Double or Nothing

So this is Christmas: 2978 American soldiers killed in Iraq since the beginning of the war. That makes it official. We have equaled the number of Americans killed on Sept. 11th, barely a mile from where I am now.

I would ask what they died for, but no matter what, it wasn't necessary, it wasn't justified. Oil, revenge, or an honest belief in what they were doing, nobody can say for sure, well, except the ones who will never talk, but it doesn't matter.

2007 will see many calls from the Americans, the British, the Republicans, and even some Democrats to renew our forces (and sacrifice more soldiers) into the hell fires of Iraq. We must come together as a nation to say no to our lawmakers and to demand the immediate planning for a staged withdrawal and complete turnover of security to the Iraqi people and let them fight for their future.

Some of us may have broken it, but the whole country sure as hell doesn't have to pay for it.

Balancing on the Edge of a Scalpal

South Dakota's Senator Tim Johnson (D) is in critical condition in a hospital after brain surgery today. His doctors have reported that Sen. Johnson "was found to have had an intracerebral bleed caused by a congenital arteriovenous malformation,” a condition often fatal. Unfortunately, SD law permits the state governor (Republican Gov. Mike Rounds) to name a successor if he resigns or dies. The natural conclusion is that the Republicans will name a Republican to succeed Sen. Johnson.

This puts Dick Cheney in the ominous position of being able to break any voting 'ties' in the Senate, which he would most assuredly do in favor of Republican plans.

I am not religious in any way, but if there is anything to be said of prayer and good will, I feel it necessary to ask all of this country's Democrats, and truly righteous individuals of all walks to wish or pray for a speedy recovery for Sen. Johnson. We can then hope that he feels it necessary to stay in his position for the duration of his term.