Democrats chase the greased pig of consensus on Iraq

First, the pat on the back (my own): I predicted that the new Democrat majority in Congress would have a tough time once it had to do more than criticize existing policy.

I'm sorry that that prediction is coming true thus far. At the same time I was making it, I expressed a hope that the party would start demonstrating the type of responsibility on the war that Joe Lieberman has displayed. That certainly hasn't happened. Instead, Democrats have floated all manner of votes that tend to encourage Iraqi insurgents to hold on just a little bit longer.

H.C.: You're stifling debate by trying to make us look less patriotic!

No, I'm responding to your side's positions in a reasonable manner. How can it be denied that pulling U.S. troops as rapidly as possible out of Iraq will not result in a situation more beneficial to Al Qaeda than the existing situation? The only premise that supports that position is the assumption that ultimate goal of U.S. forces (stabilizing the current government until it can handle its own security) is futile.

So, what have our Democratic friends been up to in Congress?

A proposal by Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) for the House to vote on withdrawal from Iraq without a timetable has been nixed, several lawmakers and aides said.

The opposition of the Progressive Caucus also apparently doomed a proposal by Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) and John Tanner (D-Tenn.) demanding a redeployment plan from President Bush. The measure will not get a vote this week.

Progressive Caucus lawmakers met Tuesday morning and agreed they would not support any Iraq measure that does not include a firm timetable for withdrawal.
(The Hill, Mike Soraghan)

Instead of trying to reach a consensus on what to do about the war, they've throttled back and seek to reach a consensus on how to look responsible on defense and homeland security.

Contributing to that effort, Congress has finally decided to act on something President Bush as been asking about for some time: legislating changes to FISA that would allow the NSA the discretion to listen to foreign calls by foreign terror suspects without needing to secure a warrant.

So, here's a shout out to you foreign terrorists making telephone calls: the Democrats are onto you, now, and pretty soon we'll be allowed to listen to what you're saying.

DNI Mike McConnell was scheduled to appear before the House Subcommittee on Community Management on Tuesday to report on the implementation of the 100-day plan he launched in April to address problems that have plagued intelligence efforts.

As part of his presentation, McConnell was expected to discuss updating FISA along the lines given by President Bush during his radio address last Saturday.

Instead, the long-scheduled hearing was canceled by the Democrats after business hours on Monday - with no explanation given.
(CNSNews.com, Randy Hall)

Hat tip to Captain's Quarters.