"A Promise Made, A Promise Delivered"

Well, not too surprised that we missed an interesting little article over at the Vermont Guardian from a few days ago, considering that the old Guardian is usually a bit, how should this be put diplomatically, "centristly challenged," but they have a heckuvan article on what's going on with Vermont's anti-war firebrand Peter Welch, especially how his lawyerly head is dealing with a pretty big conundrum these days: it's the war, stupid.

Less surprising than WW's oversight, however, was what seemed to be a distinctly shivery and cold feeling that comes across in the article, which can be found here. Dude, the Guardian is, as mentioned, a pretty reliable haunt of those most blue-blooded Vermonters; Progressives, anti-war activists, church-street regulars, UVM professors, etc. Why the brush off for Welchie then? Maybe its starting to look like his tough talk about getting troops home by the end of 2006, or at least forming "an aggressive plan for doing so," are not so easy to live up to when you get out of Montpelier and down to Washington. Even with a fully Democratically controlled Congress. Even when Welch sits on two of the most powerful committee's in Washington. Even when US support for the war is at an all-time low.

Instead, in the VG article "Welch acknowledged that despite the large number of US voters who swept Democrats into power based on their disapproval of the Iraq war, Bush still holds the upper hand when it comes to setting troop levels and setting war policy." What, what what!? What happened to the claims made, throughout the sweet summer months, that we need to stop the "rubber stamp" Congress? Welch goes on to say that "the President is the Commander in Chief. He has the cards. We in Congress must do our best we (sic) to persuade him to change the direction in Iraq (author's note: "change the direction?" does that sound familiar?) Can the President do it even if it's wrong? He probably can." Said Welch.

Now, call us out if we're wrong, but this seems to be developing into what they call in Sheffield "a load of bull-crap." As in, it simply ain't true. Welch sits on two committees, one of which must approve each bill that comes through for it to get to a vote. Read: the Democrats CAN end this war as soon as they would like to. There is actually a faction who wants to do this. Welch is not in this faction.

He either a) does not have the influence to "persuade (Bush) to change the direction" (wait, wouldn't that be "standing up to Bush?") or b) he is not willing to introduce or co-sponsor the legislation that would "end the war now." Legislation which would end all funding for the war except for troop withdrawal is not new, but Welch has not indicated that he would sign onto it. Repeat: Welch will not do this, which is exactly what he said he would do when he was courting your vote last summer. I'll say it again: Welch will NOT DO what he said he would do. Heck, he knows it. Maybe Welch should start reading the blogs, like this one by Dennis Kucinich. Its all there in black and white.

In our opinion, this should make people pretty mad. Bernie would have pulled the plug, right? My prediction: no one will notice, or even care. Why? Well, we all know that you can trust a personal injury attorney, why pay attention to what he is actually doing? Hey, times are tough all over.

Not tough enough, though, for Welch to claim that he is living up to his promises on the campaign while dodging the cannonball for his goose-egg on the war. The Totten article, please note, does end with Welch pointing out that the Dem controlled Congress is acting on a whole host of other issues in the much vaunted "100 hours" plan. " Stem cell research, school funding, and a few others will all get some attention. "They were really campaign promises, and a promise made, a promise delivered" says Welch.

We have our doubts.

Pelosi: "Welch rocks!"

Well, it didn't take the freshperson Rep from the old Green Mountain State long to "obviously impress" the new, ultra-left (and ultra anti-gun) Speaker of the House. WW has learned, through reading the news, that old Welchie will be landing a "plum" seat on the Committee on Government Oversight and Reform.

Check out Wilson Ring's take on it here. Cool, right? He'll be investigatin' this, subpoenaing documents on that, making "serious speeches"...whew! It's a good thing he has that dog, oh yeah, "pepper" to keep him company. Should be some long nights in his new Capitol Hill digs...those just recently vacated by Jim Jefford's former COS (see future posts for more on this seemingly odd turn of events).

However, perhaps a more pertinent question as to what Welch will be up to on the Hill, is that of what he'll be doing about his main, fire and brimstone, ace in his sleeve with the Vermont voters: oh yeah, its the war, stupid! What. To do. About. that effing war...well: it doesn't look like the guy has too many options. Maybe if we look at what he said on the campaign trail we can find his intent....way back in January 06, this is what Welch had to say:

VDB(Philip Baruth): I'm wondering, how immediate is the withdrawal you're calling for?

Welch: I'd like to have the troops out this year. (2006)

Baruth: All of them.

Welch: Yes.

Baruth: would you leave a chunk there as a rapid reaction force. or-

Welch: Well, I'd like to have the troops out this year. I think in order to realistically achieve that goal there would have to be an aggressive commitment to planning the implementation of that goal.

Let's think about this: an aggressive commitment to planning on how to get troops home well, i guess now its last year. Sounds a bit different than the old plan-o he's coming up with in the status quo, which sounds like it may be right from the desk of the Dr. Evil to Welch's mini-me: Pat "the godfather of VT politics" Leahy. Here it is, in all of its sleek glory:

"I would oppose adding troops" Welch said in an interview, "and I would support steps to deny funding for more troops."

Whoa, Welchie. What about getting the troops already in Iraq back home pronto, or as you might say "yesterday?" It looks like Bush has shifted the debate into one of whether or not to surge troops, and away from the "bring them home now" mantra of the campaign trail. Its pretty easy to get destracted up there, isn't it Welch, what with the glory of the sun rising on DC during your morning jog/ press availability. Don't worry though, WW will be there to keep you guys up to date. No fee either!

In this context it is interesting to note that Welch has not signalled any interest in signing onto, or in creating new, legislation such as this. Note to VT "US OUT NOW!" advocates: is this really the real deal you thought you were voting for?

"Giddy now," perhaps...but for how long?

Welcome to WW!

Welcome to Welch Watch (WW), the only site on the web dedicated exclusively to following the daily, weekly and monthly activities of Vermont's current At-Large Congressperson, as well as his statements, activities, claims beliefs and opinions, both past and future. The intention of this site is to serve as a meeting place, a "space opening" place, whereby interested parties can come together to examine what Welch has been saying recently, share thoughts on Welch, his life, times, political future, and any other Welch-oriented information in an open forum of Welchisness. That's right...All Welch, All the time, baby. Do you smell the Welch now? The aura of Welchosity abounds!

We at WW hope that those who come across the site will be able to read about what Welch is up to, the way he is feeling about the issues effecting Vermonters, and just about anything related to Peter Welch. Stories will be linked to, other blogs implicated, and generally a good time will be had by all. Also, we hope that concerned citizens will share their stories about Welch with WW through the WW site. Anything is open territory: constituent services, run-ins, mishaps, coincidences...anything at all pertaining to Welch will be open for discussion!

We look forward to witnessing the development of WW, its early childhood, first steps, teething and terrible two's, and whatever comes next. Look for additional features to be added in the days ahead as stories develop.

Of course, tips and comments along the way will be appreciated, and responded to when possible and/or necessary.

So once again, welcome!

Best,

WelchWatcher1