U.S. Pols Furious Over Iraqi Pols Plans for Summer Break (just like camp!)

AP ^ | May 3, 2007 | AP

[Tulsa Ramjet]

WASHINGTON — Congress may be divided on whether to keep U.S. troops in Iraq, but there is one area where lawmakers are finding common ground: They are furious that Iraqi politicians are considering a lengthy break this summer.

"If they go off on vacation for two months while our troops fight — that would be the outrage of outrages," said Rep. Chris Shays, a Republican.

The Iraq parliament's recess, starting this July, would likely come without Baghdad politicians reaching agreements considered key to easing sectarian tensions. Examples include regulating distribution of the country's oil wealth and reversing measures that have excluded many Sunnis from jobs and government positions because of Baath party membership.

[Tulsa Ramjet]

"That is not acceptable," Republican Sen. John Warner said of a two-month recess. "An action of that consequence would send a very bad signal to the world that they don't have the resolve that matches the resolve of the brave troops that are fighting in the battle today."

Maliki: "Mother of heat! Its been a long hot spring. What's the status of my condo in Cozumel?" Aide: "Good to go, sir." Maliki: "Excellent. Much left to do, but these Americans can handle things while we break." Aide: "Uh sir,....what about developing our armies and infrastructure, and world aid, and the sectarian violence, and ......" Maliki: "Yes,yes,yes.....they will be here when we get back. OH! If McCain calls, just take a message and I'll get back with him. I wonder if the resort will have those drinks with the umbrellas...hmmm... nonalcoholic of course." Aide: "Of course, your enema,.eh..eminence."

[ovrtaxt]

I guess politicians are pretty much the same no matter where they slither from.

Here’s an infuriating tidbit:
“On Monday — the same day Democratic Rep. Ike Skelton issued a statement urging the Iraqi politicians to reconsider their summer break — the Iraqi parliament called for a ban on U.S. troops near a holy Shiite Muslim shrine. Protests were led by the radical anti-U.S. Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s bloc after U.S. and Iraqi troops conducted a raid near the shrine.”

[Tulsa Ramjet]

Maybe the U.S. ought to send all our troops home for a three month R & R and whatever Maliki returns to, that’s what he gets. Of course, I’m sure Erik Prince and Blackwater could provide the Fifth column to hold things over until Maliki and Big Army get back.

I guess the iraqi citizens getting bombed and killed everyday is just not a reason for the iraqi....er...leadership to stay at the office.

Strange, did the U.S. Founding Fathers take a summer break during the American Revolution?...just wondering.

[gondramB]

Two months off? I’m glad congress is standing up on this issue. Oh, wait... October 6 to January 18... Our congress takes three months off, not two.

http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/two_column_table/2006_Schedule.htm

[trumandogz]

It is tough to build a democracy while you are on vacation.

[johnny7]

Keep in mind who wrote this... and how they had quick responses from wobbly Republicans.

[PghBaldy]

Uh - Sen Warner takes a summer vacation, as do all the boobs in DC. Except for...the Executive Branch, which is the only branch running 24/7.

[Michael A. Velli]

Maybe these ungrateful thugs DO need a deadline imposed. I think they are beginning to take our sacrifices for granted.

[thulldud]

They ought to take a summer break in Iraq, and see how they like it. "Summer" in this case is a relative term, and Iraq is a 10 on the scale.

[Badeye]

Pretty hypocritical, seeing as Shay’s and everybody else on Capital Hill takes the entire month of August off each and every year, most of November and December, and a two week break in the spring.

Just a thought...

[Enchante]

"did the U.S. Founding Fathers take a summer break during the American Revolution?"

YES, although it made George Washington and others very concerned to see how little was getting done in the Continental Congress, how neglectful they could be of providing funds for the troops in the field, etc. I guess lazy self-satisfied politicians are just about the same everywhere!! [of course, in those days there certainly were no expectations anywhere that a legislature would be a full-time body, not that there were many legislatures of any kind in the world then........]

[Tulsa Ramjet]

“Uh - Sen Warner takes a summer vacation, as do all the boobs in DC.”

But our government isn’t under attack every day. Wait,..the libs continually attack our constitutional rights.

[Son House]

Probally like our congress, the less they do, the better.
And if they actually get out of the compound and have to deal
with the people, they could help with intelligence.
And if our congress don’t like it, probally is a good idea.

[Tulsa Ramjet]

“And if they actually get out of the compound and have to deal with the people, they could help with intelligence.”

You think they are going down to vacation in Basra? jk.
Everyone needs a break, even our soldiers need R & R. In typical knee-jerk reaction, just sounded strange.

[FreeAtlanta]

They are just trying to be like our God forsaken lazy congress.

[FreeAtlanta]

And, only work 4 day weeks.