Rep. Polis: Not a single additional soldier

[stephinrome]

http://polis.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=157564

Polis Statement on Afghanistan Troop Increase

Washington, Dec 1 - Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) issued the following statement today in response to President Obama’s speech and proposed increase of US Troops in Afghanistan.

“President Obama delivered a powerful speech this evening and I commend his commitment to ending the war in Afghanistan. However, I do not believe there can be a military solution to this conflict and I do not support sending a single additional American soldier there, much less 30,000 new troops.

We need less troops, not more, to end this war. Earlier this year I traveled to Afghanistan and saw first-hand the very real challenges that our eight-year presence there has created. Adding more combat troops is not a formula for peace.

As I’ve said before, our resources could be better spent on diplomacy and targeted security operations. I believe that the best way to support our brave men in women in uniform is to bring them home as soon as possible.”

[cali]

1. excellent. I think we're about to see a real split in the dem party.

[Bonn1997]

2. At first, I thought this said "Pelosi"! That would have been major news.

[stephinrome]

4. well, yeah, that would have...

...been bigger news. Anyway, I'm pleased with my freshman rep from Colorado. He's been pretty good so far.

[xiamiam]

3. i dont think obama is going to get much support for this escalation

many see the folly of it..and for that, I am grateful

[stephinrome]

5. Forgot to post his statement on supplemental in May

Polis Statement on Vote Against 2009 Defense Supplemental Appropriations Bill

Washington, May 14 - Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) issued the following statement today on voting against H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009:

Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO)
Statement on H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009
Thursday, May 5, 2009

The Defense Supplemental funds a number of worthy and important projects, including international humanitarian assistance for refugees and medical assistance for people suffering from HIV and AIDS. I applaud my colleagues, Chairman Obey in particular, for addressing these priorities. Unfortunately, the positive aspects of this bill cannot hide its underlying premise—funding a misguided war in Iraq and Afghanistan—a policy that I believe must be changed.

At its heart, this bill is about increasing and prolonging US military involvement in Afghanistan, which I do not support. I recently traveled to both Iraq and Afghanistan and saw first-hand the very real challenges that our presence creates. Let’s be clear—President Obama inherited two wars and I know he is committed to ending both responsibly. I, however, do not believe there can be a military solution to the conflict and therefore cannot support this bill.

The occupation of Afghanistan will not help us defeat the very real threat of Al Qaeda. Although I am especially encouraged by the “diplomatic surge” and Special Forces’ efforts to defeat the threat of Al Qaeda, our resources could be better spent on diplomacy and targeted security operations, rather than continued occupation. I strongly support President Obama and his efforts to end our presence in Iraq. I believe that the best way to support the President is for me to use my vote to help force a discussion about our strategy and tactics in Afghanistan, and for that reason I am voting no.

We cannot achieve peace through the occupation of an entire country. We tried and failed in Iraq, and we cannot afford to do so again. We need a fresh look at our policy in Afghanistan, and this can only come through open discussion and debate. My action today is not a vote against our military or a vote against our President, but an urgent call for an exit strategy for Afghanistan and a plan for peace and security.

[bvar22]

6. K&R

There is already a split in the Democratic Party.

Election 2008 was a crushing defeat for the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party.
I support Liberal Democrats STANDING UP and saying "ENOUGH"!


The DLC New Team
Republican Lite ONLY!
Liberal Democrats Need NOT Apply

(Screen Capped from the DLC Website)



"There are forces within the Democratic Party who want us to sound like kinder, gentler Republicans. I want us to compete for that great mass of voters that want a party that will stand up for working Americans, family farmers, and people who haven't felt the benefits of the economic upturn."---Paul Wellstone

[Vidar]

7. Good for Polis.

[donheld]

8. Yay

:applause: