I can't express how disappointed I am in my Representative, Keith Ellison

[MNBrewer]

http://www.fightbacknews.org/2013/9/6/anti-war-activists-meet-challenge-us-rep-keith-ellison-s-support-war-syria

Minneapolis, MN - More than 50 people met with Congressperson Keith Ellison at the Masjid An-Nur mosque in North Minneapolis, Sept 6. This was meant to be a low profile, private ‘listening session’ with 20 invited people - the vast majority in favor of bombing Syria. Although discouraged by Ellison’s office and told there would be no opportunity to speak, 30 anti-war activists mobilized on very short notice and succeeded in speaking.

Representative Ellison opened the meeting by explaining his decision to vote for bombing Syria. His reasons follow the administration’s line. He said, “Every country has an obligation to defend its citizens from mass atrocities and when they don’t the U.S. has the responsibility to do it by force if necessary.”

Ed Felien cited the reports which dispute the claims the Syrian government used sarin gas and asked, “How'd you get your evidence?” Ellison replied that he got it from the Syrian American community.

John Kolstad called on Ellison to call for the release of the documents which the administration claim shows the Syria government is guilty of using chemical weapons. He recalled Representative Alan Grayson’s (Democrat from Florida) Sept. 5 questioning of Secretary of State John Kerry, at the House hearing on releasing the communication report of the Syrian generals, which some sources say contradicts the administration version.

[arcane1]

1. "the U.S. has the responsibility to do it" Yes, because no other country could possibly do it

Talk about American Exceptionalism!

[MNBrewer]

2. Yeah, that statement was particularly packed with BullShit

“Every country has an obligation to defend its citizens from mass atrocities and when they don’t the U.S. has the responsibility to do it by force if necessary.”

Well YEEEEEE HAW! Strap on the 6-shooters and saddle up the posse!

[David__77]

3. The curious case of Keith Ellison...

A LOT of the opposition to the Assad by certain clerics is premised on a deep hatred of the Alawites because they do not adhere to the Sunnah.

Now, that has nothing to do with Ellison. I certainly do find his eagerness and enthusiasm about war against Syria to be interesting, to say the least.

[MNBrewer]

5. Perhaps the Hon. Rep. Ellison will reconsider

I think it's far more likely that all my congressional representation will vote FOR invasion... I mean INTERVENTION, than not, and for secular reasons.

1 muslim, 1 jew and 1 congregationalist. Sounds like the beginning of a (sad, sad) joke.

[David__77]

7. Franken, really?

I had feared that.

[MNBrewer]

8. He has expressed support for the President's proposals, last I heard

[David__77]

17. Well I hope he rethinks that and votes NO.

My senator, Feinstein, no way will she change. She doesn't care one bit...

[KoKo]

4. He must be tied into the warring sides in Syria now. Conflicted and

being funded by a side that really wants to support strikes.

I don't know him...but, given that he's a politician...we know he has to vote with "those that brung him to the dance."

I can't imagine the pressure on him from his funders and the constituents who hoped for better from him as more progressive.

I think of Barbara Boxer...and I get sick over how she's supporting this, also. But, she had a tough last election. I think her days of going out to support those inquiring about Voting Problems in Presidential Elections past...are way in her past. She's there now just to be there. She was such a hope for us in the Bush years. And she did try. But, that will seems to be gone.

Sorry to hear abut Ellison.

[MNBrewer]

6. I wonder if his favoring invasion... I mean INTERVENTION....

bodes anything for the CBC, or Progressive Caucus?

[KoKo]

10. He has ties to Islam from his conversion to it. So..that must be his conflict

about which side he can be on in this.

I think some of Progressive Caucus will side against Obama...but, what I've seen is that the rest are pragmatic politicians and don't want to be cut out for the next years of Obama Administration if they don't support him.

Who knows...Progressive Caucus tends to split from what I've seen of the votes I've watch for issues I care about. I get disappointed in them.. But, they are politicians...and as we see ...it's about who gives them the money to get re-elected that tends to be the way they vote...even if it's against their principles on some of the votes. They manage to reconcile that they vote a few times for their principles so...that keeps Dem Left happy. And they explain away the votes that we question them on with just a bunch of political stuff of why.

[MNBrewer]

11. I don't think that's his reason, actually.

At least I hope not. I was very pleased to have the first muslim in congress representing MY district. I think the reasons are secular.

[KoKo]

19. Well...he's got to be conflicted

because he converted to Islam and he may be worried that would single him out on this issue to be vulnerable and he has to choose which branch of Islam over the issues we are dealing with. So...yes...it's secular...but, his religion and funding puts him into conflict.

Not being in his shoes...it's hard to know...but, most of our politicians face some kind of issue either over religion or funding...or both if they get funding by interest groups...which is where most of the big money to fund difficult campaigns comes from these days.

We've got to get this money out of politics. Citizens United decision by Supreme Court has thrown everything out of balance.

[Catherina]

12. Congressional Black Caucus instructed to hold tongue on Syria

Congressional Black Caucus instructed to hold tongue on Syria
By John Hudson
Foreign Policy

Published: September 6, 2013

WASHINGTON — As an increasing number of African-American lawmakers voice dissent over the Obama administration's war plans in Syria, the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus has asked members to "limit public comment" on the issue until they are briefed by senior administration officials.

A congressional aide to a caucus member called the request "eyebrow-raising," in an interview with FP, and said the request was designed to quiet dissent while shoring up support for President Barack Obama's Syria strategy.

The caucus, a crucial bloc of more than 40 votes the White House likely needs to authorize a military strike in Syria, is scheduled to be briefed by White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice on Monday. Until then, caucus chairwoman Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, has asked colleagues to "limit public comment until (they) receive additional details," Fudge spokeswoman Ayofemi Kirby told FP.

When asked if the White House requested the partial gag order, National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said "the administration is reaching out to all members to ensure they have the information they need to make an informed judgment on this issue." Kirby said it was her boss's request and was aimed at keeping members informed rather than silencing anti-war members.

...

http://www.stripes.com/news/us/congressional-black-caucus-instructed-to-hold-tongue-on-syria-1.239706


http://www.stripes.com/news/us/congressional-black-caucus-instructed-to-hold-tongue-on-syria-1.239706

[MNBrewer]

13. I saw that

[Cryptoad]

9. Thankfully ,,,,

there are some who have some common sense and understand what Liberalism really is!

[pampango]

23. Those of us in "tea party" districts are sure our rep is voting No.

As of Friday evening the tea party caucus was 16 No, 29 Leaning No and 13 Undecideds, 0 Yes or Leaning Yes.

[Cryptoad]

24. Sounds about Right! nt

[Peregrine Took]

14. Incredible. Absolutely incredible. I'm going to defriend him right now (or dislike)

[DCBob]

15. Did it ever occur to you that you might be wrong about this?

and that our leadership.. Ellison, Obama, Kerry, etc.. might actually be thinking and doing the right thing?

[MNBrewer]

18. No

I was right when I opposed Iraq, I'm right now.

[DCBob]

20. I protested the Iraq war three times in DC..

but I can be persuaded there are times when it is necessary to use our military for the good. Im not quite convinced yet in this case but it does seem we are nearing that point.

[MNBrewer]

25. Despite the fact that it will be illegal, as laid out by the administration so far.

[atreides1]

27. What good?

Please elaborate how much cruise missiles and possibly 3 days of bombings are good for anyone!

[geek tragedy]

22. Have you ever been wrong on an issue? nt

[scarletwoman]

16. Yes, it's disheartening for sure. My rep is Rick Nolan, and he's certainly on my side on this.

I was listening to MPR earlier this week and they talking about the split in the MN delegation. I couldn't believe it when they said that Ellison was supporting a U.S. strike on Syria - it really floored me.

sw
(Happy to be in the 8th district!)

[roamer65]

21. If he's Sunni Muslim then that explains his support for it.

Last edited Sun Sep 8, 2013, 07:00 PM - Edit history (1)

He's falling in line with the Saudis and Qataris.

The rift between Shia and Sunni Islam is very deep and wide. It reminds me a lot of the Protestant and Catholic troubles of Northern Ireland.

[MNBrewer]

28. Or he could just be falling in line with the President

I HOPE his reasoning is based on religious viewpoint.

[gopiscrap]

26. He's not my rep but I thought he wouldn't support the attack either