Bush administration making long-term plans for Iraq?
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and the top US commander in Iraq David Petraeus talk at Baghdad airport Monday, March 17, 2008. (PHOTO CREDIT: AP)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Today of course marks 5 years since the United States invaded Iraq, but if it's up to the Bush administration, our involvement there will stretch far beyond the 5 years.
Vice President Dick Cheney has been in Iraq this week playing let's make a deal when it comes to our nation's long-term role in a country we now occupy. Cheney came away from two days of private meetings with promises from Shiia, Sunni and Kurdish officials to firm up a new blueprint for relations between the two countries.
The deal would replace a U.N. Security Council resolution that expires in December – you know, the same time that President Bush leaves office. The administration insists the deal will not create permanent U.S. bases in Iraq, set terms for U.S. troop levels or tie the hands of future presidents.
And in keeping with the arrogant, unilateral way it has conducted business for more than seven years, the administration says it probably will not get Senate approval for this plan. Why should the American people have anything to say about it?
The administration says that's because it's not a treaty that provides Iraq with specific security guarantees. Democrats in Congress aren't happy. Some lawmakers have proposed legislation that would make the administration's agreement null and void without Senate approval. Given the Democrats' overwhelming lack of success in stopping President Bush from doing anything, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Here’s my question to you: Should the Bush administration be negotiating long-term agreements in Iraq without the consent of the American people?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Tony from Louisville, Kentucky writes:
Geez, Jack, You act as if this president has never broken any laws! This president should be tried for war crimes or treason! But he won’t. Controlling the oil in the Mideast means we have to be there to babysit the Iraqi government while they cheat their own people! You know, it’s called "Democracy".
Ian from Greensboro, North Carolina writes:
Hey Jack, Great question, but here is a better one: Even if Bush had 95% support from the American people, would it be proper to continue with over 2/3 of the Iraqi people saying "get out now”? I don't think it matters what Americans think; no amount of polling will change the fact that a grave breach of international law has occurred.
Barbara from Connecticut writes:
Absolutely not. Too many things in this administration have been done in secret. This is how Bush & Co. set up themselves and their cronies for years to come. The heartbreaking part of it is that it will not be their children/grandchildren/family members who will be stuck in the Middle East dealing with this setup for years to come – ours will.
Brian from California writes:
Absolutely, Bush and any president dealing with Iraq has the authority and right to make any military decision they believe is in the best interest of the people of this country.
Joan from North Carolina writes:
How many times has Pres. Bush said he told the Iraqis that he did not plan a long term presence in Iraq… and that they had to get on with the benchmarks because our occupation was not open-ended? He lied; he was planning this all along.
Pete writes:
Since when has this administration checked the pulse of the American people before they did anything? I saw where Dick Cheney responded a blunt "So?" when told that two-thirds of Americans are against this war.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Absolutely not. This administration want to insure that Haliburton or some buddy supplying arms stays in the game....jim, Prescott, MI
Dear Jack 1/2 a decade ago CNN reported in the first few weeks of the Iraq War that,The Code of Hammurabi tablet went missing, the first written code of laws in human history!
The precedent in law this President has set, will do damages for decades to come.
This administration shouldn't negotiate long-term agreements in Iraq without consent of the American people, but it will, whens the last time you can remember they cared about the consent of the American people
No jack, but that won"t stop him. Bush will by-pass congress too, Bush will make a secret deal with the Iraqi PM, and we won't even know it, then again Cheney was in Iraq, that tells me the deal is done.
Hey Jack, remember the conspiracy theories that Bush went into Iraq for oil? Then everyone saw how bad the War was going and you didn't hear much about it. Keep in mind that Iraq was only supposed to sell oil for food under the UN sanctions. Of course some slipped through but my point being that the only option Bush had to get the oil moving again and thus into the refineries was to go to war. Otherwise, the sanctions would have remained in place. After attacking and then two years to secure the oil fields, The Oil companies started making "Record Profits"! They are still making profits and not rushing to build any more refineries. And we are in debt up to our eyeballs? And Bush says the War must continue! Why won't anyone arrest this liar?
The bush administration should leave Iraq alone and cancel all plans regarding any and every thing. The lame duck is not only lame, but is very ill, very stupid, and very incompetent.
However, bush has totally ignored the will of the people and the will of congress and has taken only his own counsel ("I ignored all them there polls and advice and done whut I thunk bestest") and he will continue to do so thus creating yet another catastrophic problem for the new administration.
And that is the bright side.
Why not? He’s spent the last seven years doing absolutely everything else without our consent (or that of the Constitution for that matter), why stop now?
Absolutely not! It seems that this administration wants to keep the oil flowing for Haliburton and the arms supplys constant from their friends. This is a disgrace and should not be binding on Congress. Oh...I forgot. It is this no backbone spend money Congress that I am reffering to. Sorry to mention them. Jim, Prescott, MI
Absolutely not and for two reasons. First, our Constitution requires Senate approval of foreign treaties. The second is a matter of competence. Remember, they disbanded the Iraqi Army, immediately unemploying 300,000 men and sent them home with their weapons and the whereabouts of the ammunition dumps. This administration should not be allowed to go to the bathroom without adult supervision.
If neither state re-votes I think the Clinton campaign could resort to good old time D.C.. tactics to steal the nomination. Some examples have already come up.
However a larger concern will be voters in both states will vote Republican or anything but democrat and one again allow the Democratic Party snatch DEFEAT from the jaws of VICTORY
Peter
Aldergrove BC Canada
NO!!!
Reason: 3990 dead and $503 Billion
Where was the Congress?
Where were the sane people??
First thing is first, I know that Bush is still president but soon someone else will be calling the shots and he or she can technically undo any and all negotiations and that's the beauty of it. So as far as I'm concerned plan and negotiate away Bush. Secondly, why is Bush making future plans for Iraq when he knows this. He knows the people of this country, same people that voted him in, want out of the war, how does he continue to plan for future war, same thing goes for McCain, 100 year war, you kidding me? The people want out! It's over! Stop planning!!!
No. We've got something like one more year in that hell-hole and surely the Iraqi leaders know that. Any "long term agreement" would be about as valuable as a wooden nickel!
Hank
Ohio
Jack, the American people gave their consent when they voted
this bunch of crooks, as John Kerry called them, back in to office for
4 more years. If he squanders the wealth of the United States,
breaks the middle class, destroys the future of our youth, and
turns this into a 3rd world nation, the American people will get
exactly what they voted for and well deserve. Now how about another
4 years with King John on the throne?
Jack, Bush went into Iraq without a Declaration of War. You really don't think that Bush won't find a way of tying the next President to this war & John McCain is just enough of a patsy to let Bush use him.
Patricia,
Palmdale, Ca.
Bush has the right until January 2009 to make long term agreements with the government in Iraq. There is nothing in the Constitution that limits a President's power during his last year in office.
The answer to that question is an emphatic and resounding NO! This just goes to show how arrogant and narrow minded this administration is when it will charge ahead and do something it knows the people do not want. I thought the government was supposed to be for the people and by the people and if not we have the right to dissolve it. I humbly submit that we not wait until January but that we remove Bush from office right here and now.
The Bush admin has started a war, invaded Iraq, tanked the economy, and enriched Haliburton without the consent of the American people. What possible harm can result from one more scheme to fatten the oil companies disguised as foreign policy and weaseled through a spineless Democratic Congress without the public's consent?
The Bush administration does whatever it pleases and it pleases them to the "n-th degree" that they can just pull the terror card out and trump us all anytime they want.
Elizabeth
Gregory, TX
The only long-term plans Bush needs to be making should be done in Crawford, Texas – not Washington, D.C.
I bet he has a little red glass case with a hammer inside that reads, "In case of impeachment, break glass!"
Golly-gee-wizz-hecky-dern-helldy-dee-poopy-tee-damndy NO !!!! This is the most arrogant #@%$& that I have ever seen in my 71 years. The American people will not stand for it, and he will have hell to pay. Surely he doesn't understand, or just to dag-gum head strong to give a care about who put him into the office he now holds. It looks to me like he wants to be impeached, so he can wash his hands of the war that he, and he alone started.
Considering their track record I wouldn't let the Bush "administration" negotiate a port-a-loo contract and there you expect to end up in the crapper.
I'm outraged that they are doing everything they can to define what the next president does in Iraq, but I'm not surprised. It's their preferred way to operate; implement a plan without being responsible for the outcomes.
I thought this government was run by, of and for the people. Obviously, for the past 71/2 years this hasn't been the case. I'm sure the overwhelming majority of American people would say, "No", but remember, this is the Bush administration. You know, the one run by, of and for the "Decider". And if Hillary and Barack don't stop their bickering, we're going to witness another 4 (and possibly 8) years of the same.
Phil, Wenatchee, WA
Bush doesn't have the power to make long term agreements with Iraq. All such agreements must be sanctioned by congress.
Why not? They've done everything else in Iraq without the consent of the American people. This Presdient and his administration have made it abundantly clear that they don't concern themselves with the tedious details of what 'we the people' want. He is going to do whatever his twisted logic leads him to believe what is right no matter the cost to our soldiers, our economy and our image abroad. In the spirit of Kanye West, George Bush doesn't care about the American people.
As a Canadian with a Parliamentary democracy, it is astonishing to me how much power is given to your President and unelected cabinet ministers. It is outrageous that any agreement would be made without the input of the American people and their representatives.
Jack,
There you go assuming things again! Why don't you try holding your breath, say for 30 days, then perhaps we'd find someone that might be a tad bit more positive about our country. If for a moment you or anybody else harbors under the ideas that we won't be in Iraq for a long time, I've got some great water front property for sale in Arizona!
After five years, President Bush finally needs to realize the devastating effects the war in Iraq has had in this country. The economy is sinking like a stone and our healthcare system is gone into crisis mode. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that maybe spending $1 trillion in Iraq has something to do with it. Why shouldn't he ask the American people what they think about handling Iraq? It's not like asking Congress did much good.
Jack-Bush can do anything he wants, why ask me if it's good policy?
His days are numbered, you got to figure the war is going to last thur November, what the "new" president does remains to be seen. What they say now will be different when they take office.
You reckon Bush policy will have proven itself successful by November?
"the hillbilly Hooser"
No, but Bush is going to continue his crusade because he thinks the war is a positive legacy; at least, it's a profitable one for him, Cheney and their rich buddies. Don't be surprised if Bush declares war on Iran within the last 90 days he's in office. Who's going to stop him? Congress? I'd laugh but there's nothing funny about this war or President Bush.
Jack, didn't you hear Dick Cheney's comment when told by a reporter that the majority of people in the U.S. want us out of Iraq. He looked at her and said "So?" They certainly don't care if they have the consent of the American people. The only thing they ever wanted from the American people is their vote. And the fools that we are, we gave it to them–twice!!! Our concerns me absolutely NOTHING to them.
NO !! but what the American people want has never stopped the Bush Administration from plunging ahead with their plans in the past so why would "they" care now.??? King George is going to do everything he can to limit the ability of the next president to move forward with the changes we, as a people, are so determined to see happen, whether under a Republican president or a Democratic president. I won't go on with a diatribe. I am sure everyone else who responded to your question already has done a good job of it...
Mary from Sarasota,
Pierre Markuse from Hamm, Germany
The question is not if they should but if it's wise. Not every decision can be made with the consent of the people. In my opinion large parts of the general public don't have enough information and knowledge to decide whether a given course of action is right or wrong. That's why the general public elects people to lead.
What happened to the Democratic process? This is another move by a narcisist, arrogant, idiot, to leave the next President in the hole trying to figure out a way out of Iraq. I thought Cheney was supposed to be over there bargaining with OPEC to increase oil production.....what happened to that? This whole mess is like letting the rat guard the cheese.
Didn't our nation's forefathers establish America as a democracy "of the people, by the people, and for the people"?
There is only one correct answer: America's administration (past, current, and future) must have the consent of the people for anything and everything they/we do: to include negotiating long-term agreements with other countries.
Anything less is not democracy and smacks of dictatorship.
Greg
Bush was an idiot eight years ago and he's still an idiot. Five years of death, debt, and waste for a war we should have never fought in the first place. Now the next president has to spend the next four years cleaning up Dubya and Cheney's mistakes.
No but why would we expect anything different. Perhaps they should try to explain to we the people that we have no choice but to stay there for a hundred years to protect the Saudis (who own us) from the two headed Koran thumping Shia monster cheney/bush created when they blundered ahead into Iraq. To the Saudis the only thing worse than having Iran on their border is having two Irans on their border. If we don't stay to protect the Saudi royal family, they will resrict supply and send our country into a depression.
Come on Jack. When their putting military bases and an embassy in a country, long-term plans are definitely there.
Brett Milam
Cincinnati, Ohio
No the Bush Administration should not be making any agreements with Iraq without the consent of the American people! If Bush would have been truthful about Iraq and its WMD,we would not have invaded Iraq in the first place! Bush continues to be in a "state of denial" regarding Iraq and the economy,housing crisis, health care etc.God Please Save Us From This Madman!
You call it long-term agreements. Bush and Cheney call it negotiating their retirement portfolios. $5 a gallon gas anyone?
Why are we in Iraq?
I'm beginning to believe that the U.S. makes profit when world regions of interest are unstable.
Jack,
Absolutely not, should the Bush administration be planning long-term goals for Iraq after his departure. It behooves you Jack and others to rally around Hillary, the only candidate who has spoke on this subject and offfered legislation to tie his hands preventing him from doing this. Obama presently has made no efforts to do this nor McCain, you should reconsider who you support Jack.
Jack,
Unless I'm mistaken this is still a country of the people, by the people and for the people. The Bush administration has proven itself to be anything but a government of the people. With that in mind this corrupt administration has no buisness deciding our future in Iraq after December, but I'm sure they'll try. I think at this point, with what we all know about GW's elitist character, it's up to the Democratic Presidential candidates to make a formal statement to the Iraq government that any proposal's or contracts brought forth by this administration, without the approval of the American people, will be cast out regardless of the political fallout.
Negotiating with out approval NO. Negotiating with the stipulation of approval by the US House and Senate, with the understanding that the incoming President may change said agreement based upon the will of the American People, that is okay. Either way it looks like he is trying to tie the next presidents hands and leave American in a quandry that will be difficult to overcome to say the least.
Jack,
No they should not but why should that stop them this admistation as ignored the will of its people from conception. Almost 4,000 dead My God for what? For what?
When has this administration cared about what was best for the American people?
President Bush is the Decider not the Collaborator!
I firmly believe the bush administration has pushed the dam rule book out the preverbal window and couldn't care less about 'THE AMERICAN PEOPLE" and I have had all I will sit for I have no legs so I sit up to be counted! What I want to know is which of the 2 candidates are actually going to make it posable for a person with a disability and medical bills I cannot pay to get a job and have coverage that truly covers me so I can afford my bills not a free ride just make it posable for me to have a job and have True COVERAGE Is that too much to ask? I think NOT!!
Jack, no I don't think Bush should be negotiating anything with Iraq.
Also, I am curious why the news media hadn't address what a "WIN" in Irag means. Does it mean that the United States must do whatever is necessary to own Iraq. Does a "WIN" mean Ownership.
I am a concern citizen who need clarification.
No. That would be a travesty. The so-called "Decider" should be thrown out of office or impeached. How can a decider who has no good judgement negotiate anything with Iraq on behalf of this country.
Haven't we already learned a lesson.
Please, please, lock this man up until Obama or Clinton is sworn in as the next president.
The "decider" is already a lame duck. The mere reference to him making any decision on behalf of the country makes me cringe.
Enough of the mismanagement. We don't need the next president to have to carry the burden of the consequence of his actions. We already have enough in our plates.
Jack, George W. Bush has conducted himself the last 7 years without the consent of the American people, including taking office in 2001. If he didn't give us a poke in the eye on his way out, we'd feel that something is amiss.
Absolutely not. The fatcats in Washington need to understand that it's called DEMOCRACY for a reason.
Well Jack hate be the one to burst your bubble of ignorance but the president only needs the people consent is when picking federal judges constitutionally mandated executive staff, picking ambassadors and passing laws and treaties through congress. If President Bush needs to negotiates something long term with the Iraq government is 10 mouths unless a treaty is signed.
Howard
Joshua Tree, ca
Hi Jack,
of course they should not, but as usual they forget who they are working for.
You know any other Company would have fired these guy's by now, so why can't we do the same?
I have been wondering, what are we actually winning?
How can a Police Action (which this now is in my opinion) can be won?
This reminds me to much of the War on Drugs that too is a never ending battle.
But then again who am I ?
Just an unemployed person looking for a job in these though times
in an unsure economy, which by the way is more in a depression then a recession.
These are just my thoughts,
thanks for listening and have a great day,
Ines
in Colorado
No. We should be on our way out. We were there for one reason and one reason only that was somehow derived from bin-laden in afganistan or wherever they said he was supposed to be. All in all, i think that they should clean up their mess and leave. And then after that, leave the white house.
If the plan was to leave the american people unaware, these long-term agreements in iraq are for personal gain. They should make a law that entitles the american people to vote out an administration when they achieve the things that this one has.
tomlee
Pawtucket, RI
Didn't we settle this question...King George vs. the Constitution back in 1776?
Hi Jack, IM from NY and lived here most of my life! Now I have a suggestion for all your listeners. Why don't we have a massive multi million man Peaceful march on Our House! The White house, of and for all the peoples, and ouster all these ignorant, stupid, so called politicians that are, that were supposed to represent us, in everything we asked of them to do for all Real Americans? While all the waisted time bush is in office? Now they want to raise the gasoline tax another fifty cents, to clean up the air acts, that none of the things they were supposed to have been done in the past, Never Happened! I live on S S D, I can hardly pay my rents, leave alone have health care programs, or buy decent food! I served in the vietnam erra, unlike the ones running our lives in congess, HAS NOT!!! To futrher, IM forced to see my Grand kids once a month if IM lucky, due to The high cost of Gasoline! and adding fuel to the fires, I was a VOL. for a VA Hospital in Northport, LI for well over seven years! I had to leave that job do to these high costs of gas! What a damn shame that these so called humans in congress, never had a life as we do, never had to buy food for themselves, buy Gas for there cars, buy there own health insurs. and has everything catered to them to fill there silver mouths with the best, we the Tax payers, can buy for them! Go figure!!! Now, like millions here in this once Great country we once knew! has to suffer daily just to survive all. Thanks Jack and Lou DOBBS, for all the good work you do there! AMERICA ....... WAKE UPPPPP! SPEAK UP! AND OUT! BEFORE WE WILL SEE ..THE END TO BE NEAR!
Why can't the American public be allowed to vote on whether this costly war should continue ? Doesn't this aministration realize that they are violating the constitution or don't they care?
ABSOLUTELY not .....the bush administration should be in a FED PEN
Whether this Administration negotiates long term deals to remain in Iraq, we the people, have nothing to say about it or most likely will not be informed. Funny Jack, you ask this question when Cheney is over in that territory? The issue with Iraq is no different than any other critical issue – Bush does not consider the people of this Country!
Well according to the Chairman of the Democratic Party it will be left to the rules committee. Where we will learn who Hilary’s VP will be can anyone say Howard Dean.
Howard
Joshua Tree, Ca
This administration should not committ the country to anything without the consent of the people. Over the past seven years, this president have damage our relationship around the world. Now, a change, and solutions is needed.
Consent of the American people?? He doesn't need to worry about that – Congress will do nothing to stop his plans, and he will get a virtual third (and maybe fourth) term when McCain gets four or eight years to continue this madness and start new wars.
Nothing on the horizon should give him pause. He can plan his war at least through 2016, because in 2012 Dems will fall for another exotic, but thoroughly unelectable, nominee. It's what we do, and they know it.
No, but since when is Bush a president of the people? This is a man who has said on several occasions that he doesn't care what the American people think, he's going to do what he "knows" is right. There are only two reasons this man is still president.
1. There are enough idiots in this country who don't care that Bush routinely breaks the law because they feel the ends justify the means, and he's "sticking a boot in the terrorist's #$&!"
2. We live in a two-party system and everyone is afraid to think for themselves and has to do everything their party tells them too. Otherwise the other party wins! This country needs more independents.
No. He needs to be thinking about the needs of the American people who foolishly voted this lot in office. Those who voted for him are getting exactly what you wished for and the sad thing you vote has cause me to file bankrupcty because of high medical costs. I am drowning and there is no one to throw me a rope. I am not the only one who has troubles and God have mercy on us. WE are becoming more like a communist country and Russia is becoming more like the old America.
Bush and cheney have had torture that has not been torture, progress that has not been progress, enough troops taht have not been enough troops, and now a treaty that is not a treaty. You have just got to learn the language of Bush/Chicanery.
NO!!! But, since when has he cared what the people in our democracy want. He doesn't care about polls, the constitution, the effects on our future or the will of the people. He is the most egotistical, self-indulgent, ignorant president in my lifetime. Why change anything on his way out.
No, Jack, but he won't have to worry. The way the Democrats are shooting themselves in their feet, there is a good chance McCain will be in the White Houlse to carry on his policies.
Of course they should..
An administration does not have to go to the people for every decision it makes, and based on some of the decisions the American People make on certain issues if we ever go down that road we are done.
I am no fan of the Bush admin on a host of issues, but Iraq is what it is because of past elections.
The American People gave their consent when they re elected Bush!
I have mixed emotions on this.
On the one hand, it thrills me that the Bush administration is actually making a PLAN regarding Iraq!!
Of course theres the flip side. It scares me when this administration starts to do anything.
I am sure Cheney is arranging a smooth transfer of power, for the next administration.
Of course I am referring to Cheney moving back to Halliburton.
Harry
Kentucky.
Jack
George Bush has and will do almost anything to keep HIS war
going until the minute the new President takes the oath of office.
Thanks alot George for 8 years of misery in my 71 years of life.
Of the people I talk with, nobody cares about that desert country.
Lets pray John McCain doesn't have another senior moment
giving a speech in Iraq.
Jerry
Roselle, Illinois
With over 100,000 civilian dead and 4,000 US military DEAD, president (dictator Bush) needs to be tried for war crimes after his lengthy invation of Iraq and other countries. Bush hid the returning dead from the media and your viewers in order to play down his wrongful war or his chess pieces.
I, personally, feel that we as Americans, need to stop Bush from doing any more killing.
I'm sure that other countries would have targeted Bush if only he didn't have the worlds greatest security around him. I don't know how he sleeps at night, but I'd sure like to have some of what it is.
Since the Constitution is null and void in our society we should not even hint to any student in school that we live in a democratic society. The gruesom twosome should be drawn and quartered and put on trial for treason. No one should have the authority to do this in any country, like Korea or Japan and on and on. Bring everyone home and let us start the games again.
No, Jack, but he may not have to worry . The way the Democrats are shooting themselves in their feet, there is a good chance McCain will be in the white House to carry on his policies
I don't think there ever was a President that I disrespected more than George Bush. Not only is he arrogant and doesn't know the English language, but how about corruption. His behind the scene deals, breaking the law in the name of Homeland Security, torture, North American Alliance, etc. He's alienated us from just about every foreign power we've ever known and what about Halliburton and the oil companies. Don't get me started. I'm sure he wants to work out some kind of deal with Iraq for the betterment of George Bush or some big business. I wish there was a way I could veto George Bush.... By the way, I think Cheney's worse.
No, they shouldn't, Jack, but does it surprise you? Whoever our next president is, they will inherit more crap than any other president before them.
Bush, Cheney, et al. are the biggest embarrassments this country have ever elected... It's really pathetic.
SAD, SAD, SAD.
PLEASE , STOP THIS IDIOT..
hell no! this administration knows full well,that the american people,are sick of this war that began with nothing ,but lies.this 'war' was over within days of its start,[saddams military was destroyed,and he was no longer in power].whoever made the rule up ,that says once you destroy an enemy ,in warfare,then you have to make everything better by fixing everything you destroyed.we should have left,as soon as we won the war,and let the iraqi's deal with their own problems.the only reason this administration is imposing permanent security for this country,is because we like their oil,and bush/cheney,and cronies are making a fortune from it,along with haliburton and other contractors,while our country is going to hell.this administration should be impeached and deported to iraq,if they want to stay there so bad.we can't police our own countries' borders,yet they want to stay and police iraqs'.that group in the white house needs to chill out ,for the rest of the year,take up marijuana use,and quietly leave the white house [out the side door].
As long as we are occupying Muslim countries, it will just add more fuel to the extremists' fire, and put Americans at risk everywhere. But then when has this administration given a damn about Americans. Is this about the oil we still haven't gotten our hands on.
Jack
George and Dick have done whatever they wanted in Iraq without consulting anyone. What makes you or anyone else think things would be any different now ?
jack, in a word NO! if we used this irag effort in afghanistan to find osama bin laden all of our troups would be home by now and bin laden would have been executed. bush should only negotiate his early exit package.hillary is ready to take over now.
The Bush administration should be in prison and the Obama administration should be negotiating our way out of the Bush/Cheney Mideast mess.
Jack,
As a Democracy, long-term agreements are not to be negotiated in Iraq without the collective consent of the American people. If this is really going on, its just telling the American people that, 'we don't give a jack about what you think – we're in charge and we can do whatever we want to. Get it?' America is not a Monarchy, America is a Democracy. The collective will of the people should matter.
Sure – why not? They've already accomplished their goals by pumping hundreds of millions of dollars into the military industrial complex, then tell us that our money that's daily being poured down the war's rat hole isn't affecting the economy at all. Sure.
Jack, aren't you glad that it's been the best and the brightest steering our course the past 50 years? Otherwise, we'd really be up the creeek – paddleless.
Come on Jack. The "BIG TWO" do have the consent of the American people. At least the ones that count. That would be the same people that DEAD EYE Dick and SMILEY George have catered to for their entire political lives. The rest of us 300 million Americans do not count nor have for going on 8 years now. These 2 are only happy as long as their special interest and rich groups continue to be 'more special' and 'more rich' while the rest of us (the real tax payers) go down the toilet. Its no longer getting ugly out there Jack, it has become damn ugly out there.
Jack, just because they have a low approval rating, doesn't mean they can't govern.
They were elected to serve until Jan, 2009. They appear to be doing just that.
Jack, these two finger-sniffing hillbillies honestly believe that they are smarter than all of us combined. To them we are the peasants and they are the aristocracy. They will never consider the good of the nation. They couldn't care less about this country. They are liars, killers, torturers and traitors. We shouldn't be sending Cheney to Baghdad, we should send them both to The Hague.
Since Cheney has been in Iraq we can be fairly certain some deal is already in progress, this administration has no regard for the American people so what difference does it make what we think? I say we just wait it out until they are gone and we have someone with a little intelligence in office. It still boggles my mind anyone would vote for Bush in the first place, he has no clue about anything. I heard a comment this morning by Debra Dickerson that perhaps Senator Obama was to wise to be president and that he would be of more use in other areas, but wouldn't it seem wonderful to have a leader that you weren't ashamed of?
Well of course he should Jack, after all He is The Great Decider, He speaks with God, All that He does is for the Good of the Poor Stupid People He is Protecting....just ask Him.
Why would he care what the Americaan people want? He never has and unfortunatly does not know how big a mess he has gotton us into, He thinks he is doing a great job and unfortunatly 1/3 of the Americans agree. Do I hear cries for war crimes tribunal?
No, however a lot of the American people are also ignorant and can't really make an intelligent decision themselves reason being why we have the electoral college as I learned in school this year. I don't see us in Iraq much longer I think President McCain will do something good with Iraq and then start withdrawing troops while we will have a base in Iraq like we do many other past countries we were at war in.
No, however a lot of the American people are also ignorant and can't really make an intelligent decision themselves reason being why we have the electoral college as I learned in school this year. I don't see us in Iraq much longer I think President McCain will do something good with Iraq and then start withdrawing troops while we will have a base in Iraq like we do many other past countries we were at war in.
Dan
Goodyear, Arizona
They might as well Jack, the Democrats are once again conspiring to GIVE the election to the GOP!
Of course the Bush administration should not make negotiations without our approval, but our hands are tied. The Democrats cannot do anything about it because they do not have 2/3 majority votes. We keep saying that the Democrats are not doing anything, but they still do not have the power (in Congress) to fight this administration. So they have to compromise to get at least some of our wishes passed. Maybe after the next election there will be enough people in Congress, regardless of party affiliation, that will put the wishes of the American people first. The Bush administration is so bold because they know that they have the power to be so bold, so they negotiate with Iraq and then tell us it is for the best...there is no way to stop them. Not until election time...not until America decides that they will not put in a repeat administration...and not vote for McCain or anyone who represents the Bush administration.
Although I disagreed with the Bush Administration regarding our entry into war, we can not leave now. Unfortunately, our current administration has put us in this position. No presidential candidate can promise a full removal of the troops in sixty-days. It is not realistic. I am a Democrat who can see beyond emotion and rhetoric. I think a plan to have them exit within two or three years is much more feasible. It gives the United States time to address the concerns of the International community and the people of Iraq. It will not bring us a sure victory, but we can leave the region with some dignity.
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lois, NJ
Yes, Jack. Why? Because the American people don't know what's going on in Iraq anyway. I could see if people knew about the different factions, knew about the casualties, knew about the political makeup of Iraq, but the fact is, many people have not even a clue about what's going on in Iraq. People are too worried about making ends meet right now.
No ,Jack,they should not.But it is amazing to me how the media is all over this,but when the prez and the rest of the losers in D.C. wanted to give amnesty to 12 million criminals in the U.S. illegally,without the american peoples consent,with the exception of Lou Dobbs and some consertive talk radio people,I really did not hear a similar question ask,anywhere!
How many times has he said he told the Iraqi's that he did not plan a long term presence in Iraq. Also that they had to get on with the benchmarks because our occupation was not open ended. He Lied, he was planning this all along. We have destroyed their homes, killed nearly 1 million civilians, lost 4000 of our own. For what! For GW and his buddies to steal the oil from them.
Joan North Carolina
Of course Bush should not be negotiating anything without legal authority but what has stopped him thus far. Nobody was brave enought to stand up to this administration when they've dictating their ways all along. The Congress is supposed to be the American people's police over the President and they have failed to uphold the law. It will be up to the next administration to undo the illegal activities of the Bush administration.
No Way!
The man is arrogant, he thinks he is doing the right thing and also ignores his own citizens the people. I think the police should be standing outside the door to get him and quail killer Dick. They should be held responsability for this mess that he is playing stupid.
I am really tired of hearing what he wants done at the end of his aministration.
What Cheney should be telling Al-Malachi and the boys is that come next January, when the new President takes over, there is a good chance the billions they have collected for doing absolutely nothing but take vacations for four years will come to a halt, and those American troops that have protected them in their laziness will be going home, too. If they still want to be around in February and March, they had better get their act together because when we are gone they will have to deal with Al-qaida and the rest on their own. If they can't do it after five years, they never will.
Absolutely not and please tell me there are controls in place to prevent this deal or allow it to be broken as soon as we get a new president! Our congressional rules and constitution can not have a big hole in it like that , Can It?
Not only should they not be making any further "deals" with Iraq. They should be impeached for taking us to war under false pretenses.
I would say absolutely NOT but why do that? No one is going to STOP them! It is just one more unconstitutional action that Congress will allow Bush/Cheney to get away with. This one, however, is really treasonous! No telling what kind of "done deals" of those two will be discovered in the years to come after they pardon themselves and leave office.
noway should bush make any decision on iraq now. he was the one thats destroyed our country. Clinton will show the american people how to do things when she takes office 09.... happy and safe days ahead of us. hopefully we won't be hearing from barack hussein obama and his pastor wright telling us how he hates america and the white people.. we sure don't want anyone to be teaching our children anything like that........vote clinton 08....thelma, ky.
Of course they shouldn't be but, that's what it's been about all along. Just a business deal that Cheney has always been working on. The winners here at the end will be the "military industrial complex". Remember what Ike said. Beware! If you want to know what this all about, just FOLLOW THE MONEY!
He has not cared a bit about what the American people think in the past 7 years, so this move does not surprise me one bit. To answer your question, NO.
First it should be noted that Dick Cheney is running this administration and not the figure-head known as the President. Because of Cheney's mistakes throughout his political career, including the devastating ones regarding the war in Iraq, why should anyone consider that any long-term agreement he would make with Iraq would be beneficial to anyone? What makes anyone think that Dick Cheney like his "so-called" boss, George W. Bush, could be a quarter-back for our team? I wasn't aware that George W. even made a good cheerleader which was his calling in his college days.
No...but that won't stop them. Typical of this bunch.
Len in Washington
Jack, for God sake, we try to teach Iraq's democracy and isn't it obvious that US government should not negotiate any long term deals without getting approval from the people. That is Democracy 101. Unfortunately, we have a Vice President, who would even make underhand deals to sell this country, if he and his friends can get some profit. So with these guys in power, forget about Democracy, I don't know where this country will end up in December when they are ready to VACATE white house.
Nuwan from Houston Texas
No Jack, but we've been lied to all along by this poppin-jay, Napoleonic idiot so why shouldn't it surprise us? This administration has been the most secretive and controlling of all the previous ones. Remember when Iraqi oil was going to pay for the war, WMD, and we are not occupiers we are liberators.If McBush is elected he will continue this madness the people who pay will be us. this must stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
no. (period)
maybe someone should speak up and explain this is a democracy!
No Jack. No administration should be allowed to enter into agreements requiring government funds or american lives to enforce it without the approval of Congress.Hilliary has been trying to garner support from the Congress to block the Bush administration from doing this very thing. I haven't heard a word from Obama, I guess he's "present" but not taking a side. Lame Duck Bush should be forced to go to Crawford and spend the rest of his term there clearing brush and nothing else.
Only if it includes Bush and Cheney having to serve on the front lines without any additional security details or escorts.
Jack,
Its is better than Obamas plan,he has no plan?
What he will make Mr Wright Secratary of State?
No, the Bush administration should not be making long term deals behind closed doors. It is unethical and probably illegal if all the details were known by the American citizens. If George Bush was a CEO of an American company, he would have been thrown in jail for the things he has done. George Bush doesn't burn our flag, he just torches our Constitution.
Bush and Iraq without consent of the American people .LOL Jack I am on the floor .GW has run this good old USA into the ground anyway and everyway he could without talking to anyone who didnt agree with him.Because if you did not agree with him 100% out the door you went and FAST.He has never ask the American people for cosent on anything and as his times runs out why should he ask us now. ? He would only get 30% to say ok anyway and he knows it.
No, but secrecy has always been the trade mark of this administration. The military started building permanent bases in Iraq right after the invasion. President Bush and Vice President Cheney never intended to have our troops leave Iraq.
NO
Better plan than Obama,
Obama has no plan.
The executive orders and executive agreements that the Bush Administration has signed into law, including any long-term agreements with Iraq need to stop. They overstep the constitutional constrains on executive power and the president's inherent powers. Nothing should be signed into law that the American people, or at least their representatives, do not consent to. This needs to be addressed and stopped now, before Bush or a future president makes it unstoppable which isn’t that far out of sight.
Maybe it's time that President Bush thinks about the "long term commitment" almost 4,000 troops have already made.......how's "gone for eternity" as a long term commitment. Is that good enough!
ANY negotiations at this point needs to have a buy in by the American people or one helluva proviso pending the election of a sane government in the very near future.
Besides...what's to negotiate?? Didn't we celebrate "Mission Accomplished" way back when?
better plan than Obama.
Obama has no plan.
Cheney was just negotiating the deals on who gets the oil money. Haliburton, Blackwater, Cheney and Co.
The Bush Administration should not be making any new plans or agreements with regards to Iraq. But that has not stopped them before. Why should we, the people, tell Bush-Cheney what to do. They didn't listen in Florida in 2000 (disenfranshisement of voters for al Gore). They didn't listen 5 years ago in Iraq. They only time they have listened to us, it was illegal (wiretapping).
No he should not but he will do it any way behind our backs just like everything else the Bush administration has done for 6 years.This administration will go down in history as the most dis-functional, untrustworthy, and moronic in the anals of history and they will take John McCain with them.
Jack, I support Senator McCain's rational plan, for conducting the Global War Against Terrorism but Bush and Cheney's profiteering and conduct, of the war has been nothing less than criminal. I was amazed, when congress allowed Cheney, to hold secret energy meetings, to determine our nation's energy policy. The result, of those secret meetings was the screwing American's are getting, at the pump now. So, Congress better get tough, with these two criminals(can't say what I want) and demand approval, of any future conduct, of the war. That's a memo.
Why not... its "not a treaty" and since the Vice President's office is neither under the purview of the Executive not Legislative Branch, I am certain his "Halliburton Authority" trumps and checks and balances...
NO! But that won't stop this MORON. Bush and Cheney have not one person that they have to answer to. We have not made them accountable. This is the worst president in History.
Bush was elected and then reelected by the people to lead this country in times of peace and in war. They elected him as the "most qualified" of the candidates as chosen by our corrupt political parties. As president, he has the responsibility to make decisions that will affect us during his term and into the future. If the people now feel they made a mistake, they should remove him from office and elect another corrupt politician that the DNC or RNC chooses for us. Do you get the feeling something is wrong with our process?
Jack, sadly, as president, he is free to do that. When we [read we as anyone BUT me] voted for him, we actually voted for him to have that unfetterred right. We did this obviously thinking he was menatlly capable of understanding his actions andmature enough to accept responsibility unto himself. Ya that worked out well didn't it?
I think we should be asking the question "Should the 'next' administration be negotiating long-term agreements in Iraq without the consent of the American people?" That we may yet have some power over.
Jack,
Don't they think they done enough? After 5 years going on 6 why do they think the American people want them to do anymore. Thanks and leave quietly by the back door.
I think the question could be stated, "Was Hillary Clinton correct when she SET FORTH A PROPOSAL IN THE US SENATE. to prevent the administration from negotiating with Iraq.
McCafferty has a lot of experience "spinning" his questions to favor Obama. So, here is one to favor Clinton.
Mr. Cafferty,
In response to you question, since when has the Bush administration given a flying crap about how the American people feel? Does it surprise you that they are making plans without the consent of the people? It does not surprise me one bit.
Jack,
Bush was planning to go to war even before 9-11. Since Bush 41 didn't get the job done, he ran for president to finish dady's mistake. If you haven't notice more Americians have been killed in the war than 9-11 all together, that would in my opinion count bush as a terrorist for allowing it to happen., After Bush is out of office, the war will end. Thank God
NO NO NO. Bush and his folks need to back off and allow the new President and his/her administration plan the future for America so that America knows what the plan is for a change.
We do not need anymore Bush anything except GOOD-BYB 'yall
Hi Jack
Is this the type of democracy that Bush is trying to sell to the rest of the world? We Canadaians would like to pass as we did with on the Iraq war.
Jack,
Your question of the day begs another. How many stupid arbitrary decisions are Bush and Cheney allowed before Congress gets enough guts to impeach?
John in Idaho
The answer is no Jack, but when has the Bush Administration ever cared
how the American people feel about anything he does?
No, but since when do laws or legislation apply to them? Congress isn't challenging them in the way they should. If the Democrats had a larger majority in the Senate they might be able to accomplish more in reigning in these lunatics but the criminals are running amok while they trash this country and its laws and the people are just open mouthed in shock. This country needs an exorcism.
Alas, this is not over by a long shot. The next act in the Dick Cheney road trip is to firm up plans to come to Israel's defense when attacks are made against Iran.
Jack,
The Constitution delegates the right to prosecute wars and engage in negotiations solely to the executive branch. It needs to be that way because if it were not we would have an entropic disaster of conflicting agreements and other countries would have no clue what our actual position was.
The important thing is that we need to keep this in mind when we elect our presidents. We must always ask, "is this guy going to do the right thing when it comes to negotiating with other nations, and will he be the sort who will take us to war only when it is absolutely necessary?" I believe that if we pay close attention to these people we can see who will do a good job and who won't. Most people weren't paying much attention when we elected Bush, and that's how we got in trouble. We have no one to blame but ourselves.
The thing is, we have a chance now to change that, and if we pay attention we can probably figure out who will serve us (and the Iraqi people whose country we broke and whose lives we have ruined) best, then we will elect the person who is best equiped to end this thing with the best possible result considering how awful a situation the current president (I use the term quite loosely) will have left us with.
Bush says that what he is negotiating isn't binding, and since the Congress doesn't get to vote on it, he's absolutely right about that. Whoever comes in nest will have the right to throw it all out, or not, depending on who we elect. Once again, it comes down to us.
Katherine Porterfield
Lincoln, Nebraska
There should not be any long term agreements with the Bush Administration and the leaders of Iraq. It is unforunate that we have been in an war for 5 years that we should not have fought. We have lost thousands of lives and spent billions of dollars on a war that is not winable. We are killing innocent men, women and children in order to satisy the egos and greed of a few people. May God have mercy on the soul of America.
Jack,
Sometimes, I feel as though we are lving in another country, one in which there is a dictator. Where is our Constitution? Do we not hace seperation of powers any more?
The American people don't have any say at the moment with the current administration, thus the only hope we to direct the future of this country is voting in November.
Jack, you've been asking the same "should Bush" question and the answer is Bush really doesn't care what you or the majority of American's think or feel. It's all about the tight Republican fraternity and setting the stage for the next Republican brothers that will follow and their goombas (Joe Liberman comes to mind) to be able to freely and at will dictate to it's citizens in 2009-2012. Unfortunately, I feel that American free will is slowly evaporating and unfortunately we don't even know it's happening.
This President has had his way ..way too long! Congress needs to wake up and not get duped again. It's time they put some restrictions on King George and Lord Dick. Neogiations with Iraq need theapproval of Congress and we as Americans need to let our Congress know how we feel. I say, "Congress, stop this monarchy now!" ....And we thought Nixon went to far! Makes him look like a great leader compared to these two Bozo's.
Bush's disdain for the will of the American people is clear
If Bush cared about what the American people thought, you wouldn't be in this war in the first place.
Why shouldn't George Bush make long term deals for Iraq? He is about to lose his job and I am sure he can use the kickbacks.
If this war was not affecting the people by hightening inflation, hurting the economy, putting our kids and grand kids up their neck in debt, and resulting in a loss of lives from our family and friends of course we the people shouldn't have a say but the fact is it does and its getting even worse so it is no question whether the people who are affected the most should at least get a say in the dabilitizing matter.
Jack, you really surprise me sometimes. please tell me at any one time that Bush has actually worked with the american people? even if we oppose, he will just veto it.
Not only should this stupid president not be making any agreements for the people, but he should not be making any agreements that may hog-tie the incoming president. Unless he wants to saddle us with his "legacy", as he seems intent on doing.
The only thing the Bush Administration should be negotiating is plea bargains for impeachment hearings and war crimes trials. Based on his comments today, it seems like an insanity defense is in order.
Who cares if the Bush administration makes a long term agreement with Iraq? The Iraqis aren't likely to hold up their end of the deal anyway.
I watched the VP respond with a "So?" when asked by a reporter about the American's disapproval of the War.
I think that sums it up, Jack. The arrogance of this administration is amazing. They don't care what we think. They never worked for American interests, so why would they start now. What do ya bet the high oil prices and elongated presence in Iraq help buff up two retirement plans...Bush and Cheney's.
Cheney is a douche bag
Skunks leave their smell behind.Bush and Chaney can't be satisfied with screwing up this country for the past 8 years.They want to make sure it stays that way.The surge is working?? I got news for them..why don't they send 200-thousand more troops over there and that will curtail violence as well.How many ..how long and at what cost.This within itself says how badly the unwarranted war was managed.
Facts are such bothersome things. The American people only care about the facts when it is reflected in their wallet. That being said, the Bush Administration will continue their aura of secrecy and the American people will remain ignorant until the Democratic candidate is sworn in and uncovers all the impeachable acts of the current administration.
No way should they negotiate! This administration has changed all the laws to what suits them best for what they want to do. What a mess the next president will have. This president does not live in the real world. This country is not only wall street BUT the working people that make the country. It makes me sick when this president and vice president, never serving in a war, can decide the fate of our true american soldiers. God bless all they have given and done!
The Bush administration relies on the war's perpetuity – an endless conflict returning billions to them and their corporate pals. If anything,
George W. Bush has put forward two faces. The one we see is a man interested in ending the conflict; the face we don't see is the one that has various agents performing 'acts of terror' encouraging the various political groups to remain more pitted against each other than before the conflict started. This has happened in Gaza; I believe it is also happening in Baghdad. In my parlance of childhood, I called the game "I'm on your side" as I attempted to make it appear I was supporting each side of a dormitory feud between two boys who occupied adjacent rooms.
Jack,
Of course the Bush administration should not be formulating any agreements with foreign countries. First of all, they're inability to find solutions to our problems is no more apparent than in their foreign policy blunders. There's an irony though, even if congress tries to void this, Bush and Cheney will just formulate lies to persuade congress to authorize it....Remember how we got in this war to begin with! The good news is that in a year we wont have to deal with these clowns in the white house...except if McCain is elected.
Ross
Richmond, VA
After reading John Perkins book "Confessions of an Economic HItman", there is no doubt that the entire Bush administration's goal is to increase the economic control over the Middle East for their own profit.
These abominations won't stop until AT LEAST the last day of Bush's term. If John McCain wins, we can obviously expect more of the same.
Not on your life. Look what damage Bush and his gang have done in terms of American lives lost, our economy, our standing in the world. Would duct tape across his mouth help?
Dear Jack,
It's too late now to stop the Bush-Cheney Gang from destroying this country. They should have been impeached a long time ago. But, we dumbly sat on our collective hands and asses and did nothing. Oh, but we got really upset about a preacher on the South Side of Chicago talking trash! I'll take a country run by a Jeremiah Wright any day over a Bush-Cheney administration. At least you KNOW where he is coming from.
We got rid of the dictator in Iraq.it appears we have aquired one of our own. Robert in Vegas
I have been mad and bitter for months at the news media for what I considered attacks and negative reporting of Barack Obama. But I understand now what the problem is the news executives, commentators, contributors, reporters and so called political experts. Just “don’t get it” they don’t understand Barack or what is happening in the country and what people don’t understand they fear and what they fear they attack. I think after Baracks speech today many people “finally got it” and those who “did not get it” will get it. When they look at there wife’s, husbands and children when they have the time to set back and look at themselves and examine there inner self they will “get it”, but I fear many like Pat Buchanan, Russ Limbaugh and others like that will never “get it”. All I can feel for them is pity.
This administration reminds me of small town government officials who make decisions with their cronies regarding what's best for the rest of the people who are the main stay of the community. This is not government for the people nor does it reflect what the majority wants. We wanted to get Bin Laden, that's all. I certainly didn't want to go into a country and begin a war, wipe out a dictator that had nothing to do with 9-11 and begin an empire in the middle east. I sure hope there is an investigation about this bait and switch. I hope we own the mistake, apologize and get out of there. We need our men back here at home. There is much to be done. Thanks
OF COURSE HE SHOULD!!!! He is our current president. It is his job to do so. He cannot and should not consult the american people on every non-treaty agreement.
No. However, it's not like the American People are to concerned or so it seems. Blogging is only a steam vent and we're well beyond "letters to our leaders". It's time for actions greater than sitting on our duffs.
Thanx for the question
It will be OK. The Bush administration has established the precedent that presidents (any president of any party) don't have to follow the rules. As long as the Democrats can win in November, they can simply undo it by invoking their "new" presidential power.
When was the last time this administration has asked us anything anyway? Its been 5 years and NOW they want to include that they dont need the consent of the people? Whats the point of mentioning it in the first place? This lets you kno that the Bush administration is full of Back Stabbers that obviously care more about themselves more than the people of the U.S. with that said i can safely say that this is the worst president in history and its sad that im only 17 and i see that my future is going to be harsh. I remember like it was yesterday when gas prices were $1.93, now, its $3.31, Bush is the main Catastrophe of the country and an Abomination to the U.S. Remember, He Represents The U.S. as a Whole when the rest of the world looks at america. They See A Faliure
No. Any further negotiations with Iraq should be reserved for the next President's administration and the American people. After all, the problem wasn't initially with Iraq was it? If I remember correctly, our current President said Osama Bin Laden was the man behind this "war on terrorism." Oh, I forgot. Hussein is dead now. He had to be taken out of power. So we no longer talk about Bin Laden. He was in Afghanistan - Iraq? Oh, that's right. I forgot we aren't talking about him, so we're definitely not looking for him. Over 3K troops' lives lost and 29,000 wounded and our troops still aren't home.
J M Disabled Veteran, I support our troops, I don't support those in the Bush admin. who sent our troops to war
Not only NO! but hell NO.
Bush entered into the Iraq war with one thing in mind… getting rid of Saddam Hussein. I’ll bet dollars to peanuts that he is now regretting this. Hanging
Saddam was a big mistake. If we had a way of bringing Saddam back to
life and giving Iraq back to him, he sure as hell would straighten out the mess we created!
Dennis
Tombstone, AZ
PS: Yes we can
Three words – No, No, No !
Jack, Pres. Bush has had his way with this "Iraq" thing and if he has his way he will keep it going at the cost of ALL the American VOTERS. He just doesn't get what it's doing to OUR AMERICAN ECONOMY and MILITARY ( and their families) as well as the FUTURE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY. He is all set for his retirement and his family's future so what does he care? If he cared at all for his Presidency or had any self respect he would not have dragged us so deep into this that we can not get out without a LOT of PAIN ! AND PAIN we have, mega pain. Pain at the grocery, pain at the pumps, pain in the military, pain in the economy, pain holding our once proud heads up high to the world. We are not the "world power" we once were because of the BUSH 8 years.
Please, can't someone convince the President to go on a 9 month vacation to Crawford ? There he won't be as likely to try and fix the economy or negotiate treaties with Iraq. Keep him busy until the inauguration. The administration has no right to negotiate long term agreements that will tie the hands of his successors, especially without the support or approval of the american people. I thought we elected officials to represent us in Congress ?
Bush got us into this war based on lies–no weapons of mass destruction were ever found. So why should he consult with the American people now while negotiating another treaty? Because he's become the best dictator there is. I believe he is power hungry and can't live down his vendetta against Saddam Hussein and his people. Remember Saddam threatend Bush's father and I think he is hell bent on destroying this regime at the expense of our country's American lives. The only thing that will stop him is called "expiration of office". Bush is also blind-faced to the damages he is doing to our economy by allowing this war to continue. I guess homelessness, foreclosed homes, uninsured people, bankruptcies, unaffordable gas and groceries are taking second credence.
Rosemarie
Vero Beach, FL
Absolutely not Jack,
The Administration already invaded Iraq based on lies and half-truths engineered by Wolfowitz & Rove, leaving the American people out of an informed decision making role. Bottom line is Bush et. al. LIED to us and the rest of the world. They LIED to Congress. They MUST be held accountable. It is the OBLIGATION of Congress to Impeach & Indict those who broke the law & circumvented the U.S. Constitution. We have nearly 4,000 dead servicemen & servicewomen so far in Iraq. How many of those funerals has GWBV attended? Gen. Petraeus' forecasts puts the cost of this debacle at 1.6 TRILLION!!!!! Much of that money will find it's way to the pockets of associates of Bush & Cheney. They MUST be charged with treason, and if found guilty in a fair trial (with no LIARS testifying) they must be executed.
Of course not but that has never stopped King George! The sad part is that the democratic congress that we voted in is also unwilling to stop him. So much for the will of the American people. Victoria Fort Mill, SC
Tampa, Florida
Why give us a voice after all this time, Jack? No, the administration should stick with business as usual. After all, they have had one sucess after another by not paying any attention to what the American public wants or needs!
I absolutely "prohibit" this administration in its continuance to undermine the Check&Balance process in our govermental affairs. To continue making unckecked, unchallenged wanton decisions in President Bush's lame duck year is not only overtly negligent but makes a mockery of a process where foreign backdoor-deals, agreements and policy scrutiny bulldozes the will of the American people. This administration has imposed its will on Americans much like that of terrorism itself. This administration often operates under the guise of a dictatorship yet it selectively chooses to implement procedural protocols in an effort that the enire administration isn't labled as such. With 67% of Americans opposing the tragedy occuring in Iraq, this apparently has emboldened the Bush Administration to CONTINUE circumventing scrutiny over policies they often secretly negotiate...and often times overtly announce.
I'm not sure why you would ask this question. We all know that our elected officials do not care what 'we the people' want. All that matters is what the lobbyists are asking for. Just look at the failure of the 'earmark' legislation. Why bother????
Citizens! I call on you to stand up against the "America in Iraq forever plan", that George Bush plans to use to keep his war machine companies in the money and away from the recession that is about to slam the American people. STOP GEORGE BUSH NOW!
The war will still go on under the Bush plan if McCain is the next in line for the presidency.
We were sold a war that we no longer want to pay for, and the more the politicians are wrong on it, the more expensive it gets.
Bush's approval rating is getting as low as Nixon's and Truman's, and it is unlikely he will change within the last 10 months he is in office, because he has a "stay the course" mentality/conviction.
The only way out of it is most likely thru an Obama administration.
Hey Jack, newsflash: The Bush administration has done a lot of things without the consent of the American people. Do you really think he's going to stop now, when he has a chance to go out in a blaze of glory? (joke)
Angel,
Las Vegas
Unless this weak congress asserts itself and passes a law to stop this, we, and the new President will be locked int the Bush vision of the nation building well into the next Presidents term with no way out and a continued drain on our pockets.. I know this is wishful thinking, but I can HOPE.
Ok Jack I'm an avid Obamapendant. I hope that rapid changes do occur in substantial troop withdrawal. I'm not blind to truth however and as I see it, the streets are becoming safer there. Why not solicit the support of Congress and their constituents to downgrade this mess to a peacekeeping assignment with withdrawal of troops beginning immediately, but leaving a number of troops there with shortened assignements for the poor soldiers who have given up family. love and home for too many years at a time. Thei needs to be redone with shortened assigments for all of our guys over there.
We started the mess so withdrawal has to be done with some resp[onsoibility for what was begun. Yuk! Wish it never happened.
I can't believe it is five years from the date we were on the borders of Kuwait waiting for the order from President Bush to invade Iraq. As I sit here today watching CNN showing the pictures of that night it brings chills and horrific reminders of what it was like over there.. I remember when the attack started I saw my life flash before my eyes. I knew I was going to die in Iraq. Once the firing stopped we all began to prepare for our next attack. I wanted to scream like a crazy person while wondering why are behaving like our lives were normal. I knew the answer, it was go to jail, psychiatric treatment or stay and fight this wrongful war. I chose to stay and fight. I had 23 years already served before I deployed to Kuwait then convoy to Iraq. The convoy lasted for days it seemed
There are nights when I close my eyes and I see the young Iraqi in a white toyota truck with a bullet in the center of his forehead. What scares me about that day are the words that came out my mouth. I had become immune to seeing dead bodies. The stinched of burned bodies. If you were to ask any soldier to choose between coming home or finishing this war the choice would be to come home.
I received a Legion of Merit medal along with a Bronze Star and a post traumatic disorder upon my retirement June 1, 2006.
Thank you for letting me share
Chief Warrant Officer Three
Retired , United States Army
If you dont know by now that this war was a mistake, you never will and there is no hope for you. So all of you sheep can be sheered and slaughtered .