For years the Democrats have complained that Bush operates an imperial presidency - exceeding his constitutional authority and working without proper oversight from Congress. Now that the Democrats control Congress, they are acting rather imperial themselves.
First there was the bill that specified what troops can and cannot do. This seems to be in direct contradiction with the President's constitutional role as commander in chief.
Then Pelosi wen to Syria in order to show them that the Democrats have an alternate foreign policy.
Under the constitution, there is only one foreign policy. It is directed by the State Department which is under the control of he Secretary of State who in turn reports to the President. Congress's role in this process is to confirm the Secretary of State and treaties. Even this is done by the Senate, not the House so Pelosi has no constitutional standing to be discussing alternate policies with foreign leaders.
Even during the Viet Nam War, we never saw the Speaker of the House go to the USSR in order to open a dialog for peace.
What of the visit by House Republicans shortly before Pelosi's visit? Why didn't anyone take note? Probably because they did not go with the stated goal of circumventing their country's foreign policy.
I'm not going to say that the Democrats hate Bush more than Nixon but the Democrats in power gave Nixon more respect.
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