The Democrats finally got the nerve to try to get answers about the war in Iraq.
It's about time, but it's too late.
As a testament to the country's division, Democratic senators invoked a rarely used parliamentary procedure on Tuesday to effectively shut down the Senate in an attempt to complete an investigation into the cause of war.
It's part of an ongoing battle between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats attempt to get answers about the war and Republicans change the subject.
The need for answers goes beyond two parties fighting each other. People are dying and Americans need to know why.
By calling a closed session, the Democrats told the country they have enough with the GOP's attempts to control the damage from the series of scandals rocking Washington. One primary issue is the indictment of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, which relates to the cause for war.
The investigation started but politicians lost interest and stopped before finishing a second phase. Democrats used the stunt to start the process back up again by threatening to start a closed session each day until the investigation was underway.
They should have done this before the war.
Waiting until the administration is bogged down with scandals is smart politically. However, it's bad for the American people who deserved answers long before indictments plagued the White House.
Republicans attempted to downplay the closed session as merely a political move, perhaps correctly. The Democrats are indeed trying to capitalize on Bush's low poll numbers and the GOP's legal woes.
A political move in a political body is to be expected, especially when the stakes are this high.
This is about a war and the faulty intelligence used to get the United States involved. The answers could have serious repercussions in Washington, as shown by some senior Republican leaders including Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Sen. Trent Lott.
Although Republicans denounce the Democrats' action as "wrong," the GOP's reluctance to answer questions on why the United States went to war is much worse.
It's sad the Republicans didn't want to do this on their own. If there isn't anything to hide, why are Republicans scared of an investigation taking place?
Democrats and Republicans should have worked together to get the answers Americans need. It's a shame this action was necessary, but they should do what it takes. Democrats are asking for answers and accountability. Republicans should want the same thing.
Thanks to the Democrats, hopefully the country will get somewhere. It took long enough.
