Reply #40: This is what the

[PATRICK]

Dems have votes for until the next election or some outbreak of GOp defection. Bush had two dangerous for him choices. Veto his war money. Abuse the legislated money distribution. The first is a poor option because it immediately empowers the Democrats who just gave him his best deal. Now if he goes ahead and accepts a bill he must cheat and accept those consequences. So now he has a new Scylla and Charybdis opening under his feet to add to the DOJ showdown. And more on the way.

The net effect is absolutely the best that the present Congressional makeup can do and the liberal peace group continuing to press feet to fire make this work, albeit not satisfactory to the real need- which is to remove Bush's power to abuse every single thing they send him. In order to "cave" into Bush a large number of Democrats must side with a GOP plan. That is extremely unlikely and someone should clue Chimpy in that he had better take the money and cheat with it. Then the ball is again in the Dems court about the next step. Impeachment or complete defunding.

It is working, it is ugly, it is process and so is the Bush march against Iran and our remaining liberty. The real war to save this nation is still in play and Dems ARE on the attack with what is available. As to whether this is bold or persistent enough or will work makes this no discussion for the squeamish. It is what the Dems CAN do regardless of talk about risk, political machinations etc. that is in play against Bush and practically speaking the blow and initiative are in our favor. Bush could in his wild belligerence give the ball in effect to the most liberal contingent of the anti-war forces.