House votes for withdrawal from Iraq by April 1, 223-201
posted at 7:05 pm on July 12, 2007 by Allahpundit
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Not quite party line, but almost. Four Republicans voted yes, 10 Dems voted no. It’s the Reed-Levin plan in essence: withdrawal to begin within 120 days of passage and to conclude by April 1, with a small combat force retained in country to target Al Qaeda plus advisors to train the Iraqi army. It’s also a non-starter since Bush has vowed to veto any plan that involves a timetable.
According to Rasmussen, Americans expect sectarian violence to increase in the event of withdrawal, 45-34. Strangely, they also expect the lives of Iraqis to improve. Via Ace, Jake Tapper of ABC News tried to get a straight answer out of Harry Reid today about what he thinks will happen to the country if and when U.S. troops withdraw. He failed, although in Reid’s defense, at least he ducked the question instead of offering a plan that so obviously won’t work that it insults its reader’s intelligence.
CNN asked one Iraqi family earlier today what they thought about withdrawal. Thanks to Beyond The News, as usual, for the clip.
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Ah good, one more great thing stemming from the true and principled staying home, voting 3d party or Rat ( but I repeat myself here) Hope everyone who did this is swollen with pride. Yessir, you all certainly showed us all .
gatorbait on July 12, 2007 at 7:10 PM
Born on the Fourth of July II is said to be in the works.
AtomicAmish on July 12, 2007 at 7:13 PM
You forgot to break down the Rasmussen poll by party Allah.
Those that believe things will get worse are overwhelming Republican
Those that think Iraq will get better if the US leaves are overwhelming Democrat
William Amos on July 12, 2007 at 7:15 PM
Yup, showed them, didn’t they?
>spit
jdawg on July 12, 2007 at 7:16 PM
The Iraqi people are going to be the real losers when we finally do pull out of there. Untold suffering is ahead for them I’m afraid. Of course the MSM won’t pay much attention, and much of America will just go back to watching American Idol and the Britney/Lindsay/Paris show. Very sad.
infidel4life on July 12, 2007 at 7:16 PM
Well,good. Now that it is settled, perhaps we can just all get along.
I feel much better, now.
rockhauler on July 12, 2007 at 7:18 PM
It does not matter to the politicians or the MSM its all about scoring political points…and if some people have to get slaughtered to do that then so be it.
EnochCain on July 12, 2007 at 7:19 PM
More like to be targets of Al Qaeda. Any U.S. troops left under this type of plan would be under constant attack and would have to hole up in the Green Zone. We have to get the Iraqi security forces in place before we withdraw.
Snidely Whiplash on July 12, 2007 at 7:20 PM
I don’t question the timing. What a bunch of pansy-assed losers!
SouthernGent on July 12, 2007 at 7:21 PM
Another great moment of cowardly surrender for France!
This is France we’re talking about isn’t it? There’s no way America would do something so disgustingly spineless…..right?
forged rite on July 12, 2007 at 7:22 PM
As he is saying that he prefers the Americans to stay in Iraq, the CNN Headline is saying SOME IRAQIES BELIEVE US FORCES SHOULD LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. What???
ctmom on July 12, 2007 at 7:26 PM
John Edwards is losing his booty
Spain seizes treasure ship
William Amos on July 12, 2007 at 7:29 PM
Okay, somebody help me out here.
When did Congress get the power to set surrender dates?
highhopes on July 12, 2007 at 7:29 PM
Why stop there?
US Out of Serbia!
Thomas the Wraith on July 12, 2007 at 7:30 PM
US out of Okinawa !
William Amos on July 12, 2007 at 7:31 PM
Great to know that Congress knows how to fight wars better than the military. So who’ll be the last ones out- the combat infantry to cover the rear or the poor supply clerks having to fend off AQ coming outa the woodworks.
Fortunately Bush is Bush on this issue. Isn’t Going to Happen. As Andrew Jackson said of another branch ordering the executive branch to do something, “They’ve made their ruling now let’s see them back it up.”
TheEJS on July 12, 2007 at 7:32 PM
Al Quada is celebrating tonight! The US is less formidable than France now!
Thanks, Nancy!
Kensington on July 12, 2007 at 7:37 PM
CNN has thier own predefined editorial position without even listening to thier own interviews?
Resolute on July 12, 2007 at 7:38 PM
Silly highhopes! It’s right there in the Constitution. France’s constitution, that is.
Kensington on July 12, 2007 at 7:39 PM
Germany! South Korea!
SouthernGent on July 12, 2007 at 7:46 PM
Hmmmm…. actualy an interesting question.
Does this cut off funding? If not, then this is a usurption of what has historicly been an Executive Branch function….
Romeo13 on July 12, 2007 at 7:53 PM
First the
Soviet Union and now the United States.
Imagine what this will do to promote the ideology of fanatical Islamists? Everybody wants to be on the winning side and with our current crop of cressional critters it looks like that is going to be Al Queda.
Hell in 10 years they are going to make you think Afghanistan was Disney World compared to the horror show they unleash.
LakeRuins on July 12, 2007 at 7:54 PM
April Fool’s???
No sh*t.
I can hardly believe I share the same country with these-uh-people.
Are the Democrats Congressweasels in the pay of Bin Laden or what?!?
Jen the Neocon on July 12, 2007 at 7:56 PM
Well duh! I somehow doubt US troops shot him and stole his cab, and if it wasn’t US troops, it was probably the guys US troops kill. So, and I know this is a toughie for CNN, it makes sense that he would want US troops to stay, because they kill the guys that shot him and stole his cab.
It’s called logic, people. Try it. Might make life easier.
Spc Steve on July 12, 2007 at 7:56 PM
US out of Atzlan and the Iriquois Nation!
Nosferightu on July 12, 2007 at 8:00 PM
Jen the Neocon on July 12, 2007 at 7:56 PM
Well yeah, duh. I noticed that the left gets their Iraq talking points directly from al Qaeda a long time ago.
Buzzy on July 12, 2007 at 8:04 PM
There is something poetic about these fools choosing April 1st.
Not to mention disturbing.
BobH on July 12, 2007 at 8:06 PM
At least they are doing it on a day that is fitting to the Democratic Party!
abinitioadinfinitum on July 12, 2007 at 8:09 PM
Why stop there?
US Out of Serbia!
US out of Okinawa !
William Amos on July 12, 2007 at 7:31 PM
Let’s not forget some of the other pleasure spots they send our Military to.
US Out of Korea!
US Out of NATO Countries!
Love to watch people start diving out of windows when our troops are ALL pulled back home.
KC-135A on July 12, 2007 at 8:12 PM
Nice, give em a year or two to ramp up and then we can chase them around our cities after they pop off a couple of homocide virgin seekers.
Alden Pyle on July 12, 2007 at 8:13 PM
I’ve a question … With all events being the same – the poll numbers, the surge, the mismanagement of the war – do you think if Bush was a Dem, the MSM would support the war? Would Harry Reed be defending the surge? And if the dems controled the white house, would the GOP be declaring the war lost?
Rod on July 12, 2007 at 8:20 PM
Huh, I do feel terribly sorry for the woman in the video. She has lost her son.
I weep for her but,at the same time, I wonder what the price of peace and a democratic scociety might be. A lot of blood and a lot of tears both for her and our families of serving soldiers…
God bless the surviving Iraqi families and our troops. Caught in the middle of a fight for freedom…
Babs on July 12, 2007 at 8:22 PM
I don’t even have to listen to this video to tell you that we will be in Middle East longer than any of us will live to tell our grandkids about.
Why are we still in middle Europe…? Because there’s a tiny possibility that someone up north might change they’re mind and decide they want it.
We’ve got a beachhead now for the first time ever and we will not submit that shore.
I’ve propagated since the late 80’s that we should take over .. or atleast control politicaly and militarily that entire region.
Pulling out of Beirut was one of the only notable and perplexing errors that Ronny made and pulling out of Somalia was the unexusable since Bill had the hindsight to see the result of “cut and run”.
Imagine if after all our losses and misdropped paratroopers on D-Day, the first day of WORLD WAR 2 we threw up our hands and gave up….
This is WORLD WAR 3 and we won’t leave there… even if I personally have to move to SanFran and run against Sheehan.
-matt
amend2 on July 12, 2007 at 8:26 PM
I’m just glad I live in the midwest ’cause after these ass hats finish the surrender, and appease all of their throat slicing brethren, the most logical attack will be on a coast. I figure after the next 911, the people will wake up again and quickly re-secure what’s left of the nation and the democrat party as we know will go away. It will be unforgiveable and they won’t be able to sustain it.
commonsensehoosier on July 12, 2007 at 8:28 PM
God be with ya hoosier… I’m actually the process of getting my carry permit, about to start an EMT course and moving to.. of all places Vermont.
I can’t predict whats in store if the dems win the isolationist course but I’m consentrating soem of time to the what ifs…
amend2 on July 12, 2007 at 8:37 PM
Ah good, one more great thing stemming from the true and principled staying home, voting 3d party or Rat ( but I repeat myself here) Hope everyone who did this is swollen with pride. Yessir, you all certainly showed us all .
gatorbait on July 12, 2007 at 7:10 PM
My feelings too, but that was then this is now. We can barrage Congress again like the shamnesty project.
sonnyspats1 on July 12, 2007 at 8:38 PM
LOL commonsensehoosier…
I thought the same thing last year when I visited friends down in Mobile, Alabama. I went to a pig poke? roast? lol…Anyway..every man there had a truck, and every truck there had guns on it.
At the time I laughed at the rebel flags and the downright down to ‘earthiness’ of these people..strong men with no ifs ands or buts about them…..But when I left, I thought…if we ever have all out war in this country…I’m going back to Mobile, AL and I do believe I’d feel (and be) quite safe and taken care of there. (not just the guns and the men, but the pigs roasting would surely keep the ‘islamist fans’ away.) lol~
bridgetown on July 12, 2007 at 8:38 PM
Why all the gloom and doom? You know what to do. Didn’t the defeat of the immigration bill teach us anything? We just need to regroup and form a plan of action. It seems like a no brainer to me.
sonnyspats1 on July 12, 2007 at 8:42 PM
It will be worth it, considering the CO2 footprint from flying troops over there every week.
The next wave of the War on Terror can be carbon neutral!
Kensington on July 12, 2007 at 8:46 PM
And the massacre of Iraqis begins in 5…4….3…..2…..
As well, the next massive terrorist attack in 5…4…3..2..
mjk on July 12, 2007 at 8:49 PM
Your on spot sonypants but alway good to have a backup.. plan B.
I really did not think we would loose the 06 but we did. We’re much stronger now but.. events and happenings will happen… (i sounded like voltare for a second!)
I’m just making sure that if our government turns to pure paste… which our Fathers warned about that I do my civil duty to band with others to protect whats us.
The jihadists seem to think that they are the only persons with beliefs that they will die for and I’ve been saying for years.. well BITF on.
amend2 on July 12, 2007 at 8:55 PM
But that’s okay, because the Democrats can blame it all on Bush and gain political advantage so that they can give everyone free healthcare.
I think we’re going to need it, too.
Kensington on July 12, 2007 at 9:00 PM
This is just another Dem ploy to keep the fire stoked and the pot stirred. More Dems opposed this thing than Republidhims voted for it. Bush will veto, assuming this bill gets past the Senate. We can almost count on huge changes if it gets to conference committee. All that will take time, not counting filibusters and whatever other procedures can be used in the Upper Chamber.
Suppose, though, it passes and the veto is overridden. The Dems can brag they ended the war, and the Republicans can (for openers) hammer the fact that our troops died for nothing. Toss in the ‘defeatist’ word when discussing Dems, and watch them freak like they always do when the accusation is made. Unless the Dems are so full of themselves they can expect that kind of treatment from the Republican candidate(s) for President.
While crap like this serves our enemies, it can be used to crush the Dems in the next election, maybe as a party until average Democrats force a sea change within their political leadership. I don’t see the Dems able to win on this in the end, no matter how it turns out.
Of course, the Republicans have to be smart enough to use what appear to be Dem strengths against them.
Liam on July 12, 2007 at 9:01 PM
It won’t even matter if dems win the 08.
We will not ever leave there.
period.bingo
I’m “almost” done with this…
amend2 on July 12, 2007 at 9:05 PM
To prepare for the upcoming war right here at home, we should round up most of the dem majority in congress and stick them in Gitmo so we can use them during the inevitable prisoner swaps. Trouble is, the whole lot of them don’t equal the worth of one of our soldiers.
Rod on July 12, 2007 at 9:08 PM
Amen brother. Sign me up.
infidel4life on July 12, 2007 at 9:11 PM
US out of San Francisco and Vermont!
Rod on July 12, 2007 at 9:14 PM
And there’s where the scenario falls apart…
Kensington on July 12, 2007 at 9:20 PM
They’d better have a much more defendable spot picked out than the Green Zone…
trigon on July 12, 2007 at 9:29 PM
Ok, let those wormy leftists in congress pass the bill and override the president’s veto . . . then we’ll know precisely who to blame when the middle east erupts in civil war, mass murdering and uncontrollable chaos. It’s time for the left to fish or cut bait.
rplat on July 12, 2007 at 9:34 PM
Yea well… Vermont..
“why move there?”
I have reasons for that which are mostly financial (its cheap and I can buy a house with land with cash) and I need to stay near my folks in CT who are getting older and unstable. I’m an artist so I can live anywhere. And I’m thinking I can make a stand there… kind of like a political missionary!
Not to mention that liberal VT for some reason has no gun laws .. huh? yea.. they don’t and VT has one of the worst Brady bill ratings for a state (means they have no gun laws for the most part)
“whats so important about gun laws matt?”
Hmm.. well its the second… not the 5th or 13th amendement but the second which allows citizens (in dc now) to arm themsleves from intervention: from not just invading nations or more recently relgious zealouts, but from the native nation itself.
I don’t fear any invasion or a nutty government anytime soon but its a right of mine so I’ll exercise it.
I’d rather armed in a public theater such as VTech or your local Walmart that in some odd circumstance some pissed off employee decides for political, religous, or just a bad headache that he’s going to create some carnage and put a pause to his plan.
that sums it up.
amend2 on July 12, 2007 at 9:39 PM
Agreed. I’m not holding my breath, but I still hope one of them will get aggressive. It just might happen, after seeing what resulted from the shamnesty debacle. It’s a new political world out there, and the climate has to catch up.
The political leaderships, of both parties and in office as well as out, didn’t disregard what they saw last month. They’re watching and analyzing instead of talking about it publicly, and an emboldened electorate might have the same effect on the politicians. Only time will tell.
Liam on July 12, 2007 at 9:40 PM
Call your senator, ask them this question as many times as it takes.
Canadian Imperialist Running Dog on July 12, 2007 at 9:43 PM
I can’t say I’m surprised by the vote. Disappointed? Extremely. I don’t know how these people sleep at night. Beside the carnage that will follow, how about the lives lost on our side already? All for nothing, in their opinion? The far left took over the Dim party, the MSM, and their agenda is painfully obvious. Defeat of anything with an (R), no matter the cost. American lives are just another obstacle it seems, to more seats in both houses. Actually all three, including the Big White One.
PowWow on July 12, 2007 at 9:59 PM
US out of Serbia! I’m serious. This isn’t a joke. We have 1600 National Guard in Kosovo. There’s a Finnish plan to split Serbia into pieces. The Serbs and the Russians won’t stand for it. The Kosovars are going to demand independence. But the UN can’t just go around slicing up countries, especially without Security Council approval. Russia will veto any attempt to do so.
We are on a collision course with Russia in the Balkan tenderbox over an illegal attempt to split up a legitimate sovereign nation. We have no business being in Serbia. Bring our boys home.
Thomas the Wraith on July 12, 2007 at 10:13 PM
This whole mess is embarrassing.
The shamnesty bill mattered to people because we can see the damage being done first hand by the perpetrators.
Where is the passion for our men and women in uniform? Posting here is fun and all; but seriously, less talk and more action. This does affect you. It affects our children and our children’s children. It affects everything. I don’t want suicide bombers in my country. I don’t want chlorine bombs outside my churches. Terrorism has been successful here once. Who knows how many times it was unsuccessful? Some have been vigilant, most have been lucky. Do we need to see it happen again in order to get our minds focused on what is right?
I understand Iraq is too far away for many Americans. As a non-casual observer, the majority of the American people seem to be MIA. I wish so many would have the same kind of reaction as we did with illegal immigration. God help us if we lose this battle because we let those who would faint at first blood command the fight.
Demand actions that are in the best interest of our country and the world as a whole. Demand a restoration of America’s reputation for courage in the face of fire. Demand leadership. My God, demand victory!
Light up the phone lines and put some pen to paper. My representatives are representing me. How about yours?
simon on July 12, 2007 at 10:23 PM
You are right. Bush should switch parties and see what happens LOL.
We had better give Alaksa back to the Russians too!
boomer on July 12, 2007 at 10:57 PM
Someone commented that setting a deadline for war is as stupid as setting deadlines for surgery on your surgeon. Don’t matter if your chest is split wide open, the bell rings and the surgeon says, “Sorry. Time’s up.”
naliaka on July 12, 2007 at 11:12 PM
The New Killing Fields, brought to you by by the 110th Congress!
Wander on July 12, 2007 at 11:23 PM
Bush will veto it – it won’t get over rode.
Bradky on July 12, 2007 at 11:35 PM
When do the Iraqi people get even an ounce of blame for Iraqi deaths? Sure, the Left are pacifists nonpareil and cheer for America’s death, but they aren’t blowing up Iraqis and they aren’t stopping Iraqis from establishing a government founded on the recognition and protection of individual rights. Iraqis aren’t beating the terrorists because they don’t care. They’re savages. They fucked it up — let them rot.
Lazarus on July 12, 2007 at 11:43 PM
you always read where we couldn’t hit UBL or some other top dog in Al Qaeda because of potential collateral damage…it will be a massacre if we leave prematurely. w ho makes these decisions?
oldernslower on July 13, 2007 at 12:20 AM
India will stomp on that so quick it’ll make the MSM spin. er. they’ll do it really quickly.
NO way will India.. a nation graduating from the third world quickly into a real player in the technical world and the largest “middle class” in the peaceful world is going to let thugs be a neighbor. Not going to happen.
http://www.janes.com/defence/news/jdw/jdw000307_01_n.shtml
ok?
amend2 on July 13, 2007 at 12:49 AM
Hindu Prayer Interrupted
Protesters interrupted the first-ever Hindu prayer to open a session of Congress this morning in the Senate.
As Rajan Zed was at the lectern about to deliver the prayer, two women and a man in the visitor’s gallery began shouting “this is an abomination,” according to The Associated Press.
Capitol police quickly arrested the protesters. And one of them told the AP “we are Christians and patriots” before being led away in handcuffs.
Zed, director of interfaith relations at a Hindu temple in Reno, Nev., was invited by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).
The American Family Association, a Mississippi-based organization supporting “traditional family values” organized a protest campaign against Zed’s appearance, saying the prayer is “outside the American paradigm” because it invokes many different gods.
-Daniel W. Reilly
sonnyspats1 on July 13, 2007 at 1:01 AM
Take the troops and and put Congress in.
profitsbeard on July 13, 2007 at 1:17 AM
“out and”, not “and and” above. Meaning:
Take the troops out and put the Congress in.
profitsbeard on July 13, 2007 at 1:29 AM
Expect the Democrats to do everything they can to rock the boat regarding America’s War on Terror. The floor of the House of Representatives look like main street San Francisco. Both places have a low approval rating and both are led by the most liberal critters one can find in America.
RG on July 13, 2007 at 2:25 AM
This is how much I trust forming policy around polls. A huge majority of the people polled have no clue what is happening in Iraq. Violence will increase, but so will quality of life? Quality of life for who? The strongest group who are the only people left standing after the murder of millions who don’t belong to the “right” sect?
csdeven on July 13, 2007 at 6:37 AM
We have the technology to end their suffering with but a throwing of a switch.
TheSitRep on July 13, 2007 at 7:22 AM
The first day of April. How appropriate.
oldleprechaun on July 13, 2007 at 7:45 AM
And to think we pay these backstabber $162,000 per year to throw in the towel. They are well worth it don’t you think???
Golfer_75093 on July 13, 2007 at 8:40 AM
Aaaalllll weee are saaaaying…
Is give sectarian violence a chaaance.
gekkobear on July 13, 2007 at 1:17 PM
There’s no way America would do something so disgustingly spineless…..right?
The Vietnam parallels are shocking aren’t they. Democrat betrayals, killing fields, etc. They’re going for the full monty.
Purple Avenger on July 13, 2007 at 1:20 PM
Thank God Bush has the stones to stick to his guns in the face of everything.
TallDave on July 13, 2007 at 9:11 PM
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