March 8, 2002

"In the post-9/11 world of politics, anyone who questions the actions of the man in the White House — even the Senate Majority leader — risks being branded "unpatriotic" by Republicans," says NOW's President Kim Gandy.

Last week, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (duly elected from the state of South Dakota), along with Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., dared to question the Bush administration's demand for huge increases in military spending without an explanation of military goals. As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Byrd has the responsibility of asking just such questions.

Republicans quickly responded with a barrage of name calling, personally attacking the Democratic leaders rather than addressing the issues of military strategy or spending. The attacks were reminiscent of Attorney General John Ashcroft's congressional testimony in December. Ashcroft said that people who raise concerns about the impact of the Justice Department's actions on civil liberties ("those who scare peace-loving people with phantoms of lost liberty") actually "aid terrorists" and "give ammunition to America's enemies."

Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., ranted: "How dare Senator Daschle criticize President Bush while we are fighting our war on terrorism?" He accused Daschle of trying to "divide the country." Gandy notes, "Perhaps Senator Lott has forgotten his own comments about President Clinton's policy in the Persian Gulf. Real patriots have a responsibility to question policies they believe to be wrong."

Meanwhile, House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, R-Tx., called Daschle's comments "disgusting," and Tom Davis, R-Va., who leads the National Republican Congressional Committee, said that Senator Daschle's comments gave "aid and comfort to the enemy."

Daschle called GOP reaction to his remarks "nothing short of hysterical" and said that he had not criticized George W. Bush. "We need to support our troops," he said on Sunday's "Meet the Press" (NBC). "They've done an outstanding job, but we also have to ask the right questions. That is the role of Congress. We're a coequal branch of government and I don't think we ought to rubber stamp any president as we get into these very difficult decisions."

Reports that the Bush administration plans to expand the war on terrorism beyond Afghanistan prompted Daschle's questioning of increased military spending. Troops have already been committed to the Philippines, and Bush plans to send troops to Yemen to help train its military to fight terrorists. The administration is also considering sending troops to the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Daschle questioned expanding the war effort into other countries while Osama bin Laden has still not been apprehended.

Sen. Daschle also said, "We're going to be committing $4.7 trillion for defense over the course of the next 10 years; $600 billion more than what was originally scheduled last year. If we're going to commit those resources, and if we're going to commit those men, those women, those lives, then I think we've got to ask the questions that are required of us."

As Senate Majority leader, Daschle is a particular target of right-wing attacks. A blitz of television, radio and newspaper ads all over the country falsely accuse him of "obstructing" Bush's domestic agenda. In fact, after 9/11 Daschle quickly moved a war resolution to the floor, stopped debate over threats to civil liberties in John Ashcroft's anti-terrorism bill (to the dismay of many) and expedited education legislation and the airline industry bailout.

Despite his cooperation in many areas, Daschle's positions on other domestic policies have sparked Republican attacks. For example, an ad is being run repeatedly in South Dakota showing a picture of Saddam Hussein with the caption "Why is America buying 725,000 barrels of oil a day from this man?" next to a picture of Daschle with the caption "Because this man won't let America drill for oil at home." In other words: any Senator who cares about the environment is aiding and abetting the enemy.

"Speaking out for what you know is right is the most patriotic thing you can do," says Gandy. "We are fighting in Afghanistan to overthrow an oppressive regime and help the people of that country establish a democratic government. Here at home, Republicans should be ashamed of calling into question the patriotism of anyone who disagrees with them. Open debate is a hallmark of our democracy, and we discard it at our peril."