# Current plot of Doonesbury-actual possibility? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 10, 2007, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513 "2007-05-10T05:29:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/1 "2007-05-10T05:29:53Z")
(Mods, not sure of where this belongs, move if necessary) The current arc in the Doonesbury comic strip is that Congress has cut off funding for the Iraq war… and Bush responds by simply refusing to withdraw the troops, even as they run out of food, fuel and ammo. Gary Trudeau is making a sarcastic point about the Bush administration’s criticism of Congress “not supporting” the troops; but could truth be stranger than fiction? ---
**Author:** ![Pjen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/2 "2007-05-10T11:10:54Z")
[QUOTE=Lumpy] (Mods, not sure of where this belongs, move if necessary) The current arc in the Doonesbury comic strip is that Congress has cut off funding for the Iraq war… and Bush responds by simply refusing to withdraw the troops, even as they run out of food, fuel and ammo. Gary Trudeau is making a sarcastic point about the Bush administration’s criticism of Congress “not supporting” the troops; but could truth be stranger than fiction? [/QUOTE] IIRC Teddy Roosevelt had the supply cut for the Navy so he sailed the Navy half way round the world until they ran out of money/fuel and then left it up to Congress to reinstate supply! Looking for cite. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/3 "2007-05-10T11:34:44Z")
[QUOTE=Pjen] IIRC Teddy Roosevelt had the supply cut for the Navy so he sailed the Navy half way round the world until they ran out of money/fuel and then left it up to Congress to reinstate supply! Looking for cite. [/QUOTE] You are referring to [the Great](http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/congendwar.htm) [White Fleet](http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/gwf_cruise.htm). > [@](#): > > When President Teddy Roosevelt wanted to send the Navy’s “Great White Fleet” on a cruise around the world in 1907, as a show of U.S. naval supremacy, Congress considered the trip a saber-rattling waste of money and threatened to refuse to pay for the fuel needed. Did presidential power have a solution? Yes. Roosevelt spent the rest of the money he already had in the budget for fuel to send the fleet half way around the world, and then dared Congress to withhold the funds needed to bring it back. Roosevelt got the money. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Bush hold the troops hostage. ---
**Author:** ![Pjen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/4 "2007-05-10T11:57:16Z")
[QUOTE=Der Trihs] You are referring to [the Great](http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/uscongress/a/congendwar.htm) [White Fleet](http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/gwf_cruise.htm). [/QUOTE] Thanks. Got distracted by another post. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/5 "2007-05-10T12:57:55Z")
Bush will time it perfectly so that there is a huge outrage in the United States against the Democratically controlled Congress- just in time for the election in 2008. What- this isn’t completely transparent? Cartooniverse ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/6 "2007-05-10T14:07:00Z")
[QUOTE=Cartooniverse] Bush will time it perfectly so that there is a huge outrage in the United States against the Democratically controlled Congress- just in time for the election in 2008. What- this isn’t completely transparent? Cartooniverse [/QUOTE] Wow. What a big dummy! That Bush must be droolingly stupid to come up with a plan like that. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/7 "2007-05-10T14:08:53Z")
[QUOTE=Bricker] That Bush must be droolingly stupid to come up with a plan like that. [/QUOTE] To the contrary sir! It is a fiendishly _clever_ plan. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/8 "2007-05-10T14:49:42Z")
[QUOTE=Bricker] That Bush must be droolingly stupid to come up with a plan like that. [/QUOTE] That Bush is willing to hold American troops hostage and point the finger at political opponents in order to protect his own ego can be described by a lot of adjectives, but stupid is not one of them. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2007, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/9 "2007-05-10T15:26:49Z")
[QUOTE=Cartooniverse] Bush will time it perfectly so that there is a huge outrage in the United States against the Democratically controlled Congress- just in time for the election in 2008. What- this isn’t completely transparent? Cartooniverse [/QUOTE] Of course if Bush vetos bills to fund the war in 60 day increments it could backfire on him. Isn’t there a Civil War era law that lets the President incure debt to provide for soldiers in the field without Congressional approval? ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/10 "2007-05-11T03:36:52Z")
[QUOTE=Cervaise] That Bush is willing to hold American troops hostage and point the finger at political opponents in order to protect his own ego can be described by a lot of adjectives, but stupid is not one of them. [/QUOTE] True dat! But… That the Democratically controlled Congress is willing to hold American troops hostage and point their collective fingers at political opponents in order to further their own political agenda can be described by a lot of adjectives, and stupid is the least of them. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/11 "2007-05-11T03:44:12Z")
I hasten to remind that the Dem’s agenda is supported by a majority of the public. ---
**Author:** ![kidchameleon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/898d66/32.png) [@kidchameleon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kidchameleon)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/12 "2007-05-11T03:52:07Z")
[QUOTE=elucidator] I hasten to remind that the Dem’s agenda is supported by a majority of the public. [/QUOTE] Enrich themselves at the expense of the people? ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/13 "2007-05-11T03:59:11Z")
[QUOTE=Der Trihs] I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Bush hold the troops hostage. [/QUOTE] [QUOTE=Cervaise] That Bush is willing to hold American troops hostage and point the finger at political opponents in order to protect his own ego can be described by a lot of adjectives, but stupid is not one of them. [/QUOTE] You guys don’t see the irony in point out that Bush is holding the troops hostage…while handwaving the fact that Congress is doing (well, attempting to do) the same thing? 😛 Is it possible that it will pan out this way? I would say its LIKELY it will if Congress manages to cut off funding. I’m pretty sure Bush ain’t going to back down…and I THINK there are a few loopholes a president can use to get funding even if Congress cuts the funds off. -XT ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/14 "2007-05-11T03:59:36Z")
[QUOTE=elucidator] I hasten to remind that the Dem’s agenda is supported by a majority of the public. [/QUOTE] I’m less than convinced of that. I acknowledge the public’s discontent at the handling of the war, and that they, in many cases, elected alternatives in the search/hope _for_ alternatives. But that doesn’t necessarily equate to approval of the Dems. “cut & run” strategy, either. But I can see how it can easily be seen _to_ support their strategy. I want to bring the troops home; not because I think the Iraq situation is hopeless, but that W is incapable of formulating and then executing a strategy for success or “victory” in Iraq. Therefore, why waste more American lives? I don’t think I’m alone among conservatives in thinking/feeling this way. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/15 "2007-05-11T15:03:49Z")
[QUOTE=ExTank] the Dems. “cut & run” strategy, … I want to bring the troops home; not because I think the Iraq situation is hopeless, but that W is incapable of formulating and then executing a strategy for success or “victory” in Iraq. Therefore, why waste more American lives? [/QUOTE] This appears to be one of them there distinctions without a difference. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/16 "2007-05-11T15:09:29Z")
Perhaps it is only GeeDub who is “incapable” of producing a winning strategery in Iraq. Does the distinguished correspondent from Missouri have anyone in mind in whom we can place our confidence, anyone who _can_ produce such a strategery? I find the prospect unlikely, but am willing to listen, having a great fondness for miracles. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/17 "2007-05-11T17:17:21Z")
> [@](#): > > Isn’t there a Civil War era law that lets the President incure debt to provide for soldiers in the field without Congressional approval? The Feed and Forage Act of 1861. It allows the President to spend money, without congressional approval, for “clothing, subsistence, fuel, quarters, transportation and medical supplies” of troops in the field. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/18 "2007-05-11T17:32:35Z")
Could he start closing bases or cutting costs at bases at home, to come up with the funds? ---
**Author:** ![marshmallow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/19 "2007-05-11T17:35:01Z")
[QUOTE=elucidator] I hasten to remind that the Dem’s agenda is supported by a majority of the public. [/QUOTE] I’d be careful. The Republican’s agenda of invading Iraq was supported by the majority of the public in 2003. And 2004. And 2005. I think the wheels came off somewhere in 2006. IIRC, only ~10% of the U.S. population wants the funding from the war cut, although a sizable majority want us to get out of dodge via timetables. We ain’t getting either. There’s no way the Dems have the unity, let alone the balls, to not fund the war. Who are we kidding? Like Bush has been saying for years – withdrawing from Iraq will be left up to future presidents. ---
**Author:** ![ExTank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2007, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513/20 "2007-05-11T20:48:26Z")
[QUOTE=David Simmons] This appears to be one of them there distinctions without a difference. [/QUOTE] In effect, yes. But not in principle. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/current-plot-of-doonesbury-actual-possibility/403513.md?page=2)