We, the People

"I'm the decision maker," BushCheney declared today. Article II, section 2 of the Constitution does indeed give him the authority to command American forces. But that same document begins with the phrase "We, the People of the United States". Whatever authority BushCheney exercises derives from the consent of the governed.

And we decided on November 7, 2006 that Iraq was NOT in our national interest. If BushCheney is unwilling to listen, I recommend everyone read the words of Molly Ivins:

A surge is not acceptable to the people in this country — we have voted overwhelmingly against this war in polls (about 80 percent of the public is against escalation, and a recent Military Times poll shows only 38 percent of active military want more troops sent) and at the polls. We know this is wrong. The people understand, the people have the right to make this decision, and the people have the obligation to make sure our will is implemented.

[...]

We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. Raise hell. Think of something to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. Make our troops know we're for them and trying to get them out of there. Hit the streets to protest Bush's proposed surge. If you can, go to the peace march in Washington on Jan. 27. We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding, "Stop it, now!"

See you in the streets tomorrow.

postscript

Please keep Molly in your thoughts. She's been hospitalized in her ongoing bout with breast cancer. Hers is one voice I would hate to see stilled.