The trap is set. Bush has declined to define an exit strategy in Iraq, even when handed one by the Iraq Study Group – the now forgotten Commission tasked to evaluate the Iraq War. Instead, Bush has gone with something called a surge – shorthand for escalating the War rather than ending it. In order to do that, he’s extended troop stays yet again and submitted an outrageous request for funding. As he has said, he will not leave Iraq.
Congress has gotten started today. The House has passed a non-binding resolution against the troop increase. The Senate may soon do the same. Bush will of course ignore both and press for funding.
The trap: If Congress funds his escalation, they nullify their resolution. If they don’t, Bush says they’re not supporting the troops, they’re not strong on National Defense, and he blames whatever happens on Congress. His hands are tied. Wherever Congress lands, he has an excuse.
The double bind: In interpersonal theory, such a situation is known as a double bind, the impossible situation, a dilemma. When in the throes of a double bind, what can one do? The usual response is paralysis, or impulsivity, or picking one side or the other and looking like a fool. The right answer is to talk and talk endlessly about the impossibility of the situation. To refuse to be "bound" by returning the dilemma to its author – in this case, President Bush. And it’s imperative that they talk about the situation he’s putting Congress in, about his attempt to shift blame, about his disasterous handling of the war, and maybe begin impeachment hearings based on just this – refusing to listen to the Iraq Study Group, Congress, the people, or anyone else. Acting lets him off the hook and assumes the responsibility for his folly.
Don’t do it for him. Impeach him for not doing it.
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