For now, it may seem like the Democrats are coming up short at about everything they try to do, and they are. However their is a method to this madness.

First off, they are trying which accounts for a lot. It is truly better than the "middle of the road" approach they were taking. It will help if the critics looked at change, in this case, as a process rather than an event. The Republicans have been chipping away at our liberties since 9/11/2001. Granted, the Democrats will not undue the amount of damage the Republicans have did to the check and balance element of our government in 9 months or a year. As it stands, the Democrats will need a veto proof advantage to counter the resistant warmongers who cannot give up the power dynasty that has developed out of this war.

If the Democrats would just hold off, the Republicans will dig themselves right into a hole. With three quarters of the country demanding this war be ended, the warmongering Party continues find reasons to stay in this war. If that was not enough, they are looking into another war with Iran. Bush will have his "axis of evil" war before he leaves his presidency. Bush's wish to relive a WWII like war will drive his Party in the ground.

When we do get into a real war, with a real uniformed army we have an example of, we will realize how important it was to have given the current combatants basic rights to a trial. When our troops are dragged, on a daily basis, through a slimly hell hole, we will not be able to look back at our own standards anymore.

Joseph