First the story:

(my comments inline)

Republicans slam Democrat plan to hit Bush from bases

http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20060322-122733-3061r.htm

Republicans accused Capitol Hill Democrats yesterday of plotting to use military bases as props for political press events to criticize President Bush for his handling of the war in Iraq.

"I think that is deplorable," Sen. George Allen, Virginia Republican, said yesterday on Fox News. "It is pitiful. We are at war. This country needs to be unified and realize who the enemy is — it’s not fellow Americans."

Mr. Allen and others cited a memo distributed last week by the office of Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid that recommended Senate Democrats hold press events at, among other places, military bases.

Uh, hold on.  Not so fast here.  Haven’t the Republicans, specifically President Bush been happy to use Military bases as venues to give motivating speeches to friendly audiences?  Thou doth protest too much.

Reading on….

Jim Manley, spokesman for the Nevada Democrat, dismissed the accusations and pointed to several examples of Mr. Bush and other Republicans using soldiers in uniform and military equipment for what he said was clear political gain. Among them was Mr. Bush’s 2003 fighter-jet landing onto an aircraft carrier adorned with a huge banner that read: "Mission Accomplished."

"President Bush and Republicans have perfected the art of politicizing our military, and they should think twice before they unfairly accuse Democrats of following in their path," Mr. Manley said.

Frankly I cannot really disagree here.  The fact is that the military personal are a huge swing vote and they are obvious targets from all sides.  The Republicans have enjoyed their support and have openly used military events to promote policy.

But at the same time, what was briefly mentioned  but is mostly overlooked is the impact these speeches at the bases can have on the troops, particularly in the field.  I don’t want to condone anyone going and talking down the war in a way that negatively affects the troops.  That is the part I am the most concerned with.

So in this regard, what they say is more important to me then where they say it.

Republicans say that the direct criticisms of Mr. Bush and Republicans in Congress is precisely why it’s wrong to stage the events at military installations, where political events are not allowed. When Mr. Bush makes a speech before the Naval Academy, they say, he does so as commander in chief and is careful to avoid overtly political rhetoric.

"President Bush and the Republican majority in Congress have enacted strong policies to keep Americans safe during a global war on terror," North Carolina Sen. Elizabeth Dole, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said yesterday. "As an alternative, the Democrats present political games and gimmicks." 

Sadly, one parties policy is another’s game and gimmick, so it’s hard to find a moral high ground here.  Bush may be CIC, but his speeches are obviously being used to shore up support.  Yes he also intends, I think, to encourage the troops, to keep their morale up, but the fact remains that while doing so he has used his speeches in politically motivated ways.

Mr. Manley said the memo is an attempt to coordinate policy, not politics. In it, Democratic leaders also recommended that members hold press conferences this week at ports, local veteran halls and factories to sell their agenda aimed at protecting Americans’ security here and on the battlefield 

Yes, they finally got the message that security and safety are important, and they need to be strong with a unified agenda.  But…

"Unlike Bush and his Republicans in Congress who have used America’s military as a backdrop for five years, Democrats are talking to our troops, veterans and families about an agenda based on real competency and real security to keep them and our country safe and provide the benefits they need and deserve," Mr. Manley said. "It’s simple — Republicans won’t tell their constituents the truth. Democrats will. 

Well, no, it’s not so simple.  The issue is one that really cannot be trivialized to "Bush Lies".  Them falling back on the tactic of presumptive and baseless accusations is no better then their presidential slogan of "anyone’s better then Bush"

Democrats, just deal with the issue straightforward and with logic, and tell us what you would do better to keep us safe, and lose their rhetoric.   If you reduce it to name calling, you will not gain anything but the rabid fringe.

Better yet, join with the Republicans to unify behind policy that makes the country safe because the people are your first priority, not reelection.  Republicans pay heed too…..people are tired of being your tools and pawns in the national game of Monopoly.

Kevin Madden, spokesman for House Majority Leader John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican, said Democrats in both chambers don’t distinguish between "policy and posturing."

"They have done nothing but elevate obstacles and pursue partisanship in a post-September 11 world," he said. "This memo is verification of a party that bows at the altar of political opportunity while ignoring real homeland security interests."

I don’t think either party has been very glorious at encouraging harmony and bipartisanship.  This is another accusation that rings hollow.

Pot meet Kettle.  You should know each other well by now…..

All you do is fight over the stove, and which burner you are on….but we are the ones who invariably get cooked in the end.

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