What supporting the troops really means

It's a sad day in America when a certain political party cares more about their own interests than they do about the amazing men and women serving our country.

Sen. Webb on GOP filibuster
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The hypocrisy of the Republican party is BEYOND astounding.

Even the Army Times blames the Republicans

No wonder the silence on the right is so deafening...it doesn't look like the military is happy about the Republican blockage of Senator Jim Webb's common sense troop amendment. Let's break it down, shall we? We'll start with the title:

Senate GOP leaders block Webb dwell-time plan

No question as to who to blame there, huh? The first sentence is even better.

A Senate proposal to guarantee combat troops more time at home was derailed Wednesday by a procedural roadblock thrown by Republicans.

OUCH. Next?

Fifty-six senators supported the plan offered by two military veterans — Sens. Jim Webb, D-Va., and Chuck Hagel, R-Neb. — that would promise service members returning from deployment as much time at home as they had spent in a combat zone, unless they volunteer to return early.

Under normal circumstances, 56 votes would have been enough for the measure to pass. But the Senate’s debate over Iraq policy during consideration of the $648 billion defense policy bill for 2008 is not normal, because Republican leaders have vowed to use procedural moves to stop Democrats from changing the Bush administration’s Iraq strategy.

They got their zinger in right at the end, and what a zinger it is. It's not over, though.

With Republicans threatening endless debate, known in legislative terms as a filibuster, supporters of the Webb-Hagel amendment needed to muster 60 votes to stop the talking and bring the plan to a vote. They fell four votes short.

Webb said he was disappointed but won’t give up. “We are going to continue to focus on this,” he said.

Sounds like the Army Times is a fan of Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), doesn't it? And why shouldn't they be? He clearly supports the troops, while the Republicans couldn't make it more plain that they do NOT.

Sen. Barbara Milkuski, D-Md., said she was disappointed in the Senate for blocking a vote on an amendment aimed at supporting troops and their families, especially one sponsored by two Vietnam combat veterans whose views on personnel issues traditionally would be given great weight because “they know the stresses of war.”

They could have thrown in any number of quotes from any number of our Democratic leaders right there, but in my eyes, they chose the perfect one. You cannot read that without questioning the Republicans' actions today which make it patently clear that they care more for their President than they do for the American Armed Forces. But the closing paragraph is best, in my opinion.

Work on the defense bill continues, with other Iraq-related amendments expected on setting a withdrawal date for U.S. combat troops and ordering a change in the missions assigned to those troops.

Republican leaders intend to use the same tactic of potentially unending debate, which will continue to force Democrats to try and muster 60 votes to stop them. Falling short on the less-controversial deployment issue is believed to be a sign that 60 votes will not be found for other Iraq amendments opposed by the Bush administration.

You would have to be blind, deaf, dumb, and possibly mentally challenged to say that the Democratic party is not becoming known as the pro-military party. And it's about damned time...

Republicans have spoken - Mr. Bush is more important than our troops

From the mouth of Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader(D):

“The Webb amendment is simple: It states that if a member of the active military is deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, they are entitled to the same length of time back home before they can be redeployed. It also states that members of the Reserves may not be redeployed within three years of their original deployment – which will not only give them time to recover from deployment, but will restore our reserve forces to respond to emergencies here at home.

“Anyone who watched the tornadoes in Kansas and other states’ emergencies knows how crucial a well-maintained and supported Reserve force is to our domestic safety. Some have tried to confuse this issue by calling it an infringement of presidential authority. This is simply false. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution empowers Congress to ‘make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces.’

“And this amendment provides ample presidential waivers in the case of an emergency that threatens our national security. The Webb amendment sets a standard and binding policy, but it does not tie the president or the Congress’s hands to respond to an emergency.

“If we are committed to building a military that is fully equipped and prepared to address the challenges we face throughout the world – and I know we are – then we must support this amendment. If we are committed to repaying in some small measure the sacrifices our brave troops are making every day – and I know we are – then we must support this amendment.

“I am discouraged that the Republican leadership chose to block this troop readiness amendment. If Republicans oppose troop readiness, they are entitled to vote against it. If Republicans don’t believe that our courageous men and women in uniform deserve more rest and mental health, they can vote no on this amendment. If they don’t agree that constant redeployments and recruiting shortages are straining our armed forces, they can vote no on this amendment.

“But to block this amendment – to not even give it an up or down vote – shows that some of my Republican colleagues are protecting their president rather than protecting our troops. But just because some in the minority party are choosing obstruction does not mean that all Republicans must follow in lockstep. I urge all of my colleagues who believe we need a new course to support this amendment. It is a crucial first step on the path toward a responsible end to the war.”

Way to go, Republicans. You're real American heroes today, aren't you? Choosing protecting your "president" over each and every member of our armed forces, dead or alive. ANYONE who agrees with this decision is a weak, pathetic, impotent traitor. I hope they're proud of themselves.

Once again, the Republican party shows their disdain and hate for the troops

Same shit, different stink. I can only imagine the spin Fox News is trying to come up with at this point. I almost feel sorry for the office personnel of every disgusting person who voted against Senator Jim Webb's fair and logical amendment, since I imagine constituents around the country are letting them know exactly how they feel. Then again, I quickly remember that these very same people answering the phones work for and support American traitors, so my sympathy ends.

To all Virginians who actually support the troops (certain despicable bloggers need not apply because your ridiculous signs and your yellow ribbons on your car don't count), please call the offices of both Senators Warner and Webb and thank them for supporting our troops today.

Republican supporters, bloggers, and politicians - you should all be utterly ashamed. I ask you once again; why do you hate our members of the Armed Forces? And if you feel so strongly about supporting the troops by keeping them in harm's way for years on end, why don't you join them instead of being such pussies?

Fitzgerald will soldier on...

We fully recognize that the Constitution provides that commutation decisions are a matter of presidential prerogative and we do not comment on the exercise of that prerogative.

We comment only on the statement in which the President termed the sentence imposed by the judge as “excessive.” The sentence in this case was imposed pursuant to the laws governing sentencings which occur every day throughout this country. In this case, an experienced federal judge considered extensive argument from the parties and then imposed a sentence consistent with the applicable laws. It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar of justice as equals. That principle guided the judge during both the trial and the sentencing.

Although the President’s decision eliminates Mr. Libby’s sentence of imprisonment, Mr. Libby remains convicted by a jury of serious felonies, and we will continue to seek to preserve those convictions through the appeals process.

from here

Paris Hilton is a bigger crook than Scooter Libby

Would someone please remind me what country I live in again? Because this is ridiculous.

WASHINGTON - President Bush commuted the sentence of former aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby Monday, sparing him from a 2 1/2-year prison term in the CIA leak case. Bush left intact a $250,000 fine and two years probation for Libby, according to a senior White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been announced.

Bush's move came hours after a federal appeals panel ruled Libby could not delay his prison term in the CIA leak case. That decision put the pressure on the president, who had been sidestepping calls by Libby's allies to pardon the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney.

Libby was convicted in March of lying to authorities and obstructing the investigation into the 2003 leak of CIA operative's identity. He was the highest-ranking White House official ordered to prison since the Iran-Contra affair.

Great job, Mr. Bush. Heckuva job, in fact. Oh, and congrats on your soon to be lower than imaginable poll numbers. Enjoy that, really.

I can guarantee I have the foulest blog in VA

I'll put the reasons why in the comments.The reasons are too graphic for the front page, so use your imagination. I fully expect to have my mouth washed out with soap by everyone at the bloggers conference. Looks like I kind of deserve it...

I can't say I am surprised...

My Liberal Identity:

You are a Peace Patroller, also known as an anti-war liberal or hippie. You believe in putting an end to American imperial conquest, stopping wars that have already been lost, and supporting our troops by bringing them home.

Take the quiz at www.fightconservatives.com

I have to say, the questions and answers are hilarious. I will tell you that I definitely chose the "Nice Hummer...Sorry about your PENIS" option for the next bumper sticker I would put on my car.

Go take the quiz, and happy Sunday!