Another $100 billion for Iraq? Democrats should NOT vote no.

[NinetySix]

For whatever reason, the Democratic Party (or elements thereof) are apparently still cowed by this president. They seem to fear that voting to impede his irresponsible, destructive war in Iraq will open the party in general, or certain representatives in particular, to charges of weakness. It appears that some members who represent redder districts might well break ranks and vote for further funding.

One potential solution: when the time to vote for or against comes, simply vote "present." Let the burden for the war be placed squarely on the Republicans. And let it be known beforehand that this is the strategy, placing further pressure on the Republicans to fund this war. Is the GOP beginning to show cracks? Imagine how divided they'd be if they were put in the same position, to shoulder the burden of whether this war is further funded or not, just as Democrats are facing now. Maybe in a high-profile situation like this one, with the spotlight squarely focussed on them, some of them would feel unable to do anything else but the right thing.

Perhaps this is the only way to maintain Democratic unity, allow both the leadership and the rank-and-file to save face, and provide the best hope of defunding this quagmire; if so, then maybe its political-theater appearance is just the tonic that's needed.