MoveOn poll results re: Pelosi's proposal on Iraq

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Dear MoveOn member,

The results are in from our poll on whether to support Speaker Pelosi's proposal on Iraq: 84.6% of MoveOn members voted to support the bill. 9.2% said they weren't sure and 6.2% voted to oppose it.

This note from Ruel B. in California seems to sum up what most MoveOn members feel: "I agree it may not go far enough, but it is a first step. Hopefully, the first step on the road to getting out of Iraq."

The media has spent a lot of time focusing on divisions between the Democrats. But the biggest division is between President Bush, who says he'll veto any timetable for exit, and the voters, who want one. It's important for the media to understand this stark contrast—-can you write a letter to the editor of your local paper? Just click below:

http://pol.moveon.org/lte?campaign_id=72&id=10048-4811888-Yz00yx&t=3

Over the last weeks, progressive members of Congress worked to make this Iraq bill a real step forward. And they succeeded, for the first time, in getting a bill with a timetable. MoveOn members have provided important support for these progressive leaders.


In just the last few days, MoveOn members have sent letters, organized petition deliveries, supported ads, and made calls pushing for an end to this war. Yesterday, we received this note of thanks from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, addressed to MoveOn members:

"Thanks for everything you've done to help build the public support for Congress acting to end the war in Iraq. As someone who voted against the war, and as a founder of the Out of Iraq caucus, I would have preferred to redeploy our troops long ago. I am pleased, however, that for the first time, the debate is no longer about "if" but rather "when" our presence in Iraq will end. This is an important first step on the road home for our troops. Now, the choice is clear: we can either allow the President to continue his open-ended war or we can demand accountability by putting an end to this misguided war. The stakes are enormously high. Thanks for all you do."

And we got this note to MoveOn members from Congressman John Murtha, who has been one of the strongest voices against the war:

"Thank you for helping make this bill the strongest it could be—your voices helped us get a plan that will end the war. All of us want to bring our brave men and women home from Iraq as soon as possible. While the bill may not go as far as some of us would prefer, it is a necessary step toward a safe and responsible end to the war. Bush is threatening to veto and the Republicans unanimously voted 'NO' in full committee. Let's join together and take the necessary step forward."

But most important, here is what some of you said about why you voted to support the plan yesterday:

It will be a huge step forward to pass legislation opposed to the war in Iraq. Those who want more still need to back this important step. The Bush administration is counting on the wide spectrum of opinion on the war among Democrats to prevent passage of such legislation. We need to prove that Democrats can unite on core principles.—Jeanetta M., Connecticut

We have got to be very careful about dividing and self destructing. Let's not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.—Sheila C., New Mexico


I voted for the plan, somewhat reluctantly. I'd like to see a resolution for strengthening diplomatic engagement along with diminishing military efforts.—Frank B., California

Getting out now would be even better, but we need a large consensus vote from all opponents, not a symbolic minority vote. Bush is going to veto the resolution anyway, but we will have marked an important milestone if this resolution passes. It will be a precedent, and that's highly important.—Stephen F., Indiana

Reading through thousands of the comments, it was amazing how much most of us are on the same page. MoveOn members are clear—this is about whether we set a timeline to withdraw or whether the President succeeds in waging a war without end. Now we have to make sure the media understands that, too.

The opinion pages are the most popular pages in the newspaper, and if thousands of us write, we can help shape public opinion. Even if your letter isn't published, it shows editors how folks really feel and influences the way they cover stories. It only takes a few minutes, and we've included some points to help you put it together at the link below.

Click here to get started on a letter to the editor:


http://pol.moveon.org/lte?campaign_id=72&id=10048-4811888-Yz00yx&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Eli, Nita, Tom, Carrie and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
Tuesday, March 20th, 2007

P.S. Some of you have asked whether we support the Lee Amendment, a proposal that would accelerate the end of the war. Of course we do—we'd love for the proposal to bring our troops home sooner, and MoveOn members are pretty clear on that point. We've been fighting for as strong a bill as possible. Right now, the Lee Amendment is not being offered, but if it comes up, we'll definitely encourage Congress to vote for it.