13 Days Left until the Iraq Withdrawal Deadline - WTF?

[mikelewis]

What the hell is Senator Kerry thinking? In his speech at Faneuil Hall yesterday he called for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq by the 15th of May, this May, 13 Days from today. Senator, I applaud your ambition but you must know that you have called for the impossible. You have asked for us "Dissenters" to rally behind your call for an immediate withdrawal from Iraq but only given us 13 days to figure out a way to "rile up the base", so to speak. How can you or any Senator hope to build up enough steam in 13 days?....

October 16, 1962, President John F. Kennedy addresses the nation which heralds the the Cuban Missile Crisis. In that speech he informed the people of the United States that the Soviet Union was currently constructing several Short Range Nuclear Missile Silos on the Island nation of Cuba. He told our people and the world in no uncertain terms, this action will not be tolerated. He laid out a course of action America was to take which included a blockade of Cuba. And then he braced us for the fight to come...

"My fellow citizens, let no one doubt that this is a difficult and dangerous effort on which we have set out. No one can foresee precisely what course it will take or what costs or casualties will be incurred. Many months of sacrifice and self-discipline lie ahead -- months in which both our patience and our will will be tested, months in which many threats and denunciations will keep us aware of our dangers. But the greatest danger of all would be to do nothing.

The path we have chosen for the present is full of hazards, as all paths are; but it is the one most consistent with our character and courage as a nation and our commitments around the world. The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender or submission.

Our goal is not the victory of might, but the vindication of right; not peace at the expense of freedom, but both peace and freedom, here in this hemisphere, and, we hope, around the world. God willing, that goal will be achieved."

That speech signaled the beginning of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the world held its breath. Two titans stood eye to eye, daring the other to move them from their intended course. If these giants locked horns, the clash would have been catastrophic. This may very well have ended life as we know it on the planet.

The blockade of Cuba began and the Russian Nukes moved closer and closer to America. The American people and more importantly the American President did not waver or back down. A line was drawn and come what may, even extinction, we would not budge.

On October 28, 1962, just as the Soviet ships carrying the Nuclear Weapons reached the blockade, the order was given by the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev to stand down. A flurry of overt and back-door diplomacy had allowed for a last minute compromise and the destruction of the world was averted. But without the willingness of the American people to stare into the face of annihilation, President Kennedy could never have backed down the Soviets. It was our determination that we will not live in fear that he used to not only avert war but restore sanity, if only for a short time.

Even though it seemed a lifetime, from start to finish, the Cuban Missile Crisis lasted only 13 days.

Okay, so 13 days is a lot of time but Senator Kerry, "You are no Jack Kennedy".

But, on the other hand, George Bush is no Nikita Khrushchev either. The call to withdrawal our troops by May 15th seems an impossible dream but the nightmare of the Cuban Missile Crisis also seemed infinitely more impossible to avert. I know the Cuban Missile Crisis had much more dire consequences but from the perspective of the people of Iraq and our soldiers in harms way, it's probably hard to imagine the distinction. If the American people could bring their iron-hard determination to bear, maybe, just maybe, you can use that to broker a deal to get our boys and girls home. In the end, isn't that what everyone wants?

So I will do my part and stand with you in your call to bring our troops home. You can use your political skills and my resolve to back down a suicidal President. But Senator Kerry, in this fight, there is no retreat. There is no surrender. You have made the call and you will see it through. This one, We the People, will win even if we have to run right over you to do it. I certainly hope you know what you're doing.

http://www.johnkerry.com/

[JuniperLea]

1. Perhaps he has something HUGH up his sleeve?

Any other clues?

[AlamoDemoc]

3. Do you mean something like this?

Kerry Sponsors Collective Punishment of Palestinians on Behalf of Israel

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00361.htm

By Genevieve Cora Fraser

As a former state prosecutor and lieutenant governor whose father was a Foreign Service officer, the former Presidential candidate Senator John Forbes Kerry should know a violation of international law when he sees one. Perhaps he could blame intimidation by the American Israeli PAC organization or a need to pander to his Jewish benefactors as he makes another run for the Presidency, but Kerry’s recent co-sponsorship of the Palestinian Compliance Act of 2006 is a violation of Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention that forbids collective punishment and states “that a person shall not be punished for an offense he or she has not personally committed. This article explicitly relates to administrative punishment imposed on persons or groups because of acts that they did not personally commit. Article 50 of the Hague Regulations states a comparable prohibition.”

[JuniperLea]

4. Well, that's rather disgusting

Is that a reliable source?








ew!

[AlamoDemoc]

6. As reliable as they come... n/t

[stillcool]

7. I couldn't find the bill they're refering to....Do you know...

which of these it is?

S.2237
Title: A bill to withhold United States assistance from the Palestinian Authority until certain conditions have been satisfied.
Sponsor: Sen Santorum, Rick (introduced 2/1/2006) Cosponsors (5)
Related Bills: H.R.4668, H.R.4681, S.2370
Latest Major Action: 2/1/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. COSPONSORS(5), ALPHABETICAL : (Sort: by date)


Sen Dayton, Mark - 3/7/2006
Sen Graham, Lindsey - 3/6/2006
Sen Kyl, Jon - 2/1/2006
Sen Nelson, Bill - 2/1/2006
Sen Vitter, David - 2/27/2006


S.2370
Title: A bill to promote the development of democratic institutions in areas under the administrative control of the Palestinian Authority, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen McConnell, Mitch (introduced 3/6/2006) Cosponsors (86)
Related Bills: H.R.4668, H.R.4681, S.2237
Latest Major Action: 3/6/2006 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. COSPONSORS(86), ALPHABETICAL : (Sort: by date)


Sen Akaka, Daniel K. - 3/27/2006
Sen Allard, Wayne - 3/7/2006
Sen Allen, George - 3/6/2006
Sen Baucus, Max - 3/15/2006
Sen Bayh, Evan - 4/3/2006
Sen Bennett, Robert F. - 4/26/2006
Sen Biden, Joseph R., Jr. - 3/6/2006
Sen Bingaman, Jeff - 4/25/2006
Sen Bond, Christopher S. - 3/27/2006
Sen Boxer, Barbara - 3/6/2006
Sen Brownback, Sam - 3/27/2006
Sen Bunning, Jim - 3/6/2006
Sen Burns, Conrad R. - 3/6/2006
Sen Burr, Richard - 3/9/2006
Sen Cantwell, Maria - 3/28/2006
Sen Carper, Thomas R. - 3/27/2006
Sen Chambliss, Saxby - 3/27/2006
Sen Clinton, Hillary Rodham - 3/7/2006
Sen Coburn, Tom - 3/29/2006
Sen Cochran, Thad - 3/7/2006
Sen Coleman, Norm - 3/30/2006
Sen Collins, Susan M. - 3/7/2006
Sen Conrad, Kent - 4/5/2006
Sen Cornyn, John - 3/16/2006
Sen Craig, Larry E. - 4/3/2006
Sen Crapo, Mike - 3/7/2006
Sen Dayton, Mark - 3/7/2006
Sen DeMint, Jim - 3/6/2006
Sen DeWine, Mike - 3/6/2006
Sen Dodd, Christopher J. - 4/6/2006
Sen Dole, Elizabeth - 4/4/2006
Sen Dorgan, Byron L. - 3/30/2006
Sen Durbin, Richard - 4/5/2006
Sen Ensign, John - 3/27/2006
Sen Feingold, Russell D. - 4/3/2006
Sen Feinstein, Dianne - 3/14/2006
Sen Frist, William H. - 3/6/2006
Sen Graham, Lindsey - 3/30/2006
Sen Grassley, Chuck - 3/30/2006
Sen Gregg, Judd - 3/15/2006
Sen Hagel, Chuck - 3/6/2006
Sen Harkin, Tom - 4/4/2006
Sen Hatch, Orrin G. - 4/5/2006
Sen Hutchison, Kay Bailey - 3/7/2006
Sen Inhofe, James M. - 3/15/2006
Sen Inouye, Daniel K. - 4/26/2006
Sen Isakson, Johnny - 3/29/2006
Sen Johnson, Tim - 3/14/2006
Sen Kennedy, Edward M. - 4/25/2006
Sen Kerry, John F. - 3/6/2006
Sen Kohl, Herb - 4/4/2006
Sen Kyl, Jon - 3/9/2006
Sen Landrieu, Mary L. - 3/9/2006
Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. - 3/7/2006
Sen Levin, Carl - 4/4/2006
Sen Lieberman, Joseph I. - 3/6/2006
Sen Lincoln, Blanche L. - 4/3/2006
Sen Lott, Trent - 3/9/2006
Sen Martinez, Mel - 3/6/2006
Sen McCain, John - 3/15/2006
Sen Menendez, Robert - 3/14/2006
Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. - 3/6/2006
Sen Murkowski, Lisa - 3/9/2006
Sen Murray, Patty - 3/30/2006
Sen Nelson, Bill - 3/6/2006
Sen Nelson, E. Benjamin - 3/6/2006
Sen Obama, Barack - 4/26/2006
Sen Pryor, Mark L. - 3/29/2006
Sen Reid, Harry - 3/6/2006
Sen Roberts, Pat - 3/16/2006
Sen Salazar, Ken - 3/6/2006
Sen Santorum, Rick - 3/7/2006
Sen Sarbanes, Paul S. - 3/7/2006
Sen Schumer, Charles E. - 3/15/2006
Sen Sessions, Jeff - 3/16/2006
Sen Shelby, Richard C. - 3/14/2006
Sen Smith, Gordon H. - 3/9/2006
Sen Snowe, Olympia J. - 3/9/2006
Sen Specter, Arlen - 4/25/2006
Sen Stabenow, Debbie - 4/4/2006
Sen Stevens, Ted - 4/25/2006
Sen Talent, Jim - 3/6/2006
Sen Thomas, Craig - 3/7/2006
Sen Thune, John - 3/6/2006
Sen Vitter, David - 3/7/2006
Sen Wyden, Ron - 3/15/2006

[JuniperLea]

8. S.2370 - I would guess, given the signatures

Doesn't seem quite as bad as that article suggests! It would be interesting to be able to dig a little deeper into that bill.

[stillcool]

9. I found another 2370 which is Kennedy's minimum wage bill....

S.2370
Title: A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for an increase in the Federal minimum wage.
Sponsor: Sen Kennedy, Edward M. (introduced 4/29/2004) Cosponsors (27)
Related Bills: H.R.4256, S.224
Latest Major Action: 5/3/2004 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 496.
Jump to: Summary, Major Actions, All Actions, Titles, Cosponsors, Committees, Related Bill Details, Amendments
SUMMARY AS OF:
4/29/2004--Introduced.

Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2004 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the Federal minimum wage to: (1) $5.85 an hour, beginning on the 60th day after enactment of this Act; (2) $6.45 an hour, beginning 12 months after that 60th day; and (3) $7.00 an hour, beginning 24 months after that 60th day.

Makes Federal minimum wage requirements applicable to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sets forth a transition period during which a specified minimum wage there shall be gradually increased to equal the Federal minimum wage.

.
MAJOR ACTIONS:

***NONE***

ALL ACTIONS:

4/29/2004:
Introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4699)
4/29/2004:
Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
5/3/2004:
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 496.

TITLE(S): (italics indicate a title for a portion of a bill)

***NONE***

COSPONSORS(27), ALPHABETICAL : (Sort: by date)


Sen Akaka, Daniel K. - 4/29/2004
Sen Bayh, Evan - 4/29/2004
Sen Bingaman, Jeff - 4/29/2004
Sen Boxer, Barbara - 4/29/2004
Sen Byrd, Robert C. - 4/29/2004
Sen Clinton, Hillary Rodham - 4/29/2004
Sen Corzine, Jon S. - 4/29/2004
Sen Daschle, Thomas A. - 4/29/2004
Sen Dodd, Christopher J. - 4/29/2004
Sen Durbin, Richard - 4/29/2004
Sen Edwards, John - 4/29/2004
Sen Feingold, Russell D. - 4/29/2004
Sen Harkin, Tom - 4/29/2004
Sen Jeffords, James M. - 7/19/2004
Sen Kerry, John F. - 4/29/2004
Sen Landrieu, Mary L. - 4/29/2004
Sen Lautenberg, Frank R. - 4/29/2004
Sen Leahy, Patrick J. - 4/29/2004
Sen Levin, Carl - 4/29/2004
Sen Lieberman, Joseph I. - 4/29/2004
Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. - 4/29/2004
Sen Murray, Patty - 4/29/2004
Sen Reed, Jack - 4/29/2004
Sen Rockefeller, John D., IV - 4/29/2004
Sen Sarbanes, Paul S. - 4/29/2004
Sen Schumer, Charles E. - 4/29/2004
Sen Wyden, Ron - 5/11/2004

[stillcool]

10. Could you please tell me which bill this article is refering to?

[beachmom]

2. Actually, I think it is now May 22nd

That's because they finally announced a P.M. for Iraq. According to the Constitution, the Iraqi Prime Minister has 30 days to form a government. Obviously, Kerry can't keep saying May 15th against their Constitution. The amendments that he introduced in the Senate calls for the May 22nd date. What I have read on the Iraqi blogs seems to point to a possible success in forming a unity government.

The real D-Day is the end of 2006. That's when Kerry calls for all combat troops out of Iraq. So I think that gives us time to get organized.

[sandnsea]

5. It started at 6 weeks

When he first set the date. The point was to draw attention to the fact that our troops can't force the Iraqi's to create a government and they shouldn't keep paying the ultimate price if they don't. If Iraq ends up in civil war, our troops shouldn't be caught in the crossfire. That's the ultimate benchmark, no government and civil war, our troops get pulled out immediately.