Protesters Blockade Rep. Ackerman's Houseboat

[Purveyor]

WASHINGTON - A flotilla of peace protesters in canoes and rafts attempted to blockade the houseboat of Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Jamaica Estates) early Wednesday morning in reaction to legislation he submitted that would impose sanctions on Iran.

The Queens Democrat emerged from his home on the Potomac River smiling and clapping after the demonstrators, known as Code Pink, had been chanting for nearly 30 minutes. They want Ackerman to withdraw the legislation because they believe it symbolizes the first step on a path to war. Instead of force, Code Pink is calling for direct talks with the Iranian government.

"This is not an embargo," Ackerman told the protesters. "We're not calling for a blockade. It is basically what the UN is doing. The UN has imposed sanctions on Iran."

---EOE---

NEWSDAY: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-liack0710,0,6993692.story

[Renew Deal]

1. I've met Gary Ackerman.

He's a really great guy. He totally understands what the last few years of republicans have meant to this country. I bet he'd get a laugh out of the "blockade."

[roguevalley]

8. I hope he chokes on it. Code Pink is one of the few groups with real

backbone in this country and they put it on the line going to jail if they have to. Don't mock them.

[Renew Deal]

9. One could hope for the same for you.

Your hatred is making you cruel. I'm not mocking them and neither is he. Ackerman is one of the people that actually get it, which is more than can be said for you.

[roguevalley]

12. boo hoo hoo. I am so injured by your hating. have a good day.

[izquierdista]

2. Sanctions should be imposed on the U.S.

Preventing it from exporting any munition or article of war beyond its continental limits. Without a continuous supply of munitions from the U.S., conflicts all over the globe would wither and disappear.

[Lifetimedem]

3. Except

Now China and Russia are in the weapons business too

[Raster]

6. Yes, China and Russia are now in the weapons business because we've shown them how profitable

warmongering can be! Not only that, the US has gone from being the world's policeman to the world's terrorist and chief bully. What choice have we left Russia and China?

[cherokeeprogressive]

4. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Raster]

5. Abso-fucking-lutely!!! The good ol' US is the NUMBER ONE manufacturer AND SELLER

of weapons and warfare infrastructure on the entire planet. US made guns, ammunition, missiles, etc. are present in EVERY conflict around the world. The Pentagon and its corporate warmongering minions and providers--collaborators and accomplices--have become a country unto themselves.

[cherokeeprogressive]

10. Are you saying that Chinese and Russian made weapons AREN'T in every conflict?

Cuz if you were that would be wrong.

[Raster]

11. No I'm not. I am saying that the US is the number one manufacturer and provider of weaponry.

No strawmen need apply. I said what I said.

[leveymg]

7. Either he hasn't read his own Bill, he's ignorant of the term "blockade", or he's lying.

HR 362 calls for the US Navy to stop all vessels going to Iran to halt deliveries of gasoline and other refined petroleum products.

That's a blockade. It's an act of war. The UN has not forbidden gasoline deliveries to Iran.

WIKI: "A blockade is any effort to prevent supplies, troops, information or aid from reaching an opposing force. Blockades are the cornerstone to nearly all military campaigns and the tool of choice for economic warfare on an opposing nation. The International Criminal Court plans to include blockades against coasts and ports in its list of acts of war in 2009."

[ColbertWatcher]

13. A blockade for a blockade! Good going Code Pink! Well done! n/t

[Breeze54]

14. That's perfect!! LOL!

:D