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Sen. Kerry, Sen. Kennedy, Hardball and Countdown:
Today the Republican Senate rejected two plans proposed by Democrats that would begin to end our occupation of Iraq. Let’s keep in mind we have been in an occupation mode since the President announced that major combat operation were over while standing in front of a “Mission Accomplished” banner. The fact that Democrats offered two diverse plans is not an indication of a split or divide within the Democratic Party but rather highlights the inclusive and accepting nature of various viewpoints by Democrats. The Democrats showed Americans that they are the party of ideas. The Republicans “stay the course” viewpoint translates to “we don’t know what else to do”, “we have no plan or ideas”. “Stay the course” means we will “stay off-course”. We saw the diverse viewpoint of Democrats in the voting for these plans as well, some voted yea for Levine’s plan while voting no on Kerry’s. The Republicans once again voted inline as a party and not as individual representatives of their constituents. This is important to note for November. Do Americans want to send representatives to Washington who will vote on their behalf or send a Republican whose “line of loyalty” is:
1) Party and President 2) Corporatists and Lobbyists 3) And eventually “the mythical little guy” (a Republican quote) … the constituents
Throughout the debate on these plans, the Republicans continually labeled the Democrats with a “cut and run” slogan. They love to create little bumper sticker slogans like “flip / flop” and “cut and run”. To return the favor I would say that Republican policies can be defined as “Feed and Bleed”.
FEED – defense contractors, namely Halliburton, fat no-bid contracts with no meaningful oversight.
BLEED – America’s financial strength taking us from a 5 trillion surplus to a 3 plus trillion deficit.
FEED – the wealthiest Americans with tax breaks.
BLEED – the majority of Americans of essential benefits and services.
FEED – oils companies with rising gas prices and record profits.
BLEED – America of one of our most precious resources, a strong vibrant and well respected military.
America has one important question to ask itself this November, can we afford to BLEED anymore? It is time we get “back on course” in the “War on Terrorism”. That’s right, not a war on terror. Terror is a feeling, an emotion you can’t fight. Terrorism is a philosophy of warfare that will take more than guns and 500 pound bombs to defeat. The true battle is within the hearts and minds of those who will potentially grow to hate the “West”. The battle is within our own hearts and minds as well. We must begin to change hatred and mistrust into understanding and coexistence for humanity, as one, to face the challenges of this new millennium.
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