OK well everyone who voted for it should be fired. They seem to think that everyone is like them and can be bought.

Yawn... after all, Bush said himself that bin Laden is someone he doesn't give much thought to anymore these days. So I can sorta see Bunning's point in that raising the bounty is pointless - capturing bin Laden just isn't high on Bush's list of priorities... straight from the lips of 'The Decider'. Besides, with the way this Administration and Congress is throwing away Americans' tax dollars, the 'Guvmint' may not actually afford to be able to cough up the ca$h if bin Laden is (gasp!) captured.

earth to Bunning, earth to Bunning, come in Jim.  Come in and go home.

...And if this guy had any brains, he'd realize that Osama is safely and happily planning strikes in the U.S. and beyond in PAKISATAN, having done nothing in Iraq but agree to have his name pinned on a bunch of terrorists who formed AFTER the U.S. invasion, a useless invasion that required lies to make happen, which has now successfully helped Osama recruit more terrorists, and taken the national eye off the REAL prize---Osama bin Laden.  If Osama had a vote in Congress, he'd be voting right along with Bunning.

For once I agree with Bunning. Seems this congress prefers feel good resolutions , rather than deal with the tough problems facing America. No leadership in the administration, and none in congress. We sure could use a FDR right now.

I've read about Bunning having some kind of mental problems.  This one is a little hard to figure out

My understanding is that "al Qaeda in Iraq" only started calling themselves that because they thought that would increase their ability to recruit. However, since that time, there does seem to be some operational connections - though often in the context of the guys in Pakistan trying to get the guys in Iraq to tone down their attacks on Shi-ites and collaborating Sunnis.

Its pretty bad when you're so ruthless as to embarrass bin Laden.

Grab some pine,  Jim.

Why not make the bounty a billion zillion dollars.

Someone get ahold of Reid.  Get this moving.

Jerry, Jim - do we really think there's anyone out there in a position to turn over bin Laden who wasn't willing to do it for $25 million?

By the way, Newsweek has an interesting interview with one of the Afghan governors. The part I found the most interesting was the motivation on some in Pakistan (like the guys who run the intelligence services there) for supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan. According to this guy, they want a radical and unsophisticated neighbor who maybe can be duped into proxy attacks on Indians in Kashmir.

Yeah, I'm with C J on this one. This is about as good as that stupid 'resolution' on renaming 'French Fries' because France actually stood up to the USA on something. Jeez... please. Just another example of absolute waste. No wonder Congress's ratings are in the sewer these days.

With all the crap going on and all the truly important matters that need to be taken care of, the most important thing our elected officials can vote on is an admendment to double the bounty on Osama bin Laden.  I still have to laugh out loud when I think about this great mastermind and his army of special forces that orchestrated and carried out 9/11, especially when I remember seeing him astride his bulldozer with his AK thundering across the mountain side. They just paid out 10 million in the Phillipines for info on Al Qaeda leaders, so they say, but always remember the United States has the greatest and most advanced intelligence in the world and we will pay any amount to any one for that intelligence good or bad.  Just ask Chalabi in Iraq!

Jim Bunning was one of my heroes as a kid.  I just wish I only could remember him as a pitcher he was rather than see him as the politician he is.

What does it matter if it's 25,50 or even 500 million?  Right now bin Laden is surrounded by people who are above treason and will never turn him over no matter the price.  And that is probably how it is going to remain.
This vote really is just a feel good measure to let the American public know we are serious about catching him.  What they should do with that money earmarked for this is give it to the VA to take care of those who have suffered in the hunt for him.

I read a lot of posts without posting.  However, I just have to say that if more cool heads and common sense individuals like this person, "Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA", had posted, how wonderful would these posts be to read?  I just had to say that.  Sir, I think people like yourself make one think that there is hope for this country to continue to be great.  Now, I do not mean that other posts are not well meant.  All I am saying is that sometimes, some people let the partisanship overwhelm them to an extent where they seem to not really thinking & opine subjectively.

Quore:Catching Osama bin Laden and other leaders of al Qaeda is something the United States government has already made a top priority. End quote.

Does anyone really think that Osama bin Laden is in Iraq? I don't. I don't cut the tail off a snake to kill it. I go after it's head. Iraq has the tail. I would say the head is in Afganistan. that's my guess.

Maybe because this is grandstanding and meaningless?  I never thought I'd agree with Jim Bunning on anything, but on this one he's right, though not for the reason he thinks.  This is a stupid, meaningless gesture designed to cover up the fact that six years after 9/11, Al-Qaeda is stronger than ever, and George W. Bush has not only let Bin Laden go free (at Tora Bora), but he refused to go after Ayman al-Zawahiri in Pakistan for fear of pissing off Musharraf.  In other words, six years after 9/11, we are no more safe from terrorists than we were before -- despite him spending the Treasury dry and putting our children in debt in perpetuity, eviscerating the Constitution, and depriving 3,611 families (of Iraq casualties alone) of their sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, husbands and wives.

Saying you're doing something about terrorism by upping the bounty on Bin Laden is pissing down our backs  and telling us it's raining.

Huh, Doles, appreciate the nice words... but isn't that word for word the same compliment you posted about me a few days ago? You already got one person thinking I wrote it myself.

Do you think the guy who turns in bin Laden will ever get a chance to spend the reward?

Haliburton or Blackwater must already have bin Laden. This probably is the VP's and POTUS's retirement bonus. Raise the reward, turn in bin Laden, GOPers win 08.

P.S. Osama, in Arabic, is a term of respect; The Lion. I won't dignify the son of a bitch by using that term.  

Yes, let us throw some more US money out for grabs.  Oh yes, by the way, let's also vote congress another raise for working extra to get the bad guys of this world.

Bush claimed that bin Laden was the top priority for the US... to kill or capture. So, what happened??? Iraq. We lost sight of the original objective, introduced "scope creep" into the "war on terror" and pulled back troops in Afghanistan. Now, the Taliban are coming back, the tribes are still in power, we are in a quagmire in Iraq and bin Laden is still loose, most likely in Pakistan. So much for Pakistan as an ally in the "war on terror".

Having now doubled the bounty on bin Laden's head, how many people will be out there actually searching for him? (Sounds like a job for Haliburton.) This increase was/is an attempt to put some effort into getting bin Laden. Sure, it probably won't work, but it was a gesture. Bush should see it for what it is... a reminder that he dropped the ball and took off after the keg of beer before the game was over. Bunning is just aloof and insignificant in the political arena and his calling Iraq a key battleground in the fight with al Quaida is not only nonsense, but quite foolish. If we'd really want to fight al Quaida, we'd be pouring billions into Afghanistan and venturing into Pakistan to nail him and bring him out alive. Bush doesn't care about al Quaida nor bin Laden. All he cares about is his war in Iraq... tunnel vision.

Wonder if one of the administration members will finally turn him in? Money is the name of the game for this administion, leave no dollar behind. I am sure they have know all along where he is - maybe even funding him, after all it gave them an extra 4 years of control - you know, all that political collateral.

Try offering 72 virgins as a reward.

"Try offering 72 virgins as a reward."


Start by offering Helen Thomas.

No, wait.  That won't work.  And for a lot of reasons.

Republicans don't actualy listen to all the debate, they just vote against what they the the Democrats are voting for - and vice versa.

Bin Laden is worth way more as a 'ghost' and on the run, then he is sitting in a jail cell. You could offer every single cent on the planet and he won't turn up. This resolution is as good as the other worthless resolutions passed. Someone do something of substance and stop wasting my money on pointless drivel. Whatever Bunning's reasoning, I'd have voted against it too. It's meaningless; just like this government is anymore...

So, its not ok to raise a bounty by $25 million, but he's ok with spending billions and billions on the war in Iraq?  

Yes, doubling the reward probably won't do a thing.  No, Iraq has nothing to do with the War on Terror.  Pull everyone out now.

Why work for $50 million when you can get almost $300 million for free???

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/12/world/middleeast/12iraq.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Russell says "Try offering 72 virgins as a reward."

Take all the liberal bloggers for this from around here, and you'd have more then enough.

This was an easy no brain action. Since there is not any chance someone is going to dime on the guy the congress does not really have to worry about spending the money. But it makes them look like they are doing something. The problem is the cost of recording and pre-payout execution of the law is just another waste of our money.

If they really want to catch this guy they should put Child Support enforcement on him. He would be located in  a matter of days.

The idea that Iraq is not part of the GWOT is completely at odds with reality.  Bunning's reasoning is sound.  If Dorgan and the rest of the defeatist Dems truly believed in defeating Al Qaeda, they'd be doing everything they could to defeat them where they are, which includes Iraq.

Maybe the DeMyopicRats think someone has to pass thru the training camps in Pakistan to qualify as being Al Qaeda??????? Will they run on invading Pakistan a country of 120 million nuclear armed Muslims in 08? They've slammed Bush for dealing with Musharraf. What will they do different? How will they get more cooperation from them? You people in the media feel free to throw those questions at DeMyopicRats anytime.

I, too, agree with Bunning on this.  This was a waste of our legislators' time.  But at least it was a bipartisan vote, as it was probably the only thing that Dem's & the GOP could agree on, and that Bush wouldn't veto.

Bunning probably thought they were talking about Obama, not Osama.  Hillary and John are already on the case to get rid of Obama. Why should the taxpayers have kick in?

"The idea that Iraq is not part of the GWOT is completely at odds with reality.  Bunning's reasoning is sound.  If Dorgan and the rest of the defeatist Dems truly believed in defeating Al Qaeda, they'd be doing everything they could to defeat them where they are, which includes Iraq.
Eric, Lebanon, PA
"
I'll second that.
Ansar al-Islam was started up with al-Qui'da funds and staffed by al-Quida and Taliban. Northern Iraq despite the democrat fantasy is and always was Iraq not another country.

For years they couldn'y even prove Bib Laden was even still alive, and despite the claims pinpointing any location in Waziristan is not cut and dried because the place was last mapped by the British in the 19th century and modern maps of the region aren't even drawn to scale.

With Pakistani ground forces as back up they might pull it off but it will be a major campaign not a fly by night Rambo operation.

Also before anyone gets started on Tora Bora, Bin Laden was not there, and US Special Forces commanded the Northern Alliance troops not the Warlords.

the real travesty is that after almost 6 years since 9-11, someone feels the need to up the ante, so to speak, on bin Laden's head since he is still operating out there.  

Eric, Lebanon, PA (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 4:09 PM)

I suggest you cut back on the drinking sir.......

Wayne, M'town TN (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 5:11 PM)

You'll second anything that's stuck on stupid!! Keep copying and pasting and when you have a thought of your own, come on back now ya hear??

Also before anyone gets started on Tora Bora, Bin Laden was not there, and US Special Forces commanded the Northern Alliance troops not the Warlords.
Wayne, M'town TN (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 5:11 PM)

Also, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy really do exist Wayne - you forgot to add that to your mythical words of ignorance....

Dave, Tn (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 4:38 PM)

And please feel free to cut back on the LSD anytime Dave.  Please post when lucid; as your comments are simply idiotic; however, I'm sure FOX NOISE and the RNC are paying you big bucks to post their talking points.....

This is just a stunt !! What a lame waste of time. Why don't these politicos take a real stand and vote for motherhood ? Where do they stand on baseball and apple pie ?? Your tax dollars at work !! Why not offer a $50 million reward for anyone who finds out who outed a CIA agent ?? or at least a presidential pardon ?

Mark Y; Westlake Village, CA (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 5:26 PM)

They will do anything to divert attention away from the unjust invasion of Iraq.  GWB and his GOP cronies have done their best to destroy everything our great country stood for.  

GWB is responsible for bin Laden escaping from Toro Boro and the neo cons talking points stating otherwise, like GWB, are liars.  They come here like blabbering children in useless attempts to defend the indefensible.  They are angry and embarrassed by GWB and are also angry at themselves for being fooled into thinking he was competent, in addition to their long-standing blind support of him.

The fate of their Party is doomed and will be for decades.  There will be no recovering from what this administration has done and they know it. Screaming and yelling in their attempts to deafen the listener is the sole recourse left for these fools.  

You have to wonder why no one on this planet has come forward to claim 25 million dollars.  Perhaps many have, only to be quietly silenced by the administration.  They have the most to gain by bin Laden's continuing freedom.  Without Bush's war on terror, he would never have survived '04.  And Osama has everything to gain by maintaining the power of the Bush/Cheney administration.  Without Bush, Osama could never have recruited the thousands of new converts, the suicide bombers, and other pathetic dupes.  Speaking of pathetic dupes......

Most likely the raising of the stakes won't bring about his capture.  I do like the notion that it might encourage large organizations to go after that prize.  It won't be Haliburton though.  They are doing just fine with Osama free.

For years we have been told how Osama is living in a cave, unable to command or communicate.  Yet his movement, and his brand of terror keep growing.  I cannot see how he could possibly be living up there in the mountains, in a cave or some hovel.  It is well known that he is in poor health, requires dialysis, and consistant if not constant sophisticated medical care.  How could they pull this off up in the mountains.  They would need a constant supply of hard-to-get sophisticated medical equipment and supplies.  Those dialysis filters would be extremely easy to trace.  I have long thought that Osama is living in high style in a mansion or estate in one of the major cities of Pakistan.  His minions would be much more mobile there, for communication and for acquiring all that his huge entourage requires.  Inside a large building or on a very private and well guarded estate no one on the outside would be able to spot him.  But, up in that cave a large entourage would be very hard to hide.  All it would take is one poor farmer to finger him.  Sneeking in supplies would require collusion on a huge scale.  The populace up there is compliant and pro bin Laden.  But, I doubt if it is absolute.

We have all been duped by these guys--liberals, conservatives, democrats and republicans.  

J.D. in California (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 6:41 PM)

Agreed, but duped by George W. Bush and his Administration, as you can't put this one on the liberals - that won't fly - sorry!! The blame for this lies squarely with GWB and his criminal administration.

Sorry my questions bothered you PDB, but thanks for thinking they rise to the level of the paid political hacks. Quickest way to piss off a liberal is point out the truth.

No he is here in Kentcuky where Bunning from where everyone DNA is the same. Bunning is such and idiot. Bin laden more than like live next door to hime here in Kentucky.
Bunning is our state joke. I am not proud to say I exist here

Bunning is our state joke. I am not proud to say I exist here


You his identical twin brother?

"We have all been duped by these guys--liberals, conservatives, democrats and republicans."

PDB:  Um, I didn't quite phrase that right (oops).  Let me try this:

We, whether liberals, conservatives, democrats, or republicans, have all been duped by these guys--the administration!  

Thank you for pointing that out.

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