Someone check Condi's closet - how many pairs of shoes does she really have?
Posted by iamcoyote at September 12, 2007 05:38 AMHeard Carl Levin on the radio this morning saying he disagreed with Patraeus' plan (to w/draw 30,000 by next summer), but as he was talking, he kept saying things like "we'll be down to 130,000 by July" with no qualifying "IF we follow the president's plan". He just kept stating it as if it were fact and there was nothing the dems planned to do about it.
He also said that after most of the media had left, he asked Patraeus if he'd continue to draw down troops after July. Patraeus said yes--the only question being at what rate. Levin felt Bush wasn't getting that part--that Bush wanted to draw down to 130K in July and then decide about any more at that point.
I also found it interesting in the part of the hearings that I've seen, that probably 3/4 of the questions went to Patraeus. I thought the bulk should have gone to Crocker. Who cares if the violence is down if nothing else is happening?
Posted by CG at September 12, 2007 05:55 AMThe internets are reporting Little Boots will nominate the perfectly dreadful Ted Olson to be Gonzo's replacement as AG. Should be interesting to see if the Democrats allow him through. My guess is, Olson can start ordering his new business cards.
Posted by Christopher at September 12, 2007 06:40 AMCG, If I heard Crocker say "Umm!" one more time my head was going to explode.
Posted by Seven of Six at September 12, 2007 06:48 AMThe Senate got one thing right yesterday!
S.Amdt. 2797 to H.R. 3074 (Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 )
Statement of Purpose: To prohibit the establishment of a program that allows Mexican truck drivers to operate beyond the commercial zones near the Mexican border.
Check out the Nay votes:
Allard (R-CO)
Bennett (R-UT)
Bond (R-MO)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Cochran (R-MS)
Cornyn (R-TX)
DeMint (R-SC)
Domenici (R-NM)
Grassley (R-IA)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hagel (R-NE)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Lieberman (ID-CT)
Lott (R-MS)
Lugar (R-IN)
Martinez (R-FL)
McConnell (R-KY)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Stevens (R-AK)
Sununu (R-NH)
Vitter (R-LA)
Why would they vote "Nay"?
7o6
I'm curious. Why did they vote nay? Other Repugs voted for it.
Obama's GET OUT NOW plan just being revealed. His cards are now on the table.....Hillary, your turn.
Posted by T2 at September 12, 2007 07:46 AMActually, T2, Obama talks about "combat troops." They all say "combat troops." What's to stop them from suddenly calling "combat troops" "support troops" and pulling the old bait and switch?
Posted by iamcoyote at September 12, 2007 07:51 AMJohn T, Most are lock step bu$h supporters. The others I can only figure have some sort of business needs.
Or they just wanted to try and bust the Unions.
My household, who relies on a Teamster backed check is grateful to all the Dems and repukes who stood up to bu$h. All those calls paid off to other Senators.
My own Senator, Kyl, no help, and of course McStupid not voting.
It's a small victory but I'll take it.
Posted by Seven of Six at September 12, 2007 08:02 AMyes, iamcoyote, nuance, nuance. However I'd argue that every single troop in Iraq is a combat troop. I'm sure the Army sees it differently. Anyway, why not ask Obama about that point...see what he says.
Posted by T2 at September 12, 2007 08:09 AMT2, I'm going to ask all of them on their websites and see if they give a response. My nephew's going to Iraq in a week after being promised he wouldn't (I tried to tell him, but would he listen? nooooo). He's supposedly "support." Right. As if they're bullet and bombproof. I'll let you know if I get an answer.
Posted by iamcoyote at September 12, 2007 08:13 AMOh jeez coyote, sorry to hear that!
What's his MOS?
Support covers a lot of areas. I hope he's not a trucker!
Not sure, SoS, I've been getting reports from my sister (her daughter's hubby is the one going to Iraq), and my sis knows nuthin' about the military. My niece is coming back from Germany, and I'll grill her then. She may be staying with me for a while as she looks for a nice apartment with a friend. Gah, this sucks!
Haven't heard from my other nephew, also in Iraq. But supposedly, he's PsyOps, (not a surprise, if you know him), and not in danger. Sure wish I could talk to him!
Posted by iamcoyote at September 12, 2007 08:48 AMcoyote, I hope they will be safe. As with all the troops.
Kind of glad all 5 of my nephews have done their time and are home with friends, family and going to school or working.
One is having a very serious time adapting. He was an Air Force MP that got put in an IED clearing unit. I keep suggesting for him to get help but it's really hard since he's in CO and staying high most of the time.
The early years in Iraq seemed to be safer.
How fucked up is that, to say "the early years" were safer? To even refer to "the early years" shows me that those who still support this boondoggle in Iraq is freakishly sick!
Posted by Seven of Six at September 12, 2007 09:03 AM...is freakishly sick!
...are freakishly sick!
Grammar nazi!
What I want to know is how Petraeus knows at this time that they can bring home 30,000 troops next summer. Is he psychic or is he merely another political hack?
Posted by ann at September 12, 2007 09:24 AMAnn - they HAVE to withdraw the "Surge" troops because there are NO troops to replace them. Are the Democrats too fu*king stoopid to point this out? Or will Dear Leader get the credit for what he will be forced by reality to do?
Posted by Gay Veteran at September 12, 2007 12:02 PM