Like Johnson & Nixon, Bush could still be constrained

Congress has historically been loath to cut funding for a war waged by the executive for fear of being blamed for its failure. The Vietnam funding cutoff passed only after peace accords were signed and troops withdrawn. But despite timid non-binding resolutions against escalation from Congress, Bush could finally be feeling the heat. His own party is beginning to hold his feet to the fire in a way Dems couldn't. Republicans are beginning to think they'll be more likely to lose a re-election bid for clinging to Bush's sinking ship than for supporting a watered down resolution against that failed policy and running the risk of appearing decisive.

Bush has two years left in office and enormous -- though not unlimited -- power to continue the war. He does not face re-election. Republicans in Congress do, however, and could brake Bush if they abandon him in large numbers.

And away they go--11 Republican House members speak against Bush troop boost.

"Obviously the president still has a lot of muscle and is still doing what he wants, but the evidence is that this administration is starting to feel a bit checked," said Julian Zelizer, a Boston University historian who outlines congressional resistance during the Vietnam War in the March issue of the American Prospect.

An effective system of checks and balances. Go figure.

Of course Congress would not be taking action were it not for grassroots actions like today's student initiated strike at universities across the country working to build a movement capable of generating the political will to challenge Bush's war. Go UCSB!! Wish I could be there.