Thank God we have MoveOn to help fight this battle with the Right.
Last night, President Bush tried to rescue his failed Iraq policy in a nationally televised address by connecting the Iraq war to the war on terror. He is trying to change the subject from Iraq to terrorism and September 11—implying that Iraq attacked us in 2001.
To keep Bush from changing the subject, we've started running a new TV ad about Iraq.
We plan to expand the advertising into the hometowns of Republican members of Congress who will have tough elections in 2006.
That will help send a signal that Congress will pay a price at the ballot box because of the Iraq failures. The president's speech provided political cover to a lot of members of Congress—letting them get away with not supporting an exit strategy—but we can help neutralize that with the ad campaign. If you don't live in one of those congressional districts, this is your chance to make a huge difference by supporting this ad.
The ad, titled "Hagel," draws a sharp contrast between President Bush's claim that we're making progress in Iraq and the words of Republican Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, who said, "The White House is completely disconnected from reality... It's like they're just making it up as they go along."1 Then, the ad calls for an exit strategy, saying, "It's time to come home. We went in the wrong way, let's come home the right way." An exit strategy with a timeline is supported by nearly 84% of MoveOn members according to the recent vote.
Supporting this ad will also show that we won't run away when the Republicans attack. Over the last couple of days, the Bush White House has begun openly attacking MoveOn by name—even accusing us of siding with the terrorists and wanting to make America less safe. It started with lies in a speech by Bush spin-master Karl Rove last week but quickly followed with attacks on "The Today Show" by White House Communications Director Dan Bartlett. Then, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld took a swipe at MoveOn on Sunday talk shows.
We can't let them get away with this. It's the Iraq war that's making America less safe—not the 3.3 million of us in MoveOn.
Because we're out front on Iraq, we can expect more attacks. By standing up to them, we can demonstrate to Democrats that they need not cower when Republicans slander them. But we can't keep these ads on the air without your support.
The advertising is just the first part of MoveOn's new Iraq campaign. Over the coming weeks and months, we'll be pushing for our leaders in elected office to insist that President Bush put together an exit strategy (a plan!) for Iraq.
We had a very interesting thread yesterday, started by Larre called questioning common wisdom, about the prospects for escaping the quagmire. Anyone interested in the question should visit Juan Cole's blog and check out a guest editorial by Alan Richards of Santa Cruz U.
It begins:
I have been reading the debate . . . on "What next in Iraq?" ("Unilateral withdrawal? UN forces? Staying the course?") with great interest. There is a way, however, in which I am troubled by what I perceive as a tacit assumption--a very American assumption,--underlying most of the discussion. It seems to me that even "pessimists" are actually "optimists": they assume that there exists in Iraq and the Gulf some "solution", some course of action which can actually lead to an outcome other than widespread, prolonged violence, with devastating economic, political, and social consequences.
I regret to say that I think this is wrong. There is no "solution" to this mess; it is sometimes not possible to "fix" things which have been broken. I can see no course of action which will prevent widespread violence, regional social upheaval, and economic hammering administered by oil price shocks. This is why so many of us opposed the invasion of Iraq so strenuously in the first place! We thought that it would unleash irreversible adverse consequences for (conventionally defined) US interests in the region. I am very sorry to say that I still think we were right.
After that, it gets a bit more pessimistic.
Posted by DeminNewJ at June 30, 2005 04:02 AMOnce during a conversation, my Bush supporting friend justified the Iraq war by saying that America was losing respect in the world by letting Saddam get away with everything he had done, and we therefore must restore it by invading.
That was like 3 cherries coming up on the debate-gotcha slot machine. After I waited to see if he was serious (he was), and pointed out how insane that sounded, he came back by saying he would rather have the world fear us than think us fools.
(insert cartoon-like dramatic eyelid blinking here please)
I just thought that was priceless.
Posted by Andy at June 30, 2005 04:13 AMAndy,
I think we all know people who though otherwise intelligent lose it for Bush. I think its a hang over from 911. Most of us realize that a feared nation is also a nation others form alliances, economic and military, against. The polls seem to show that 3 1/2 after 911 people are looking at things ratuionally rather than emotionally. It's about time.
Posted by rlprather at June 30, 2005 04:31 AMhe came back by saying he would rather have the world fear us than think us fools.
That's the exact same attitude that leads young men to join gangs. Nice philosophy your friend has, Andy.
Posted by ann at June 30, 2005 06:12 AMTOON O' THE DAY:"The Impossible Dream"
Posted by jjoats at June 30, 2005 06:29 AMKlein's Hillary Book Hits #2 on NY Times List
I'm curious what the local Liberals here think of this book that is coming out. The pro's, con's, is it true, is the book B.S., etc. Is the book B.S. just because it hurts a fellow Liberal. Would the book be legitimate if you replace the word Hillary Clinton with George Bush? Is the book legitimate to Conservatives just because it hurts a Liberal. What say you?
Posted by Centrist at June 30, 2005 06:32 AMBillmon is back in full-on badass mode.
Posted by Matt Davis at June 30, 2005 06:38 AMCentrist,
Klein's book does not deserve comment.
I feel for anyone inclined to pay money for it or to read it.
Posted by muckcat at June 30, 2005 06:50 AMAgreed rlprather, and I didn't think of it that way ann, but you are right. I think it might have been a situation where I cornered him and he would rather have something stupid to say than look stupid saying nothing (or worse; concede). It was funny though (in a creepy way). Often we all make our decisions and judgments based on emotion, and then "fix" the facts around these positions to justify them. Sometimes we run out of useful facts and then, well - we all know what happens then.
I want to study psychology - it fascinates me.
Posted by Andy at June 30, 2005 06:55 AMKlein's book does not deserve comment.
..and if a book came out saying all the same things about Bush you would say the same thing???
Yes, No?
Posted by Centrist at June 30, 2005 07:05 AMI'm curious what the local Liberals here think of this book that is coming out.
Well, when it first came out, I was all "Sweet! Hot lesbian action!"
But I read some of the reviews, and apparently the book is really like, all "Hillary has lesbian friends."
Friends!! You expect to sell books with that?! There's tons of really great salacious rumormongering out there on the Internets for free. Why should I plunk down my sort-of-hard-earned cash for anything less than Hillary getting it on with Lindsey Lohan in the White House, wielding some kind of enormous, powered appliance of ecstasy?
Posted by Matt Davis at June 30, 2005 07:08 AMmuckcat
I'm about to publish an unauthorized biography of Centrist, in which I expose Centrist as a pedophile , spy for North Korea, and a tax cheat.
Let's discuss the pros, the cons, is it true, etc.
But will there be hot man-on-dog action? Not just "man's best friend" innuendo, either.
Posted by Matt Davis at June 30, 2005 07:25 AMPoint being.
How many of you rushed to go see Fahrenheit 9/11? Thought so.
Hypocrisy at it's finest. Gotta love politics!
Posted by Centrist at June 30, 2005 07:30 AM..and if a book came out saying all the same things about Bush you would say the same thing???
Well if it said all the same things about Bush I'd be inclined to think that Klein is even more of a hack than I do now. I mean how can Bush be a lesbian?
Seriously Centrist. This book is garbage. The fact that you seem interested in instilling it with some semblance of legitimacy be pretending to use it to generate a larger discussion of political partisanship does not change that.
Posted by muckcat at June 30, 2005 07:33 AMHow many of you rushed to go see Fahrenheit 9/11? Thought so.
Didn't see it.
Are you going to apologize now?
Posted by muckcat at June 30, 2005 07:38 AMCentrist
Klein and his book have been debunked pretty thoroughly. Didn't take long.
Air America did the job.
But the Swift Boat Veterans might still be interested in talking about it.
Posted by Merle at June 30, 2005 07:40 AMI didn't see Fahrenheit 9/11 either. Moore's style grates on me. And he didn't have any hot lesbian action in there, neither.
Posted by Matt Davis at June 30, 2005 07:42 AMI didn't see Fahrenheit 9/11 either. Moore's style grates on me. And he didn't have any hot lesbian action in there, neither.
You should have gone to my theatre. The L Action wasn't on screen, but it made the first half of the movie more tolerable.
Posted by idiosynchronic at June 30, 2005 07:51 AMBesides, Centrist, if it was so good, then why are many conservatives panning it too as a piece of crap?
Posted by Mary at June 30, 2005 07:59 AMMatt,
You're right about billmon's post.... Great analysis. People need click on your link and read it.
As for F9/11 I too didn't rush to see it. Just recently saw it (May) when we signed up with Netflix.
Hey just read over at Dailykos (one of the diaries) that the Bushies brought in a PR man who is an expert in (forming/framing?) War time public opinion. Bush is using our tax dollars to pay for a PR person to convince the sheeple to stay the course with his War of Disastrous Choices. Instead of using that moeny to fully fund the troops with their Veteran's health care or making sure these same men and women have proper supplies/flak jackets, vehicle armor, food, and such. Isn't that great...it's the used car salesman solution to the War..... Honest the engine is just fine underneath the hood. It's all about image......Mission Accomplished. No doubt the media will just play along and not continue to point out at every turn and inform the sheeple that Bush is trying to purposefully manipulate public opinion by using PR campaign to do as such.
By the way, did I mention how much I despise these people.
Time caves. What's up with this? Could it be the unraveling of some white house sweater? hmm?
and how come no one has blogged on the santorum / swift boat veterinarians scandal?
Posted by benjoya at June 30, 2005 08:08 AMHere's the PR War person link for those interested.
Posted by emal at June 30, 2005 08:11 AMoh yeah. if you enjoy the rock come see my outsized band tonight at galapagos in brooklyn.
Posted by benjoya at June 30, 2005 08:12 AMdidn't see Fahrenheit 9/11 either.
I rented it on DVD. The hot lesbian action was more than expected. The scene where the Guckert look-alike rides the guy dressed like the president was reminiscient of Slim Pickens riding the thermo-nuke in Dr. Strangeleove. "Weee-hahhh! Eeeee-yahhhh!" The scene where they were filming the mock-u-mentary, Gorillas In the Misty, in Condi's shower was priceless. I've never seen midgets do THAT before! You wouldn't think they would fit.
Posted by phidipides at June 30, 2005 08:27 AMLOL!!
Posted by Centrist at June 30, 2005 08:34 AMyes Billmon's article is on target. The war in Iraq is lost and no amount of PR and BushLies will change the fact that our nation's military, and it's civilian component (up to and including the Commander in Chief)had no plan at all before, none during, and apparently none for an "after". Let's be very precise and clear: The United States, with it's mightly Military, invaded a small country 2.5 years ago and is still nowhere near in control on the ground, despite the absence of any clearly defined opposition forces. Leaving soon would be best.
Posted by T2 at June 30, 2005 08:40 AMWhile I'm here, I found this to be a fascinating explanation of why this administration is going to be wearing stripes in the Hague's cells.
Posted by phidipides at June 30, 2005 08:43 AMCentrist, I'd respect you more if you'd just ask if anyone wants to play instead of poking around for a controversy. Here's a hint, try the Iranian president/hostage story. I'll bet you'll find some takers there. But I guess you can't until the RNC comes out with the talking points on it?
And I'd like to know who isn't already reading Billmon daily??
Posted by Laura at June 30, 2005 10:11 AMWell, Billmon had those two lengthy hiatuses, so it wasn't worth it for a while to check in every day.
Posted by Matt Davis at June 30, 2005 10:14 AMYou're right, Matt, but it seems he's back in bizness, also posting at tom tomorrow's site. I sure miss MWO, tho. And I do check Riverbend daily, just in case.
Posted by Laura at June 30, 2005 10:20 AMHere's a hint, try the Iranian president/hostage story
Let’s look at another potential scenario;
Suppose George Bush actually went off to fight in Vietnam all those years ago. I know…I know…but it’s just a hypothetical. Bush went off to fight in Vietnam and 25 years later got himself elected president of the US. Low and behold some Vietnamese come forward and say they recognize Bush as a member of a unit that committed atrocities on their village. (Wingnut disclaimer: not all Vietnam vets, not even most, committed atrocities against the people of Vietnam.) They even have some grainy photos showing what appears to be Bush leading a blind folded Vietnamese by the arm.
What do you suppose the US government would do?
And if this is that guy what do you think the Iranians are going to do?
One thing’s for sure. If this story hangs around past today we should have a display of righteous indignation from Tom DeLay to look forward to before the week is out. I hear the Ethics Committee is about to get back to work.
“How many of you rushed to go see Fahrenheit 9/11? Thought so.”
Didn't see it either, Centrist, and neither anyone else from my close family circle.
I would have responded sooner but work prevented me from joining in before your apology. As a matter of fact I'll have to return to it soon. Yet, I’m curious, did you rush to see Farhenheit 9/11? BTW, since it actually doesn’t matter one bit no, I won’t presume to assume, as you did.
One thing, though, it is hard to believe that your nick corresponds to your political persuasion. So, I'll also like to ask, where you one of those responding in the positive to this - http://mediamatters.org/items/printable/200506290009 - biased poll? Just wondering…
Paz
Posted by quídam at June 30, 2005 11:11 AMYa got me, Centrist. I don't respect you, basically because your assumptions about the posters here seem to be drawn from Rush stereotypes rather than reality. To tell you the truth, I couldn't care what you write since I was just being cranky, and you happened to be the whiner in the way.
And sweetie, I don't want, need or expect you to agree with me; I was just saying that if you wanted someone to play with you, be honest about it. There's plenty o' folks who'd have fun engaging you; but you must know that since you're here a lot.
Posted by Laura at June 30, 2005 11:20 AMWell, Billmon had those two lengthy hiatuses, so it wasn't worth it for a while to check in every day....ya, the Whiskey Bar went dry for sometime, but now happily he's back with 2-4 great blogs per day...and a new look...no worry Left Coasters...you're still number 1 for me!!...especially since the LGF morons barred me...lol!
Posted by Goyo at June 30, 2005 12:27 PMcentrist, "paz" is quidam's sign-off, not his name. he's just saying "peace out" in spanish. ¡paz a ti, tambien!
Posted by benjoya at June 30, 2005 01:18 PMAtrios has posted the latest Zogby poll and it seems 40% of Americans would favor Chimpeachment if it's proven that he (it) lied about Iraq....as I've said before, you only have to hit our countrymen over the head a few more times and they will wake up...hopefully!
Posted by Goyo at June 30, 2005 01:42 PMi saw fahrenheit 9/11...thought it was liberal propaganda...and loved every minute of it...to watch that frauds reaction when told "we are under attach"...is all you need to know about that man...he's a disgrace...
Posted by dennis at June 30, 2005 02:05 PMi found the zogby polling numbers on the impeachment question if it was proven that that piece of shit lied us into this war..i think the numbers regarding the repugnicans say an awful lot about what kind of people they are....
Posted by dennis at June 30, 2005 02:14 PMPhidipides
I heard about the War Crimes Act of 1996 this morning at Democracy Now.
It is also on MSNBC/newsweek.
The Roots of Torture
I suggest he fire his speech writer.
Yah, I can see how that would solve the problem. :/
Posted by Simp the Biodiesel Pimp at June 30, 2005 02:19 PMI'd like to point something out concerning all the furor over whether or not reporters should be able to conceal their sources -as in the Plame case. It is all B.S. Forget the reporters! The Bush White House has known who committed this Federal crime the entire time and has refused to come forward and give up the crook. It was a Senior Bush Administration Official for godsake that committed a Federal Crime and Bush knows who it is, or at least Cheney/Rove knows. Reporters in jail?? it should be the leaders of our governement!
Posted by T2 at June 30, 2005 02:44 PMYeah, Bush and the GOP used the same tactics on Ann Richards, except they didn't write a book. It's the same old blue print the GOP has been using for years. Nothing new here. Lies, lies and more lies. How the Clintons can be friends with the Bushes is beyond me.
Posted by Judith at June 30, 2005 04:22 PMThanks, not stupid, for pointing out “The Roots of torture”. Sad as hell to learn about some of the things that are going on...
Paz