"The challenge we face today is not how to win in Iraq; it is how to recover from a strategic mistake: invading Iraq in the first place," General Odom said. "The president has let (the Iraq war) proceed on automatic pilot, making no corrections in the face of accumulating evidence that his strategy is failing and cannot be rescued. He lets the United States fly further and further into trouble, squandering its influence, money and blood, facilitating the gains of our enemies."

The reasoning for the proposed legislation is contained above.  For those congressmen who were derelict enough to allow Bush into Iraq in the first place, they should place the quote above their desk, memorize it and speak it profusely to anyone who questions their motives in favoring the recent legislation.

In other words, the General, "who does not favor congressional involvement in the execution of foreign and military policy", has established the talking points for the debate favoring the legislation.

There, have I said it enough, and in enough ways for the average congressman to catch on?

Also, consider the above as a retort in relation to the imbecilic argument spewed by supporters of staying the course in Iraq - mostly GOP - along the lines of:

• "Every generation of Americans have had their obligation to stand up and protect their country, not just for today but for tomorrow and the next generation," House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, pleaded. "We have a solemn obligation to the American people to finish the job we started." Boehner then added, "We will embolden our enemies and it's our kids and their kids who will pay a very, very steep price". [1]