Bush Digs the Hole Deeper

Well, the worst-kept secret of the new year is officially out: George Bush is convinced that more troops and more money can pull a victory out of the fire in Iraq.

It isn't hard to understand. If there is one chance in 20 that this will work, then it is a simple choice for him. That 1 in 20 bet certainly looks a lot better than withdrawing in defeat. In any event, an escalation of the war will probably mean that the next president will be the one to evacuate the Green Zone.

At least some of the U.S. trainers working with the Iraqi army doubt that 20,000 new troops will make a difference where it most matters: In the ability of the Iraqi army to take over this war and stabilize their own country. While I don't agree with army trainers on everything, it is hard to argue with them on this one.

The Democratic leadership in Congress seems ready to fight Bush on this escalation, and some on the Republican side are interested enough in getting re-elected to join them. Bravo! The larger question is whether or not they are ready to push for a plan to end this war. The signals are less clear on that one.

Regardless of the haze in D.C., people around the country seem ready to speak more clearly. The Win Without War coalition is using new and old media to organize a campaign to answer the Bush plan with an immediate and resounding NO! The coalition is not just demanding that no more troops go to Iraq . . . it also insists on a plan for a safe, secure withdrawal of U.S. troops by the end of 2007.

If you agree, go to the website put together for the No More Troops! campaign and enter your zip code. You'll be shown a list of events happening Thursday in your area. If there isn't one happening near you, organize one! There are more events listed in my area each time I go to the site. I note proudly that many Unitarian Universalist and other progressive congregations are hosting events.