HOT !! HOT !! Leaked Letter Reveals GOP Strategy: Talk About Anything But Escalation

[kentuck]

http://electioncentral.tpmcafe.com/blog/electioncentral/2007/feb/13/leaked_gop_letter_reveals_why_gop_doesnt_want_to_debate_escalation

So this explains a lot. Senate Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's office has obtained a letter that GOP Reps. John Shadegg and Peter Hoekstra sent out to House GOP colleagues about escalation. The letter gives GOP members pointers on how they should approach the battle over it on the House floor this week.

Hoyer's office has now posted the letter on his Web site, and it lays bare the GOP's strategy for dealing with debate over the House's anti-escalation resolution and reveals just how worried party leaders are about having a genuine discussion about the "surge." The letter says:
==========================

We are writing to urge you not to debate the Democratic Iraq resolution on their terms, but rather on ours.

Democrats want to force us to focus on defending the surge, making the case that it will work and explaining why the President's new Iraq policy is different from prior efforts and therefore justified.

We urge you to instead broaden the debate to the threat posed to Americans, the world, and all "unbelievers" by radical Islamists. We would further urge you to join us in educating the American people about the views of radical Islamists and the consequences of not defeating radical Islam in Iraq.

The debate should not be about the surge or its details. This debate should not even be about the Iraq war to date, mistakes that have been made, or whether we can, or cannot, win militarily. If we let Democrats force us into a debate on the surge or the current situation in Iraq, we lose.

[Skip Intro]

1. the party of cowards

lead by the biggest one of all...

[countmyvote4real]

8. And perpetual fear-leaders. n/t

[CoffeeCat]

14. Good one!

You need to TM that..."fearleaders".

I love that.

We've got terrorists!
Yes we do!
We've got radicals!
How 'bout you!

We've got duct tape!
Yes we do!
Plastic sheeting
How 'bout you!

Seriously...that's a good one!

[countmyvote4real]

24. Thank you, TS.

It just came to me spontaneously as I read the OP.

I will not TM it. It is "open source" lingo for any that may find it useful. I do love the irony of it. I am thrilled that you got it.

Once again, I am grateful that you took the time to post your appreciation.

[Tin Man]

2. No surprises there. The Publicans are getting their azz kicked on their prosecution of the war

...instead of talking about the potential for succeeding in the war, they focus on why we can't afford to lose the war. Two different issues.

[Catch22Dem]

3. In Summary: "If we debate, we lose."

That's a quote.

What the fuck is an "Islamist" anyway? Is an Islamist different from a Muslim? What are Christians? Shall we call them Christists? How about Christofacists?

ON EDIT: By the way, Hoyer posting the letter on his website ROCKS! Good move. :)

[rodeodance]

10. yes, good move. what a laugh

[formercia]

45. After all, this is a Crusade, right?

I'm more concerned about the theofascist 'Reconstructionist/Dominionist' Xtian movement right here at home.

All enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC.

[Catch22Dem]

48. No kidding! Me too! (n/t)

[whistle]

64. Islamist comes from the same street dictionary as nukular

[bdamomma]

79. that is bushspeak, "Islamist" it is total BS just like *

[gratefultobelib]

4. Well, they followed their instructions, didn't they? One by one they spouted the party line.

[karlrschneider]

22. That they did. It was like a constant replay of a bad B grade movie.

Absolutely disgusting. :grr: :mad: :puke:

[rodeodance]

5. well, I have to say, I did hear a lot of talk of dread, fear, extremeists

etc etc today

[Hissyspit]

6. Wow. The debate I watched seems even sleazier now than as I watched it. They are robots.

Wind them up and they will spout the talking points BS. Sick and amazing.

[quiet.american]

7. Hence all the bizarre tangents from the Republicants today.

As Charles Rangel said on the floor, "I didn't come here to talk about Gen. MacArthur."

[rodeodance]

9. Hoekstra tried to be a History prof today---on Islam. but he failed.

[Joe for Clark]

11. Seems to me they are really betting the farm on this deal -

That this surge will do the trick.

Alright - let them.

Good bet for us - bad bet for them.

I wouldn't lose any sleep over it - not in american politics anyway.
Lets just do the right thing.

Karma is gonna catch up with them anyway.

Joe

[proud patriot]

12. same ol tired song

so they have nothing new ?

[CoffeeCat]

13. So what the Reps are saying is...

...if we debate what this pResident is ACTUALLY doing--we fail. We lose
the debate, because this is such a losing strategy and a disastrous
war for the Republicans. However...if we drum up the terror factor
and scare everyone by talking about radicals and how unsafe the American
people are---we just may stand a chance.

I'm sorry, but these people are nothing but third-rate, classless, thugs
who have nothing but contempt and dishonesty for the American people.

Don't talk about the issues!!! Let's just scare them!!!

Our government has completely run into the ditch. They are
supposed to serve US--"We the People". Instead, every damn
thing they do is designed to manipulate us, cheat us, deceive
us and screw us over.

I'm. fricking. sick. of. it.

[bdamomma]

80. there are more of than them, I am sick of it also.

they keep treating us so disrespectfully, or should I say treat us like shit.

[rodeodance]

15. Link to letter:

http://majorityleader.house.gov/docUploads/ShadeggHoekstraDearColleague.pdf

[rodeodance]

18. Here are some Repug comments from the House floor today:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070214/ap_on_go_co/us_iraq;_ylt=AimtK7gf8JUjTXdBt88kq6CWwvIE

"As in the Cold War, our current struggle is one of survival," Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (news, bio, voting record), R-Fla., said in floor debate. "The enemy does not mean merely to chase us away. The goal of the Islamist extremist radicals is to destroy us. If we run, they will pursue. If we cower, they will strike."

"The world is watching. The radical jihadists who oppose us are watching," said Shadegg, warning against anything that could signal weakness on the part of the United States.

[NanceGreggs]

31. Better check the Neilson's, Ileana ...

"The world is watching. The radical jihadists who oppose us are watching."

Actually, they weren't watching .. nobody can sit in front of the same rerun a thousand times in a row.

[okoboji]

35. radical jihadists ........ are watching

question here .....

do you really think the radical jihadists (whoever that maybe), are actually sitting on their ass, in their living rooms, with a bag of freshly popped microwave popcorn and watching CSPAN wondering what the American politicians are debating?

I find this hard to believe.

Don't the bushies want us to believe the radical jihadists are building with the aide of the Iranians now, more IED's, planning more suicide bombs, and organizing death squads? Thats an intense schedule right there. Hardly much time to watch TV, or read the internets. Provided there was adequate electricity, service, or equipment to watch TV or surf the internet.

whatever ....

[NanceGreggs]

37. Who wants to watch now?

Rerun, rerun, same-old/same-old.

Smart folk are waiting for the Deluxe DVD Collector's set, "Worst.President.Ever." Commercial-free, deleted scenes, and plenty of extras!

And if Gore runs in '08, there's the added "Alternate Ending" bonus disc!

[Seldona]

16. Not a word about what is best for Iraq. No concern for the troops.

Just more posturing and rhetoric amounting to nothing. You know it really may be decades before repugs see the inside of an elected office. They STILL don't get it.

[rodeodance]

19. it was the Dems today that talk of the troops and DEATH

[War Pigs]

41. Can't magine why this shouldn't be forwarded to the troops early

and often?? Maintaining or regaining power is these nuts only ambition. Using other peoples kids as pawns in their little wannabe empire- building scheme. You'd have to be pretty brainwashed to not be pissed about this on your 3rd deployment with the Guard while the Twins are at home working on that future liver transplant.:wtf: :wtf:

[Seldona]

88. The troops are aware.

Yes, it took awhile. But I have immediate family over there, and from what I understand people are PISSED. Every soldier I have talked to has stated they are going to be politically active upon their return home, on behalf of the Democratic Party.

[Hailtothechimp]

17. So "not losing" is more important to them than "getting it right"

meanwhile, the media continues to focus on the Anna Nicole Smith circus. Tells you a lot about why we are in such a tough spot right now.

[diane in sf]

20. Can someone get this to Keith O.

or Jon Stewart, since we know the corp media is not going to cover it

[gratefultobelib]

59. I just heard it referred to on NPR this morning. But it was so damned casual. Just mentioned

along with the news about the House debate. I don't even they said "leaked memo" just "memo."

[fuzzyball]

21. The "surge" unfortunately is already happening...

reminds me of Emporer Nero playing his violin
while Rome was burning. Soldiers are already taking
positions in Baghdad. We are debating a NON-binding
resolution while young soldiers are getting blown up in
streets of Iraq. Cut the fricking funding NOW! For the
whole mis-adventure...not just the surge.

[bearfan454]

57. I'm with you.

Money is the only thing these greedy fucks understand. Money is the only thing that is going to stop this.

[Contrary1]

23. So, don't debate, cowardly Republic Party...

It's not like you are in the majority or anything.

[Auntie Bush]

25. I listened today and actually told my husband that the Rethugs are not

debating the surge...they are linking Iraq and the war on terror and trying to scare everyone. It was like they were using their time as an infomercial of the horrors of Islam. It didn't sound as if any of them were planning to vote for the resolution. Well no wonder...after seeing their talking points! They certainly obeyed their leader like sheep off to slaughter. Only it will be them that will get slaughtered.
I wondered why none of the Dems commented on their linking Iraq to the war on terror and I hope someone will call them on it tomorrow.
They better or I'm going to spit hearts...but not in their direction!

[humbled_opinion]

26. You know when grown folks are talking sometimes the kids

Need to be told to just shut up and color... I think thats what the Democrats need to tell the Pubs... We will be making the decisions now you can just go over in the corner there say nothing and watch how its done.

But sometimes I wonder if our Democrat leaders have the courage of conviction... They at times are extremely gun shy.

Oh well we shall see.

[Beartracks]

27. Makes you go "Wha...?"

If "not defeating radical Islam in Iraq" is not an option -- which may be true -- then why do Repubs feel a need to avoid "making the case that <the surge> will work" and "explaining why <it is> different from prior efforts"?
How can the fight-them-there party even suggest that "whether we can, or cannot, win militarily" is not important?? :wtf:

[nealmhughes]

28. Only confirms what most already suspected. The love of Republics for paper trails is amazing.

Amazingly stupid, that is.

How can one frame a fiasco except by accusing the other side of the aisle of cowardice and "enabling the terrorists", which has already been tried and failed miserably in the November elections?

A fiasco is a fiasco, there is no word play to mask a house of cards collapsing.

[Egalitarian]

29. GOP educates the American people about radical Moslems

"We would further urge you to join us in educating the American people about the views of radical Islamists and the consequences of not defeating radical Islam in Iraq."


This might be worth saving from the memory hole. We can play it to our children some day.

[The Wizard]

50. The only people who know the views of radical Islamists

are radical Islamists, and thus, Publicans must be radical Islamists, unless of course they claim to have mind reading capabilities. Plain and simple, Publicans are nuckin futz.

[WCGreen]

30. Isn't it a little bit funny that Faux has been running a show called

radical Islam....

[peace13]

32. I have lost all sense of respect for anyone associated

with the GOP. They are happy to have our soldiers in a war that they clearly can't win. They actively underfund the troops with no remorse. All of these politicians should be tried for the murders that they perpetrate. Akkkk....how can we fight these immoral folks that really do not care about anyone but themselves. These sleazy politicians have hit the bottom of the outhouse well!!

[SemperEadem]

67. the logic reaches even further

you write: "hey are happy to have our soldiers in a war that they clearly can't win. They actively underfund the troops with no remorse. "

also, they are the first to cut money for the VA budgets in order to care for those troops and turn them out into the street to shift for themselves once they've given a limb or the side of their face in the thugs' little lie-war.

[TankLV]

33. We are hardly surprised, are we...

The million dollar question is, will the whore media give legs to this one...

[WatchWhatISay]

34. Has anyone seen anything about this posted in the MSM?

Or are they behaving themselves again!?

[Red Zelda]

51. Too much weather to cover

...and now, MORE weather!

[gratefultobelib]

60. It was mentioned on NPR this morning. Very low-keyed.

[Raksha]

36. In other words, "Let's play the ol' xenophobia, divide-and-conquer

hate and fear card again." After all, it worked so reliably for them in the past. Maybe it will work one more time...worth a try, anyway.

Re >>We urge you to instead broaden the debate to the threat posed to Americans, the world, and all "unbelievers" by radical Islamists. We would further urge you to join us in educating the American people about the views of radical Islamists and the consequences of not defeating radical Islam in Iraq.<<

Re >>If we let Democrats force us into a debate on the surge or the current situation in Iraq, we lose.<<

You're damn right you'll lose, assholes. Actually discussing the plan on its merits must be avoided at ALL costs!

Edited to add: Thanks for my Valentine heart, whoever gave it to me! I didn't think I would get one and that would have been SOOO depressing, considering that today is my birthday. It made my mother so mad, too...she was hoping I'd be a Valentine baby, but I just wouldn't wait!

[stimbox]

38. catapulting the propaganda as * once said.

The Republics were on endless repeat today.
:puke:

[Lasher]

39. Nary a whisper about this in the corporate news media so far.

Guess they'll run something on page D-29 on Friday, under pressure from the blogosphere. Carefully worded to expose the evil Democrats for their sinister motives in the matter, of course.

BTW, Steny Hoyer is the House Majority Leader, not the Senate Majority Leader. Here is a link to the original Think Progress article where that error did not occur.

This is good scoop, thanks for posting.

[Divine Discontent]

40. nothing new

they are told by their "owners" that they are to NEVER address the things that Americans are sick of... bunch of cowards.


www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable <<-- antibush prodem stickers/shirts

[And the Oscar goes]

42. These were arguments _for_ escalation - this is prepping for Iran

As I posted elsewhere (http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=103&topic_id=262361&mesg_id=262801), the raising of the specter of "Islamofascism" is a necessary prerequisite for the assault on Iran. Ultimately, Iraq may just be an expensive sideshow with "acceptable losses."

The right wing media and the Republican Party have been prepped to broaden the scope of the debate in a general way so that later on, more concrete details will be "revealed" that will seal the case for escalation into the Iranian arena by proving state sponsorship of Al Quaeda, viz the Iranian harboring of Al Quaeda terrorists. North Korea has been wrapped up to placate the Chinese, one of Iran's major arms suppliers, when this happens.

I believe the opening of the Iranian front and what is already beginning to be called World War Three is now at around a 65% confidence factor, e.g., significantly more likely than not. I am not sure that even capitulation on an ultimatum by Tehran would work. After all, at the last moment, Saddam tried to reopen negotiations and was ignored. All evidence points to the fact that Bush likes being C-in-C too much to negotiate without dropping some bombs. Many independent analyses suggest Bush feels divinely inspired to begin this "final conflict."

Sorry to be so gloomy.

[Charleyski]

43. "Here We Go Again" Anti War video

This video says it all - Anti War Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl7BWc3c4bE

[pinto]

44. "debate should not even be about the Iraq war" - (R) in a nutshell.

(Hell) in a handbasket.

Geez.

[Doondoo]

46. K&R

[Vinca]

47. The Republicans are being incredibly stupid.

With 70% of the public in line with the Democratic position, not debating the war is virtually aligning them with Dear Leader (the guy with the whopping 32% rating). We'll have a super majority in both House and Senate come 2008 . . . and the White House, too.

[Lasher]

56. Their overall strategy is to try to change the subject by talking about anything but Iraq.

They didn't want this debate to occur and they especially don't want to have to vote on the resolution because they want to continue being Junior's lapdogs but don't want to have to answer to the voters in 2008 if they vote against it.

[iamahaingttta]

49. These damn Republans need to be removed...

...from polite society and the halls of power forever, and by any means necessary.
They are a menace to the country and to the world at large.
We need to marginalize them at all turns and get them the hell out of there!



My friends and I were discussing a little fantasy scenario the other day.
After one of these kinds of Repulan fear-mongering bits on the floor of the Congress, some Democrat needs to get up to the podium, and on the record, say:

"You really need to shut the fuck up. You are a lying, traitorous, fear-mongering demagogue and you REALLY just need to shut the fuck up!"

Yeah, I know, it ain't gonna happen... it was just a fantasy!

[ck4829]

52. K&R

[sinkingfeeling]

53. Do you think we can get this to our local newspapers at least? I think I will call

one of the local reporters and ask if they would print it.

[kentuck]

54. Was that a DUer just on C-SPAN ??

...that just quoted the letter? :)

[closeupready]

55. Disgusting. I hope people now begin to realize how power corrupts.

Because this demonstrates what the priorities are. I am totally disgusted.

[Felinity]

58. One of the Democratic Reps should read the letter into the record

Read the whole letter, then say, "Now that we all know why you Republans don't seem to understand the topic, and we all know how and why you are ginning up the terror mill once again, i suggest you those of you who have not spoken yet, pass on the opportunity to embarrass yourselves in front of the nation, and your constituents. If you refuse to be part of even discussing any potential solution, or even discussing a non-binding resolution objecting to continuing a policy that offers no solution; you are irrelevant to this process."

Shame their asses!

[SemperEadem]

68. Like Maxine Waters

or Barbara Lee. They are fearless.

[blondeatlast]

76. Oh, I would sooo love that! nt

[Sapere aude]

61. How the hell do you defeat a radical belief? You certainly cannot kill all those who hold the

belief. I'm not sure you could change their minds either. it's like trying to defeat xian fundamentalism. How do you do that? In my opinion we have to form an alliance with all countries in the world and use the police forces acting in concert to find and punish terrorists while finding ways to limit the willingness of people to become radical Islamists as well as radial any other religion.

[JNelson6563]

62. Can you edit your OP?

Actually Hoyer is in teh House, not the Senate.

Aside from that, many of us are not at all surprised at this development. It's their typical slimey MO.

Julie

[wordpix]

63. Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) is sticking to the script in House debate on Iraq-Cspan now

She goes all the way back to Khobar Towers and other attacks---WTF does that have to do with the escalation in Iraq? :puke:

[IWantAChange]

65. What's the next Repug debate strategy? Is it - "LOOK - THERE'S A PONY!!"

When pray tell is someone going to produce the bumper sticker -

PROUD TO HAVE NOT VOTED FOR BUSH

[Selatius]

66. You've got your damn opening, Democrats. Now FUCKING CLEAN THEIR CLOCKS.

You want the Repubs to lose? FORCE THEM to talk about the mistakes, the escalation, or the realistic notion of winning or losing in Iraq.

This is a golden opportunity. Rarely have the Repubs been in a weak tactical position until now. Strike hard.

[Old Smokey]

69. bunch of pukes

[The Count]

70. Companion piece to this - remember the "robust operation"?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070206/pl_afp/usiraqpolitics_070206201955
"Perino said the White House had contacted about 200 lawmakers to explain Bush's plan and the decision-making behind it.

She spoke of "a quite robust operation"

[Control-Z]

71. Wow

'If we let Democrats force us into a debate on the surge or the current situation in Iraq, we lose.'

If that don't sum it up.

[blondeatlast]

72. Contact Shadegg--my godawful Representative, I'm ashamed to say:

In DC:

The Honorable John Shadegg
U.S. House of Representatives
306 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
[phone] phone
[phone] fax


In Phoenix:
The Honorable John Shadegg
301 East Bethany Home Road
Suite C-178
Phoenix, AZ 85012
[phone] phone
[phone] fax

Am posting in the Arizona forum now unless someone beat me to it.

[MsMagnificent]

73. Downright racist

that letter is.
Disgusting.

[blondeatlast]

74. If your RRRW Rep uses the talking points Shadegg proposes, call their

office and gripe to the staff about how evocative their rhetoric was of the leaked memo.

Let them know that we know what they are up to and that they WON'T get away with it this time. It's time to give these goose-stepping numbskulls HELL.

[halobeam]

75. Dems on the floor, should make this letter POSTER size and put it on the easel next to them

everyone of them, referring to the letter, then going on to debate the surge.

[blondeatlast]

77. If this doesn't hit the MSM hard and well, I propose we take up a collection for a full-page ad

in every leading newspaper in the country.

If DU can raise money for flowers, we can begin this and enlist many, many more in the blogosphere to help.

WE CAN DO IT--and expose the hypocrisy and cowardice of the RRR (and my oh-so-slimy Representative).

John Shadegg, you cannot have my son for your empirical ambition.

[durtee librul]

81. Where can I send my

donation?

There are a LOT of good ideas on this thread that are too good to just let lie.

I have printed it out and am going to send it to DC via an email to my rep (fat ass Stabenow - a repuke in disguise) and also to others as well.

PM me with an address for donations.

[blondeatlast]

84. I feel your pain; at least I KNOW where Shadegg's loyalties lie.

Stabenow turns right so often it's a wonder she can find her own office.

[bdamomma]

78. was this article sent to Keith Olbermann

I could hear this strategy last nite, when Hoekstra and Shadegg were talking about the whole religion thing. This is total BS, these guys should be terminated immediately.

[Contrary1]

82. It has now. ;) NT

[Hulk]

83. There is NO defeating radical muslims....

Is there "defeating racial bigotry"? Is there "defeating radical evangelical homo-phobics". Get serious. If you have any intelligence at all, please show it! You will NEVER DEFEAT such ideology. You can simply keep it at arms length and pray and protect yourself from it. But if anyone really thinks they are going to wipe it off the face of the earth, they are total damn fools. The repug neocons fit this mold. Idiots!!...all of them!

[Ethelk2044]

85. The Letter

The letter should be published in the Newspapers to show all
the citizens what they are trying to do

[Canuckistanian]

86. Why do they need to "convince" us of anything? True threats should be self-evident

And by "self-evident", I mean that experts in the field agree that the threat is real and it's so obvious that tangible evidence exists.

Case in point, Nazi Germany, pre-1939.

All the experts agreed that Germany was a threat AND the proof was the annexation of the Sudetenland, explosive organized military growth and focussed intentions of expansion.

The current situation in Iraq shows none of these signs.

All I see is naked, blatant, domestic political fearmongering.

[connecticut yankee]

87. No mention of 9/11?

I thought that was a required part of the mantra.