Bunning votes against Osama measure

Dave, Tn — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:35:47 GMT

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

Bunning votes against Osama measure

M. Boley — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:42:15 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Greg R, Spokane, WA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:44:33 GMT

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

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Jim, Washington, D.C. — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:44:44 GMT

...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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

C J, KY — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:49:31 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

jerry/corpus christi texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:52:34 GMT

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

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Paul Miller, Woodbridge — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:53:16 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Jim, Santa Cruz — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:01:10 GMT

Grab some pine, Jim.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Arny Jackson, Merdo SD — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:14:59 GMT

Why not make the bounty a billion zillion dollars.

Someone get ahold of Reid. Get this moving.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:19:00 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

M. Boley — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:20:25 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Paw Paw, NC — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:25:09 GMT

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!

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:34:29 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Joe Holland, Chalfont PA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:35:42 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Doles, Miami, FL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:45:52 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Scott. Missouri. — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:49:33 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

JJ in NJ — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:03:56 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:10:35 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

RF, Memphis, TN — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:29:17 GMT

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

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Flat-earther, Georgia — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:36:15 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

don Hangartner, Van Wert, Ohio — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:04:07 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Nick, Ohio — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:15:39 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Union Baby — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:19:14 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Russell in Maryland — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:24:32 GMT

Try offering 72 virgins as a reward.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Kathy Collins, Prentice, PA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:43:07 GMT

"Try offering 72 virgins as a reward."

Start by offering Helen Thomas.

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

Bunning votes against Osama measure

DrD Port Charlotte, FL. — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:47:23 GMT

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

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Nick — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:47:34 GMT

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...

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Steve S, Portland, OR — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:48:33 GMT

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?

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Charlie M — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:51:28 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Vernon in NYC — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:59:52 GMT

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

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Larry Preston, Buffalo, NY — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:04:24 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Lo - Atl — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:05:05 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Eric, Lebanon, PA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:09:09 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Dave, Tn — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:38:30 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Jael, downstate Illinois — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:45:00 GMT

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 votes against Osama measure

Sketter Davis, Cambridge Mass — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:48:57 GMT

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?

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Wayne, M'town TN — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:11:26 GMT

"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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Mark Y; Westlake Village, CA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:26:01 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

PDB — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:08:28 GMT

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

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

Bunning votes against Osama measure

PDB — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:10:02 GMT

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??

Bunning votes against Osama measure

PDB — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:11:26 GMT

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....

Bunning votes against Osama measure

PDB — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:19:37 GMT

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.....

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Sierra, San Francisco — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:24:45 GMT

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 ?

Bunning votes against Osama measure

PDB — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:30:59 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

J.D. in California — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:41:40 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

PDB — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:59:05 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Dave, Tn — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:15:14 GMT

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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

G A Reece Louisville Ky — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:18:35 GMT

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 votes against Osama measure

Smacky Tittle, Lexington KY — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:37:17 GMT

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

You his identical twin brother?

Bunning votes against Osama measure

J.D. in California — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:04:21 GMT

"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.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Dave T, Minneapolis, MN — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 03:57:20 GMT

I'm forced to agree with the righties that there are indeed a lot of Al Qaeda (or sympathizers) in Iraq. However, taking time to *honestly* analyze how they came to be there turns up some interesting facts.

Bush and his few remaining supporters like to talk about how Al Qaeda was in Iraq during Saddam's time -- and that justified the war. Well, it is true that there was an Al Qaeda faction present when Saddam was running the show. There weren't many, and Saddam was in fact at war with them.

Since our enlightened invasion, however, Al Qaeda (and sympathizers) have multiplied by leaps and bounds in Iraq. The U.S. invasion was perhaps the best gift anyone could have given them. It instantly created a huge number of sympathizers and at the same time created a wonderful training ground (to replace what they had lost in Afghanistan).

Disagree? I'd suggest reading some history. I know -- it's much more fun to spout groundless opinions. However, some of us prefer objective reality.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Boon Elrod, Cedar Point OH — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:00:50 GMT

They should offer $10 million for a picture of bin Laden. Make sure he's holding something dated like the NY Times (you just know he reads it). No one would collect because he's probably pushing up daisies, or if he was in Pakistan, poppies.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Post Me Anytime — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:02:12 GMT

bin Laden is with Elvis.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

PDB — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:35:08 GMT

Dave, Tn (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 7:15 PM)

The truth is that 133 Congressional Democrats voted "NO" on the Iraq Resolution compared to SIX Republicans. Sorry buddy, your "liberal and democratic" theory is absurd!! Nice job trying to suck us into the blame. If you don’t want to be lumped in with the lies of Fox NOISE and the RNC, stop repeating their idiotic talking points – Your Choice.

ALL BLAME LIES SQUARELY WITH GWB AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY!!

The truth hurts Dave, doesn't it?? The truth is GWB has the blood of tens of thousands of human beings on his hands, as does every congressional member that continues to fund this invasion!! It's over and our brave men and women in the military should not have to make one more sacrifice when the war should never have begun and Dictator Bush could care less that Americans continue to die needlessly on “his” watch.

bin Laden has not been captured, killed or brought to justice as a direct result of the Iraq Invasion, which was based solely on GWB's obsession with Sadaam Hussein.

No, this one's on the Republican Party and you know it. Stop attempting to make this the “in part” liberals/dems fault - it's asinine and factually incorrect. Americans know this and will show it in 2008. The Republican Party is damaged and will continue to be for decades - that's the "TRUTH"!!

Bunning votes against Osama measure

awabnavi, Yangon — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 07:39:16 GMT

I thought the fight against Al-Qaeda is being fought in Afghanistan. How is it now being fought in Iraq? Iraq was about WMDS, REMEMBER? And it was also about removing Saddam. It was never a fight against Al-Qaeda. Strange how the American motives are changed every now and then. Its the Iraqis who are fighting against the American Occupation, not Al-Qaeda. By saying the contrary the Bush American is only trying to drum up support for the continued occupation of Iraq. BUSH IS A LIAR.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Pat Duncan — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 15:12:34 GMT

Jeez, what difference could it possibly make to increase a reward for Bin Ladin? He just got $300 million from the Iraq bank, thanks to the U.S. putting it there, guarded by our enemies security guards. I want to apply for a securuty guard job at that bank right now! Just for one weekend. I could put that money back in the tax payor's pockets by Monday morning.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Radney Tucker, Gulf Shores, Al. — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 16:51:48 GMT

I suggest trimming the reward by 25% each week starting 30 days from now. Seeing that 25K slip
slowly away might motivate a seeker of truth and cash.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Conspiracy Theorist — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 20:42:09 GMT

Personally, I think the Bush's and the bin-Laden family may have made some secret deal which allowed us Saudi support in Iraq if we stopped going after Osama. Maybe, the First Read reporters could look into this without dismissing it because no one thinks our President would do such a thing.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Sage, Fairbanks, AK — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 20:52:17 GMT

its not really a story to comment on how 1 senator voted. the bigger story is why 88 senators voted for it. why are they wasting their time with this kind of legislation. $25 million is already enough to make any Afghan or Pakistani civilian incredibly rich.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

jerry/corpus christi texas — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 17:35:45 GMT

Time to bring in Dog the Bounty Hunter......

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Desmond — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:44:49 GMT

The second part of the amendment requires the administration to inform Congress with a report on the counterintelligence methods specifically being used to find bin Laden. In the last counter insurgency report issued last September, bin Laden was not specifically mentioned.
Also, since there were 89 Senators voting for this, I fail to see how this is only supported by Democrats.And PDB there were also 23 Senators who voted against the invasion of Iraq.Some of them lost their jobs in the 2004 elections because they were smeared as unpatriotic.The adminsistration took their eye off the prize, failed to secure 'hearts and minds" in the area and rested their policy in the area, in part, on the shoulders of a military dictator. Our best friend Musharaff. All of that is now unraveling and we can only sit on the side-lines and see how it all plays out.
I don't call that approach "leadership" on the part of this administration to find the people responsible for 9/11. I call that abjucation of leadership and abuse of the power given to them by the Constitution to protect and defend their citizens.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:33:15 GMT

awabnavi - I generally agree with the point you're making, but its not as absolute as you make it.

True, we didn't go into Iraq because of "al Qaeda in Iraq." This group didn't exist at the time, to the best of our knowledge. And, no, I can't really explain why we did go into Iraq, other than my general view that we had a handful of folks who never agreed with HW Bush's decision not to, and they convinced the son to finish the job. Dubya was a willing puppet, because he always wanted to one-up the old man. That's the only thing that makes sense to me.

Anyway, Iraq is both sectarian violence (i.e., civil war) and an insurgency against outside occupation, simultaneously. This group, al Qaeda in Iraq, formed as part of the insurrection. I think initially it had nothing to do with bin Laden's guys, and just picked the name because they thought it would help them draw recruits and rise to the top of the list of the hundreds of little insurrection cells, all fighting for prominence.

There are foreign fighters in Iraq. How many depends on who you ask. And these foreign guys are responsible for a lot of the suicide bombing and other terrorist-type actions.

I think the more dominant dynamic is the sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia, though. And its the one that will have the lasting effect, as the Shi-ites win, turning Iraq into part of a greater Iran and creating an even larger refugee crisis than we're now seeing in Jordan and Syria.

Bunning votes against Osama measure

PDB — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:52:42 GMT

And PDB there were also 23 Senators who voted against the invasion of Iraq. Some of them lost their jobs in the 2004 elections because they were smeared as unpatriotic
Desmond (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 7:44 AM)

WRONG DESMOND!! While 23 Senators voted against the resolution, ONLY ONE Republican Senator voted against the resolution, Lincoln Chafee. Here ARE the facts!! Don’t play the “Spin Game” with me.
The Senate vote sharply divided Democrats, with 29 voting for the measure and 21 against. All Republicans except Senator Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island voted for passage. Democratic Senator Robert Byrd, West Virginia, attempted Thursday to mount a filibuster against the resolution but it failed.
In the House, six Republicans -- Ron Paul of Texas; Connie Morella of Maryland; Jim Leach of Iowa; Amo Houghton of New York; John Hostettler of Indiana; and John Duncan of Tennessee -- joined 126 Democrats in voting against the resolution.
Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, D-Missouri, said giving Bush the authority to attack Iraq could avert war by demonstrating the United States is willing to confront Saddam over his obligations to the United Nations.
"I believe we have an obligation to protect the United States by preventing him from getting these weapons and either using them himself or passing them or their components on to terrorists who share his destructive intent," said Gephardt, who helped draft the measure.
Democratic Representative Dennis Kucinich, Ohio, said the 133 votes against the measure were "a very strong message" to the administration.
In conclusion, the facts speak for themselves, 133 democrats voted against the resolution compared to just SEVEN republicans total, and yes, only ONE republican Senator voted against it!!
STUDY UP!!

Bunning votes against Osama measure

PDB — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:56:43 GMT

We, whether liberals, conservatives, democrats, or republicans, have all been duped by these guys--the administration!
Thank you for pointing that out.
J.D. in California (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 9:04 PM)
No problem J.D., I guess I also feel that many, NOT you, feel "liberal" is a dirty word or an insult. I am a VERY PROUD progressive liberal. However, I was never fooled by the idiot in the White House and knew he was lying when he first began spewing his crap about WMD. I really was never duped, and I guess I am grateful for that!!

I also knew better and always knew he was NEVER competent to be president. Whether I am a democrat, I still knew this guy was just plain dumb....

Thank you....

Bunning votes against Osama measure

PDB — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:58:05 GMT

Desmond (Sent Monday, July 16, 2007 7:44 AM)

I AM SO SORRY!! I misunderstood your post. Please accept my apology!!

Bunning votes against Osama measure

Desmond — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 22:23:26 GMT

PDB, that's okay. I just read your post and your repost. It's easy to get confused with all the spin put out by the administration. Wouldn't be the first time someone misunderstood me. However, when my President called me unpatriotic for not supporting the Iraq war, that was a first.