Yesterday, the House Democratic Caucus met in closed door session to discuss Iraq.
There has been a lot of focus on the Democratic position on Iraq lately. It has been convenient for Republicans and the media to talk about Democrats being divided, because it distracts from the scale of the mess that has been created in Iraq, and who was responsible for creating it.
Let's not forget that the war in Iraq was not necessary, and that after misleading our country into an unnecessary war, after declaring mission accomplished, President Bush and the Republican Congress now want the American people to believe that they have a plan for victory. Please. The plan for victory is about as real as Saddam's weapons of mass destruction, and we don't need to lose another 2000 troops or spend another $200 billion to prove that.
The American public understands this. According to a recent poll, a majority of Americans believe that this war was a mistake and an even larger majority believe we need to bring our troops home.
The vast majority of Democrats voted against authorizing President Bush to use force in Iraq. The majority of Americans agree with Representative Murtha that no more can be accomplished militarily in Iraq, and that we need to find a way to bring our troops home safely and quickly.
Members of Congress from both parties will soon be going home for recess, and I know that they will be hearing from constituents that Bush's "stay-the-course" rhetoric is unacceptable. People who are concerned about Iraq should attend townhall meetings and voice their opinions.
If Walter Jones, the conservative Republican who forced Congressional cafeterias to serve "freedom fries" and "freedom toast," can call on the President for a withdrawal plan and set a date to begin withdrawal, Democrats in particular should be encouraged to stand with Jack Murtha, cosponsor H.J.Res. 73, and call for a responsible plan to bring our troops home. The blogoshpere can play an important role in building support for Jack Murtha's bill.
Ending this war is not simply about bringing our troops home. It is about putting an end to a mistake that is making our country and the world less safe and draining critical funds from crucial needs here at home.
It is time for some democracy in action.