May 1st marked four years since the President, in an impressive display, landed his plane on the deck of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln and declared that major hostilities have ceased in Iraq - "Mission Accomplished" a sign said in the background. Well, that wasn't quite the case, now. We need to support the troops with the necessary funds, but at the same time, what about the will of the people as expressed in the November elections and in a number of polls since ? The great majority of people want this war drawn to a close and the troops brought home. This war cannot be won militarily, which some still believe. The American people are frustrated with this war that they feel has been mismanaged, along with the realization that they and their representatives were lied into this war. Most recently Secretary of State, Condolezza Rice, has been tip-toeing away from supporting accountability and benchmarks for the Iraqi government and consequences if certain benchmarks are not met in a reasonable amount of time. And now, the President vetoed the war spending bill which included deadlines for bringing the troops home and accountability measures (benchmarks) for the Iraqi government to achieve if they are to continue to have American military and financial support. The President continues to ask the American people for an open-ended commitment of our troops while refusing to set benchmarks for the success of their mission, until now, but with benchmarks that can be waived by him. As is stated by many people in and out of the military and civilians inside and outside the Administration, we are not going to win this war militarily, which apparently the President still harbors hopes of doing. More of our soldiers and more of our billions are going to be wasted because of his obstinacy, trying in essence not to change course. Twenty (20) more months of this Administration is too long to not make the major change of course which the President paid lip service to but will not institute. Recognize the will of the great majority of people, Mr. President !

Thomas Grimms, Orlando, Florida/USA

what a bunch of spineless pathetic losers the dems are. bush is a lame duck president and has no support in the country - only the fact that he HAS to go in 18 months time is keeping him in office. £45 billion pounds to keep a pointless lost war going for another 4 months (enough money to give every person in the US universal healthcare for a year) seems like a bad deal - you will also incur at least 400 more casualties. So basically you're paying £100 million per time to have someone's son returned to them in a box. Way to go team America!

Phil Russell, london, uk

and that's all that matters, right Stan? Who gets the blame. Let's just do all we can to make sure the Republicans look as bad as possible so that our side can win the next election, yippee! Oh, and we're really concerned for the welfare of our brave "children" in the military too. Spare me!

C Heathcote, Brick, USA, NJ

Useless bunch.!!! What about listening to to the majority..ie American public. Has nobody got the balls to take this bunch of neo con fundamentalists on.

M McGregor, Tunbridge Wells, UK

Stan, my friend - either you are not aware that the Iraq parilament is NOW only taking a 2 week recess or..........you are intentionally misleading everyone. I suspect the later. Perhaps you've spent too much time listening to your neighbor Speaker Pelosi.

Larry, ATL, USA

If Democrats find a way to force Bush out of Iraq, they will have given Republicans a wonderful present. When Iraq falls completely apart, as it is very clearly destined to do, the blame would be laid on the heads of Democrats. So politically, the best strategy is to offer firm by not rock hard resistance to the war, so that it remains obvious even to the weakest minded of our citizens (that 33, or is it 27 percent that still give Bush a positive approval rating), which party shoulders the blame.

Unfortunately, Americans will continue to suffer the violent and unnecessary loss of its children at the rate of about 100 per month. Add to that about 500 per month who will lose eyes and limbs and we can only wonder whether the game of politics trumps compassion for these mislead, brave men and women.

By the way, have you heard that the Iraqi parliament plans to take a TWO MONTH SUMMER RECESS?

Stan , San Jose, CA

this just shows the dems have caved in again is there no one who has the guts to stand up and speak for the people???????

c. owens, sebastopol, CA

The dems are a push that was designed to fail. The dems and the GOP are all part of the same business party. All hail the great decider.

Joe in CA, Stockton, CA

Typical of the spineless Democrats. Unfortunately, your article perpetuates the myth that because they can't override a veto they are powerless. The reality is that if they wanted to end the war immediately (or at least bring Bush back to the table), they would just decline to pass any more money period.

They are now willing accomplices in this whole sordid affair. And this is why 42% of Americans - a new high - consider themselves independents.

Jason, San Francisco, CA