"The need for Congress to assert itself in such a case transcends the particulars of Iraq policy. It's important to confirm the democratic character of the state itself. The president is not a king. He is not a Stuart. And one more Hail Mary pass for George W. Bush's legacy just isn't a good enough reason for losing more American lives, treasure and prestige." -- Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo goes off on our off-balance system of checks and balances, and how Congress needs to nut up this week or it will squander what little popular goodwill it has left after the election. Come on, Pelosi -- hang onto that checkbook and put your foot down!