L.A. TIMES CALLS FOR BUSH VETO OF HOUSE DEMS IRAQ BILL

Just how extreme is the Iraq withdrawal bill that the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is promoting? Even the Los Angeles Times, an opponent of the Iraq invasion from the outset, opposes it. In an editorial published today, entitled "Do We Really Need a Gen. Pelosi?", the Times editorialist wrote:

"After weeks of internal strife, House Democrats have brought forth their proposal for forcing President Bush to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq by 2008. The plan is an unruly mess: bad public policy, bad precedent and bad politics. If the legislation passes, Bush says he'll veto it, as well he should. "

The Times holds that the Democrats should either forthrightly cut off funds for the war, or give the "surge plan" an opportunity, but under no circumstances should Speaker Pelosi and her band of would-be generals try to micromanage the military campaign from the Capitol.

If ever there was a clarion call for House Democrats to step back from the brink and take a reality check, the Times editorial is it. We will see if the Democrats can resist the call of their left wingnuts to take the plunge.