Vyan

Sunday, January 14

Bush Plans to Punk Congress - if he can

Ok, that's not really a surprising headline is it? Well, this time the Consequences could be devestating to our Republic.

Tonight on 60 Minutes President Bush plans to announce that he doesn't care what Congress says - He Plans to Escalate the War No Matter What.

They could try to stop me from doing it, but I've made my decision and we're going forward.

So much for that bi-partisan consultation on the future of Iraq the president promised just a few days ago.


Just this week Sen Ted Kennedy introduced legislation that would require the President to seek the prior approval of the Congress before adding additional troops to the Iraq Conflict.

In his radio address the President made his response.

From President Bush’s radio address today: "But those who refuse to give this [escalation] plan a chance to work have an obligation to offer an alternative that has a better chance for success. To oppose everything while proposing nothing is irresponsible."

This of course, completely ignore the core of what Kennedy has requested which is that the President first put his plan before Congress and allow them a chance to review it. It's clearly ridiculous to not tell them the details of his plan, and then expect them not to comment or criticize without first providing the details of some theoritical counter-plan.

But then that's par for the course isn't it?

Despite the spiraling death toll in the region, Vice President Cheney continues to argue even today that "we're making progress" in Iraq.

Tony Snow thinks they can attack Iran with impunity.

Condi Rice is playing word games with the upcoming "augmentation" , even though Military manuals always call the addition of resources an escalation.

75% of the public thinks Bush should get Congressional approval for his plan.

The Generals are against it, as are the troops on the ground. Pretty soon he'll be down to just Barney and Laura on this one.

But that's not going to stop him.

Like a petulant child, he's going to do what he's going to do until somebody stops him. It may require, as Kennedy alluded to, a de-authorization of HJ 141 - and possibly even the original AUMF.

This present problems that have been well outlined by Kargo X.

Bush thinks he can do anything he wants - anytime he wants.

It's clear in the writings one of the chief archetects of his Unitary Presidency- John Yoo.

In light of the text, plan, and history of the Constitution, its interpretation by both past Administrations and the courts, the longstanding practice of the executive branch, and the express affirmation of the President's constitutional authorities by Congress, we think it beyond question that the President has the plenary constitutional power to take such military actions as he deems necessary and appropriate to respond to the terrorist attacks upon the United States on September 11, 2001.

Plenary Powers? This means they feel they don't need no stinking IWR or AUMF. They've already got the power (in their own mind), and they plan to use it.

Even if Congress blocks the addition of troops - as Kennedy's suggests and they have several times in the past - he won't stop.

And that's why Congres ultimarely - has to bring this President and his entire Administration down. He (They) won't stop, not until you make him. It may still take some time for the Country and even Congress to come to this conclusion, but I think what we're going to hear today on 60 minutes just brought us one large step closer to the grim ending of this Presidency.

May it come sooner, rather than later.

Vyan

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