More Republican Obstructionism

There were two important votes in the Senate yesterday that were not covered in today's JG. The first was a bill to restore Habeas Corpus for all US detainees and was filibustered by Senate Republicans. I still cannot believe that the Republican Party has embraced such fascist positions. Who would've thought that the Republican Party would become a party that does not support a person's right to challenge their detention in a court of law? Would we want our own citizens to be detained in other countries with no recourse? Shameful.

The second was the Webb amendment that would require active duty troops to have one day at home for every day they are deployed. This was a very simple common-sense amendment. Our troops continue to have their deployments extended (up to 15 months) while receiving less time at home to spend with their friends and families. Once again the Republicans filibustered the amendment. We see time and again that the Republicans talk about supporting the troops while the Democrats actually do it.

These two filibusters are yet another example of how out-of-touch the Republican party has become. Just for those keeping score, the Republicans in congress are on pace to use the filibuster 3 times more than any other time in history. They are, once again, going to get crushed in the next election. It amazes me that more and more of them continue to follow this president past the political event horizon. I think when it's all said and done we'll likely find that no President has done more to destroy his own party than President Bush.

Lugar and Souder approve of Iraq situation

Recent House and Senate vote results:

Cloture Motion; Sense of Congress on Iraq - Vote Rejected (56-34, 10 Not Voting)
The Senate rejected this motion to move to a final vote on this bill expressing opposition to President Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq.

Sen. Richard Lugar voted NO......send e-mail

Sen. Evan Bayh voted YES......send e-mail

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Iraq War Policy resolution - Vote Passed (246-182, 6 Not Voting)
The House passed this non-binding resolution disapproving of President Bush's plan to send additional troops to Iraq.

Rep. Mark Souder voted NO......send e-mail

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If you disapprove of the quagmire in Iraq and wish to redeploy our troops from that useless meatgrinder, I urge you to voice your displeasure to Senator Lugar and Congressman Souder and send a note of approval to Senator Bayh.