Democrats finally show their backbone

Senator Jim Webb, responding to the President's Speech, made bold claims that "the President took us into war recklessly," that the resulting disarray was "predictable and predicted," that it "damaged our reputation around the world" and that it cost us "opportunities to defeat the forces of international terrorism."The only thing outrageous about these statements is that we've been waiting nearly five years for the Democratic leadership to make them.

Rove is the reason for the buildup

Why is George Bush proposing a buildup of troops in Iraq when he knows he won't get it? Even many Republicans oppose the move, with Congress looking likely block funding for the proposal.

The reason can be seen in the domestic agenda of the new Democratic Congress. On the docket are ethics and lobbying reform, a minimum wage increase, immigration reform, medicare drug price negotiation, enhanced port security, student loan relief, a shift from Big Oil subsidies to alternative energy, voter rights protections and increased stem cell research.

All of these reforms will make America stronger. All are supported by large majorities of Americans. All have the potential to pass within the first 100 days. And all are opposed by the Bush administration.

Gee, what better way to obstruct the will of the people than by tying up Congress for weeks in a pointless debate over an ill-advised policy that won't happen? Even more critically for Bush's allies, a hamstrung Congress will have less chance to take on big reforms like universal healthcare and campaign finance reform. Looks to me like Karl Rove is back on the job.