GOP Members Pressured to Back War

[sabra]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0107/2573.html

GOP Members Pressured to Back War

House and Senate Republicans with reservations about President Bush's plan to boost U.S. troop strength in Iraq by 21,500 are complaining of harsh criticism from their GOP colleagues. This intra-party squabbling, in some cases, has seen Republicans accusing fellow Republicans of undercutting the American effort in Iraq, a charge previously reserved for Democrats.

These lawmakers, several of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution from party leaders or the White House, are stunned by the hostility expressed by fellow Republicans. They are particularly concerned that anyone who raises questions or challenges the Bush plan will be branded a defeatist who wants to see America lose the war.

...

"We need a full-fledged debate on Iraq within the (House Republican) Conference and we haven't had that so far," said Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Ill. "This is the issue of our times, and so far, we haven't talked about it."

One GOP lawmaker, who declined to be named, said it is "starting to get really ugly" among Republicans when they try to talk about Iraq and the wisdom of the new Bush policy. This lawmaker said when a Republican stands up who has doubts on Iraq, he's immediately "beaten down" by other Republicans who believe that any deviation from the White House position is intolerable.

[acmavm]

1. Well boys, name names. Let us know who's too cowardly to

openly stand up and state their points. Name names. Let us see who the bastards are that want this war and why. Are they making money off it? Are they crazy draft dodgers who just like war? Did they go AWOL and is this some sick way of proving that they've got what it takes to be 'an Army of one'?

Biggest question of all, do they have family over there??????????

[habitual]

2. good

let them have their inner squable about what's right for their party, while the rest of the US population sees that they have no concern for their constituents. Tear each other apart boys... but whatever you do, stick by the president. LOSERS

[ChairmanAgnostic]

3. ". . .and so far we haven't talked about it."

That one statement says it all. It describes in a nutshell everything wrong with the GOP and with the White House.

This is insane, as is the escalation and probable invasion of Iran.

[Nickster]

6. That part got me too. Too bad he didn't think they needed the debate BEFORE they decided to have a

vote to go to war or loot the Treasury, etc.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

7. I can understand the sycophants in the GOP, BUT

where the HELL are our folks? Why can't they stand up for a change? We are the majority, dammit.

[GaYellowDawg]

4. Those bastards deserve everything they're getting!

Oh, wow, they can't believe the harshness, and it's really getting ugly? Please. It's like someone who owns and constantly uses an attack dog that turns around and bites them - wait a minute, those teeth are SHARP! They sure enjoyed being on the leash end. I hope the teeth strip them to their bones.

[no_hypocrisy]

5. NOW they want to debate . . . . that's refreshing and democratic of them. n/t

[gratuitous]

8. We needed a full-fledged debate four years ago, boys

But you were so hot to start the killing and dying that nothing else mattered, and anyone who had the temerity even to whisper, "Now wait a second" was hollered down, smeared, impugned and raked over the coals while the Mighty Republican Wurlitzer wheezed out military marches and patriotic airs.

Thousands of lives and billions of dollars later, some of you have finally realized that maybe, just maybe, launching a war is a slightly more sober undertaking? I'm glad for that, I really am. But let me just state for the record, and in case you've forgotten:

We fucking told you so, you bloodthirsty assholes.

[Roy]

9. The sad reality of this.......

Their biggest fear is that bucking the party and this administration will cost them party support and their cushy seat in congress.

The thousands of lost lives are meaningless, but wait a minute..... I now might lose party support and an election.