Houston, We Have a Timetable

At least it certainly seems that way, even though in his speech Sunday night, the president said:

I will make decisions on troop levels based on the progress we see on the ground and the advice of our military leaders – not based on artificial timetables set by politicians in Washington.
See, Eleanor Stables at CQ Daily dug up this little gem (via Wonkette):

While debate continues on when U.S. troops should be withdrawn from Iraq, Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell is planning for a victory celebration - sooner rather than later, it seems.

The Kentucky Republican is the sponsor of an amendment to the 2006 defense authorization bill (HR 1815) that would authorize up to $20 million - minus private contributions - to commemorate the success of U.S. armed forces in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The money would help pay for celebrations honoring the return of military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan “with appropriate ceremonies, activities and awards commemorating their sacrifice and service to the United States and the cause of freedom in the Global War on Terrorism.” Most of the funding would be used by the Pentagon to cover the costs of military personnel participating in events held in Washington. The amendment, which was adopted by unanimous consent, would also allow the president to designate a special day for the observances.
Hmm. Curious. Now why on earth would Senator McConnell be seeking to procure funds—$20 million, no less—to celebrate the homecoming of troops unless they were, uh, coming home?

Amanda Marcotte, who gets the hat tip for this one, suspects the timing might have something to do with fact that the GOP’s chances in next year’s midterms are looking ever more dire. What better to rally the troops at home than bringing home the troops?

The president keeps telling us that we shouldn’t pin our hopes of withdrawal on Iraqi elections. I never suspected that the troops’ homecoming would be instead contingent on ours.

Shakesville is run as a safe space. First-time commenters: Please read Shakesville's Commenting Policy and Feminism 101 Section before commenting. We also do lots of in-thread moderation, so we ask that everyone read the entirety of any thread before commenting, to ensure compliance with any in-thread moderation. Thank you.

blog comments powered by Disqus