As we hear from the candidates in the 2008 presidential campaign, it’s essential sometimes to tune out what they say and look instead at what they do.
All of the Democratic candidates for President say they’re against the war in Iraq, but most of them supported George W. Bush when Bush wanted to start the war back in 2003. Just as important than their position on the war at the start is what the Democratic presidential candidates are doing right now.
Senator Russ Feingold has introduced a bill to the Senate, S.1077, that would require the President of the United States to begin withdrawing soldiers from Iraq within 120 days, with the withdrawal to be finished by the end of March, 2008.
Given the huge civilian casualties in Baghdad over the last few days, in spite of the Bush-McCain escalation there, it’s become obvious that the Republican pro-war candidates have no more ideas left about how to win the war in Iraq – or even a clear idea about what winning would mean. The military occupation of Iraq has been a failure, and Iraq is already falling apart. Everything that the Republicans said would happen if the United States withdraws has already taken place with the US military still in place. There is nothing left of any good to be done in Iraq. Senator Russ Feingold is right. It is time to leave Iraq (past time, really).
So, which of the Democratic Senators who are running for President have agreed to support Feingold’s bill, S.1077? Only Chris Dodd. Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joseph Biden won’t support the withdrawal from Iraq. They only are willing to commit to non-binding legislation about the Iraq War that whines but does nothing in particular.
So far, as much as they talk anti-war, Obama, Clinton and Biden are disappointing when it comes to action.
The main part of S.1077 reads:
“(a) Transition of Mission – The President shall promptly transition the mission of United States forces in Iraq to the limited purposes set forth in subsection (d).
(b) Commencement of Safe, Phased Redeployment from Iraq – The President shall commence the safe, phased redeployment of United States forces from Iraq that are not essential to the purposes set forth in subsection (d). Such redeployment shall begin not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Prohibition on Use of Funds – No funds appropriated or otherwise made available under any provision of law may be obligated or expended to continue the deployment in Iraq of members of the United States Armed Forces after March 31, 2008.
(d) Exception for Limited Purposes – The prohibition under subsection (c) shall not apply to the obligation or expenditure of funds for the limited purposes as follows:
(1) To conduct targeted operations, limited in duration and scope, against members of al Qaeda and other international terrorist organizations.
(2) To provide security for United States infrastructure and personnel.
(3) To train and equip Iraqi security services.”
Oh, and that’s surprising? The rudderless ship of state sails along toward its eventual demise. What a waste. Karmacly i suppose we had it coming, since the nation was founded on murder, theft and greed and seems to be continuing in the same vein. Some people never learn.