ISG (Iraq Study Group) News Conference starting now

Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:02 AM
Original message

ISG (Iraq Study Group) News Conference starting now

Edited on Wed Dec-06-06 11:04 AM by Solly Mack

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:03 AM
Response to Original message

1. kickity kick.

i love big ol' media circuses like this ;)

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malaise

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:04 AM
Response to Reply #1

3. And circus it is n/t

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:04 AM
Response to Original message

2. I'm watching on ABC from Germany

Not sure how long it will be on as channels here "share" news time from America.

Lee Hamilton is speaking...the opening. Thanking everyone involved.

Says situation in Iraq is "grave" and "deteriorating"

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:05 AM
Response to Original message

4. "Our ship of state has hit rough waters." They love their metaphors.

They should quit government and become English teachers.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:06 AM
Response to Original message

5. "No course in Iraq will stop a slide into chaos"

They recommend a "new" approach to reach Bush's goal..."an iraq that can sustain itself"

Plan to change the mission of the troops in Iraq

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:06 AM
Response to Original message

6. Three recs:

1) New mission for soldiers so we can bring 'em home
2) Better Iraqi Gov't
3) More diplomacy.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:08 AM
Response to Reply #6

9. Thanks, The Witch!!!!

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ProfessorGAC

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:27 AM
Response to Reply #6

47. Duh! Duh! And, Duh!

This is what the democrats, who "didn't have any ideas" have been saying for 2 years! And, absent in that statement is any acknowledgement that anybody who didn't see this situation in Iraq before the fact, is a buffoon.

They're going to make "recommendations" which will be non-binding, and there is no admonition for the idiots who got us into this.
The Professor

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:07 AM
Response to Original message

7. "U.S. must encourage the Iraqis to take responsibility..."

"Increase the number of troops 'embedded' in the Iraqi army"

Got that? US troops are "embedded"

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malaise

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:07 AM
Response to Reply #7

8. The report

http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2006/images/12/06/iraq.report.pdf

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:08 AM
Response to Reply #8

11. I'm printing it out now

Thanks!!

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malaise

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:13 AM
Response to Reply #11

23. 79 recommendations starting with

the launch of a comprehensive Diplomatic Offensive.

Baker -Do not recommend 'stay the course' or increasing forces in excess of 100,000 troops. Fugg 100,000 more troops in jeopardy.

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:08 AM
Response to Original message

10. Increase # of US troops embedded w/Iraqis until all non-embedded forces are OUT by 2008!

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:09 AM
Response to Original message

12. US must NOT make open-ended commitment to troops in Iraq

:cry: :applause:

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H2O Man

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:09 AM
Response to Original message

13. Yep.

We are seeing the surface now. I believe there is significant turbulence beneath this display.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:09 AM
Response to Reply #13

15. I agree...Baker now up

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H2O Man

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:14 AM
Response to Reply #15

26. "...no magic formula ..."

I found it interesting that the "experts" on MSNBC last night were saying that the fellows from the Bush1 group hold George W. in contempt. This is the failure that the old man was weeping about. He knows that the son is hoping to reject this group's recommendations. That was what the failed meeting with al-Maliki was about last week. The father knows his boy is out of control.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:16 AM
Response to Reply #26

28. Think Shrub will go with family in the end?

The Bush's are big on family "unity"...and Poppy knows his name - the family name - is also at stake

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H2O Man

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:23 AM
Response to Reply #28

38. My main concern

is the Saudi push to get the US to try to "decrease" the strength of al-Sadr's Mahdi Army. The moves by Prince Turki and even the Washington Post op-ed by Nawaf Obaid, and VP Cheney's being called to visit Saudi Arabia, are all part of that effort. It is the context where the "leaked" Hadley memo makes the most sense, too.

Bush has to either admit that the central delusion he has had -- of being a great "war president" -- is a failure that is of historic nature. Or he can believe the Cheneyites, that he might pull out the miracle, if he tries something bold.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:25 AM
Response to Reply #38

44. Did you see the report by Obaid I posted a while back?

Edited on Wed Dec-06-06 11:29 AM by Solly Mack

regarding SA's concerns over Iraq?

http://www.saudi-us-relations.org/fact-book/documents/2006/060821-snsap-fractured-iraq.pdf

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H2O Man

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:30 AM
Response to Reply #44

50. Was it the

op-ed? I know the concern that there is concern about "a full-blown ethnic-cleansing campaign" being directed against Sunnis if the US leaves.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:32 AM
Response to Reply #50

51. I added the link..No, this was a report regarding SA's

concerns over Iraq.

The bit behind Obaid's press coverage

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H2O Man

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:40 AM
Response to Reply #51

55. Right.

The op-ed was an updated, briefer version of SA's concerns regarding Iraq.

Interesting. Thanks for the link.

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Uncle Joe

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:53 AM
Response to Reply #26

65. I believe you hit the nail on the head H2O Man

I also believe he knows his son came to power via coup and the Bush name will pay a long term price for that and *'s obvious incompetence.

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H2O Man

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Wed Dec-06-06 12:21 PM
Response to Reply #65

67. Sure.

It's not uncommon for a father to like one of his children better than another. In this case, he surely had to at very least have far more respect for Jeb. He knows that George W. has destroyed any chance that Jeb had for extending the dynasty.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 12:24 PM
Response to Reply #67

68. I agree JEB was the original chosen

but I worry about the younger Bush's making an attempt after enough time goes by...

Memories are funny things.

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H2O Man

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Wed Dec-06-06 12:27 PM
Response to Reply #68

69. Right.

No family wants to be remembered for the crimes of the lowliest member. And that's a normal family. The Bush dynasty still has a great deal of juice, both in the US and around the globe. They aren't going to fade away gracefully.

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Tatiana

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:55 AM
Response to Reply #26

66. Interesting analysis. I agree with you. n/t

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LSK

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:09 AM
Response to Original message

14. its on CSPAN3

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:10 AM
Response to Reply #14

17. Hi, LSK!!! Thanks!!!!

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:10 AM
Response to Original message

16. US should REDUCE support to Iraq if they don't meet benchmarks

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LSK

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:11 AM
Response to Reply #16

19. gee, that sounds like John Kerry over a year ago

:eyes:

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:11 AM
Response to Original message

18. Baker: "New diplomatic offensive" (needed)

Support group should include Iraq and her neighbors..UN 5 member countries...EU...Secretary general

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:11 AM
Response to Original message

20. Diplomatic offensive? Isn't that an oxymoron?

;)

Baker calling for "International Iraqi Support Group" including ALL surrounding states, Egypt, EU, Gulf states, and UNSC perm. member states....

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:12 AM
Original message

I chuckled

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:12 AM
Response to Original message

21. Baker: "We make 79 recommendations in the report"

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:12 AM
Response to Original message

22. And Baker says lasting stable peace in Israel/Arab conflict is key.

I feel like the brains of the outfit have finally showed.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:14 AM
Response to Original message

24. Baker: "Precipitous withdrawal might cause a bloodbath in region"

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LSK

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:17 AM
Response to Reply #24

29. as opposed to the current bloodbath???

:wtf:

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:19 AM
Response to Reply #29

32. Exactly! WTF???

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:14 AM
Response to Original message

25. He DOESN'T recommend:

1) "Stay the course" <- no longer viable
2) More overall troops. (More embedded troops ARE rec'd) They're not available.
3) Division of Iraq. Cities are mixed, and management would be weak.
4) Precipitous withdrawal, would invite wider regional war.

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:15 AM
Response to Original message

27. Challenges to their recs:

1) Political will, requires Exec & Leg to work together.
2) Time is of the essence before events make it unfeasible.

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:18 AM
Response to Original message

30. Q&A. Q from WaPo: What are odds if recs implemented? were you worried your report would be too late?

Edited on Wed Dec-06-06 11:18 AM by The Witch

No, never any doubt, we didn't want to do it during elections, so we decided that early.

Chances for success: Anyone have a crystal ball? But we say in report, if you do what we say, it will improve.

Hammy: There's at least a chance, and we have an obligation to try.

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:20 AM
Response to Reply #30

33. follow-up is this all-or-nothing or can Prez pick 'n' choose?

a: It's recommendations, not an order, but this was the only thing that will get bipartisan support.
Hammy: We tried to put together a comprehensive report. A comprehensive approach has to be taken. bush indicated that it presents to the people a common opportunity to deal w/the problems in Iraq.

"a matter of faith' for us that we'll be stronger if united.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:18 AM
Response to Original message

31. Hamilton: "..situation in Iraq is very, very serious...

we do not know if it can be turned around...but we believe our recommendations...."

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:22 AM
Response to Original message

34. Q: "Victory" is not in your report. So are we avoiding catastrophe?

(Practicing my steno skills this morning!!)

A: We stay away from a lotta terms. Civil war's not in there. Success is, tho.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:23 AM
Response to Reply #34

39. Isn't "victory" and success sort, kinda ,in a way...the same thing?

That's what I was thinking when he said that

BTW, THANK YOU!!!! (for your wonderful steno skills!!!!)

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:25 AM
Response to Reply #39

43. My fingers are getting tired....

:hangover:

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blogslut

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:22 AM
Response to Original message

35. The press seems a wee bit hostile

Or am I imagining that?

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:23 AM
Response to Reply #35

40. this guy sure was.

seriously. sit down, junior.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:24 AM
Response to Reply #35

41. They seem hostile to me too

At least not willing to just accept it all

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:23 AM
Response to Original message

36. Q: Why should he give your recs more weight than commanders on ground?

Wow, a tough Q!

A: We're public servants w/distinguished records. (Sit down, Junior. :rofl:)

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LSK

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:23 AM
Response to Original message

37. why does Lee Hamilton keep showing up on these things???

Is he the token Democrat??

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:27 AM
Response to Reply #37

46. Most definitely

Lieberman just wishes the GOP loved him as much they love Hamilton.

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:24 AM
Response to Original message

42. We're a "buncha has-beens" but we're bipartisan.

Failed laugh line :eyes:

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The Witch

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:26 AM
Response to Original message

45. Ooh, good answer to good question.

Q: What evidence do you have Syria and Iran will cooperate?

A: If they don't cooperate when we put it to them, that will negatively affect their standing in the world.

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LSK

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:29 AM
Response to Original message

48. Iran is the new Soviet Union - both are commited to our destruction???

Oh I forgot, its mr Defense Contracts of the Carlysle Group speaking.

Nevermind.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:30 AM
Response to Reply #48

49. lol! precisely

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:36 AM
Response to Original message

52. Question being asked on how the report will go over

with Bush already rejecting some of the recommendations

Panetta answering ..saying the "war" has divided the country...and what this group did was try to set aside those divisions and they hope to promote less division...and if you (the people) look at the realities of Iraq...they want to "unite" (the uniter group) the people...the country and take "one last chance of making Iraq work and one last chance unifying this country"

Got news for the Iraq Study Group...fuck them and their talk of "unity"

What Bush did and is doing in Iraq is criminal...I will NOT "get behind" anything that doesn't state that quite clearly.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:39 AM
Response to Original message

53. O'Connor saying it's up to the media to get the people to

understand they need to get behind a policy in Iraq in order for it to succeed.

FUCK THAT!!!

I will not be part of a consensus that allows Bush to get away with his crimes.

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Skidmore

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:39 AM
Response to Original message

54. Alan Simpson, who pushed *'s war to the max during the

elections, now is Mr. Bipartisan. He badmouthed Dems and insulted some the very ideas that they are now proposing then. Lord, I detest these hypocrites.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:42 AM
Response to Original message

56. Apparently, the ISG's goal is to "unite" America behind any

policy on Iraq

All these warm fuzzies terms of unity...bi partisan, consensus, end the division, unite the country....

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Skidmore

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:43 AM
Response to Reply #56

57. Solly, I don't know about you, but I'm not feeling very

warm, fuzzy, or inclined to unite on anything right now that involves more war and meddling in other nations.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:48 AM
Response to Reply #57

60. Me neither, Skidmore....me neither

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Deb

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:48 AM
Response to Reply #56

61. I got the impression they fear a continued division

will create violence between the pros and cons on our own streets.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:51 AM
Response to Reply #61

63. I think they fear their own status quo being disrupted should that

happen ...and not worried about the people in the streets doing the fighting.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:46 AM
Response to Original message

58. "Final question"...."Is this a war we can afford to lose?"

Hamilton answers

"We understand things can fall apart...that's not where we are now..."

"If those circumstances change radically, if they fall apart, we will have to make adjustments..."

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jannyk

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:47 AM
Response to Original message

59. Anyone notice 3 out of every 5 questions

were asked by Fox News? The room must be lousy with them.

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:49 AM
Response to Reply #59

62. Did seem like more than a few of them asking questions

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Solly Mack

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Wed Dec-06-06 11:51 AM
Response to Original message

64. Conference over...C-SPAN taking calls/reaction to

I'll be tuning out now. :)

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