Who in the reality-based community - otherwise known as the vast majority of Americans - thinks bringing the troops home is a bad idea, at this point in the Worst Groundhog Day Ever?
It appears that Bush might be counting his "continue the surge forever" supporters on the fingers of one hand. Even the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Peter Pace - who will not be re-appointed in September - wants the Deciderer to hear HIS voice and
make the right decision.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is expected to tell President Bush to cut the US footprint in Iraq next year by almost half, according to an article in Friday's (registration-restricted) LA Times.
Officials say Marine Gen. Peter Pace will convey concerns by the chiefs that keeping in excess of 100,000 troops in Iraq into 2008 will "severely strain" the US armed forces.
This assessment, the paper says, may sow discord with top Bush officials and Bush's top commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, who continue to push for more troops.
Interestingly, Pace, who was appointed by President Bush, will not be reappointed when his term comes up in September.
Petraeus will likely back the White House view that a continued surge is required to produce "political progress" in Iraq.
"Pace's recommendations reflect the views of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who initially expressed private skepticism about the strategy ordered by Bush and directed by Petraeus, before publicly backing it," according to the Times.
So, the military doesn't want us there any more. Even loyal Bushie General Petraeus
recently showed uncertainty about our mission Over There. Meanwhile, respected Republic Senator John Warner
pled with President Bush yesterday to start bringing the troops home by Christmas - essentially, the same timetable Mr. Pace is recommending.
There's only so long any President has been able to stay in office without popular support. One reason Bill Clinton was able to survive his impeachment trial was his high favorability numbers during that time. Our approval sustained him through the Republic Congress' heinous misuse of power.
But this time, Bush is finally starting to lose the military and Congressional firewall that has been protecting him and his cronies from the justified wrath of the American people.
How long, Lord, how long, before justice is done and our neocon dreams of empire can finally be extinguished? How long before we turn from killing and towards diplomacy and integrity? I suspect that if the Democrats continue to tear down the wall - not much longer.
