THIRTEEN VOTES

[mb7588a]

Amdt. No. 4442; To require the redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq in order to further a political solution in Iraq, encourage the people of Iraq to provide for their own security, and achieve victory in the war on terror.

I'd like to add my two cents on the Kerry-Feingold amendment... and not only two cents, but also two words that are the source of my scorn and anguish:

THIRTEEN VOTES

Thirteen votes is 13% of the world's foremost legislative body. The United States Senate represents the righteous and laudable citizenry of our great states. But oh how they have failed their constituents on this day.

I thank the founding fathers, who represented thirteen colonies, that thirteen senators had the Constitutional ability and moral courage to do their job. Thirteen stood up, much like thirteen had before them - Paine, Henry, John Adams, Madison, Hancock, Hamilton, Mason, Huntington, Sherman, Sam Adams, Washington, Franklin, Jefferson... Unfortunately, the contemporary thirteen is nearly equivalent to the percentage of Americans who actually still support the occupation of Iraq.

86 senators voted AGAINST the simple words above. They demonstrated malice, rancor, and spite for our troops, and our country's 230 years of glorious history. 86% is nearly equivalent to the percentage of Americans who believe our mission in Iraq ought to go to the next steps of prioritizing necessary infrastructure, and beginning withdrawal and redeployment of combat soldiers.

It's time for every senator, ESPECIALLY every member of the Democratic party, to make history and stop an unjust occupation in a place so far away from our own veritable problems. Iraq should be turned over to the people whose country is at stake. Bad policy regarding their country has cost our own country much too dearly. And for what? What gain have we to show for our time, money, and casualties? What great fact of future history books are we writing?

Why have members of the United States Senate voted in such a way that represents the polar opposite of the citizenry who employ them?

86 senators have doomed our troops to more service in Iraq. Find me the 86% of the citizenry that agrees with our current Iraq policy, or lack thereof, and I'll relinquish my scorn and anguish. But without such proof - THIRTEEN VOTES and TWO CENTS is all I've got.

Please, call the 86 senators, tell them very few things are more important than this - and they should be ashamed of their vote.

[mike_c]

1. K&R-- great commentary!

Yep-- this is the betrayal of America by its leadership, plain for all to see.

[_dynamicdems]

2. I agree. They need to hear our voices loud and clear.

These are our representatives. We did not vote for these legislators to represent themselves. We voted for them to represent us. And when they don't do that, they need to know that they will be held to account.

[kster]

3. They (Government) are employee's of Diebold, ES&S and Sequia

they no longer work for us. They no longer have to please us to get elected. Your commentary proves that. Great job!

[goodhue]

4. amen

I'm particularly disappointed with my own democratic Senator, Mark Dayton

[Jon8503]

5. Haven't you guys learned by now the dems still do not have a spine.

They think if they do nothing, the American people are going to vote the republicans out on the way things are. The dems are gutless.

[mb7588a]

8. Yes - he of all people,

he who has nothing to lose. His vote doesn't make good sense.

[Brundle_Fly]

6. the second they voted themselves a pay raise....

against raising the minimum wage, you know where the priorities are.

$5.15

are they retarded?

Iraq is just another turd in the steady stream of "out of touch"

[OneBlueSky]

7. my cowardly senators -- Schumer and Clinton -- . . .

make me ashamed to be a New Yorker . . .

[LittleClarkie]

9. But don't forget to give the thirteen some sugar

Let them know we appreciate them.