To Fight Again Tomorrow

Turn back the clock to the 1940s. Hitler, Hirohito and Mussolini have managed to defeat the Allies and conquer the world.

The Articles of Surrender are before the Congress and the forced acceptance of this harsh reality settles over the Capitol like a burial shroud. Muted, broken, despairing, the Senators and Representatives realize the crushing reality of defeat.

Contrast that to the Dem's effort to seal our defeat in Iraq, as reported in The Hill on March 23.

Many House Democrats stayed on the floor, reveling in their victory. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey and Representative John Murtha hugged each other while a smiling [majority leader Steny] Hoyer shook every hand he could find. . . . [majority whip James] Clyburn joked with members as [Speaker Nancy] Pelosi kissed and hugged her colleagues.

It was a reprehensible show by a party that has decided to put its welfare in 2008 ahead of the long-term welfare of the nation; to spare the troops some hardship today, assuring a longer, nastier war ahead.

The big question: As Reid and Schumer gleefully count the votes the Dems will get for voting for defeat, are they disgusting America or speaking to America?

hat-tip Jeff Jacoby via RCP