Think Progress

‘Slow Bleed’ Conservatives Voted Against Billions In Equipment For U.S. Troops

The right-wing has begun a coordinated effort to smear Iraq war critics by describing their legislative plan as a “slow-bleed strategy.”

The phrase was first used in an article Wednesday by John Bresnahan of The Politico; within hours, the Republican National Committee issued a release falsely claiming that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) “call their plan the ’slow-bleed strategy.’” In fact, as Bresnahan clarified in a subsequent article, “slow-bleed” was “not a term used by any Democrats or the anti-war groups supporting their efforts.”

Nevertheless, conservatives continue to use the phrase to attack war critics. During this week’s Iraq debate, at least five members — Deborah Pryce (R-OH), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), and Adam Putnam (R-FL) — used the phrase on the House floor. Watch a video compilation:

[flv http://video.thinkprogress.org/2007/02/slow.320.240.flv]

If only their rhetoric matched their voting record. In October 2003, as insurgent violence in Iraq was growing and military equipment shortages were becoming increasingly problematic, Rep. David Obey (D-WI) proposed an amendment shifting $3.6 billion to pay for better equipment and other quality-of-life measures for U.S. troops. Not one of the five voted for it.

That’s a real recipe for “slow bleed.”




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65 Responses to “‘Slow Bleed’ Conservatives Voted Against Billions In Equipment For U.S. Troops”

  1. Tuber Says:

    "Anyone who does not support wars of choice against innocent civilians and countries are a slow bleed on their country's patritotism and should be executed immediately if not sooner." - Abe Lincoln


  2. Your Conscience Says:

    To my shame I live in a part of Santa Barbara County in which I have a retard for a representative, Elton Gallegly. On a weekly basis I send him my regards, including today.

    Dear Rrep Gallegly,

    You are a disgrace to our District and the State of California. You have no defense and will merit no respect for voting No and approving a failed escalation. It is unconscionable and unforgivable you are supporting the death of soldiers as you already know they are sent into theatre without proper gear and protection.

    You are on record to supporting harm to this great nation and endorsing a failed administration and failed policy. The death of any and all soldiers from this day foward are your responsibility and your fault. May God have mercy on your soul.

    P.S. Cold water works best in removing the blood.


  3. Jay Randal Says:

    GOPers always twist facts. Cutting off funding for the Iraq Fiasco War means to end the war and bring the troops home alive. It does NOT mean to leave the troops in Iraq without armor and equipment.


  4. Bluedog49 Says:

    If you want to know how any Rep or Senator supports troops with their votes, just go to Iraq and Afganistan Veterans of America and take a look at their grades for all lawmakers. They explain their criteria and they are all veterans of these two wars. Some of the results are surprising. For example, the veterans give Nancy Pelosi a B+ for her voting record supporting the troops and they have given Dennis Hastert an F.


  5. Raymond Funamoto Says:

    Pryce, Blunt, McCotter, Hensarling and Putnam should all have their wrists slashed with deep paper-thin cuts and left to "slow-bleed" to death, a fit fate for these repugnant-repub scum of the earth who voted against billions for equipment for our troops in Iraq and condemned to to a slow-bleed fate--TIT FOR TAT!!!!!


  6. Zooey Says:

    Deborah Pryce (R-OH), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), and Adam Putnam (R-FL)

    Tap a vein in each, and let them drip until the troops come home.


  7. CONservative Says:

    So it's not possible to support the troops without supporting the 'mission' (I dare one of these Repubicans to tell me exactly what the mission IS), yet it is possible to support them without giving them proper equipment or training, and to loosen standards so people with felony criminal backgrounds as some type of 'supplement'. Well that just makes perfect sense, doesn't it?


  8. Liberal in New Mexico Says:

    The best thing we can do to offset the lies these disgusting Repub human waste bags say is to post the way they vote as often as possible -anywhere, anytime. It's hard to deny facts like that and makes them look as bad as they really are. Now excuse me, while I throw up in my mouth.


  9. Ron Paul for pres Says:

    Wow. Do they really want to use that line? The entire Iraq War from the beginning has been a slow bleed on the military. It's been a hemorrhage on the treasury, and blunt trauma to the credibility of the US.


  10. CONservative Says:

    The entire Iraq War from the beginning has been a slow bleed on the military. It’s been a hemorrhage on the treasury, and blunt trauma to the credibility of the US.

    Yep, and an aneurysm on our national security too.


  11. political forum Says:

    "The entire Iraq War from the beginning has been a slow bleed on the military. It’s been a hemorrhage on the treasury, and blunt trauma to the credibility of the US.

    Yep, and an aneurysm on our national security too."

    I don't think I can disgaree with that at all...


  12. Liberal in New Mexico Says:

    These people voted FOR sending in the troops but voted AGAINST appropriating enough arms, weapons, safety and protective gear. These are documented facts that stand up to any smear tactic and make them appear incredibly callous.


  13. VerbalKint Says:

    Let's not forget that this is a "war of ideas" according to leading Republican theorists, for example David Brooks and Pussy Goldberg. The Republicans are right in a sense, but what Pussy and others failed to grasp is that when it comes to ideas, their team is shooting blanks. That is why they spend most of their time (literally) mischaracterizing their opponents ideas.


  14. kelso Says:

    I hope this silly slogan keeps being used by these nitwits. Dems could easily flip it on them just by repeating what you guys have just said:

    “The entire Iraq War from the beginning has been a slow bleed on the military. It’s been a hemorrhage on the treasury, and blunt trauma to the credibility of the US."

    It's the awful truth, and they wouldn't be able to run from it.


  15. RUCerious Says:

    Typical Rove-Stink bomb./FU Rove


  16. JerryTheAngel Says:

    I look forward to a fillibuster proof 60 Senate seats in 2008 with a Democratic President and the House will improve on it's majority also in 2008.

    We can thank the immoral, gutless, chickenhawk Republicans for this.


  17. klevenstein Says:

    "slow-bleed" ...Ah, yes. That would be as opposed to the "faster-bleed" strategy advocated by the GOP.

    Actually, the anti-escalation strategy would be the "stay-the-bleed" version, and that should be followed quickly by a "slower-and-slower-bleed" strategy (that is, redeployment).

    Sound like something us "bleeding heart" liberals should be able to do much better than the blood-stained GOP ever could.


  18. Jackie Rawlings Says:

    Notice how willing some GOP officials are willing to follow Bush/Cheney's plan for our troops to die in the Iraq civil war. Most of these guys never served in the United States Military but were cowards and got their Rich Mommy and Daddy to get them out of it. Now if these Republicans were allowed to grow up to be men this mess might have have happen. It's so easy to watch others serve our country yet these weak cowards wouldn't go. Cheney is the best example with his 5 deferments yet Bush was and still is a cowardly drunk. If these guys have to be sent to fight for our country they would be crying like girls. We need a real leader to run the country. Jeb is all talk but when it comes to standing up like a man he's missing.


  19. klevenstein Says:

    Those awful Dems, they want us to lose much slower than Bush wants us to lose!


  20. Wayne Says:

    Someone needs to remind Deborah Pryce (R-OH), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), and Adam Putnam (R-FL) who is actually bleeding in Iraq. It definately isn't them.


  21. theswan Says:

    Republicans are the Military's worse enemy.
    Republicans are in it for the $$$$$$$. The weapons are their love, not the men and women that pull for them everyday.
    Deceipt and lies end lives!


  22. Barbosa Says:

    Sit back and watch 'em implode. Every word the republic-cons utter these days is more proof to the American public that Repubs will say or do anything without regard for ANYTHING. Their wedding to ideology, (instead of logic, reality, justice and equality) has hamstrung the Republc party. (sorry, sometimes have trouble resisting giving them a taste of their own swamp). I wonder what their next move will be; I know it won't be taking the high road that's for certain.


  23. Dharma Pup Says:

    You know, I've tried to see things from the Republicans' perspective, but I just can't get my head that far up my ass.


  24. impeachcheneythenbush Says:

    It's hardly just those five that voted against the Obey amendment..214 Republicans (and 2 Dems) voted against it as well. It's this type of voting pattern among the Republicans that needs to be brought up again and again...on the Senate and House Floors, as well as being covered by the media as well. Everytime one of these Republicans claims they, but not the Dems, are supporting the troops...their own voting records should be flashed on the screen.


  25. kelso Says:

    22. " Deceipt and lies end lives! "

    That should be on a bumber sticker.

    What's entertaining about watching the Republican party implode is all the exceedingly dumb and extreme things they spout. The speeches made on the house floor in opposition to the resolution are a prime example. So much drama, so many names invoked and extreme examples presented ..for what?.. a non-binding resolution?! Their behaviour is what happens when you try to grandstand and make dramatic speeches but you don't actually believe a word you are saying. It causes these idiots to say some of the stupidest things I've ever heard.


  26. t-mac Says:

    Someone from TP turned me on to a fantastic series of films that I recommed every American see. It's called "The Power of Nightmares". Go to google video and search "The Power of Nightmares". Neo-cons and Islamic Jihadist, twins from a single birth. A must see!!!

    t-mac


  27. veritas Says:

    Jebbie Hensarling has zippo credibility - he needs to put his money where his mouth is. He didn't vote to provide money to adequately arm our troops and has the nerve and hypocrisy to call those voting to NOT support a surge as "bleeders". He's a doubletalking jacka$$ of the first order and makes a blathering fool of himself on this clip. These hypocrites need to "put up" or "shut up"! Their continuous drivel only makes the entire party look like a bunch of lying idiots.


  28. veritas Says:

    Jebbie was "against it" before he was "for it"....just like his flipflopper buddy McInsane! McCain doesn't even have the courage to come in to vote - now that tells you plenty. It also tells the american people that he's spineless and will never be President.


  29. Shirley Ugest Says:

    POWER OF NIGHTMARES

    This series was aired on the BBC. Grouchy's Liberaltopia website posted the link to this about a year ago. Yes, folks, the spirit of Leo Strauss, a truly malevolent fascist intellectual is running the American government through his proteges Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, Douglas Feith et al.


  30. Goehl Says:

    We have to keep on this - get the message out there and do not let people forget as in '08 we have much house cleaning to do.


  31. CoffinsDrapedWithFlags Says:

    We can't afford the "Republic non strategic strategy". There, I said it. It may sound stupid but so do the Republics.


  32. kelso Says:

    #27 Power of nightmares is great! It's a BBC mini-series on the origins of Islamic extremism and while it doesn't portray terrorism as a non-threat, it does a terrific job at putting the notion of the threat of terrorism into perspective without all the hype, fear mongering, and BS you get from our MSM here in the U.S.

    Thanks for bringing that up T-mac.

    It can be found on Google video or youtube. Well worth the watch.


  33. valiant venus Says:

    Let's "peak troooooth to Power". Why don't Congressional Dems and Progressives, vote NOW to cut funding for the Iraq War? That might have a few more teeth than a lame non-binding resolution. (That non-binding resolution would make great wallpaper - it's not worth much else.) (We wouldn't make fun of progressives if they weren't such easy targets.)


  34. Nat Says:

    Let’s “peak troooooth to Power”. Why don’t Congressional Dems and Progressives, vote NOW to cut funding for the Iraq War? That might have a few more teeth than a lame non-binding resolution. (That non-binding resolution would make great wallpaper - it’s not worth much else.) (We wouldn’t make fun of progressives if they weren’t such easy targets.)
    Comment by valiant venus — February 16, 2007 @ 8:33 pm

    They can't do that. Instead of redeploying them or bringing them home, this reckless president would leave them in Iraq to die just so he could blame the Democrats.


  35. kelso Says:

    35 You gotta start somewhere. There's no need to make fun of you Valiant, everything you type just has you making fun of yourself. Keep up the good work.


  36. Wayne Says:

    That non-binding resolution would make great wallpaper - it’s not worth much else. --- valiant venus

    Afraid I agree with you there.

    We wouldn’t make fun of progressives if they weren’t such easy targets. -- valiant venus

    They made it non-binding, not because of the progressives in congress, but for the republican-lites, that are democrats in name only.


  37. Juan C Says:

    Sickening as always.
    Politicians, Reps or Dems, deciding the life of citizens and the life of foreign civilians.
    Ask yourself, how many contributions to society has this ruling class made?
    We should revolt. Or extinct. Yeah, Im in bad mood.


  38. barrelhse Says:

    Oh my Christ! What can possibly be next from these people? They're not only shameless, but also seem to have not yet hit bottom. They LOST- there's a reason for that (hello). Get the message that America said, very clearly, STFU.


  39. Fools on the Hill Says:

    Slowwww Bleed Strategy sounds pretty good compared to thousands of body parts flying through the air.


  40. BK Says:

    Ober Gruppenführer Hensarling is such der eloquent
    junger Mann. Me vatchin him mit baited atem. Him
    eine zwei drei goosesteppen mit der Republikanische
    Schweine to zum Punkt von Übelkeit.

    Or: to put it bluntly. How can such a obviously talented
    young man like Hensarling indulge himself in such sewer
    politics? I watched every minute of the entire farce, and
    after near suicide due to the pathetic repetition, and
    outright self deception, it amazes me that the man can
    delude himself to the point he has. The only thing the
    republicans forgot to say was Heil Hitler. Buyer of Indiana
    was beyond offensive to the point of insanity, and did
    his level best to verbally abuse every democrat in his sight.
    His Israeli Masters must love him, and he is, no doubt,
    well compensated by said.
    You certainly couldn't fault him with class or culture. Well
    perhaps Hillbilly culture, if there is such a thing. Certainly
    not world class. Not that it would matter to him. If he
    could see himself as we see him, I doubt he would crow
    half as loud. Quite sad to say the least.

    After 4 days of this Glockenspeil, the only correct thing for
    the Democrats to do, is give the Republicans every single
    Military Unit, every single cent, and every single excuse the
    Thugs demand. The Dems have made their displeasure
    known, now give the bastards everything they want. Then
    let the situation in Iraq speak for itself. With the entire
    Republican Party hellbent on political suicide, why interfere?
    Let them cut their own throats. Baghdad is becoming the Stalingrad of the new century. Keep feeding those fresh
    Units into the meat grinder. Our Enemies must love the
    Republicans for what they are insisting on. Our Troops
    however will pay with their lives and limbs. And then be
    brought home to live in the streets.


  41. Wayne Says:

    Keep feeding those fresh
    Units into the meat grinder. Our Enemies must love the
    Republicans for what they are insisting on. Our Troops
    however will pay with their lives and limbs. And then be
    brought home to live in the streets.
    Comment by BK

    Well said BK


  42. Jay Randal Says:

    Hensarling even looks like a Nazi > where does the GOP dig up this freaks?


  43. Jay Randal Says:

    these freaks I mean > lol


  44. JPark Says:

    I am sure it has been said but I didn't have the patience to read the comments. "Slow bleed"...as opposed to the Republican strategy of quick bleed?


  45. big papa Says:

    Because they needed those funds for...

    ..."reconstruction"...(wink wink)


  46. JPark Says:

    Look at the picture. He is the kid that ate his boogers...in addition to the occasional doggy treat.


  47. ValiantVenusGrewFromUranus Says:

    Let’s “peak troooooth to Power”. Comment by valiant venus — February 16, 2007 @ 8:33 pm

    You need to eat another tic-tac, your posts are thin again.

    Why don’t Congressional Dems and Progressives, vote NOW to cut funding for the Iraq War? Comment by valiant venus — February 16, 2007 @ 8:33 pm

    Because they're politically astute. A trait you and your party can never be charged with.

    That might have a few more teeth than a lame non-binding resolution. Comment by valiant venus — February 16, 2007 @ 8:33 pm

    Because Bush screwed up, and he should fix this. He's commander in Chief, even though he's too inept to execute his duty. A situation we're all sure you're familiar with being in.

    (That non-binding resolution would make great wallpaper - it’s not worth much else.) Comment by valiant venus — February 16, 2007 @ 8:33 pm

    Stating the will of the people and congress means nothing to you? Figures. Fascism isn't democratic, and an Anorexic like yourself doesn't get enough calories to think clearly.

    (We wouldn’t make fun of progressives if they weren’t such easy targets.) Comment by valiant venus — February 16, 2007 @ 8:33 pm

    Make fun of progressives? Now that's funny! Considering that most of the worlds comedy and funny jokes make fun of you inept conservatives. Like a president that keeps screwing up, and doesn't listen to the will of the people or congress. We wouldn't make fun of conservatives, if you weren't such easy targets.


  48. Sgt Stryker USMC Says:

    ‘If you believe in the United States you stay in and you keep doing it and you accept the risk.’”

    Uh? Duh? Hello?

    Since when did the military become the nations "welfare youth camp"?

    There have always been risks in the military and anyone who signs up knows this BEFORE they enlist. Again I ask, since when did you Liberals make the military the nations "post leave the nest babysitter"?

    Welcome to the new world people. Us Conservatives want OUR MONEYS WORTH out of these "troops" we have deployed in Iraq.

    No more sitting around with a thumb up their ass getting paid and getting fat while us Conservatives have to foot the bill. These boys need to get their asses in gear. No more patty cake here. Lets see some results for a change.

    We are doing the American taxpayers a great service by DEMANDING the American troops STEP UP TP THE PLATE and give us a better performance.

    Hopefully Duckworth is a fighter and not a silly "Liberal Progressive Useless Eater" getting fat stateside.


  49. Jeff Says:

    Hensarling and Johnson-the 2 local freaks that the 70+ crowd keeps electing. Unbelieveable.


  50. Hedley Lamarr Says:

    My broken record: If a Democratic president was sending troops to his own war-of-choice without sufficient armor after four years the howls from the right wing would be constant and deafening.

    They get away with this thanks to our volunteer army and marine corps.


  51. wake-n-bake Says:

    Poor Jeb,

    Looks like his mama still styles his hair.

    What a boner.


  52. jake3988 Says:

    3. GOPers always twist facts. Cutting off funding for the Iraq Fiasco War means to end the war and bring the troops home alive. It does NOT mean to leave the troops in Iraq without armour and equipment. Jay Randal

    Perfectly said. Perfectly sad too.


  53. Rocks911 Says:

    Though this comment section appears to be drawing to a close as other articles arise I wanted to post anyway. After watching the U.S. vs. John Lennon a question came to mind. Well actually a few questions, but the primary question is where is today's John Lennon to protest the evil that is our foreign policy?

    Are we as a country really so brain dead that we wholly buy the fear mongering that allows these Fascists to do whatever they want?

    Is there anybody in the Dallas area that could offer some suggestion to fight this evil?


  54. Rocks911 Says:

    Sgt Stryker,

    Too retarded for words.


  55. Ben Says:

    Sgt Stryker -

    Wow...that is some fantastic logic. We paid to train them so let's get them all killed without a plan for success. Lucky for me. I know you are no MCASM Marine. Around here we don't tolerate stupidity.

    Next time you should think before you put fingers to keys.


  56. Tyler Says:

    So, they're telling me the Dems support a slow bleed strategy. Okay.

    Does that mean the right supports a fast bleed strategy? Proabably.

    I mean, at least when its bleeding slow you have time to stop the blood and stitch it up. I think we can still do that internationally.


  57. JPark Says:

    Stryker? More like Pyle.


  58. USpace Says:

    The Clinton's depleted the military for 8 years, the Bushies were way too slow on building it back up. If Clinton had taken out Bin laden when he had numerous chances, we probably wouldn't be in Iraq now.

    absurd thought -
    God of the Universe says
    let your enemies shoot first

    give them a chance to kill you
    before blowing their brains out
    .


  59. Just the facts... Says:

    I couldn't agree more first the Democrats bleed the military down to nothing then they blame the replubicans for having a ill supplied military are they hypocrites or what.....


  60. veritas Says:

    Too little/too late as Brown-Waite so aptly characterized it! Now it's time for american citizens to show these idiots that their vote is not to be taken lightly as they did when they knuckled under to pressure from within. Time to boot these 25 clearly out of office because they fell down on the job entrusted to them by the american people. Time to show all politicians that they serve "at the pleasure of the people" whom they serve and not the other way around.

    Time to eject every last one of these "war enablers" right out of office on their ear - yes, and that includes some high profile individuals who clearly should have known better such as: Joe Lieberman, John McCain, Joe Biden, John Edwards, John Kerry, etc. And, of course, the "most culpable" of these "enablers" who sat her butt in the white house for 8 years and knew ALL of the background on the situation was Hillary Clinton. She, ABOVE ALL OTHERS, had inside information and STILL sold her soul for a vote. No, no - Hillary! This is not something you can worm or lie your way out of. You may be an intelligent, calculating woman but, this time, dearie, you've gotten yourself hoist on your own pitard!


  61. veritas Says:

    P.S. For the record, Wesley Clark, Dennis Kucinich, and Russ Feingold had the chutzpah to stand up for the truth and vote "NO"! Also, Barak Obama came out strongly against taking action against Iraq as well - on record. THESE, AND ONLY THESE FEW PATRIOTS DESERVE YOUR VOTE IN 08. THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE THE ONLY ONES QUALIFIED TO REPRESENT HONEST, MORAL AMERICANS.


  62. veritas Says:

    Let's get these charlatans who betrayed the american people for politics out of office - NOW!


  63. veritas Says:

    "Slow bleed" or "full bleed" - let's just get the job done - and at least we can identify what the 'job' is unlike Bushevites - that is, getting our troops out of harm's way before more innocent people are killed or maimed! That's what the "new job" is and should be. The reichwingnuts can call it what they like - cutting them off at the knees in small increments or fully is of little consequence as long as the job is moving forward.


  64. Dwight Thomas Powers Says:

    When I was in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969, myself and my brother 550,000 other 'troops' daily witnessed ourselves being 'slow bled' by the incompetence and ignorance of both the Johnson and Nixon administrations. That 'slow bleed' strategy ultimately cost over 58,000 U.S. lives lost and over 301,000 wounded, before WE THE PEOPLE finally woke up and demanded that Congress stop that insanity. Chicken-hawk Rove keeps penning his little phrases, often cobbled from someone else, to 'justify' the neo-conmen positions on Bush ever escalating war in Iraq, and the Bush cabal, along with the right wing media and so-called 'evangicals' dutifully parrot them all ad-infinitum. There is currently an anti-war majority finally rearing it's beautiful head within our government, and it should be fully supported by us all, as our government attempts to right the multiple wrongs imposed upon it by supposed 'compassionate conservatives'. As all the reasons or justifications for Bushs' war in Iraq have been finally swept aside by reason and truth, the hallowness of the Bush war in Iraq has become more and more apparent, save for those who still ignorantly believe there will be some sort of concocted 'victory' there. Our troops indeed do depend upon all of our 'support'. Let us all make it known, our oppositon to the continuing Bush imposed bloodshed in Iraq, to each and every one of our Congressman and Senators daily, until they finally get the message that they are responsible for forcing the Bush regime to end the carnage. "Support the troops" indeed, by immediately bringing them all home from Iraq. Blame the war, not the warriors! Not one more drop of U.S.blood, nor one more red cent of U.S.money should be wasted in Iraq. Semper Fi! MarchMarine17@optonline.net


  65. Ev Says:

    Sane Americans are NOT withholding support for the troops, we're taking it away from BUSH who has failed to win the war with an UNLIMITED budget.



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