Webb: "This is not supporting the troops. This is misusing the troops."

[demnan]

Mr. President, I wish to emphasize my support for the Levin/Warner Resolution that was painstakingly put together by a number of senior Senators from both sides of the aisle, only to be denied a full debate and open vote through the procedural motions yesterday evening. Winston Churchill once wrote about watching good ideas getting nibbled to death by ducks. Last night, we saw that phenomenon in action. We had before us a measure that would allow this Congress to speak clearly of its concerns regarding the woeful lack of leadership by the President on an issue that affects our nation and our military people like no other. And the other side - including some Senators who had helped to draft the resolution, and had put their names on it - punted the ball down field, rather than giving the people of this country the debate they not only need, but are calling for in every public opinion poll.

More ass whooping here:

http://www.raisingkaine.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=7000

[patrice]

1. I wrote to my Republican senators about this and to our newspaper.

I think I'll write Senator Webb to let him know that we are supporting him.

Here's my letter:
Death and destruction embolden those who intend to become religious martyrs or tribal heroes. Strategic alternatives are disincentives to them. Senators Roberts and Brownback failed to understand this when they voted recently to avoid going on record with a vote on a bipartisan resolution disagreeing with President Bush’s plan to send 21,500 additional troops to Iraq.

Republican Senator John Warner’s non-binding resolution also included international strategies consistent with those supported by several retired Generals, Zbigniew Brzezinski, and James Baker’s Iraq study group.

In addition to the fact that it is difficult to respect reasons for or against the President’s plan if Senators won’t stand behind their positions with a vote, the hypocrisy of those who rhetorically flogged minority filibusters in the last Congress redoubles public disdain for those who expect our troops to make the ultimate sacrifice while they hide from having to stand up for their own positions.

[tblue]

2. Trust me, Repugs will be contacting him, so we should as well.

All of Congress really needs to hear from us when they're doing something right, not just when we think they're blowing it. Man, am I glad Webb beat Macaca.

[smoogatz]

3. More alpha Dems, please.

Webb's one of the best.

[patrice]

6. Yes!!! n/t

[Raksha]

16. I like that phrase "Alpha Dems."

That describes Webb perfectly!

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

4. I phoned Senator Gordon Smith ( R ) OR

Asked him why he didn't vote for the resolution, as he changed his position on the war.

[kaygore]

22. Thank you!

How Smith ever got elected in the great state of Oregon, I'll never know!

[w8liftinglady]

5. I called Cornyn and Hutchison,and wrote the following LTTE

An open letter to Republican Senators:
While you were playing political games with a non-binding resolution,8 more servicemen were killed-bringing the total of servicemen killed to 3101.I hold you responsible for their deaths.While you bickered,more servicemen were maimed and wounded,bringing the number of amputees to over 500-I hold you responsible for their disability.While you refused to go on the record with your opinion-and the opinions of your constituents-more families received that late night phone call or that knock on the door,confirming what a parent fears most.I hold you personally responsible for the grief these families endure-so that you can do more posturing for the camera.While you stalled and wasted my tax dollars,thousands of soldiers and Marines are looking at their third and fourth tour in a war zone,many of them staring down a bottle or the barrel of a gun.I hold you responsible for the trauma they will endure for years to come-trauma you,who have never served,will never know.While you stalled and hemmed and hawed,thousands of innocent Iraqi men,women and children were killed and wounded.I hold you responsible for the hatred that ALL Iraqis now have for America.The results of the 2006 elections have given you a mandate,Republicans.Your constituents do not want this insane war.We are tired of seeing our troops abused for your political and financial gain.2008 will be here soon enough.Do the right thing for once in your political career.It's what We the People elected you for.

[demnan]

7. I really like the passion in your letter

Way to go! :toast:

[w8liftinglady]

8. thanks! I was inspired by this DU thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x136669

[Jacklyn75]

13. Your letter is just perfect! How many more will die while they do NOTHING

but prop up bush! They make me sick! I wish all the Dems had enough guts to call them on it! EVERY death is blood on their hands for doing nothing!! AHH! I could scream!

[kaygore]

23. Very well said!

[w8liftinglady]

9. does anyone have Webb's email handy?

[demnan]

12. Here:

http://webb.senate.gov/contact.cfm

[yellerpup]

10. Great speech

:applause: :applause: :patriot: :applause: :kick:

[RobertSeattle]

11. The R's support Bush - not the Troops

For them Troop means:

The
Republican
Occupying the
Office of the
Presidency

[MissWaverly]

14. so glad I contributed to his campaign

Go Jim, Go, a big salute from Maryland.

:-)

[Faryn Balyncd]

15. J i m - - - - - - W e b b - - - - - - I s - - - - - - A M E R I C A ' S - - - - - - S e n a t o r

Jim Webb speaks for millions of American's - - - Democrats, independents, and even some registered Republicans - - - from all 50 states of the union.


He is eloquent, passionate, and his words resonate with our deepest hopes and ideals.

[mdelaguna2000]

17. Indeed.

[porphyrian]

18. I'll kick that. - n/t

[Bonobo]

19. Please everyone see this Watada video. It will really, really move you.

I cannot say that strong enough. His words are the words of a true patriot. It will CHANGE you (even if you think you couldn't possibly be more moved)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x15717

[mahatmakanejeeves]

20. "the other side ... punted the ball down field"

In one way, he's not much of a difference from George Allen. It's all the other ways that count.

[donkeyotay]

21. Tellin it.

And with respect to the troops, I would caution any political leader who claims to speak on behalf of the political views of our men and women in uniform. Our military people are largely a mirror of our society, particularly in the ranks, and their political views are as diverse as our own. As one example, last year a survey of those in Iraq indicated that more than 70% believed the U.S. should exit Iraq within a year. As I have said before, it is inverted logic to claim that we should continue to fight this war on behalf of the troops. The fact is that they are fighting this war on behalf of the political process. They deserve political leadership that is knowledgeable, and that proceeds from an assumption that our national goals are equal to the sacrifices we are asking them to make.