Think Progress

Bush Caught Hyping False Iraq Spending Deadline

murthaThe Bush administration has been trying to force Congress to abandon its support for an Iraq withdrawal time line by claiming that a “clean” Iraq spending bill must be signed by mid-April or U.S. troops will suffer. The Hill reported, the Pentagon and the White House have been “sounding alarms and sketching worst-case scenarios if Congress does not pass the 2007 supplemental by April 15.”

Renewing his veto threat on Wednesday, President Bush told Congress “the clock is ticking for our troops in the field“:

BUSH: Congress continues to pursue these [withdrawal] bills, and as they do, the clock is ticking for our troops in the field. Funding for our forces in Iraq will begin to run out in mid-April. Members of Congress need to stop making political statements, and start providing vital funds for our troops.

Meanwhile, Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) and others have been arguing that Bush is wrong, and that funds won’t dry up until June, giving plenty of time for negotiations:

Murtha says he believes the April 15 date for funds running out is incorrect. Based on the inquiries he’s made, he said, the Pentagon will start running out of money at the beginning of June.

“We’ve never had a year where they didn’t give us bad information,” said Murtha, who’s known for his contacts inside the military. “We’ve been asking people and we think it’ll be the end of May.”

Now we know who’s right. A new report from the Congressional Research Service makes clear that Bush’s deadline is completely fabricated:

In a memo to the Senate Budget Committee dated Wednesday, the congressional analysts said the Army has enough money in its existing budget to fund operations and maintenance through the end of May — about $52.6 billion. If additional transfer authority is tapped, subject to Congress approving a reprogramming request, the Army would have enough funds to make it through nearly two additional months, or toward the end of July. Using all of its transfer authority, the Army could have as much as $60.1 billion available.

See the full CRS report HERE.

Commenting on the report, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) said, “This study confirms that the President is once again attempting to mislead the public and create an artificial atmosphere of anxiety. He is using scare tactics to defeat bipartisan legislation that would change course in Iraq.”




Sort Comments By: Top Rated | Date

138 Responses to “Bush Caught Hyping False Iraq Spending Deadline”

  1. unbelievable Says:

    NO more funding. Force them to bring the troops home.


  2. LibStl Says:

    Mislead...scare...create anxiety.

    Business as usual for Bush.


  3. Zep Tepi Says:

    Why of course he has, operation Polo Step planned for there to be only about 5 -6,000 troops in Iraq by 2006. This surge was never part of the plan and is like a Windows patch for bad planning. I expect we will see many more 'patches' in the future.


  4. Ben Dover Says:

    I cant believe that a moral "christian" like George Dumbya would lie. I'm shocked. What would his rich, ignroant, mommy say?


  5. Bruce Says:

    Another Remember problem. Dead Beat George,what a waste.


  6. unbelievable Says:

    I cant believe that a moral “christian” like George Dumbya would lie. I’m shocked.
    Comment by Ben Dover — March 30, 2007 @ 2:58 pm

    "Morality is doing right no matter what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told no matter whatr is right."

    -Anonymous


  7. cynicalgirl Says:

    Does anyone believe anything he says anymore? You'd have to be gullible if you think he's telling the truth.


  8. Perry Logan Says:

    This is what comes of putting a guy who used to torture animals in the White House.


  9. Juan C Says:

    -Anonymous
    Comment by unbelievable

    That was a really good one. Thanks.


  10. terry Says:

    Let me get this straight. Dumbya wants more money so he can continue the war that a majority of Americans and a majority of both houses of Congress wants to end. Congress goes ahead and authorizes the funds but says that we have to end the war sometime next year. Dumbya doesn't like that so he threatens to veto the funds he says he wants, which means that he does not have the money to continue the war. Presumably without funds the troops have to come home and the war ends. Go for it Dumbya--Make My Day!


  11. Zooey Says:

    Cut the damned funding, and get us the f*ck out of there.

    We are wrong to be there at all.


  12. TheToonGuy Says:

    The president says the military needs money or else. The house and senate have passed a spending resolution doing just that. So if the military really needs the money, all he has to do is sign it, right? If the bill doesn't get signed, then who's the one that's really denying funds to the military?


  13. Zep Tepi Says:

    This is what comes of putting a guy who used to torture animals in the White House. Comment by Perry Logan

    Karl said he rips tops off of small animals, my question is why is he dressing small animals in bikinis?


  14. Barbara Bush Says:

    Ben Dover - why should I waste my beautiful mind on that, or on you, worm?


  15. hacker bob Says:

    If this is not true, then why was I told to spend this quarters budget, just in case.


  16. Zep Tepi Says:

    If the bill doesn’t get signed, then who’s the one that’s really denying funds to the military? Comment by TheToonGuy

    Ron Paul wrote a piece about this. In it he stated that money was always in the pipeline for the troops. It would seem this is a political canard. Rumsfeld as I recall also had quite a few duckies stored away that wasn't spent (for reconstruction (that isn't happening))


  17. GregM Says:

    This dimwit is so delusional he might leave the troops in there even when the funds run out. He has already proven he don't give a sh*t about the troops except for photo ops.


  18. Tobey Tall Says:

    Russian media reports imminent US strike on Iran

    "The Unites States will launch a military operation ... on Iran starting 4 a.m. of April 6 till 4 p.m.," Al-Arabiyya said, quoting Russia's RIA-Novosti news agency.


  19. Gregor Samsa Says:

    But... but.. Clinton! Carter! FDR!


  20. hacker bob Says:

    If this is not true, then why was I told to spend this quarters budget, just in case.

    should read:

    If this is true, why was I told NOT to spend this quarters budget, just in case?

    (damn, can't type today)


  21. Yikes Says:

    At this point, 4 years plus, only a fool doesn't recognize that Iraq is a no win situation. It's no win if the US stays. It's no win if the US pulls out today, or tomorrow or next year or the next year. The only thing to do is pick the one solution with the least "bad" in it. That is, leave now. Staying longer is pointless and a huge waste in human beings, money and diplomacy.


  22. Zep Tepi Says:

    Ben Dover - why should I waste my beautiful mind on that, or on you, worm? Comment by Barbara Bush

    Yeh, Body Bags are quite hideous to look at. So can truth be so ugly that we want to deny it and look away from it.

    A mind is no more beautiful than what it refuses to see.


  23. unbelievable Says:

    That was a really good one. Thanks.
    Comment by Juan C — March 30, 2007 @ 3:05 pm

    I just bought a book filled with them. So expect more, where applicable... And sometimes just because I find a clever one to pass along : )

    "We think the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional. What if teh Presdient declared a National Day of Cursing God because He failed us on September 11? ... That's how we feel when he promotes prayer."

    --Dan Barker


  24. Tobey Tall Says:

    Bush takes flak from all sides over Iraq

    Iraqi President Jalal Talabani followed the lead of Saudi King Abdullah the previous day at the same Arab summit in Riyadh, hitting out at the US for its "occupation" of his country and attacking Washington's mistakes.

    "In beloved Iraq, blood is being shed among brothers in the shadow of an illegitimate foreign occupation, and ugly sectarianism threatens civil war," Abdullah told the high-powered gathering.

    The United States, which considers Saudi Arabia a key ally in the region, admitted to being caught off guard.


  25. Zep Tepi Says:

    “The Unites States will launch a military operation … on Iran starting 4 a.m. of April 6 till 4 p.m.,” Al-Arabiyya said, quoting Russia’s RIA-Novosti news agency. Comment by Tobey Tall

    I don't think it will happen, personally. Israel has announced that it has a missile system, the Arrow, that will stop nuclear missiles from Iran, which are BTW a decade or two away.


  26. Bob Says:

    I'm sick to death of hearing things from
    neurotic
    phychotic
    pig-headed
    politians

    No short-haired yellow bellied
    son of a Tricky Dicky 's gonna mother hubbard soft soap me
    with a pocket full of hope

    John knew it 35 years ago!


  27. Just N Says:

    Which no bid contract is about to expire? That is the real deadline The White House is concerned with. A close friend must need to be paid.


  28. RIGHTWINGCOMMIEKILLER Says:

    WOW! Is this a commie/lib hangout or what? I won't bother to point out that withdrawing troops will NOT end the conflict. I'm sure your collective denial is impenetrable. Instead I'll just poke you all with this stick.

    I really, REALLY support torturing insurgent prisoners. Waterboarding, electroshock, bamboo shoots, it's ALL good! It's not about information gathering either. I frankly don't care what they have to say. For me, it's all about payback. And like all good payback, it should be a real b!tch. I sleep better knowing that the insurgent d!ckheads are getting theirs.

    Take care y'all, it's been fun.

    I also support Haliburton, Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck and tax cuts for the wealthy!


  29. Brace yourself: Bush lying « Later On Says:

    [...] in Bush Administration, Iraq War, GOP, Government, Military at 11:23 am by LeisureGuy Yet again: The Bush administration has been trying to force Congress to abandon its support for an Iraq [...]


  30. Bob Says:

    Money for rope
    Money for dope

    AaaaaaaaaHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!


  31. Raven Says:

    Yea, yea, sure george... you have long ago gone over the edge of being able to even tell for yourself when you are making stuff up or not.


  32. unbelievable Says:

    But… but.. Clinton! Carter! FDR!
    Comment by Gregor Samsa — March 30, 2007 @ 3:15 pm

    Might as well blame Jefferson, the President of the Democratic Party...

    Interesting how the Democratic party has remained the same party of Jefferson's day, but the Republicans have changed their names more times than theychange their minds... Hmmm...


  33. unbelievable Says:

    If this is true, why was I told NOT to spend this quarters budget, just in case?
    Comment by hacker bob — March 30, 2007 @ 3:16 pm

    In case Congress cuts your future funding...


  34. unbelievable Says:

    Comment by RIGHTWINGCOMMIEKILLER — March 30, 2007 @ 3:20 pm

    Clearly retard... Not worthy of our time.


  35. Zep Tepi Says:

    For me, it’s all about payback. And like all good payback, it should be a real b!tch. -COMMIELOVINGDUPE

    Your not worth replying to.


  36. LibStl Says:

    Comment by RIGHTWINGCOMMIEKILLER — March 30, 2007 @ 3:20 pm

    Finally. A Right-winger that tells the truth about their motives. Disturbing yet refreshing at the same time.


  37. Captain Kirk Says:

    well, what else is new...a politician lying to us...are we truly surprised?

    I am shocked that anyone of you would believe Reid, Murtha, Bush, or any other politician.

    what I am more worried about and a lot more interested is what is happening with Iran.

    there is a build up of American troops near the Iran border, we have three carrier groups in the Gulf....i think something BIG is about to happen....

    anyone have more news on this and real news not biased from either side...


  38. Tobey Tall Says:

    25 / Zep Tepi - yesterday the Russians were saying there is a MASSIVE buildup of troops on the Iranian border with Iraq...... I wish i could find the article again


  39. buzzbomb Says:

    You kill right wing commies? You go girl.


  40. Dave Says:

    Everything that comes out of this administration is either: a) misleading, b) an outright lie, or c) designed to scare you into doing something against your better judgement.

    Sometimes more than one (or all three!) at once.

    I'm so glad I found the White House comment line ( available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ ) so I could call the Pretzeldent to personally let him what a monumental screw-up his entire administration is.


  41. Zooey Says:

    If this is true, why was I told NOT to spend this quarters budget, just in case?
    (damn, can’t type today)
    Comment by hacker bob

    See how you are? I'm lining up a whole list of questions, and you're just a rotten typist. :-D



  42. Zep Tepi Says:

    there is a build up of American troops near the Iran border, we have three carrier groups in the Gulf….i think something BIG is about to happen….

    The Straight of Hormuz is a point of economic importance and is being kept open.


  43. unbelievable Says:

    anyone have more news on this and real news not biased from either side…
    Comment by Captain Kirk — March 30, 2007 @ 3:28 pm

    You don't have to come here and read the threads. There are thousands of other places to get your news. Haven't you ever heard of the First Amendment? Freedom of Speech.

    You are not worthy of our time either, neocon. Shoo.


  44. Zep Tepi Says:

    25 / Zep Tepi - yesterday the Russians were saying there is a MASSIVE buildup of troops on the Iranian border with Iraq…… I wish i could find the article again

    Comment by Tobey Tall

    Are they American? Iranian?


  45. Zooey Says:

    anyone have more news on this and real news not biased from either side…
    Comment by Captain Kirk

    Why don't you be a hero? Go find it, and share.

    Oy.


  46. Captain Kirk Says:

    unbelievable,

    ahhh...you are proving not only to be completly illogical, but you have zero clue to history.

    The Democratic Party was known and the Democratic-Republican Party when Jefferson and other Anti-Federalist created it in 1792.

    furthermore, this is the party that fought a civil war against the Republicans, Abraham Lincoln's party, to keep slavery legal. I hope you aren't too prouf of your party, ignoramus maximus.


  47. unbelievable Says:

    yesterday the Russians were saying there is a MASSIVE buildup of troops on the Iranian border with Iraq…… I wish i could find the article again
    Comment by Tobey Tall — March 30, 2007 @ 3:29 pm

    Whose troops?


  48. And You Thought REAGAN Was Stupid Says:

    Bush needs the money NOW. Halliburton needs some extra cash to set up its Dubai operations.


  49. Captain Kirk Says:

    today's Republican Party began back in the 1820s....


  50. KRank Says:

    Comment by RIGHTWINGCOMMIEKILLER — March 30, 2007 @ 3:20 pm

    Either a brand-spankin' new troll for us to ignore, or a bold new voice in satire. Too early to tell which at this point.


  51. Captain Kirk Says:

    Thanks Tobey Tall


  52. Spudge_Boy Says:

    Hellllllllloooooo.

    Troop Surge = Border Build-up


  53. Captain Kirk Says:

    The Democratic Party of today has its origin in the Democratic-Republican Party created by Thomas Jefferson and other Anti-Federalist in 1792.

    I hope that unbelieve isn't proud of this party fighting a civil war, against the North and the Republican Party to give slavery legal.

    the Democratic Party has changed names....why is unbelive so ignorant.


  54. unbelievable Says:

    "A new U.S. carrier battle group has been dispatched to the Gulf.

    The USS John C. Stennis, with a crew of 3,200 and around 80 fixed-wing aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornet and Superhornet fighter-bombers, eight support ships and four nuclear submarines are heading for the Gulf, where a similar group led by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower has been deployed since December 2006.

    The U.S. is also sending Patriot anti-missile systems to the region."

    If this hostile Regime attacks Iran, we need to storm the Bastille (presently located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue).


  55. Zep Tepi Says:

    I sincerely hope that we aren't considering a war with Iran, the country is 4 times the size of Iraq and we cannot afford it.

    Hopefully all this chest bowing and posturing will cause Iran to stop working toward nuclear armaments.


  56. ForTruth Says:

    Yeah but P-Diddy Combs made love to his girlfriend for 30 hours...

    I thought 5 was sufficient.


  57. Captain Kirk Says:

    unbelievable,

    go ahead, you do that and call me when the Secret Service and the snipers have put a bullet between your eyes....

    wow...such great hate and ignorance....


  58. Tobey Tall Says:

    Ill post the link to the troop buildup here

    Russian intelligence sees U.S. military buildup on Iran border

    my posts are appearing in the wrong order ???


  59. unbelievable Says:

    Troop Surge = Border Build-up
    Comment by Spudge_Boy — March 30, 2007 @ 3:37 pm

    It's not easy to think like these criminal minds occupying the White House....

    They don't follow rational thought processes.


  60. Captain Kirk Says:

    Zep Tepi,

    I think it is probaly in preperation for something Israel is planning to do to Iran.....pure opinion in my part.

    but 3 carrier groups is a huge, incredible force. I don't think would invade it, but we would do what Clinton did in Serbia. bomb it until their knees bend.

    we shall see....


  61. Tobey Tall Says:

    It seems Iran are not worried at all about war with the US, They must have a bloody good plan up there sleeve ...... like destroy Isreal once and for all ????


  62. theswan Says:

    String it out!
    George knows how to run deficit. He should be a pro by know.


  63. Yikes Says:

    Please help me with this question. What is the procedure for declaring war against Iran? Has Bush arranged the law such that he can declare war without approval from Congress? We know he doesn't give a rats ass what other counties say.


  64. Tobey Tall Says:

    Iraqi Oil Unions - Key Opposition

    The unions, which have been cut out of the process of drafting the oil law (while the US and British governments, the International Monetary Fund, and the oil companies have been dealt in), issued an unambiguous statement of opposition to the current oil law. In an interesting historical footnote, the statement says:

    http://priceofoil.org/


  65. whiteyfresh Says:

    CK: ...and ends now..


  66. unbelievable Says:

    wow…such great hate and ignorance….
    Comment by Captain Kirk — March 30, 2007 @ 3:43 pm

    Yes you are. We got it. You can stop repeating yourself like a madman.


  67. Raven Says:

    ... wow, 5 hours with PDiddys girl friend? (you dog) :)


  68. Tobey Tall Says:

    Theres no procedure in the case of Iran ... the minute you tip them off they will start the war first


  69. TerrytheTurtle Says:

    Captain Kirk - sounds like you want to be in the front lines bayonetting every mullah you see, yes?

    On Tobey's point - I think (1) the Iranians are sure that any attack will unify their country, not spawn a revolt (2) watch the Chinese and the Russians....


  70. . Says:

    Is UK-Iran marine incident part of larger war provocation plan?

    "It is unlikely that evidence provided by either side, or even a diplomatic exchange or settlement, will defuse the larger confrontation already underway. The incident, and the resulting political tensions, are clearly part of a larger international agenda, similar to the Gulf of Tonkin incident that set up the Vietnam War that the US government was hell-bent to start.
    If an overt act of war against Iran occurs around the marine incident, is it conceivable that London will lead the charge and be joined immediately by the Bush administration and Israel.

    http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_1908.shtml


  71. TripMaster Monkey Says:

    Captain Kirk sez:

    go ahead, you do that and call me when the Secret Service and the snipers have put a bullet between your eyes….

    What a patriot. The Founding fathers would be so proud, to know that their great gift of freedom was being treated so well.

    </snark>

    wow…such great hate and ignorance….

    My sentiments exactly....you're positively steeped in it.


  72. mark Says:

    #20, Bob, that is a question to direct towards those who might have you hold the funds back. However, if the US Government behaves budget wise in a proper fashion it does not matter on bit if you spend all your funds or not. You see in fund accounting (sometimes called governmental accounting) what you have remaining at the end of your fiscal budget period is lost period. So if you were told not to spend your budget and the budget runs through March whatever is left at the end of March goes back to the treasury and you get a new budget 100% funded based on the budget in place. Also it is against the law to transfer from one fund to another. So if money is earmarked for one thing, but spent on another, that is not allowed.

    However...you say you are based stateside, this is money specifically earmarked to run the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Exactly how would your funding be related to this supplemental budgetary item? Also are you not at all concerned that for the fourth year in a row, even though they full well know that there is a war going on, the White House has chosen to go the supplemental route for funding rather than roll it into the overall budget?


  73. windoscar Says:

    The main reason to leave Iraq--"IT'S NOT OUR COUNTRY!!!!!!!"


  74. Zep Tepi Says:

    I think it is probaly in preperation for something Israel is planning to do to Iran…..pure opinion in my part. -KC

    The Bush administration is opposed to Russian weapons supplies to Iran, Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, told the U.S. Senate Thursday.

    In early February the Iranian news agency said that Iran had successfully tested the TOR-M1 air defense missile system supplied by Russia as part of a $700 million contract. The tests were part of military exercises that began in southern Iran after Russia completed delivery to Iran in late January.

    Burns said that the U.S. "Was totally against it [the sales]", adding that Russia had just delivered its TOR-1 missile systems to Iran.

    ~~~~~~~

    I am not so sure it's all about Israel Cap'n. It would seem that we are fighting war by proxy. Israel can protect itself.


  75. Uramonkey Says:

    Hey Capt Duuuurk -
    The Democratic Party didn't fight to keep slavery legal, that was the Dixie Crats you tool, who then became part of WHAT party - oh yeah, the GOP. Read a book, learn some history...


  76. unbelievable Says:

    What is the procedure for declaring war against Iran?

    He can attack, but only for 30 days before Congress must approve his actions. Not that it seems tohave stopped him in Iraq...

    Has Bush arranged the law such that he can declare war without approval from Congress? We know he doesn’t give a rats ass what other counties say.
    Comment by Yikes — March 30, 2007 @ 3:47 pm

    No, but he doesn't believe the law applies to him...

    If he attacks Iran this could put Impeachment back on the table... Sad it would take that much, but I don't know what other options he would have left Congress.,

    Also, the military is Constiutionally required to defend the US people. Just something to consider....


  77. TripMaster Monkey Says:

    In one week from now, we'll all be watching open-mouthed as the United States Empire commits itself to yet another conflict it has no chance of 'winning'.

    I pray that I'm wrong about this, but I fear I'm right, and all the news lately seems to be confirming it.

    As what tattered remnants of our world reputation still exist are dispelled in the breeze, and our economy begins to tank as gasoline shoots over $10.00/gallon, ask yourself, trolls: was it worth it? Was it?


  78. unbelievable Says:

    (2) watch the Chinese and the Russians….
    Comment by TerrytheTurtle — March 30, 2007 @ 3:52 pm

    They have been known to be performing drills against an unnamed threat - together.

    If Iran is so cool, it could be because China and Russia have already assured their allegiance against the Bush bully...

    This could very well be the start of WWIII... For real this time.


  79. unbelievable Says:

    ask yourself, trolls: was it worth it? Was it?
    Comment by TripMaster Monkey — March 30, 2007 @ 3:58 pm

    Sadly, I think they will still support Bush. They think there's a Rapture in it for them....


  80. Dave Says:

    spudgeboy Relax,pal. A mere brigade invading Iran? You're as delusional as any RePug I've heard from yet.whew!


  81. LibStl Says:

    Comment by TripMaster Monkey — March 30, 2007 @ 3:58 pm

    I do hope you're wrong. Is Bush really that stupid?


  82. General Jones Says:

    I wonder if pulling the April 15 date, seemingly, out of a hat is meant to conflate Tax Day with a claim that Democrats are "stranding our troops in the field."


  83. JaneESchneider Says:

    Comment by TripMaster Monkey — March 30, 2007 @ 3:58 pm

    Good post, TripMaster, you echo my sentiments. I have feared this since before Bush invaded Iraq. I hope we're wrong, but...


  84. Yikes Says:

    Is Bush really that stupid?

    Comment by LibStl — March 30, 2007 @ 4:04 pm

    Silly question of the day goes to LibStl. Ignoring troll questions of course. :)


  85. gopindrag Says:

    Comment by RIGHTWINGCOMMIEKILLER — March 30, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
    let me translate that names
    MOMMY'SLITTLEBIGFATBASEMENTDWELLER


  86. JaneESchneider Says:

    OT: Yikes, did you decide which game to go to next week? I saw your discussion with Exley the other day...


  87. LibStl Says:

    Comment by Yikes — March 30, 2007 @ 4:08 pm

    I knew it was a silly question right after I hit the "post" button. ;)


  88. Spudge_Boy Says:

    spudgeboy Relax,pal. A mere brigade invading Iran? You’re as delusional as any RePug I’ve heard from yet.whew!

    Comment by Dave — March 30, 2007 @ 4:03 pm

    If you think the surge is only 2500 troops, then you haven't been paying attention. And you are also not counting the vehicles those troops will be using. Hell, you could mechanize the whole lot of them and have a very large formation of ground vehicles.


  89. Charlie Texans for Peace Says:

    Not a dollar more for war (neither supplemental or 2007-08 Department of Defense appropriatation!


  90. Yikes Says:

    Jane, No we haven't decided yet. We are waiting to see how our schedule goes. We are hoping to get Daily Show tickets and we want to go to some Broadway show. So it depends when and if those things pan out. I'm not really into the Broadway show but my wife and I are taking her parents with us so it depends on.... well too many things.

    I think we will tackle it by how the weather is. If the weekend is full of blue sky then I think it's a Mets game. If it's crappy out, we will take our chances on the weather for Tuesday or Wednesday Yankee game.

    I'm leaning towards the Yankees but an afternoon game in the sun is pretty appealing. We have so many things we want to do and only a week to do it in.

    This is our second trip to New York, we went to see The Gates a couple of years ago, but really, you have to live there to see it all. Our goal is to retire in New York in 15 years.


  91. donviti Says:

    isn't it great it takes a blog to get this sort of information out?

    How pathetic our news agencies are.


  92. melior Says:

    Hell, you could mechanize the whole lot of them and have a very large formation of ponies.

    Comment by Spudge_Boy

    Fixed your typo.


  93. springbored Says:

    Strange how April 16-17 is the new moon (which, since there's no extra moonlight around it's the best time to attack something)...And Gonzo testifies on the 17th...

    I'd say they're planning to do something that will dramatically accellerate the consumption of war funding sometime around, say, the 15th.

    Congress needs to get it's act together on IRAN


  94. Dave Says:

    spudge boy - Where are these troops coming from? Apparently your own mind. Go back to your vidio games. ANYONE with any knowledge of warfare knows a half-million troops would be needed to invade Iran.


  95. JaneESchneider Says:

    Yikes, it would be great if you can get in the Daily Show and the Mets (of course, I'm prejudiced like Exley.) I know that you'll have a good time no matter what you end up doing. Enjoy!

    Gotta go, have a great weekend, all!


  96. margaret Says:

    Dave - I doubt they'll "invade" Iran per se. Looks like they're planning on dropping a lot of hardware on them though.


  97. veritas Says:

    Alarmist, Cry Wolf, Tantrum stomping, dry drunk Bush is trying to use the "fear & smear" tactic which is his hallmark. No one is paying one iota of attention to this guy who has lied to the people...lie....after lie....after lie.....


  98. Dave Says:

    margaret- That would make sense-to the Repugs- a disaster of Global proportions to everyone else with a cell-full of sense.


  99. Jerry Says:

    The Navy and Air Force should be told: you're not on the ground fighting. You haven't come so close to breaking. Therefore, you WILL postpone, delay, or slow down the dates on new ships, particularly naval attack submarines of new class; Air Force: same deal on esoteric programs still in development, or even more, design.
    All of the funds salavaged from those efforts will go to: fully fund Army and Marine Corps. Additionally, funding from Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps long term program developement funds for weapons systems not due for implementation to go for production of IED capable vehicles.
    The point here: either what the people have demonstrated they want in the 2006 elections are integrated into the plan for Iraq, or, we have a monarchy. This is fine, too. If the President only TALKS about compromise, then he can live or die by that. As far as I am concerned, he can basically croak on that one. It's up to the Iraqis, too, to demonstrate that they want Democracy. The level of violence dropping because insurgents of various stripes have lowered their profile, in order to get the Americans to leave, fine, too. Whatever works.
    But this isn't just George Bush's war. It's ALL OF OUR WAR, and therefore, WE, THE PEOPLE, DO HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPRESS OUR DESIRES. To rely on one single General, as if he's a miracle worker, is stupid. We need to be withdrawing our forces over the next few years, period.


  100. Juan C Says:

    Iran will be punished for switching to euros.


  101. Juan C Says:

    ANYONE with any knowledge of warfare knows a half-million troops would be needed to invade Iran.
    Comment by Dave

    Huh?

    Iran:
    active troops: 545,000
    reserve force: 350,000
    paramilitary: 11,390,000
    total: 12,285,000


  102. Dave Says:

    Jerry- You are Right. It's all OUR fault. However -To diverge funds from the other forses (AirForse,Navy) is total folly. Our (USA) military doctrine WAS defensive,not Offensive (see mess in Iraq) Our vihicles were designed for quick transport of troops-not convoys. IED's are devices used by CIVILIAN fighters. The US military was never designed for invasion and long -term occupation. And That IS As it should Be.


  103. Dave Says:

    Juan C. I was answering an earlier post,saying 'The Surge' was for an invasion of Iran. Scroll back.


  104. Juan C Says:

    Scroll back.
    Comment by Dave

    Your statement is still incorrect. US forces cant defeat Iran. You could bomb all you want, but you wont defeat them just as US is not defeating Iraqi resistance. No army has ever defeated organized people.


  105. Dave Says:

    Juan C. I totally agree-That's what I was-and AM saying. Read back my responces. An invasion of Iran is madness. You and I are on the same side,brother.


  106. Bush lied about troop funding deadline : WashingtonCrunch Says:

    [...] I know nothing is new. He does that very often and has been for a while about Iraq war. [...]


  107. LaughingCat Says:

    Everyone has it wrong. Perception is reality. We need to frame the discussion for exactly what it is. . . We won this war years ago when we accomplished the original goal; rid Iraq of WMD. Regardless of that outcome, Saddam cannot hurt us anymore. Since then, we have simply been over-opinionated police officers. We offered the Iraqis a form of government that didn't take. So now we get to leave. We won, we stuck around for the after-party. Time to go home. No defeat.


  108. G. Andrew Barker Says:

    "Withdrawing the troops will NOT end the conflict."
    By: rightwingcommiekiller

    Keeping the troops in Iraq, killing lives, maiming bodies and wasting hundreds of billions of dollars HAS NOT and WILL NEVER end the conflict!

    Here's my solution:

    1. Stop ALL funding for Iraq ground war and support operations.

    2. Keep all Naval assets deployed in Gulf for as needed air support.

    3. Immediately send all National Guard troops home to shore up "homeland" security.

    4. Remove and redeploy ALL Ground and support troops from Iraq to existing U.S. bases at home and around the globe to prepare and protect us from the real world terrorists.

    5. Use the vast array of military aircraft, satelites and weapons to identify and destroy appropriate targets. Isn't that why we developed smart bombs?

    6. Nationalize ALL corporations and their profits - the Halliburtons, Bechtels, Parsons and oil companies who profiteer from the war, using their illgotten gains to repay the taxpayers for the Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Rove War.


  109. Raymond Funamoto Says:

    WHAT CHIMPya MEANT TO SAY WAS:
    "My COCK is PULSING for our troops in the field as I have been F*CKING them over so well by putting them in harm's way..."


  110. Sully18 Says:

    George W.Bush, lie? Right here in the good ole U.S.A.?Who would have thunk it.I thought he was a Christian.
    Somebody give me a cheeseburger.


  111. null Says:

    Jesus Christ!
    Why can't these people tell the truth!
    I am sick and tired of being lied to.
    IMPEACH his frat boy ass.
    I am so sorry for this country.
    Stand Tall for all...Think Progress,
    Think.


  112. Sully18 Says:

    Has anybody realized that what Josh Marshall opined several years ago could be right on the money--that Bush at., al, want the Middle East to remain in chaos.It sure looks like it to me.


  113. Satan luvvs Repugs Says:

    If Cheney wants to keep the troops in Iraq longer, let him put the cost on his personal credit card.


  114. valiant venus Says:

    Gee Andrew - If we nationalize all the oil companies, Bechtel, Halliburton, etc. we might be able to achieve the economic greatness of the inept Venezuelan President, Hugg-o Chavez. It's incredible that Venezuela is only pumping at 50% capacity compared to two years ago - but please, don't let facts get in your way.....


  115. valiant venus Says:

    While were at it, has Congressman Murtha thought more than a nano-second what might happen in Iraq if we retreat (I mean "re-deploy") before the surge is given a chance to work??


  116. Mike Says:

    When a veto of the House-Senate version of military support/troop withdrawal plans comes down, I think the Congress should authorize funding on a quarterly basis, where goals, progress and problems can be evaluated on a routine basis and adjustments be made accordingly. It will put the administration on a continuous spotlight for performance.



  117. Steve J. Says:

    I recall that Stephen Hadley, the National Security Advisor, said there was enough money to do the full escalation (1/14/07)1:

    GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS (ABC NEWS)

    (Off-camera) Let me turn to the issue of congressional war powers. As you know, our next guest is Congressman John Murtha. He's talked about restricting funding for various activities, extending the tour of military personnel beyond their standard tours, not allowing more
    money to go for increased troops in Iraq unless readiness levels are met here at at home. Do you believe Congress has the authority to restrict funding in that way?

    STEPHEN HADLEY (NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR)

    We have authority in the - we have money in the '07 budget which has been appropriated by the Congress to move these troops to Iraq and the President will be doing that.

    1Copyright 2007 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
    ABC News Transcripts
    SHOW: This Week 10:31 AM EST ABC
    January 14, 2007 Sunday
    LENGTH: 1550 words
    HEADLINE: HEADLINER;
    STEPHEN HADLEY
    ANCHORS: GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS
    REPORTERS: GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS (WASHINGTON, DC USA)


  118. TerrytheTurtle Says:

    It’s incredible that Venezuela is only pumping at 50% capacity compared to two years ago - but please, don’t let facts get in your way…..

    Comment by valiant venus — March 31, 2007 @ 12:11 am

    Facts have never been your strong point have they MA? What with that imaginary dead baby and all? Looks like you are lying again, you scumbag:

    http://www.voltairenet.org/article139141.htmlhttp://www.voltairenet.org/article139141.html

    Back luck you piece of sh**


  119. gooderservice Says:

    Call me crazy, but I'm going to reiterate what I've said before:

    Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid should invite bush to an open public forum to discuss this bill, funding the troops. Of course he won't last two minutes without a script. It only seems fair to me since bush called all the republicans to the Whitehouse to have an "open and frank" discussion about it, that he should have an "open and frank" discussion with the leaders of the Congress, since they're the ones setting the congressional agenda.

    If that doesn't happen, and bush vetoes the bill, Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid should immediately introduce bills to fund the troops to bring them home, since bush refused to sign for the funding to keep them there.

    Side note: Anyone else notice Jean Schmidt looking like a stalker in that beige raincoat in that photo op with bush and the repubs? I was expecting her any minute to open that beige raincoat and flash us.


  120. gooderservice Says:

    Politics 101

    I'm emphasizing my point earlier:

    If bush vetoes and won't sign to fund the troops, then it's the Congress's responsibility to get them the heck out of there right away and provide the money, through a new bill, to fund their redeployment home.

    What do you say? Let's go.


  121. ValiantVenusGrewFromUranus Says:

    While were at it, has Congressman Murtha thought more than a nano-second what might happen in Iraq if we retreat (I mean “re-deploy“) before the surge is given a chance to work?? Comment by valiant venus — March 31, 2007 @ 12:13 am

    Don't you mean while "we're" at it? Your grammar is incredibly poor for a *privately* educated *lawyer*. You're such a miserable lying little *c*nt*.

    As for your Jean Schmidt *attack* on Murtha - which surge, the last one, or the previous 6 that went before it? You're a st*pid c*nt.


  122. ValiantVenusGrewFromUranus Says:

    Gee Andrew - If we nationalize all the oil companies, Bechtel, Halliburton, etc. we might be able to achieve the economic greatness of the inept Venezuelan President, Hugg-o Chavez. It’s incredible that Venezuela is only pumping at 50% capacity compared to two years ago - but please, don’t let facts get in your way….. Comment by valiant venus — March 31, 2007 @ 12:11 am

    BAHAHA, where did you get those *facts* CoulterETTE? Limbaugh? You're a st*pid little c*nt! You do realize you could have *verified* this information before you posted it and made yourself look like a complete fool! Yet here, you go, proving what an *inept* fool you are!!!!

    Eat something Anorexia girl - you look completely st*pid and uninformed tonight in a whole new level!!!!

    As another poster pointed out - you're wrong, wrong, wrong - you ignorant little sl*t!


  123. BealzesBud Says:

    Basically, if I were a member of Congress every time Shrubya vetoed the legislation, I would move the troop withdrawl date closer by one week, then resubmit. He seems to be the one playing politics.


  124. Bush Caught Hyping False Iraq Spending Deadline « Tons of Fresh News Says:

    [...] Caught Hyping False Iraq Spending Deadline Bush Caught Hyping False Iraq Spending Deadline “The Bush administration has been trying to force Congress to abandon its support for an Iraq [...]


  125. G. Andrew Barker Says:

    #112 "If we nationalize all the oil companies, Bechtel, Halliburton, etc. we might be able to achieve the economic greatness of the inept Venezuelan President, Hugg-o Chavez."
    Comment by valiant venus — March 31, 2007 @ 12:11 am

    Gee Ms. Venus, our country has always exceeded the "greatness" of Venezuela's economy and nationalizing our greedy corporations profteering from Bush's war would not have any significant affect on the U.S. economy. Quite the opposite woud occur. By ending millions of dollars in corporate welfare, there would be more funds to update our country's infastructure, pay for or reduce the cost of vetran and civilian healthecare, These funds could also help pay for reconstruction costs for the damage caused by recent natural desasters in all those Red states.

    Venus seems to have issues with President Chavez.. Is it becaused he called
    Bush as he and the world sees Bush? As for Venezuela's oil, even with a "50%" reduction in oil production, Mr Chavez has given many needy customers the U.S. free heating oil this past winter. Tell me Venus, has any Ameican oil company - with their all-time high corporate profits - been so generous or compassionate? I think
    not, all they have done is systematically raised the cost of gasoline to such high costs, that they have garnered record high profits. As for Halliburton, how much in U.S. tax obligations are they avoiding by moving their corporation to Dubai? How much in Halliburton subsiderary KBR's profits and tax revenue might be going with them?


  126. See's it Plainly Says:

    it's all about OIL, all the US oil shipped out overseas, all the stuff WE use is imported. all our well sites refineries and distributions have been sold to British Petroleum - isnt this treasonous? NOW theyre over there fighting for the corporations control of the OIL, not to get and have it, but to stop the flow so the prices are artificially inflated to all hell for so called scarcity.
    LOOK at who makes all the bucks polluting the globe transporting the oil!!
    carlyle group and bush family own a LOT of supertankers, think about it.
    -here comes al gore with "GLOBAL WARMING" ... the sun is getting hotter folks, MARS is warming TOO.. but lets make a GLOBAL CARBON TAX STRUCTURE that will NOT solve the problem at all, just create a global tax structure to fund GLOBALISTS NEW WORLD ORDER agenda ! it is genocidal without a doubt !! our guys fighting over there are using DU munitions, this is depleted uranium -nuclear waste- with a 1/2 life of 1/2 million years.
    -so you cannot tell me this is NOT to stop the flow of the OIL, think about this also. our own borders are wide open but were supposed to be ID checked "papers please" .. fascism worse than NAZI GERMANY, and PRESCOTT BUSH, the presidents GRANDPA.. was busted for funding HITLER!
    is any of this even remotely beginning to make sense to you yet ?
    - if I drank the Alex Jones Kool-Aid.. fine by me, looks like he's sounding the alarms for good reason! meantime here in the states all of our own infrastructure is being sold off to private foreign corporations, roads funded by taxpayer monies as if the politicians themselves ever owned them to be able to sell in the first place!! and its a LOT more than just the roads.
    - www-dot-infowars-dot-com - they scratch the surface of the truth there at the very least.. its a complicated jigsaw puzzle of smoke and mirrors but in time most of the peices will fall into place. 911 was an inside job.. unless you believe building seven magically fell in on itself without explosives!
    - 911 was the centerpiece of all things happening wrong nowadays, it's time that people wake up and give those responsible for that and many other things a date with a rope and a tree. good christians used to not tolerate and destroy evil, not allow themselves to be run over by it like a bunch of sheep believing and doing whatever theyre told.
    Ron Paul .. may be our BEST cantidate, but not corporate funded like the rest of these government hijacking jerks, Cynthia McKinney tells it straight too and bless her heart for all her nonstop struggling for us all.


  127. Say Anything Says:

    Did Bush Fabricate The Date At Which The Funds For Iraq/Afghanistan Will Run Out?...

    Or is the left just trying to whitewash their decision to let those funds run out? The Democrats are touting a Congressional Research Service memo which appears to say that the military can continue to operate in Iraq through July without any additiona...


  128. windell cotton Says:

    Bush/Cheney when their mouths are open they are lying.


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