Iraq Delusions

		Three years have now passed since the start of the Iraq war. First Americans were misled by the use of manipulated intelligence and outright false claims about Iraq's ties to September 11th. Since then, we have received a steady stream of propaganda, declaring "Mission Accomplished", describing an insurgency in its "last throes" and claiming great progress as Iraq descends into civil war. The distortions continued this afternoon, as President Bush took the stage and again misled people. Here's what he said: BUSH: "First, just if I might correct a misperception, I don't think we ever said -- at least I know I didn't say that there was a direct connection between September the 11th and Saddam Hussein." That is false. In fact, almost exactly three years ago he did just that: "The use of armed forces against Iraq is consistent with the United States and other countries continuing to take the necessary actions against international terrorists and terrorist organizations, including those nations, organizations or person who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001." [President George W. Bush, Letter to Congress, 3/21/03] Republicans in the White House and Congress have a three-part political strategy on Iraq: ignore the reality on the ground, cover up past failures and distortions, and attack the patriotism of anyone who demands accountability. None of that will solve anything in Iraq, and none of it will make America safer. Fighting back requires only one strategy -- telling the truth. You can combat the distortions and get the truth out in your community by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper. Our letters-to-the-editor tool makes it fast and simple: http://www.democrats.org/page/speakout/iraq Every day more and more Americans are stepping up and speaking out about failed Republican leadership and what it's done to, and failed to do for, our country. And just as importantly, Democrats in Congress and in communities across the country are fighting back. Last week nearly 90,000 Americans like you singled out Republican Senator Wayne Allard for accusing a Democrat of siding with terrorists by demanding accountability from the Bush administration for its illegal domestic spying program. That quick reaction by Democrats who won't stand for this kind of disgusting attack put Allard on the hot seat and generated press coverage of his ridiculous, desperate comments. Your steadfast defense of Democrats like Harry Reid, Jack Murtha and Russ Feingold when they have stood up and demanded accountability shows everyone that there will be a political price for underhanded and un-American attacks. People are tired of this administration's dangerous incompetence and consistently misleading statements. No wonder new polls confirm that Americans continue to lose confidence in George Bush and the Republicans' ability to lead. Only a third of Americans approve of the job Bush is doing overall, and 61 percent disapprove of Bush's handling of the war in Iraq. These numbers mean that Americans are ready for us to lead. That's why later this week you'll receive a note announcing a massive Democratic Party mobilization planned for next month. We are putting together the final details for you right now. Check your email later this week for news about how you can play a leading role in the biggest, earliest election year mobilization in history. Thank you, Tom McMahon Executive Director Democratic National Committee Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, www.democrats.org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Contributions or gifts to the Democratic National Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. DNC, 430 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington DC 20003