Pryce's Republican Mantra

We know that Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce (OH-15) supposedly represents our district. However, in reality, she just repeats the Republican talking points. Rather than have a human being represent us, we have a Republican robot. Get a load of what Pryce said during the recent Iraq resolution debate (LINK):

"If it meant anything, it would be a different argument, but it won’t bring one soldier home sooner and it won’t change the course of this war. It has no teeth, no muscle; but most of all, it has no positive value whatsoever for us as a Nation at war. Some people say it sends a message to our Commander in Chief, and I believe that that is true. But that message pales compared to the message it sends to our enemies; our enemies, who pledge that their jihad will last until their religion prevails in the world; not until we are out of Iraq, until their religion prevails in the world; our enemies, who believe it is their religious duty to bring hostility to the West and to America. They are tuned in today, Mr. Speaker, you better believe it, and no doubt they are cheering." - Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH)

I can only think of one word to describe Pryce's speech and that word is........BALONEY.
Are we not to discuss the reasons for the war? Can't we talk about ways to get out of this war? How many more of our young men and women have to die because Pryce and her Republicans won't take the first step toward ending this war? Does Pryce speak for our enemies? Does she really know what they think? Pryce also doesn't speak for our troops. Our men and women in uniform are Democrats, Republicans, Independents, conservatives, and liberals. Deborah Pryce does not know what every soldier and Marine thinks, and therefore, she should not assume that she speaks for them.

Also, some Republicans said that the recent debate on the Iraq resolution was a waste of time? The members of the House and the Senate are our salaried employees. It doesn't matter if they work overtime because they don't get overtime pay. I don't care if they work 100 hours per week, just get this war over with and bring our military home.

One Small Step in the Right Direction

Those members of Congress who are against the non-binding resolution currently being debated, do not understand the magnitude of this vote. Every event in history, whether good or bad, starts with one small step. Here are two of my examples:

1. The American Revolution did not explode immediately into a full war against the King of England. Colonists showed their dissatisfaction with protests and small altercations.

2. The Civil Rights movement was not an overnight, massive movement. Rosa Parks and her refusal to sit in the back of the bus, was a simple act that began a bus boycott. The bus boycott also brought a young minister, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., into a leadership position and later to national prominence.

The non-binding resolution that states opposition to Bush's troop surge/escalation in Iraq, is a statement. However, it is a statement that registers an opinion that opposes Bush's war plans. The resolution is a small step in the right direction that could bring our troops home sooner.

Those members of Congress who vote against the resolution will be remembered. By voting against the resolution, Deborah Pryce and others, are stating that they (1.) like war, (2.) don't mind the casualties, (3.) support spending and losing billions of dollars in Iraq,
(4.) support the war based on lies, and (5.) support the failed policies of this administration.

The Miami Herald has an article about what is ahead for those in opposition to the resolution:

....The nonbinding resolution could influence lawmakers' reelection prospects, their willingness to back stronger antiwar policies later and how other nations view the United States.

No one feels more pressure over the vote than the lawmakers -- mostly Republicans -- who won election in November by narrow margins....

....Republicans in swing districts who don't back the resolution can expect to be attacked in next year's elections. They include Reps. Deborah Pryce of Ohio, Thelma Drake of Virginia and Robin Hayes of North Carolina. Each barely won reelection in November. This vote could end their careers.

''There are a lot of seats in play,'' said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. ``I think this is going to be a big issue for voters in 2008.''

...President Bush says the resolution will not change his plans no matter how many Republicans support it. Once the vote clears, House Democrats intend to shift to binding legislation to limit troop deployments and funding.....

Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce, who voted time and time again against veterans benefits, is opposing the resolution. Those of us who live and vote in Ohio's 15th congressional district will remember Pryce's lack of support for the troops and her opposition to this resolution.

Are Republicans Serious About Ending the War?

With all the latest news about mounting casualties in Iraq, why haven't the Republicans gotten serious about ending the war? Why haven't the Republicans in the House and Senate joined Democrats in pushing for strategies that will bring the troops home? Do the Republicans like war? Do they like seeing other people's family members get killed and wounded? Do members of the GOP really care? I think they don't care. I believe that the Republicans are playing political games by trying to ruin the Democrats chances of success. Let your representative and senators know that you will hold them accountable for each death in Iraq while they stall the process of ending the war. Those Republicans who refuse to join efforts to end the war should not count on being re-elected in the next election.