Congressional Black Caucus instructed to hold tongue on Syria

[David__77]

Source: Stars and Stripes

WASHINGTON — As an increasing number of African-American lawmakers voice dissent over the Obama administration's war plans in Syria, the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus has asked members to "limit public comment" on the issue until they are briefed by senior administration officials.

A congressional aide to a caucus member called the request "eyebrow-raising," in an interview with FP, and said the request was designed to quiet dissent while shoring up support for President Barack Obama's Syria strategy.

The caucus, a crucial bloc of more than 40 votes the White House likely needs to authorize a military strike in Syria, is scheduled to be briefed by White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice on Monday. Until then, caucus chairwoman Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, has asked colleagues to "limit public comment until [they] receive additional details," Fudge spokeswoman Ayofemi Kirby told FP.

When asked if the White House requested the partial gag order, National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said "the administration is reaching out to all members to ensure they have the information they need to make an informed judgment on this issue." Kirby said it was her boss's request and was aimed at keeping members informed rather than silencing anti-war members.

...

Read more: http://www.stripes.com/news/us/congressional-black-caucus-instructed-to-hold-tongue-on-syria-1.239706

[leveymg]

1. Just shut up about this until Susan Rice gets around to telling you how to lie.

Disgusting.

[Iliyah]

2. Please stop this BS

my gawd, most are liberals and speak their mind. Good grief.

[7962]

4. Unless they're told not to, apparently. Stay with the group, everyone.

No individual thinking allowed.

[Cha]

12. Apparently, so they can make a more informed decision. I

see nothing wrong with that.

[ellenrr]

3. interesting..let's see the mental contortions they go thru

as they try to "support the first black president" and hold to their principles of being anti-war....

[Divernan]

5. O trying to gag/muzzle black Congress persons like Rangel, Lee, Cummings!?!? Outrageous!

More from the OP link:

In recent days, a number of black lawmakers from Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., to Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., to Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., have expressed skepticism over the administration's plan to wage a surgical military strike in Syria. "We must learn the lessons of the past. Lessons from Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and others," said Lee, who remains opposed to a Syrian intervention.

"If I felt for one minute that my nation was in danger, and I'm 83, I would volunteer and do something to protect her," Rangel told FP this week. "But I'll be damned if I see anything worth fighting for."
Last week, Lee circulated a letter signed by 64 Democrats, including many members of the caucus, demanding congressional authorization for a strike in Syria.

Despite the (president's/White House) request, some caucus members have felt compelled to let constituents know where they stand on an issue consuming the public's attention. "It's my obligation to speak out and say what my thought process is," Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., a member of the caucus and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told FP. "I think it's important for me to step forward and make some statements. These are very personal matters."

[Divernan]

6. Do your constituents have appetite for war? Rangel: HELL NO!

(More from the OP link)

Meeks said he's currently undecided on Syria and wants to see the White House build an international coalition before he authorizes a strike. "This is an international violation, therefore it it needs an international response," he said. "We don't have NATO, we don't have the Arab League, we don't have the U.N."

While Meeks remains open to White House arguments, others say they could never be convinced of another war in the Middle East. "Enough is enough," said Rangel. "I don't see how I could be persuaded."

"The president promises a military operation in Syria of limited scope and duration," Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., said this week. "But the Assad regime would have a say in what happens next."

If a resolution to authorize military force fails to pass in the House, it will likely be due to an odd pairing of conservative and libertarian Republicans and liberal Democrats, including Congressional Black Caucus members. When asked if his constituents had any appetite for a war with Syria, Rangel replied bluntly. "In answer to your question: Hell no."

[heaven05]

7. I thought

there is free speech in amerika.

[Divernan]

8. K&R Need 5th rec to get on greatest page!

[enlightenment]

9. I'd do more than raise an eyebrow.

I'd kick Ms. Fudge to the curb for suggesting I take part in her group-think exercise.

[TheKentuckian]

10. They should tell Ms. Fudge to kick rocks.

[Jesus Malverde]

11. Curious that the caucus would get it's own briefing and "message"...nt

[Yo_Mama]

13. Doesn't make sense

First, no one is going to shut up some of these people. Second, if it's more information that's needed, then talking now and changing their stances publicly after getting the information would be more influential upon public opinion.

There have also been multiple classified briefings by now, and it is somewhat insulting to assume that these legislators just ignored them. Any information given to the Black Caucus should be given to all of Congress!

Finally, if these legislators believe that the president is wrong, they support him best by being publicly honest.

I wish the administration would be a little more careful with this stuff - the way they are handling it makes it look like the private meeting would be to promise members of the Black Caucus cover and reelection assistance in exchange for votes, and that is more likely to hurt them than to help them if they do feel impelled to support the Syrian resolution.

For God's sakes, we just had an employment report that showed a 13% black unemployment rate. It's similar for poor rural whites, I'm sure. Can anyone really expect such voters to support spending a whole lot of money to murder people that we don't know for reasons that we really do not understand?