Playing politics on troops’ withdrawal

Re “Democrats unite on Iraq pullout plan,” April 26

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and the rest of the Democratic congressional leadership have sent the president a bill that includes a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. The Democratic leadership knows full well that the president will veto the bill and that they lack the necessary votes to override the veto.

Nevertheless, the Democrats see political opportunity in pushing the bill forward, as they believe it will benefit them in 2008. The reality is that the Democrats are only reinforcing the will of the insurgents, who believe that higher casualty rates will generate even more demands to fast-track our withdrawal. The fact that the Democrats’ actions and comments have the very real potential to increase the loss of American lives seems to be of little concern to them as they attempt to maximize a political opportunity.

It would perhaps be beneficial for them to read the section of the Uniform Code of Military Justice dealing with aiding and abetting the enemy.

BOB FITZGERALD

Laguna Hills

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As a proud, progressive Democrat, I am infuriated that if President Bush vetoes the bill, congressional Democrats may strip out the withdrawal timeline in the next bill. Then why bother going through this useless exercise?

The past election showed that people want a change of course in Iraq. Democrats, show some spine and support the troops by cutting off funding for this misadventure we call the Iraq war. What are you afraid of? The people will support you.

DARYL LUBINSKY

Gardena

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We want to bring our troops home. Bush wants to veto our demand. Can we negotiate? We won’t move to impeach him if he brings the troops home now.

STEPHANY YABLOW

North Hollywood