McGovern urges Obama to withdraw his request for Congressional authorization of US military strikes

[morningfog]

WASHINGTON – Representative James P. McGovern, a Worcester Democrat, called on President Obama Sunday to withdraw his request for congressional authorization for US military strikes against Syria ahead of this week’s votes, even as the White House presses on with its uphill campaign to gain supporters.

“If I were the president, I would withdraw my request for authorization of this particular point. I don’t believe the support is there in Congress,” McGovern, who oppose the current resolution for military strikes, said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “People view war as a last resort. And I don’t think people think that we’re at that point. So I would step back a little bit.”

Congress is scheduled to begin voting on Wednesday whether to authorize limited air strikes against Syria to punish President Bashir Assad for allegedly using chemical weapons. The prospects for approval are uncertain. look grim, with just 25 House members vocalizing support.

Overall, 111 members have publicly declared their opposition to the Syria resolution, and 115 are leaning against it, according to a whip count maintained by The Washington Post.

- See more at: http://www.boston.com/politicalintelligence/2013/09/08/mcgovern-urges-obama-withdraw-his-request-for-congressional-authorization-military-strikes-against-syria/YZt1m8T2SWhLZkKTBtYxqJ/story.html#sthash.Xk91UXt7.dpuf

[gopiscrap]

1. Good for him!

[Raksha]

2. That would be the smart thing to do...

which means of course that it won't happen.

[Rex]

3. Better yet, have Congress decide since it is their job.

nt.

[frylock]

7. sounds like a decision has been made

[iamthebandfanman]

10. Yes, because congress always knows best...

*COUGH IRAQ COUGH *

[CakeGrrl]

4. Then he should just do his job and vote "No". What's the problem? -nt

[scarletwoman]

5. Oh, hell no, you don't get to weasel out of this! Hold the damn vote!

Let the American people see for themselves who stands where. We deserve to know, dammit! It's our tax dollars that fund the frikkin war machine.

[Catherina]

19. Good point but would it make much difference? We've seen so many times

and they're still allowed to get away with it.

I'd like to know how many of our Congresspeople would ok an illegal attack under international law on a sovereign nation but I don't trust them anymore.

[scarletwoman]

22. I want the U.S. Congress on record, period.

Whether or not Obama ignores the vote is altogether a different matter. I just want the Legislative Branch to do their Constitutional duty.

[leveymg]

6. Jim is a good guy and hasn't swallowed the Kool-aid.

[sulphurdunn]

8. Tomorrow, AIPAC

twill be sending a couple of hundred lobbyist thugs to make offers to Congress it can't refuse. We'll see what happens by Tuesday morning.

[Rebellious Republican]

9. Now I know I am old, I was thinking GEORGE.

To many here are to young and have probably no clue what I am speaking of!

[Douglas Carpenter]

11. Rep. James McGovern actually delivered a eulogy to George McGovern at his funeral last October

Of course they were no relation. James McGovern mentioned in the eulogy that people would frequently say to him, "I always supported your dad." To which he would always inform them that his dad owns a liquor store in Worcester, Massachusetts and certainly appreciates their support.

[Live and Learn]

15. LOL Me too. Wondered if it came through

one of those machines on a Haunted tv episode.

[Madam Mossfern]

18. Not I

I was thinking that too and wondering....

[alcibiades_mystery]

12. No, Congress should vote

What the fuck is this? You want Congress to have responsibility for stuff like this? Fine. Take responsibility.

If Congress votes it down, so be it. No withdrawal of the request. The People's representatives decide, for good or ill.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

13. it would violate international law - why doesn't ANYONE mention that?

We are not the world's ruler.

We are not the judge, jury and executioner.

[Demeter]

14. Rep. McGovern is astute. He has no future in modern DC

Perhaps in a future DC, to be brought to life in a couple of years....

[Flatulo]

16. McGovern is a good man. He also has the benefit of having visited war-torn Nicaragua

during the Iran-Contra era.

He's been consistently anti-war for many years.

[JoePhilly]

17. Make Congress take an Official position.

They haven't done shit for almost 5 years.

Get them all on the record.

[Cryptoad]

20. Nah,,,,,

let congress Vote,,,,,,, if they decide NO,,,, let Assad enjoy his "Cheap Grace" afforded him by the US Congress.

[JI7]

21. so what , why doesn't he just vote NO

[morningfog]

23. Kicking in light of Obama following McGovern's urging.

Obama didn't have the votes, he pulled it back.