The good news? California could be the first state to vote on whether
Bush should immediately withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.

The bad news? It would be advisory only, and have no legal effect.

The bill, which cleared the lower house after two hours of impassioned and sometimes bitter debate, would place a referendum urging a pullout on the February ballot...

Did the Republicans have anything original to say about this? That's like wondering if Bush is any better at answering questions than Ms. South Carolina. (see Cliff's post below)

Democrats said Californians deserve the chance to send a message to the president. Republicans denounced the bill as a cynical attempt to generate more votes for Democratic leaders' causes, including a change in the state's term-limits law that is expected to appear on the same presidential primary ballot.

Why would Democrats in California go to such lengths knowing that it was a symbolic vote?

"This bill does take an unusual step," Senate leader Don Perata (D-Oakland) said after the vote. "But we've reached an extraordinary moment in our history -- and silence and patience have gotten us nowhere."

Did you hear that U.S. Congress? Time to speak up...loudly.

Here's one reason why: Iraq Orders 1 Million Pilgrims To Leave. "...at least 35 lives [were lost] during a religious festival. Nearly 200 people were wounded, ... the government sent reinforcements from Baghdad to quell growing unrest and help clear the city."

And this: The only US officer to go on trial cleared of Iraq abuse .

And this: Criminal investigation into the purchase and delivery of billions of dollars of weapons, supplies and other matériel to Iraqi and American forces.