CSPAN 2 NOW! Johnson (SD-D) on war - BYRD UP NOW

[Melinda]

Decimating the concept of "preemptive" war vis a vis bad intelligence!

[Melinda]

1. American failures:

Lack of diplomacy has led to us being targetted even more than before. Much of the world now holds us in contempt

We were told there was urgency to this conflict (war in Iraq), and now we are told we may be there for another 4 years; it's our troops on ground, our troops being killed daily, our taxpayers footing bill.

No money for Vet health care but we are spending 4 BILLION a month in Iraq

No money for Amtrack - but we spend 100 BILLION a year in this far off place.

No money for healthcare, no money for drugs for seniors, no money for education.

200,000 troops scattered all over the world - families want to know WHEN ARE THEY COMING HOME?

More.....

[proud patriot]

2. Thanks for the heads up Melinda

I'm watching now ....

[HFishbine]

12. And

"No money for Amtrack - but we spend 100 BILLION a year in this far off place."

Don't ask for a link (saw on TV), but I heard that one of the reasons we cannot immeadiatley convert our cars to hydrogen power is the cost of upfitting "gas" stations. What was the estimated cost?

$100 Billion

[goobergunch]

3. Johnson is the only Senator with a son in the military (non-officer) (n/t)

[Melinda]

6. Harry Reid brought Johnson's son up & thanked him for service

on the floor. Sure is a disparity between "them and us", eh?

[GainesT1958]

4. Kind of shows why...

Dub & Co. were so ANXIOUS to unseat this guy last year, doesn't it? :eyes:

B-)

[Melinda]

5. When will this pResident learn....

We are not the worlds policemen.

We can't do this alone.

We are stretched too thin.

* refuses to give troops raise

* refuses to fund healthcare

* says he will veto any legislation granting increases for vet health care

When you see what has happened due to lack of an international coaltion, and false intelligence, when you see where our economy is at, we need to regroup.

Johnson says he frustrated and angry at circumstances we are in today due to failings of this administration and conduct of its officials.

No funds for vets, troops, healthcare, schools, environment, and infrastructure and we need to address now.

Reid up now.

[goobergunch]

7. more

Reid: Many of us speak from distance, but not Johnson...his son was in both Iraq and Afghanistan...more...

large contingencies of forces must stay in Iraq instead of coming home next month

congratulates Mr. and Mrs. Johnson

Johnson: hundreds of thousands of parents like us who watch news closely w/ pride and dread...hundreds of families who know that at any moment there could be report of death of loved one..."acceptable levels of casualties" should be thought of in light of human casualties...we stand with military families, suffering emotional, financial hardship

[Melinda]

10. Thank you goobergunch :-)

eom

[Melinda]

8. Daschle up now.

The dems are all about Bush's lies, this war, and our troops, and it seems they have a lot to say. Daschle is talking about those who have lost their lives in Iraq - think I'll sit back and listen.

[goobergunch]

9. Daschle:

joins with Reid in commending Johnson for passion and eloquence...no one could be more proud to call him a colleague then I...this afternoon another ex. ...sharing w/ Johnson postcard from Johnson's son on back of MRE to report in that he was doing well and that he believed in what he was doing (:wtf: )...wrong to minimize losses, depersonalize extraodinary impact when soldier lost...memorialized helicopter pilot dead when helping Iraqi child...received postcard from father...appreciative of sacrifice

[Melinda]

11. Senator Byrd introducing amendment re Guard reservists

Watch!!