The Senate will vote on Wednesday on the authorization for the use of force against Syria

[The Straight Story]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is blaming the Syrian government for using deadly chemical weapons in what he calls a "clear violation of human decency."

In remarks in the Senate on Monday, the Democratic leader said failure of the United States to respond would embolden hostile forces worldwide.

Reid made the remarks as President Barack Obama faces stiff resistance from Democrats and Republicans to his request for the authority to use military force against Syria.

The U.S. blames the Assad government for a chemical weapons attack that killed more than 1,400 civilians last month.

Reid said the Senate will be voting to uphold a century-long tradition that chemical weapons have no place on the battlefield. Reid moved for a key test vote on Wednesday.


http://bigstory.ap.org/article/reid-syria-clear-violation-human-decency

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/reid-syria-clear-violation-human-decency

[David__77]

1. No no no!

I sincerely hope that it is blocked.

[Javaman]

2. And the UN inspectors?

oh that's right, we don't need no stinking inspectors!

[The Straight Story]

5. The ones we tried to get an Russia vetoed? We could not even get Observers in there:

Russia and China vetoed a Western-backed U.N. Security Council resolution on Thursday that threatened Syrian authorities with sanctions if they did not stop using heavy weapons against an uprising and withdraw troops from towns and cities.

It was the third time that Russia, a key ally of the Syrian government, and China have used their veto power to block U.N. Security Council resolutions designed to put pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and halt the violence in the 16-month conflict that has killed thousands of people.

The vetoed resolution, which would have extended a U.N. observer mission in Syria for 45 days, received 11 votes in favor, while South Africa and Pakistan abstained.

Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant told the council he was “appalled” by Russia and China’s vetoes.

“The effect of their actions is to protect a brutal regime. They have chosen to put their national interests ahead of the lives of millions of Syrians,” he said.

http://www.euronews.com/2012/07/19/russia-china-veto-un-security-council-resolution-on-syria/

[Javaman]

13. So who then do we bomb?

I know we are all itchin' for it!

Do we bomb Syria without concrete evidence? or do we bomb the russians and china for preventing us from getting evidence?

Come on, we just have to bomb someone, right?

[Eric J in MN]

3. The US attack on Fallujah was also a clear violation of human decency.

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

As of 2004, the city is largely ruined, with 60% of buildings damaged or destroyed, and the population at 30%–50% of pre-war levels.[3]

...At least one US battalion had orders to shoot any male of military age on the streets after dark, armed or not.[17] Some press reports contained anecdotal accounts from Iraqi residents of US snipers allegedly firing on unarmed civilians.[18][19] In violation of the Geneva Convention, the city's main hospital was closed by Marines, negating its use, and a US sniper was placed on top of the hospital's water tower.[20]

[alsame]

4. 9/11 anniversary. nt

[Puzzledtraveller]

6. I have a feeling it will pass.

[JoeyT]

7. Well Reid is apparently brave when it comes to standing up to people that aren't Republicans.

Assad should declare he's going to run for president on the Republican ticket. Reid will stop talking about it in record time.

[warrant46]

14. Reid a very cowardly man.

He is an empty suit especially when it came to Single Payer. ( and helping the poor)

But apparently the War Drums have his Testosterone Flowing

[florida08]

8. well in light of the news

About Syria turning over it's wmd's to the international control that vote test should go nowhere, but I never underestimate the lunacy that is Congress

[rocktivity]

9. This coming Wednesday, as in 9/11?

Eeew...


rocktivity

[jakeXT]

10. Holocaust and WW2

In his nearly 20-minute address on the Senate floor, Reid argued that it was the nation’s duty to act, and he invoked the tragedy of the Holocaust and quoted from Dante’s Inferno to help make his case.

“The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality,” Reid said, adding later: “In World War II, six million Jews and tens of thousands of gypsies, disabled people, gay people and political dissidents were murdered. Never again? Now we’re faced with that choice again.”

http://news.yahoo.com/harry-reid-schedules-first-senate-vote-on-syria-strike-authorization-for-sept--11-190414981.html

[blkmusclmachine]

11. 9/11 was chosen; it's NOT by mere coincidence

OPERATION NORTHWOODS http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=92662&page=1

[Earth_First]

12. On 9/11...

Stay classy, Congress.