Nothing gets on my nerves more than people who claim only Republicans support the troops; that support being unquestioned loyalty to President Bush that ignores the now debunked “intelligence” and flat out lies that led to the war in Iraq.  It is not supporting the troops to send them into a war that was both unnecessary and ill-prepared for.  It is not supporting the troops to send them into war without the proper training and equipment.  It is not supporting the troops to keep them away from their homes and families for one tour after another.  It is not supporting the troops to send them home, then a year or 18 months later “ask” them to put their lives on hold once again and go back to Iraq.  It is not supporting the troops to give them shoddy medical care when they come back physically and psychologically damaged.  This is what Republicans are supporting with their unquestioned loyalty to President Bush.  This is what Democrats are allowing to happen when the live in fear of being labeled anti-troop.   That’s why it’s important all of us to call these people out.  While I’m not a big Frank Rich fan, I think he does an excellent job of doing just that in this editorial.

Instead of fighting as the American people who put them in power would want them to, Democrats caved and gave President Bush most of what he wanted in the just passed sureveillance bill.  Sure, it will expire in 6 months with Congress’ renewal, but a lot of damage can be done in 6 months and we all know it will be renewed.  Yeah, the wiretaps have to be approved by both the National Intelligence Director and the Attorney-General, but both have been appointed by the president and out AG has proven that he cares little about the pesky constitution.  If Democrats don’t understand what the American people want, they do not deserve to stay in power.