Dems oppose escalation

It's a whole lot easier to rev up for pressuring Congress when it's a matter of holding them to a position they've taken rather than trying to drag them into the general vicinity of the right approach.

The choices in Iraq are narrowing. All but a distinct minority understand that no 'victory' is possible. Bush, Cheney, McCain, Lieberman and their 30% claque are for escalating; everyone else is for some version of getting out.

For once, Democratic leaders are speaking up with and for the people. Here are some highlights of yesterday's letter from Reid and Pelosi to Bush opposing his escalation plan:

No issue is more important than finding an end to the war in Iraq. ... [W]e believe the way forward is to begin the phased redeployment of our forces in the next four to six months ... A renewed diplomatic strategy, both within the region and beyond, is also required to help the Iraqis agree to a sustainable political settlement.

In short, it is time to begin to move our forces out of Iraq.

There's room for improvement, sure, but they're facing in the right direction. Help push them forward: Come to DC on January 27 for the demo and/or January 29 for the lobby day.