Lynn C. Woolsey: “on Tuesday, November 7, the American public sent a powerful, unmistakable message to their elected leaders in…”

“on Tuesday, November 7, the American public sent a powerful, unmistakable message to their elected leaders in Washington. They want change. They are fed up with the corruption and sick of the infighting. But most importantly, voters, with a strong and decisive voice, demanded a change in our government's Iraq policy. Last Wednesday, when the President addressed the Nation, and again last night when he came to this Chamber and called for an increase in troops, without mentioning an exit plan or a plan to care for our returning veterans, he proved yet again that he isn't going to listen to the voters. He doesn't care about what the polls say about the ordinary person and not liking what he is doing in Iraq. He won't listen to his commanders. And, in fact, those who disagree with him are either fired or transferred. And his own Republican Party that is coming out against this occupation in Iraq are being ignored. In giving Democrats a majority, Mr. Speaker, Americans did not give my party a mandate simply to work with the President, or to wait for cues from any blue ribbon committee. No, the people told us to correct the President, challenge the President, and to confront the President on the moral challenge of our times. The message is clear. The American public has directed the Congress to be bold, to change course in Iraq and having our main goal be that of bringing our troops home.”