respect. That’s been lost for 12 years now, most egregiously within the last 6. We are better than b****fighting/slapping. Let’s become the respectable American citizens we know we can be and work together for the betterment of us all; not just a few.
Report thisBy david, January 24, 2007 at 1:14 pm Link to this comment
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Webb has the qualifications (and balls) to openly criticize the handling of Bush’s war; his father served, he and his brother served, and his son is serving. Bush has gone on unchecked for too long. Webb, who by the way refused to have his picture taken with W (see:wikopedia.com)is calling bullshit on Bush. A line in sand has been drawn…..“or we will show him the way”. Webb is not the type to back down. Never has.
The next few months are going to be interesting.
Report thisBy Goffredo, January 24, 2007 at 1:04 pm Link to this comment
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Joe,
Yes, Webb gave a brilliant speech. If the other democrats had half the stones that guy has, we would be in a lot better shape. The Bush administration has used intimidation in the last 6 years, on both sides. You oppose and Rove will dig up something on you (See Joe Wilson/Valerie Plame) and then you are kaput. Webb is straight off of Washington’s boat crossing the Delaware…a true American!
John,
Let’s back up a second. The Republicans HAD NO PLAN BEFORE INVADING IRAQ! It’s not that we don’t have a plan: it’s that our plan does not use doctored intelligence or Apache helicopters. Sorry if that disappoints you. But keep drinking the koolaid brother, and believe what Bush tells you, that our enemy is in Iraq. It’s not, it never was and it never will be. When was the last time your buddy talked about Bin Laden? Wasn’t that the guy Bush had a beat on immediately after the attacks? What about your party not holding up its word? You said you would get him…where is he????
Get a clue. Democrats have been in congress for 14 days. It’s hard to unscrew 12 years of chaos in two weeks.
Report thisBy Gramma Concept, January 24, 2007 at 12:58 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Dear Friends, Children, and Citizens of this World,
God Is Love…....war is hell…......Strive On.
Report thisSincerely, Wth Love and Encouragement,
GrammaConcept
By Gonnuts, January 24, 2007 at 12:34 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I really don’t know how many people can be so-called informed and so blind about the biggest event of our time.
Folks - 9/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB!
Without 9/11, there is no Afghanistan, no Iraq, no Patriot Act, no continued march to a police state.
Note: Get any picture of the plane flying into WTCB#1. Magnify it. Explain what the cylinder under the plane is?
Note: Watch the Twin Towers fall in slow motion. Explain why floors are being blown out 10, 20 stories below the collapse?
Note: Explain why WTCB#7 fell in free-fall? No plane hit it. Steel buildings just don’t fall for no reason.
Note: Explain why NORAD stood down?
Note: Explain how a 757 fits into a 16 foot hole in the side of the Pentagon and leaves no recoverable wreckage? Where’s the wing damage? Where’s the engines? The seats?. Luggage? Where’s the plane?
Think! Ask! Investigate! Belowgroundsurface.org.
Report thisBy 127001, January 24, 2007 at 12:33 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I really liked the part “... if he doesn’t, we will be showing him the way.”
Sure left something open to interpretation.
Report thisBy trantieungoc, January 24, 2007 at 12:16 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Just show him the way out of his throne. Our nightmare with his dynasty was long enough to keep talking nonsense. Stop beating around the bush.
Report thisBy KenDenver, January 24, 2007 at 11:37 am Link to this comment
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The president has asked all Americans to be patient with the war in Iraq, even though we have shown more than enough patience over the last four years. I wonder how much patience Americans would have shown toward this war if the president had been forthcoming about the dangers we faced from such an adventure? If I recall correctly, the president told us how easy this war would be that it would be over in a matter of weeks and that the cost to Americans would be low in terms of lives lost and money spent. Did he really believe what he was telling us? Most Americans did believe him and now we are stuck in a war that seems to have no end and offers us no good options out.
But what would have happened if the president had been truthful to us four years ago? If he had said back then that this would be a long and costly war (perhaps a decade long) that we would lose thousands of soldiers and tens of thousands more would be wounded that the war would cost not just a few billions of dollars, but, perhaps, close to a trillion dollars that we would have to nearly destroy Iraq and kill almost three-quarters of a million of its citizens that the world would turn against us would we have been so willing to be patient, would we have even been willing to go along? I doubt it. The president has tried our patience there is nothing left. We are tired, the poor Iraqis are tired, and the world is tired of it all. Only he seems to have the energy for more. It is time to find a new way, no matter how difficult that may be, whether he likes it or not.
Report thisBy Christopher Robin, January 24, 2007 at 10:27 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
It’s not what the democrats say.
It’s what they do or not do.
Talk is cheap!
Report thisBy John, January 24, 2007 at 10:23 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Not a precipitous withdrawal that ignores the possibility of further chaos…...and a formula that will in short order allow our combat forces to leave Iraq.
I don’t really see the difference between a precipitous withdrawal and “in short order” allow us to leave. Webb who ran on an antiwar platform like most democracts HAS YET to come up with a plan of action. I am so sick of people who say lets end this war, lets get out of Iraq and then when they get IN POWER say things like, “well Bush did this and Bush did that and Bush didn’t do this”. WELL YOU DEMOCRACTS NOW HAVE THE POWER…...LEAD….FOLLOW…OR GET THE HELL OUT THE WAY.
The President took us into this war recklessly. Correct me if I am wrong but a vote by Congress overwhelmingly endorsed the USA’s entry into the War. Hilary voted to go to war, Kerry voted…no wait we won’t go there. Kennedy voted to go to war. Were they being reckless?
The majority of the nation no longer supports the way this war is being fought; nor does the majority of our military. Now I can’t argue that the nation no longer supports this war because I agree here..I am a Bush supporter but he’s lost my confidence in this war and I believe the USA should get out of IRAQ TODAY! Still I don’t see the Dems offering one solution of substance to affect this change. My issue is with the comment that the military does not support the war. I haven’t seen that poll….a poll of the military that includes the soliders where the majority of soliders don’t support the war. Maybe he’s been talking to HIS BOY on this one and if so lets hear from HIS BOY. But while some retired Generals have spoken against the war I haven’t seen any Generals of the Joint Chiefs of Staff come out with this opinion. I would like to see Jimmy back up this statement with facts.
Report thisFor once I am on the Dems side….I think we need to be out of IRAQ NOW…I am still waiting to see what your exact plan of action is in this matter. I am getting older by the day waiting.
By Gonnuts, January 24, 2007 at 10:18 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
As I watched bush walk into Congress being greeted cordially by all those in view I had to wonder why not one of the so-called representatives of the people wouldn’t at least turn their backs on this pretender, or make a public show of just walking out.
Next I wondered if any of the so-called representatives were aware of the evidence that is so easily available on sights like Belowgroundsurface.org, 9/11Thruth.org, Scholarsfor9/11 truth.org and more that raise serious questions about what really happened on September 11, 2001. Did any one of them now know what many are convinced was a deliberate attack against this country, not by so-called terrorists, but elements within our own government?
I’ve been wondering since 9/11/01 how so many people could have watched WTCB#7, a 100% heavily fortified steel building, which wasn’t hit by a plane and had minimal damage, simply fall into it’s own foot-print at free-fall speed and not ask how this was possible? Why hasn’t anyone in the MSM asked? Why didn’t the 9/11 Commission ask? Why haven’t many of the so-called progressive blogs asked? And this is just one of the hundreds of questions not answered from that day.
We’ve been had folks. this whole government is a fraud as long as we allow this murderer-in-chief and all those that still live in a state of denial about the events of 9/11 to simply except the MSM’s spin and the so-called “official” version of these events.
Report thisBy Dr. Knowitall, PhD, PhD, January 24, 2007 at 9:43 am Link to this comment
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Given the number of times politicians have exhorted god to “Bless America” should we assume that we’re in the deplorable condition we are because god DID bless America, or because god DIDN’T bless America or that god hates us and wishes us misery, or blessing us means something contrary to our definition of “blessing” or god is on lunch break? I wish—to Hell—politicians would stop saying that. It’s as if they’re afraid of the political fall-out if they don’t and that’s reprehensible. As for the rest if the response I believe it will turn out to be, as usual, empty rhetoric. Then we’ll go to the polls and it will be business as usual for another four or eight years. GAWD BLESS IMERRIKA!
Report thisBy Moe Hare, January 24, 2007 at 8:57 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Democrats show him the way—IMPEACH BUSH!
Report thisBy Norm Ezzie, January 24, 2007 at 7:17 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I respect Sen.Webb,I’d respect him even more if he would address the ” governing ruling class” that’s at the helm.Not until someone finally speaks out on the U.S. Corporatocracy,its sole allegiance,unto themselves,profit driven at any cost.Americans can no longer deny that we have become a nation of corporations,and through that wonderful scheme of globalization,a war for resources is just one step for global control!Make no mistake,if WeThePeople continue on “their charted course”-the America we once knew will be a mere memory in a very short time.Sen.Webb appears to be an “honorable man”- how well educated he is,I really don’t know.He’s attained a position in goverment,and there’s only 1 thing that must take place - save this Republic from those who have stolen it! Norm Ezzie of http://www.storminnorm.com
Report thisBy John in Bear, January 24, 2007 at 7:16 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Show him the way, indeed. We elected you all to do just that. Please proceed!
Report thisBy Joan, January 24, 2007 at 7:01 am Link to this comment
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I agree wholeheartedly with everything Senator Webb said. I would like to add that it is not the job of any nation to decide how another nation governs. I think we’ve lost sight of that basic tenet.
Report thisOur greatest asset is freedom. Can the powers that be stretch their minds around that idea? Islam is a way of life that I don’t believe is compatible with democracy. Further no theocracy can be forced - it has to evolve.
By Joe, January 24, 2007 at 6:37 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Sen Webb made the only intelligent speech last night responding to Bush’s “State of My Mind” talk. Perhaps the democrats have finally found someone who hasn’t yet been corrupted by politics and will lead them to put our country back together again.
Bush’s domestic proposals were modest at the very best - besides, who’s he kidding. He has no more intention to follow through as in the past six years! As for his war - the people have spoken and today congress will send him a message - hopefully, to be followed by stronger messages later in the year.
Report thisBy Roy, January 24, 2007 at 5:54 am Link to this comment
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It’s freaky, seeing a politician speaking without making me cringe with embarrassment.
How did a straight-shooter get elected to office?
I’ve grown so comfortable with my skepticism and cynicism over the years, and now ... I’m going to have to chew this over.
Report thisBy George S Semsel, January 24, 2007 at 5:09 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Talk is cheap. When will we see actions initiated by the Democrats rather than responses?
Report thisBy TheEnd, January 24, 2007 at 3:06 am Link to this comment
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There are several plausible scenarios for the years to come. Most involve the Democrats taking the oval office from the Republicans in 2008, but all of them certainly spell dark days ahead for America. I don’t mean to piss in anyone’s lemonade here, but unless the Democrats are willing and able to complete massive corporate legal reform, end the occupation in Iraq, stop supporting Israel’s military solution to its problems, dismantle the oil lobby with abundant alternative energy subsidized by the Fed, and re-affirm the separation of Church and State in this country, then we’re all screwed. Unfortunately, I’ve seen nothing to suggest that the Democrats (or any third party, for that matter) will have the moxie or wherewithal to pull off one, let alone all of these profound tasks.
I tend to think that America is past the point of no return and we’re too far down the spiral for hope of redemption. Still, problem solving has to be attempted if only to at least stave off the coming collapse of this once great nation state so some of our citizens have a chance to run for cover. I really hope I’m wrong. Baring cancer, I should be alive to see this come to fruition, or not. Thanks for f#$king up the world so thoroughly baby boomers. I hope you’re whole generation drowns in your Vodka/Warfarin cocktails as you get high off the oxygen tanks strapped to the backs of your golf carts. Good luck, Dems. - TheEnd
Report thisBy vet240, January 23, 2007 at 11:52 pm Link to this comment
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For much of the Vietnam War Politicians relied on the “Professional judgement” of the “Professional military leadership”. The politicians forgot the example of President Harry Truman. Remember Harry? He demonstrated to the military that they don’t make policy decisions, politicians have that responsibility. Harry fired 5 Star General Douglas McArthur, rightly so. If Harry had allowed the military to make the decisions, we would have been into the third world war confronting China. Today China is our biggest international market.
Bush, having no interest in doing the “hard work” as he calls it insists we rely on the judgement of the Generals now. Never mind that Bush ignored his own Generals when planning this debacle we call The war on terror, Iraqi style.
I believe Senator Webb is right on the mark in everything he stated tonight.
Democrats in the legislature,, TAKE BACK OUR GOVERNMENT NOW! FULFILL YOUR CONSTITUTIONALLY ESTABLISHED RESPONSIBILITIES!!!
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