Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Rep. Kildee's Definitive Statement on Iraq

The Detroit News is reporting that Michigan Democrat Rep. Dale Kildee of Flint spoke on the House floor today in favor of the Democratic resolution.
"President Bush either did not get or did not understand the message the American people sent last November," said Kildee. "Before the end of this year, U.S. troops should be redeployed and their efforts focused on support and training for Iraqi security forces. It is their country. It is their fight. It is their future."
Kildee can't put it any plainer than that - and he echos the sentiments of all of Michigan's Democrats who are also opposed to escalation - yet most of our state Republicans support the President's plan.

If they won't listen to Kildee, then maybe they'll take to heart what one of their own has to say:
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, said today that he will vote for a resolution opposing President Bush's plan to send more than 20,000 additional U.S. troops to Iraq, becoming the first Michigan Republican to break with the White House. [...]

Upton said the evidence leading the U.S. to invade Iraq was "flat out wrong."

He added, "It is time for the Iraqis, not the United States, to lead after four years. We need to send a message to our troops that, yes, we support them, and for this administration, a signal to pursue a diplomatic surge in the region."

Upton called the situation in Iraq a civil war.

"The Iraqis don't want us there…So much for being a liberator. We are viewed as part of the problem, not the solution." [emphasis added]
Kudos to Kildee for reminding the House about the message voter's sent last November, and kudos to Upton for having the courage to put aside politics and do the right thing.

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