What will the Democrats do now?

[Peace is Possible]

I don't know about you all but I have been reading some things that sound like...well exactly like I fear happening.

There is much speculation about what congressional Democrats will do over the next two years. My column will be one of pure conjecture as well--I don't know with certainty--but I will give my rationale for each position I take.

First, the Democrats won't try to impeach the president. There are many good reasons for not doing so. The attempted impeachment of Bill Clinton did not sit well with the public, so the Dems won't want to take the chance of messing up their slim advantage going into the '08 presidential campaign. They must create the perception of bringing the country together. Long drawn out investigations would create the same voter fatigue which contributed to the GOP's defeat this November.

Investigations against Bush's reasons for going to Iraq will probably be inconclusive, and at worst exonerate his motives for invading Iraq.
http://www.enterstageright.com/archive/articles/1206/1206demplans.htm

All of this will be termed a "short" period of time to change U.S. policy and the path to be headed down will be labeled "phased withdrawal" or the beginning of an "exit strategy." Oh, and while we're at it, make sure to suggest that we embed many of those "redeployed" troops just "over the horizon," probably in Kuwait and some set of small Gulf states, where they can theoretically strike at will in Iraq if the government and military we plan to "stabilize" there turns out to be endangered (as, of course, it will be).

Put in a nutshell, the Iraq Study Group plan -- should it ever be put into effect -- might accomplish the following: As a start, it would in no way affect our essential network of monumental permanent bases in Iraq (where, many billions of dollars later, concrete is still being poured); it would leave many less "combat" troops but many more "advisors" in-country to "stand up" the Iraqi Army (tactics already tried, at the cost of many billions of dollars, and just about sure to fail);...

All of this should ensure that, well into 2008, at least 70,000 American military personnel will still be in Iraq, after which, in the midst of a presidential election season, will actual withdrawal finally appear on some horizon? In other words, the Baker Commission plan guarantees us at least another 3-5 years in Iraq.

And, oh yes, here's something else no one is likely mention. Those Americans left behind after the phased withdrawers head for the horizon will surely be more vulnerable,...And, oh yes, during this "short" period of perhaps 12-14 months when we are supposed to be phasing away, based on present casualty rates, perhaps another 40,000 to 60,000 Iraqi civilians will die horrific deaths as will at least modest numbers of young Americans
http://www.commondreams.org/views06/1204-20.htm

We cannot allow our Democratic congress to squander our opportunity for change. What are we going to do to make sure they listen to WE the People?

[Skittles]

1. regarding impeachment

I hardly see how impeachment over consensual sex and impeachment over the biggest foreign policy blunder in American history, one that is GETTING PEOPLE KILLED EVERY DAY, can be put on equal footing

[cali]

2. Give them a chance instead of

bitching before they've even taken office. Impeachment is a chess game, no whack-a-mole.

And here are some of things they say they're going to focus on: The minimum wage, health care, cleaning up lobbying, investigations.

Send letters urging impeachment.

If in six months, they haven't done anything, then start howling. It's way too early to start now.

[Peace is Possible]

3. Send letters urging impeachment-well I'll agree to that

:toast:

But no domestic agenda can really be accomplished while we continue to waste billions in Iraq
and we can't leave Iraq or do anything useful with Bush in the way.
Seems to me kicking Bush out ASAP is the only way to go.
I think momentum is everything- we cannot squander this opportunity.

Six months is too long! How many troops and Iraqis will die in that time?

[izzie]

4. Very little as when they get that high up they play the game.

Hardly any one will dare to do a thing or open a subject. The few that will will be liked by this party. Like any herd they stay together. Be sides that in this govt. style not much moves fast, as it should be, if they do start checking on stuff that has happened.

[AtomicKitten]

5. My hope is that they systematically undo all the legislative

damage to America and also do the oversight the Rs refused to do. Let the investigations begin. Subpoenas all around.