Bad idea...

OK, I'm not a big fan of the "Surge" idea the White House is floating, but threatening to withhold the money for it is not how the Democrats should oppose it.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070108/ap_on_go_co/congress_rdp

Of course, withholding money is the only way to directly stop the Commander in Chief from deploying troops in this situation, but it raises 2 problems. First, President Bush might send the troops anyway and just let them be un- or underfunded. This would not mark the first time the Bush Administration sent troops into battle without the necessary equipment, armor, etc. This is unacceptable. Regardless of how we might feel about sending additional troops over there, even if we know its a terrible error, we have to ensure that they're as protected and well-supplied as possible.

Second, as the leadership is saying, they will not deny funds to any troops actually on the ground, but the GOP will spin each and every vote to deny funding for troops GOING to be sent over as "The Democrats are withholding supplies from our troops during a time of war!" Might not be true, but since when does something have to be "Fair & Balanced" for the RNC and Fox News to say it.

I think a better way to oppose such a move is to make clear that everyone involved in the decision will be hauled before a committee and roasted over a spit. No more imposing decisions of questionable, if any, merit that cost American lives without being held to account. The Administration may be willing to play politics and try to save Bush's legacy by taking one more shot at pacifying Iraq, but they no longer can do it in the dark of night, behind closed doors.

Unfortunately, this will not save American lives if the Bush Administration pushes ahead even in the face of being hammered at home. However, history shows us that Bush rarely reconsiders any decision (or considers it, for that matter), so the ship may have sailed for our troops already. Neither withholding funds nor holding the Administration accountable will save them.

At least following this advice will mean that Bush and the GOP cannot profit politically from further American bloodshed.

PS - I still can't figure out how to make the IP address a wordlink in this new setup. Randy, you seem to be able to do it, how is it done now (since there are no more carrots to write between)?