There is only one way to end the war in Iraq Pt. II (Kucinich)

[laststeamtrain]

Democrats have hinted at an ambitious domestic agenda by their choices for the first 100 hours of the new Congress. This "down payment" will consist of an increase in the minimum wage, a reduction in college tuition, among other things.

The Democratic majority is upbeat about establishing a domestic agenda including additional funds for health care and education. But, the unassailable fact is that the war is devouring the hopes for any domestic agenda. Each and every vote to fund the war is a vote to drive the United States deeper into debt and further away from humane aspirations.

<snip>

Iraq is a turning point in American history. America must make a dramatic reversal of course: We must acknowledge that continued U.S.military presence in Iraq is counterproductive and destabilizing. We have a choice in front of us: either we sink deeper into the abyss of violence, with rising casualties and costs. Or we can reunite with the world community in the cause of peace. We must work through the United Nations and all the countries in the region to provide a new direction, a new diplomacy, a new hope.

<more>

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rep-dennis-kucinich/there-is-only-one-way-to-_b_35453.html

[lvx35]

1. Best Reply:

"Good! Now that you recognize the problem and your party has the power to do something about it when are you going to propose a heavy tax on the rich who made boucoups off this war? When are you going to round up the individuals who lied about this war and when do they go on trial. When are you going to track down the civilian interogators that tortured the so-called terrorists and indict them along with those that gave the orders no high up it went? When are you going to shut down our "secret" prisons and cease all extordinary renditions? When are you going to demand civilian trials for the prisoners we hold? When are you going to repeal the military commissons act, the patriot act and enforce the use of warrents for wiretaps and surveillance?

The things you named are important but the fisical and physical soundness of our country should be a priority. And reign in the Department of Homeland Security! It has turned into nothing short of the Gestapo!"

[timtom]

2. I really hate to be a "me-too-er"

but that IS the best answer. I couldn't have done better, myself!

[izzie]

3. Two more years with Bush and the okhrana

We all know we can not do war and re-build a city. I go for the city my self.

[Trillo]

4. Confusing, perhaps you can clarify.

Earlier today I was reading the Authorization for use of Military Force:

“SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES.
“(a) Authorization.—The President is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to—
“(1) defend the national security of the United States against the continuing threat posed by Iraq; and
“(2) enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq.
Read more...

The most recent security council announcement was that the U.S. needs to remain in Iraq for at least one more year:

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council on Tuesday unanimously renewed the mandate of the U.S.-led multinational force in Iraq through the end of 2007, granting a request from the Baghdad government.

U.S. Ambassador John Bolton welcomed the vote a day ahead of planned talks in Jordan between President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on how to bring violence under control and whether Iran and Syria could help.

The vote showed all countries in the region that the Security Council strongly backed "stability in Iraq and continued progress toward democracy," Bolton said. "We all share the same objective and I think that is something the neighboring countries need to take into account."

read more...

So, if Kucinich believes that we need to 'get out of Iraq' in order to afford a domestic agenda, he also allegedly wrote, "We must acknowledge that continued U.S. military presence in Iraq is counterproductive and destabilizing", how does that translate into, "We must work through the United Nations and all the countries in the region" given that the U.N. has unanimously renewed the U.S.-led multinational force in Iraq?

Perhaps he is saying we're staying in Iraq for at least 1 more year.

[eridani]

5. K&R n/t