War Without End

The President went on television last night (there is truly nothing worthwhile to say about this speech) and told us we need to accept the reality that we will be in Iraq forever or at least as General Petraeus has put it - a nine to ten year committment. Bush said last night that "these Iraqi leaders have asked for an enduring relationship with America. And we are ready to begin building that relationship." We are supposed to accept this as a rationale for more war. Even Obama is saying despite the Iraq war's unpopularity, Congress lacks the votes to force a timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops and will focus instead on putting a ceiling on the number deployed. Poppycock! If they do not fight this one we need a new party to represent the people. Period.

But, as many have heard Edwards bought time on MSNBC to give a response to Bush and he lays out what Congress can do succinctly. And it is not complex, but it takes political courage, something the Democrats lack.

In the address Edwards said that the only way to force the Iraqis to take responsibility and negotiate a political solution is to begin withdrawing troops - immediately. Edwards criticized President Bush for refusing to change "the only strategy he has ever had - more time, more troops and more war."

Edwards concluded his remarks by reminding the American people that Congress must answer to them. "Tell Congress you know the truth - they have the power to end this war and you expect them to use it," said Edwards. "When the president asks for more money and more time, Congress needs to tell him he only gets one choice: a firm timeline for withdrawal. No timeline, no funding. No excuses."