House Democrats Making Harsh Summer Recess For Republicans

Democratic fights on hot-button issues seem shamelessly timed to keep their party in control of Congress.House Democrats Making Harsh Summer Recess For RepublicansBy Cliff Montgomery – Aug. 3rd, 2007Republican lawmakers are sure to have a lousy August recess, at least if things work out for House Democratic leaders.The Dems have apparently been forcing the G.O.P. to vote on a slew of issues this week, just before the summer break. As Congressional lawmakers go back to their districts on Aug. 6th for a month-long recess, one can reasonably figure the Democrats’ sudden flurry of activity is a drive to remind voters of Republicans’ increasingly unpopular positions on numerous controversial issues.Of course, no one forced the G.O.P. to adopt positions which so many Americans feel to be a denial of both reality and common sense. But the timing of these Democratic actions may leave something to be desired.If the Democrats have behaved more like this throughout their rule of Congress this year, they probably would have retained most of the goodwill and fervent support their forceful, liberal positions created among the American people back in November.The various bills and proposals being discussed cover a slew of hot-button topics, from closing the prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to finalizing a massive security bill which would implement several recommendations of the renowned 9/11 Commission, to requiring minimum training levels for U.S. soldiers being sent to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan.And, as you’d expect, Dems also are crafting another bill which would set a definite timetable for a troop withdrawal from the fruitless nation-building of Iraq.“It’s important to do whatever we can before we leave for this break,” Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), told Congressional Quarterly magazine.“We have to keep pressing it,” he added.This forces House Republicans to face the rising outrage of voters who correctly demand real change in America’s Iraq war policy.By and of themselves, the Democrats’ positions on these important matters are mostly fine, and a few–such as their current view on Iraq–are indeed admirable.But continually re-starting, then giving up their popular fight to force a change on such an important issue when firmness is demanded to the bitter end, is a cycle which does not solve the problems of the day.Performed at the right moments however, the repeated process can rather shamelessly keep their party in charge of Congress.That seems to be the cynical way Congress is now being run by Democratic leaders–and it’s a damn shame.Like what you’re reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of thee-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!