Gus on Veterans Day

Armistice Day, The War to End All Wars. That was the original message of Veterans Day. The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month. The end of World War I.

When Gus Bilirakis spoke to the assembled veterans and their families at Curlew Cemetary to mark the day, he and fellow Bush enabler, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Jerry F. Custin, used the solemn occasion to pimp their immoral war in Iraq on the back of a dead soldier. Nothing like a good Internet tome to stir up and confuse as you appeal to the patriotic feelings of the veterans. These guys are masters at it. Custin shared the story of Army Sgt. Eddie Jeffers, whose essay "Hope Rides Alone" has been circulated on the Internet

The 23-year-old soldier from Alabama addressed the criticism he heard against the Iraq war.
"Even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi, Iraq, the cries and screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me," Jeffers wrote. "In a year, I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your average man. And then, I will be alone."
Said Custin: "Unfortunately, Sergeant Jeffers won't get to walk down the streets of America next year. On September 19th, he was killed in Iraq

Nice to know that these war enablers have missed the point of Armistice Day completely, isn't it? Just more of the same from Bush's gang. Offer platitudes to the veterans while supporting policies that continue to put our military in harm's way. And of course, don't bother to take care of our veterans when they return home. God forbid we should raise taxes on the rich to pay for the GOP folly.

Gus Bilirakis: No Healthcare for Poor Children

Gus Bilirakis shows his real values again. He'd rather spend American tax dollars on a pointless war in Iraq than on healthcare for poor children in our country. Gus Bilirakis voted "NO" on the bipartisan S-Chip bill when it came up for another vote.
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/votes/?votenum=1009&chamber=H&congress=1101&tally=1

Will he have the political courage to change his vote and override a veto this time? Don't count on it.

Gus Bilirakis: Poor Children Not Worth a Few Days of War in Iraq

We here at GusWatch have long questioned the priorities of Gus Bilirakis, but with his "nay" vote yesterday on expanding healthcare for poor children through the SCHIPS program, Gus has removed all doubt. His concern for the health and welfare of American citizens begins and ends with wounded and ailing veterans, a big voting block in District 9.

Gus, who heard "encouraging news" in the pathetic shilling of General Petraeus before Congress a couple of weeks ago, would rather continue pouring money down Bush's Iraqi shithole than take care of America's uninsured poor children. Has there ever been a more disgusting example of pandering: pandering to failed Republican policies on healthcare, to Bush's attempt to salvage his legacy, and to laughable claims of Republican fiscal responsibility?

From Congressman Rahm Emanuel:

"This week, the President asked for $200 billion more for the war in Iraq. In the same week, the White House said the bipartisan plan to give 10 million children health care included ‘excessive spending’ and threatened to veto the plan. For this President who helped rack up three trillion dollars in new debt, it is not about the spending, it is about priorities and the President has made his clear.”

Gus has shown us once again what his priorities are. He stands first and foremost with George Bush, and not with American families. Remember that on Election Day 2008.

Cheney again links 9/11, Iraq war

So I guess this is the time to take the Dick, GI Joe and the 9-11 Two-Step Show on the road.

Vice-president Dick Cheney waves as he greets military personnel at MacDill Air Force Base. (Chris Zuppa | Times)

TAMPA --

Vice President Dick Cheney invoked images of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., in an address at MacDill Air Force Base today in which he again linked the war in Iraq to the war on terrorism.

"Our world really did change six years ago," Cheney told more than 500 military members gathered in an auditorium not far from CentCom, which overees the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan. "They have inflicted great harm and have a taste for more."

To read more about the hypocrisy of the Bush/Cheney Administration:

http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2007/09/central-command.html

I wonder if Lil' Gussie's mommy was available to drive him to this GI Joe and Barbie play time. You know the drill...slap some medals on 'em, invoke 9-11 and "fearism", pat them on their heads and send them to certain death. Think about it. It is the perfect scam. They will create more funerals so they can make their quick "cameo" appearances where they can talk about brave soldiers, 9-11, Iraq, fearism and terrorism. It is the perfect scam that keeps on giving more dead soldiers, more grieving families and more money in the war profiteers pockets.


I saw Gus Bilirakis at the Memorial Day ceremony at a local cemetary. He read from a script and slithered away during a Memorial ceremony. He didn't even have the balls to stay for the whole thing.

Gus will continue to vote our soldiers to their deaths while his mommy and daddy teach him how to drive. I hope that they remember to bring his booster seat for each lesson. In the meantime, my military family members are dedicated and over worked patriots who deserve better treatment than this. And they are the lucky ones. They are still alive and well...for now.

He singled out U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young of Indian Shores for praise. The congressman, who was sitting in the front row during the speech, is one of the president's strongest allies, Cheney said.

Well there goes another little boy playing GI Joe. Let's stroll down memory lane, shall we? Rep Bill Young visited Walter Reed countless times yet never did anything about the conditions there when he had the power to do so.

So many fake patriots, so little time.

Gus Bilirakis, Live and In Person

You gotta hand it to our boy Gus. He walked right into the lion's den on Monday when he made a brief appearance at the West Central Florida Labor Day Picnic at the fairgrounds. Take my word for it, labor is not crazy about Republicans these days.

I was working at the tri-county Democratic booth (Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough) when I looked up and there he was (only my second Gus sighting, btw). Of course, he was surrounded by handlers, including an older woman who might have been (and probably was) his mother. We've written of her before here at GusWatch. I'm too lazy to find the link, so trust me on this one.

Anyway, one of the handlers brought Gus over to meet us. I surprised myself when I immediately told him that I didn't want him to give Bush any more money for the war in Iraq, and that I wanted him to do what he could to bring our soldiers home from Iraq now. Gus tried to counter with the tired, "But what will happen if we pull out?" To which, I replied, "What will happen if we don't?" Gus was then left to convince me of how very seriously he takes the war in Iraq.

Before he moved on, I also told him that I hoped he would support House Resolution 676, which calls for single payer healthcare, and then I told him we would be delivering healthcare stories to his office in the very near future.

Here are my impressions:
(In my best southern accent) Bless his heart. He is so obviously in over his head. He can only talk in the vaguest of generalities, and he has the most pathetic and creepy handshake. Why did his family let him run for office? They won't be able to protect him from the vultures (us) forever.

Does Gus Bilirakis support our troops? Then bring them home alive and well!

Call at National Guard conference for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq greeted with standing ovation

My grandfather earned a purple heart medal the hard way and although medals are one way to honor our troops, the time has come for Gus to stop playing GI Joe with medal ceremonies. Our troops need real health care benefits. They need strong leaders who have the political courage to bring them home. If one of Bilirakis' sons was the last one asked to die for lies, war profits and oil, would Gus offer him up for the "surge"? I doubt it.

It is time for Gus to honor our troops by supporting health care for all. It is time for Gus to vote to end the immoral occupation of Iraq. It is time for Gus to really start talking to our troops. My military family members need real representation. Medals don't keep our troops safe or bring them home to their families. It appears that our troops agree with me:

Call at National Guard conference for U.S. withdrawal from Iraq greeted with standing ovation DAVID McFADDEN, Associated Press Writer

August 25, 2007 6:08 PM

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - A call by Puerto Rico's governor for a U.S. withdrawal from Iraq earned a standing ovation Saturday from a conference of more than 4,000 National Guardsmen.

Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila said the U.S. administration has ''no new strategy and no signs of success'' and that prolonging the war would needlessly put guardsmen in harm's way.

''The war in Iraq has fractured the political will of the United States and the world,'' he said at the opening of the 129th National Guard Association general conference. ''Clearly, a new war strategy is required and urgently.''

Acevedo said sending more troops to Iraq would be a costly blunder.

To read the rest of the article, click on:
http://www.newspress.com/Top/Article/article.jsp?Section=WORLD&ID=565075331141468233

Gus Bilirakis Goes to Iraq for "Dog and Pony Show"

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past week here in District 9, you know two things about Congressman Gus Bilirakis -- He just went to Baghdad on his summer vacation, and he's getting his head buzzed to draw attention to the need for funding for cancer research.

I am certainly not going to knock cancer research, but I would like to point out that 44+ million Americans might not be able to reap the benefits of that research because they can't get healthcare in America. And some of that 44+ million are children that Gus voted against covering with the SCHIPS bill a couple of weeks ago.

Now about that trip to Baghdad. Is anyone but me noticing some eerily similar stories coming out of the mouths of those returning from Iraq these days? From war cheerleading think-tankers like Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack to Rep. Shelley Moore Capito to our very own Rep. Gus Bilirakis, things are still bad, but (surprise, surprise) there is progress being made! (links will be provided later)

In today's paper, Washington Post reporter Jonathan Finer pens an op-ed that spells out what these trips really are. Finer thinks Congressional Reps have a duty to visit the wars they are funding, but denies the importance of these trips for determining what is actually happening on the ground. Here's his recounting of a recent back and forth between Sen. Lindsay (Goober) Graham and Sen. James Webb on Meet the Press:

Last month on "Meet the Press," Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a supporter of the war, chided his Democratic colleague James Webb. "Have you been to Iraq?" asked Graham, who has visited seven times.

"I've been a member of the military when the senators come in," replied Webb, who has not visited Iraq but fought in Vietnam during a long military career. "You know, you go see the dog-and-pony shows."

Well, our Gussie saw himself a dog and pony show.

In conclusion, Finer warns:

As Washington anticipates a September report assessing the troop surge, there is good reason to be skeptical of such snapshot accounts.

UPDATED - From Sunday's New York Times - Returning soldiers give us their thoughts:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/19/opinion/19jayamaha.html

Temporary Permanent Post on Gus' Votes

Till I have time for a more complete post:

On second thought, what more is there to say?

• Gus Bilirakis voted against giving more children healthcare in order to spend Medicare dollars on privatization.
• Gus Bilirakis voted for the FISA bill in order to give George Bush and Alberto Gonzalez more power to spy on American citizens.
• Gus Bilirakis was in the news for sponsoring another bill to keep the veterans' vote (if only he cared about the active duty soldiers who are currently spilling their blood, sweat and tears in Iraq.)
• When Gus Bilirakis isn't pandering to veterans, he's sucking up to the Greek community. He seems to be more concerned with the occupation of Cyprus than he is with the American occupation of Iraq.

Occupation is as occupation does

I believe that the Congressman who represents the Republicans in my district has strayed off course. It seems to me that Gus Bilirakis needs to refocus his attention on our American military crisis and our fellow Americans dying in Iraq. So, for the sake of my military family members and the rest of our brave American troops, I felt the need to tweak and improve his latest press release. I am proposing that he re-submit his bill to Congress after he includes my corrections, adaptions and/or ammendments.

Remarks as edited and adapted by thefos for a reality check on our American military crisis due to the U.S. led Iraq Occupation:


Gus Bilirakis Commemorates the 33rd 4 ½ Anniversary of the Turkish U.S. Led Invasion of Cyprus Iraq

WASHINGTON (20 Jul.) -- Last night, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), member of House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, delivered the following remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to commemorate the 33rd 4 1/2 anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus Iraq by U.S led Turkish military forces.

Gus Bilirakis' press release:

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl09_bilirakis/pr_statement_33rdanniv_turk_cyprus.html


Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only as a privileged member of this body, but particularly as a Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues I want to use this honorable position to truly support our troops by ending the U.S. led Iraq occupation and bring them home safely to their beloved families. I also admit to my constituents and fellow American patriots, that we never should have taken our eyes off the ball. We never should have allowed the Bush Administration to divert our attention from Bin Laden and the terrorists who attacked us on September 11, 2001.

I stand before you today to recall an anniversary that has racked the Cypriot Iraqi and Hellenic American communities for the past 33 4 ½ years.

Mr. Speaker, even though the tragic events of the Turkish U.S. led invasion of Cyprus Iraq took place so 4 ½ long years ago, the pain and suffering of this tragic occasion still ripples throughout the Greek Iraqi and Cypriot American communities.

This anniversary is a time for America to solemnly remember the Turkish military U.S. led invasion of the Island of Cyprus Iraq, to mourn those who lost their lives, and to condemn the continued occupation.

On July 20, 1974, March 20, 2003, in blatant violation of international law, Turkey the U.S led coalition violently invaded Cyprus Iraq and captured the northern part of the island declared “Mission Accomplished on May 1, 2003. As a result of the invasion, approximately 5,000 Cypriots 60,000+ Iraqis were killed and more than 1,400 Greek Cypriots, including four Americans of Cypriot descent, who still remain missing along with 3632 American soldiers.

Since the invasion, Turkey the Bush/Cheney Administration has established a heavily-armed military occupation that continues to control nearly 40 percent of Cyprus is failing to control the civil war in Iraq. Forced expulsions of Greek Cypriots on the occupied land, have left more than 160,000 displaced persons. An estimated 1.6-2.0 million people have fled Iraq.

Another tragic result of this 33 4 ½ year occupation is the divisions among Greek Sunni and Turkish Cypriots Shi’a factions who since have forcibly lived their lives separated along ethnic lines are also targeting and killing brave American troops. This cracking of the Cypriot Iraq nation is a crime against society and the people of Cyprus Iraq that can only be resolved by ending this occupation.

Since the invasion, international governing bodies and human rights groups have condemned Turkey’s the Bush/Cheney Administration’s flagrant abuse of international law and violation of Cyprus’s Iraq’s national sovereignty. Mr. Speaker, 33 4 ½ years is just too long.

The international community and the American people have expressed their support for has helped shepherd a peace process and settlement that will unite the island, its people, institutions and economy. The United Nations Security Council, the European Union and the United States have all played key roles in trying to bring a practical and fair resolution of this 33 4 ½ year nightmare.

On the occasion of this anniversary, America needs to take a long and hard look at its own commitment toward helping the Turkish Cypriot Sunni-Shi’a crisis factions reach a lasting and enduring peace – free from occupation, division and oppression.

As a new member of the European Union, the Republic of Cyprus has proven a committed and America and Iraq must reach out to influential partner neighboring countries in Europe the Middle East. Despite having a Because a large portion of its land is illegally occupied, Cyprus’s Iraq’s successful social and economic integration into the European Global community is a testament to its focus and dedication to democratic values and regional cooperation has been violently deterred.

The Republic of Cyprus has also worked alongside its European neighbors to bring about a stronger integration of Turkish and Greek Cypriot interests for the good of the Island. This has included a partial lifting on restrictions of movement across the cease fire line that continues to forcibly divide Cyprus.

As a result, since April 2003, more than 13 million Greek and Turkish Cypriots have crossed without incident. Additionally, the per capita income of Turkish Cypriots has nearly tripled in the last three years because of an aggressive integration policy by the Republic of Cyprus and its European neighbors.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that because of this continued integration civil war between Turkish Sunni and Greek Cypriots Shi’a factions, and the economic and political successes failures of the democratically elected Iraqi government, that the Republic of Cyprus so readily wants to share with its neighbors, it is possible to we must bring closure to this 33 4 ½ year occupation.

Indeed, according to: http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/07/15/10139330.html, on July 8, 2006, the President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed to formally begin consultations with the ultimate aim of a peaceful reunification and an end to Turkey’s military occupation.

the White House appeared resigned to the fact that the Iraqi parliament is going to take August off, even though it has just eight weeks to show progress on military, political and economic benchmarks prescribed by the United States.

My understanding is at this juncture they're going to take August off, but, you know, they may change their minds,

White House press secretary Tony Snow said on Friday.

You know, it's 54 degree Celsius [130 degrees Fahrenheit] in Baghdad in August,

he said, sympathetically.

Our own US Congress plans to be on vacation from August 3 to September 4, 2007. Despite the early successes of what has since been known as the “July 8 Agreement,” and the best efforts of the Cyprus government, the Turkish Cypriots Our own government has have not followed through on their its commitment to continue this dialogue and path toward peace.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, only last week, President Papadopoulos attempted to jumpstart the Island’s reunification efforts and resume the July 8 Agreement process. Though he initially accepted this gesture, Turkish Cypriot leader Talat ended up cancelling the proposed meeting. the president of the United States, and this Congress, along with the Iraqi government, should demonstrate its commitment and support for the July 8 Agreement as a way toward ending the Turkish Cypriot divide on the Island of Cyprus our troops and the Iraqi people by voluntarily sacrificing any and all vacation time until a peaceful resolution has been reached. I have introduced legislation, H. Res. 405 Stop the Surge 3632, which expresses strong support for the implementation of the July 8 Agreement. ending the occupation in Iraq.



I urge all of my colleagues to act and help this body put our own stamp of support on the July 8 peace process by supporting this resolution.

Cyprus has long been a strong and faithful ally of the United States. It continues to work with us in the Global War on Terrorism and has supported our efforts in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Aside from providing over flight rights and port access, the government of Cyprus has joined only a handful of nations who have acted on their commitment to cancel Iraq’s outstanding debt.

Mr. Speaker, 33 4 ½ years is long enough. It is not impossible to conceive one-day having a Cyprus Iraq that is unified under bi tri-zonal, bi tri communal federation with a single sovereignty, single international personality and single citizenship with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots Iraqis, but the Iraqi government must bring these factions to the table using diplomacy instead of violence and oppression.

America, a friend of the Cypriot Iraqi people, owes it to them to do everything in their power to support peace and an end to this illegal occupation.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl09_bilirakis/pr_statement_33rdanniv_turk_cyprus.html


http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refugees_of_Iraq

http://icasualties.org/oif/

http://www.iraqbodycount.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sectarian_violence_in_Iraq

http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/10/28/mission.accomplished/

Grooming Cowards 101

Generation Chickenhawk: The Unauthorized College Republican National Convention Tour, Now On Youtube

Just posted it on Youtube. It’s yours:





http://www.maxblumenthal.com/

Gus Bilirakis Thinks the Iraq War Is Worth More American Lives

In a 223 to 201 vote, the US House voted to begin redeploying our troops from Iraq within 120 days. Not surprisingly, Congressman Gus Bilirakis voted with the minority, proving once again that he cares more about protecting the Bush administration's failed policies, and a delusional president, than he cares about our American troops!

From the web site Congresspedia:
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Responsible_Redeployment_from_Iraq_Act

The Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act (H.R. 2956) was introduced by Armed Services Committee Chair Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) on July 10, 2007. The bill, similar to the Levin-Reed Senate measure, would require that the U.S. begin redeploying troops from Iraq within 120 days of the bill's passage. It would also require that the U.S. have a "limited presence" in Iraq by April 1, 2008. President Bush would need to submit a report to Congress outlining the specific goals of the remaining troops in Iraq, along with timetables for their completion.

Bush enablers like Gus Bilirakis deserve to be forever haunted by their continued support of this pointless war.

We can only hope that the voters in FL-9 will see through Bilirakis' superficial acts of kindness to veterans, and in 2008 demand a Congressman who will give our military the real support it needs. Bring the troops home NOW, Gus!!

Dramatic Chipmunk is watching Gus!

Dramatic Chipmunk is not happy that Gus Bilirakis is voting against our troops.




Dramatic Chipmunk will continue to keep his eyes on Gus Bilirakis' votes.

Gus Bilirakis Has a Blog!

It's true! Here's the link to a post on the JFK terror plot:
http://bilirakis.wordpress.com/2007/06/05/hillblog-bilirakis-comments-on-thwarted-jfk-terror-plot/

So far, I am underwhelmed.

I've been meaning to write about Gus' co-sponsorship of a VERY IMPORTANT BILL. I'll have to come back later with the particulars, but for now just know that Gus is on the case. Is he trying to help bring the Iraq War to an end? NO! Is he trying to help the people of the Gulf Coast as they continue to struggle nearly two years after Katrina? NO! Is he trying to solve our healthcare crisis? NO! Is he working to fix No Child Left Behind or improve the dropout rate in American schools? NO! What is it that is so deserving of Gus' attention? Turns out the new dollar coin has "In God We Trust" on the side instead of on the face, and that, my friends, is what is bothering your rubber stamp Congressman. Heaven help us.

GusWatch spots Gus on Memorial Day

Susan S. and I attended Curlew Hills Memory Gardens Annual Memorial Day Service on May 28, 2007. We attended the memorial service to honor our military, especially those who gave their lives while serving our country. We attended with thoughts of Andy Aviles, who was killed in action on April 7, 2003. We were also thinking about Andy's grieving parents, Norma and Oscar Aviles and how easily we could be in their tragic position. Andy was the same age as my oldest daughter. He would be just 23 years old if he were alive today.

I was also thinking about my military family members and how thankful I am that even though my brother in law only gets to see his 5 month old and 6 year old sons via a web cam once a week, at least both he and my sister are alive and well.

I wasn't sure what to expect but I wasn't prepared for the pompous partisan package decorated to impersonate patriotism. I knew we were in trouble when the Master of Ceremonies, Colonel Jerry F. Custin USAF, (Ret) gushed about Congressman Gus Bilirakis' glowing accomplishments, when in reality, his power ranking is in the basement:

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/power_rankings/overall.tt

So as I post this video of Gus Bilirakis reading the GOP script, his words ring painfully hollow as I heard that 10 more U.S soldiers were killed in action on Memorial Day. In my mind is the wounded Iraq War veteran who was interviewed by Anderson Cooper on Memorial Day. Although Anderson Cooper interviewed more than one wounded soldier, this one Iraq veteran's story was particularly heartwrenching. He was not expected to live, but survived in spite of losing most of his blood. His forearm is a mangled mess but he was only receiving a small percentage of his rightful disability benefits. He lost his home and was living in his car. Thankfully by the end of the show, CNN's influence had helped him finally receive the benefits he earned on the battlefield.

With that in mind, I give you the Congressman who represents the Republicans in my district:

Where's Gus?

When Gus Bilirakis was running for congress last year, we couldn't find him anywhere. We searched but we never were successful in our quest to actually hear him speak in person.

Then suddenly, last February, I accidentally stumbled upon Congressman Gus Bilirakis speaking on C-Span. Yep, I spotted Gus actually delivering a speech. Correction - I watched him read the White House talking points verbatim. At the time, he was reading the GOP party line against the resolution against the Iraq escalation.


I thought to myself, "Honestly, shouldn't he know them by heart now?"

Even though he should know them by rote, Gus read the usual Luntz speak and got louder as he climaxed with a list of terrorist attacks beginning with the World Trade Center in 1993 and ending with a big finale of September 11th. As Lil' Gussie read the usual crap, I was struck about how awkward and bizarre his delivery was. No wonder he was never available for speaking engagements before election day. Would any voter really have voted for him if they heard him read in person? Gus repeated a chopping motion with his hand as he read his script. Gus Bilirakis indeed voted no but I don't remember hearing about his service to our country. Where did he serve?

On Memorial Day, May 28, 2007, we finally spotted Gus in action. Susan S and I attended the Curlew Hills Annual Memorial Day Service in Palm Harbor, FL.

448 Soldiers' Deaths at the Feet of Gus Bilirakis

It's been one week since we posted the number of US troop deaths that can be directly laid at the feet of Congressman Gus Bilirakis since he was sworn into office on January 3, 2007. Today that number stands at 448. 30 more precious lives have ended because my member of Congress would rather protect the ego of George Bush and the tattered remains of the Republican party's reputation than accept the fact that the Iraq War and occupation have failed, and that remaining there will only result in the deaths of more of our troops.

This week, Gus Bilirakis voted with the majority to keep funding this disastrous occupation. Because his party (and some spineless Democrats) would rather prop up George Bush than make him accountable for the failures in the war, we will stand by helpless as more of our brave men and women die for nothing.

Keep calling Congressman Bilirakis' office to express your disgust with his rubberstamping of Bush's policies. Here are the numbers:
Here are the numbers:
1(202) 225-5755
1(813) 985-8541
1(727) 773-2871
(Casualty figures from www.icasualties.org)

418 Deaths on Gus Bilirakis' Watch

We here at GusWatch are fed up. Our congressman was sworn into office on January 3, 2007. Since that day, 418 precious American lives have been lost in George Bush's disastrous war in Iraq. (We can't even convey to you the number of Iraqi deaths because no one deems that worthy of an official count...Another reason to be upset!)

As a member of the 110th Congress, Gus Bilirakis has done nothing to end this quagmire. He is "rubber stamping" Bush's folly, just as his father did. It's time to DEMAND that Gus Bilirakis follows the will of the American people and not the will of George Bush. Please call his office and make your voice heard. DO NOT STAND BY AND ALLOW ONE MORE SOLDIER TO DIE FOR NOTHING. Gus needs to support the Democratic efforts to bring our troops home.

Here are the numbers:

+ 1(202) 225-5755
or
+ 1(813) 985-8541
or
+ 1(727) 773-2871

Some Votes Gus Forgot to Mention

Touting 101 accomplishments on his website, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-9th CD) stands not only with the minority party of Congress, but with the minority of Americans.

In a recent press release, Congressman Gus Bilirakis touted his "101 Accomplishments During the First 100 Days." Most were uncontroversial, and some were hardly worthy of the designation "accomplishment" (e.g., caucus memberships, committee appointments, etc.) What the Congressman's press release DIDN’T mention is that regarding the major, important issues of the day, he voted against the will of the American people, time and again.

GusWatch thinks that the Congressman’s performance exceeds 101 actions, and would like to continue the list as follows:

#102 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST citizens who suffer from disease and injuries, including our troops, when he voted NO on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.
A recent poll of 1,000 Americans showed a clear majority favored Stem Cell Research (Source: Opinion Dynamics / Fox News). Here are the results of that polling:

Approve 63%
Disapprove 24%
Don't know 14%

#103 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST senior citizens when he voted NO on the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act.
1,000 Americans were polled on Drug Price Negotiations (Source: AARP), and this is what the polling found: 87% favor allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug companies

#104 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST energy independence when he voted NO on the Long Term Energy Alternatives.
Polling by Pew Research (February 2006), Gallup (April 2006), and the LA Times (July 2006) showed that a clear majority of Americans support the development of alternative energy sources, with more emphasis on conservation and regulation of energy use and prices.

#105 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST the troops when he voted NO on the Iraq Accountability Act (funding the troops and setting deadlines for bringing them home from Iraq.)
According to an NBC/WSJ poll conducted April 20-23:

56% agree with the Democratic plan to begin withdrawing troops by October 1, 2007
37% agree with George Bush and Gus Bilirakis that no deadline should be set

#106 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST open government and accountability when he voted NO on the Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007.
No polling available, but the final vote in the House of Representatives was 308 to 117.
80 Republicans voted with the majority for more openness in government. Gus Bilirakis voted with the minority for more secrecy.

#107 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST working families when he voted NO on the Employee Free Choice Act.
Again, no polling available, but Gus Bilirakis voted with the minority on the bipartisan bill that would protect workers and strengthen the middle class by allowing workers to form, join, and assist labor organizations.

Gus Bilirakis is not representing the will of the American people. He is rubber-stamping George Bush and the minority in Congress. He must be held accountable for these votes at election time.

Will Gus Bilirakis be a "troop killer" like C.W. Bill Young?

The vote on the Iraq spending bill is being debated in Congress as I type. I called Gus' office yesterday to find out if he will support the bill, and of course, he hasn't made up his mind yet.

Will Gus be a "troop killer" like local Congressman C.W. Bill Young, who is now famous for ignoring the conditions at Walter Reed in order to save the Bush administration from embarrassment? Young voted against the bill when it came before the Appropriations committee last week, which makes him a "troop killer." Will Gus join him in saying NO to adequate armor, training, and rest for our soldiers?

Stay tuned...