Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA19) Statement on Syria

[KamaAina]

http://lofgren.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=823:rep-zoe-lofgren-statement-on-syria&catid=22:112th-news&Itemid=161

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) released the following statement today regarding reports that President Obama may be considering a military response after allegations that the Syrian government used chemical weapons on its citizens:

"An effort is being made by the Administration to comply with International Law—but we must first comply with American law. The War Powers Act requires action by Congress before engaging in hostilities unless our country is attacked. The civil war in Syria, with its atrocities, is a matter of serious humanitarian concern. But this civil war does not constitute an attack on the US nor does it pose imminent danger to America. It would be inconsistent with American law for military action to be initiated without Congressional authorization. I encourage everyone, including members of the Administration, to read the War Powers Act before moving forward with any military response."

Best of all, I get to thank her in person at a meeting Tuesday!

[KamaAina]

1. Tammy Duckworth, too.

Who has, shall we say, considerable moral authority on the subject. And is quite close to President Obama.

http://voices.suntimes.com/early-and-often/politics/iraq-vet-u-s-rep-tammy-duckworth-opposes-syria-intervention/

“It’s military families like mine that are the first to bleed when our nation makes this kind of commitment,” Duckworth said in a statement Friday. “It’s my obligation to make sure our government honors our troops willingness to sacrifice when we make such a decision.”

Duckworth said she opposes the U.S. taking on the burden “unilaterally, especially since none of our allies, including those in the region, have committed to action.”

“In the days ahead I will be seeking more information from our military and intelligence communities,” Duckworth said. “But until I feel it’s imperative to our national security, I will not support preemptive intervention in Syria.”

[sarcasmo]

2. Common sense, nice to see.

[progressoid]

3. Rec!

[Coyotl]

4. I won't tolerate U.S. politicians committing War Crimes any more so than Syrian civil war combatants

Nor should members of Congress. If Obama cannot obey the law, he should be impeached, that simple.

[KamaAina]

5. Careful about throwing around the I-word

it plays right into the repukes' hands. Did you happen to notice that a number of repukes have been going there for the past couple of weeks, even before Syria hit the fan?

[Coyotl]

7. I am careful. IF is if. Why hold Obama to a different standard than Bush?

I called for Bush's impeachment for starting a war without proper authority. I'm not going to exempt Obama because he is a Dem.

[treestar]

6. The Repuke Congress

Their vote will be the most interesting thing. Right wingers were all for Iraq on the basis of far less.