Hey....maybe they grew a spine! More likely, they were afraid of being called out to take a stand that most people in the country would think of as not very smart ;-)
And for anyone who says that what was asked for by the Congressman from PA was not what was voted on in the House of Representatives, let me also highlight what John McCain said about any sort of resolution in either house of Congress that gives some sort of timeline for ending our involvement in Iraq (my highlights in bold print):
And for anyone who says that what was asked for by the Congressman from PA was not what was voted on in the House of Representatives, let me also highlight what John McCain said about any sort of resolution in either house of Congress that gives some sort of timeline for ending our involvement in Iraq (my highlights in bold print):
Anyone reading the amendment gets the sense that the Senate's foremost objective is the draw-down of American troops. What it should have said is that America's first goal in Iraq is not to withdraw troops, but to win the war. All other policy decisions we make should support, and be subordinate to, the successful completion of our mission.
Morality, national security and the honor our fallen deserve all compel us to see our mission in Iraq through to victory.
A date is not an exit strategy. To suggest that it is only encourages our enemies, by indicating that the end to American intervention is near. It alienates our friends, who fear an insurgent victory, and tempts undecideds to join the anti-government ranks.
Think about this for a moment. Imagine Iraqis, working for the new government, considering whether to join the police force, or debating whether or not to take up arms. What will they think when they read that the Senate is pressing for steps toward draw-down?
Are they more or less likely to side with a government whose No. 1 partner hints at leaving?
The Senate has responded to the millions who braved bombs and threats to vote, who put their faith and trust in America and their government, by suggesting that our No. 1 priority is to bring our people home.
We have told insurgents that their violence does grind us down, that their horrific acts might be successful. But these are precisely the wrong messages. Our exit strategy in Iraq is not the withdrawal of our troops, it is victory.
T.