Kennedy Calls for U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq

[vinnieponte]

About time someone stands up. I can't believe it is costing 1 Billion dollars a week for this war. No wonder we don't have a cure for aids, or better funded research for cancer & stem cell research; we're spending all of our funds for a useless war. That's right a useless war that was brought upon from lies and misleading information. Dubya can kiss my ass and I can't wait for these 4 years to pass or him pass, which ever will be fine with me!

Kennedy Calls for U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq

2 hours, 3 minutes ago Top Stories - Reuters


By Vicki Allen

WASHINGTON - The United States should start to withdraw militarily and politically from Iraq and aim to pull out all troops as early as possible next year, Sen. Edward Kennedy said on Thursday.

After Sunday's Iraqi elections, Kennedy said President Bush should state he intends to negotiate a timetable with the new Iraqi government to draw down U.S. forces.


At least 12,000 U.S. troops should leave at once, Kennedy said, "to send a stronger signal about our intentions to ease the pervasive sense of occupation."


The Massachusetts Democrat, who opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq, became the first senator to lay out a plan for Bush to start withdrawing troops a day after the Pentagon warned lawmakers that strikes by insurgents may increase after Sunday's elections.


Besides ending its military presence, Kennedy said the United States must stop making political decisions in Iraq and turn over full authority to the United Nations to help Baghdad set up a new government.


He said an international meeting led by the United Nations and Iraq should be convened immediately in Iraq or elsewhere in the Middle East to start that process.


"We now have no choice but to make the best we can of the disaster we have created in Iraq," Kennedy in a speech to the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. "The current course is only making the crisis worse."


He said the indefinite presence of U.S. troops is "fanning the flames of conflict" in what has become "a war against the U.S. occupation."


The Republican National Committee criticized the Senate's leading liberal for delivering "such an overtly pessimistic message only days before the Iraqi election."


"Kennedy's partisan political attack stands in stark contrast to President Bush's vision of spreading freedom around the world," RNC spokesman Brian Jones said.


Kennedy emphasized that Bush must also make it clear that the United States does not intend to have a long-term presence, and announce that it will dramatically reduces its embassy in Baghdad, which is the largest in the world.


While many in the Republican-led Senate have expressed dismay as the death toll of U.S. troops stands at more than 1,400, Kennedy is the first to lay out a plan for a troop withdrawal, his office said.


In the Republican-led House of Representatives, 24 Democrats this week introduced a resolution calling on Bush to begin an immediate pullout.


The administration has refused to offer a timetable for pulling troops, and Bush on Wednesday said the United States would remain until the new government can defend itself.


Democrats like Kennedy have been the strongest critics of the war but many Republicans are also concerned, in part because Iraq is costing more than $1 billion a week and has put a great strain on America's military and its budget.

[FishForLunch]

Well these words are from a drunkard and manslaughterer.

[madape]

yeah... we'll get right on that Teddy.

[reeds]

"Well these words are from a drunkard and manslaughterer."

Comments just like that are the EXACT reason i CAN call the SOUTH STUPID....

[FishForLunch]

Comments like "'Republicans are racist" is why I call Blue Staters morons. I am not from the south so just stop with your stereotyping.

[dude1394]

Originally posted by: reeds
"Well these words are from a drunkard and manslaughterer."

Comments just like that are the EXACT reason i CAN call the SOUTH STUPID....

Hmmm....he IS a drunkard and manslaughterer. I think this would be why you would call the North stupid for continuing to elect a drunkard and a manslaughterer.

[dude1394]

Zell Miller is proven a prophet again. A national party no more.

[reeds]

Good old ZEN..if you're looking up to him, or quoting him for that matter, you have bigtime issues..what a joke

[dude1394]

What a (no name-calling please), can't even spell Zell. Are you from dixie or something?

[Mavdog]

and now back to the subject of the thread....

If you read what Kennedy said, it is credible. His comment is that our continued military presence is aiding the insurgency by its giving credence to the "occupation" accusation.

Hard to argue against the idea that the more time that goes by with US Troops in control the more the Iraqis will believe the insurgents message, the result of more hostility from the average Iraqi, and the less soverign the Iraqi government is.

Kennedy is right, the US troops should be returned home as soon as it is possible. You may disagree with Kennedy that the time is today, but you must agree that his premise is correct.

[Rhylan]

Even I agree with that premise, Mavdog.. Kennedy is just forgetting how we left the Shia high and dry in '91. We can't do that again. We'll get out of there as soon as possible... possible is just a long way away, unfortunately.

[XERXES]

Originally posted by: dude1394

Hmmm....he IS a drunkard and manslaughterer. I think this would be why you would call the North stupid for continuing to elect a drunkard and a manslaughterer.

Now that is funny.


It is a miracle that Teddy is not in jail - it's an even bigger miracle that someone would vote for him...bigger yet that he would win an election EVER.

[reeds]

"What a (no name-calling please), can't even spell Zell. Are you from dixie or something? "

OMG- now we are getting called out on typos....But I suppose, if you cant win any other issue, you might as well bring up SPELLING..putz

[reeds]

"It is a miracle that Teddy is not in jail - it's an even bigger miracle that someone would vote for him...bigger yet that he would win an election EVER."

MIRACLE?? NO, that happened on Nov2nd..when a president was re-elected after losing jobs, blowing a record surplus into a record deficit, fighting a war for WMDs, or an evil dictator, or for Iraqi freedom, or for whatever the hell the latest flavor of the month reason is, giving the rich tax breaks, etc...NOW THAT IS THE MIRACLE..no wait..it wasnt a miracle..it was the redneck south that saved him..falling for the fear of another terrorist attack- vote bush or be attacked!! I am the only one who can protect you!! Oh yes, the south bought in hook, line and sinker....I guess it wasnt a miracle after all...just stupidity rearing its ugly head

[AnMan21]

Originally posted by: reeds
Oh yes, the south bought in hook, line and sinker....I guess it wasnt a miracle after all...just stupidity rearing its ugly head

you run your mouth like you've never seen a state-by-state break down of the election. bush won quite a few states north of the mason-dixon line. i've lived in wisconsin and texas and in my years i've seen more "redneck" type inbred, cow-tipping, deer-shinning, cheese-head wearing dumbsh*ts in wisconsin. the point is there are simpltons all over the country - they don't reside only in the south. your prejudicial view of southerners is clearly coming from a very simple and closed mind.

[dude1394]

what's most frustrating is the snobbery of the left. No matter that their socialist paradises have been shown throughout history to be nothing more than a pipe dream at best and a stepping stone to totalitarianism at worst. They just can't get over mother russia failing them so.

[capitalcity]

Originally posted by: reeds...falling for the fear of another terrorist attack- vote bush or be attacked!! I am the only one who can protect you!!

How many times have we been attacked since 9/11?

[reeds]

"How many times have we been attacked since 9/11?"

and your point? That was the biggest attack in the history of our country- and your commander BUSH was in charge.. So because it hasnt happened a 2ND time- he is doing a good job?? The SHIT should have never happened in the FIRST PLACE!! that is exactally the mentality I am talking about- Bush has you brainwashed so severely you cant even open your eyes and see it!! Now its great that we havent been attacted TWICE since he was elected??? OMG

[capitalcity]

Originally posted by: reeds
"How many times have we been attacked since 9/11?"

and your point? That was the biggest attack in the history of our country- and your commander BUSH was in charge.. So because it hasnt happened a 2ND time- he is doing a good job?? The SHIT should have never happened in the FIRST PLACE!! that is exactally the mentality I am talking about- Bush has you brainwashed so severely you cant even open your eyes and see it!! Now its great that we havent been attacted TWICE since he was elected??? OMG

answer the question.

[Mavdog]

Originally posted by: capitalcity

answer the question.

It seems that your decision about our country's leadership is based on what the terrorists do, just like the Spainards are accused of doing after the attack in Madrid.
Interesting.

[dude1394]

From powerline

-----
I don't believe we've commented on Ted Kennedy's ill-timed speech at Johns Hopkins. Iraqi-American Haider Ajina fills the void:

I have read a number of articles in Iraqi newspapers reporting on senator Kennedy’s speech at Johns Hopkins University. (They call him a senior senator)

They are quoting him using words like “war of liberations, armed resistance, war of independence” to describe the terrorist acts in Iraq. Also asking for our complete withdrawal from Iraq by 2006 and describing what we did in Iraq as a calamity.

I think that AlZarqawy could not have rallied his troops with a better speech. What is he doing giving speeches like this so close to the elections in Iraq? Iraqis will brave threats to their lives to vote in hope that we will stay with them till they are ready. Now a U.S. senator tells them we must pull out quickly and leave the Iraqis with no help. When we fought for our independence during the revolutionary war we needed help from other nations and they did not cut and run after we declared our independence and our democratic republic. Does Kennedy not look at our past history? Will he stop at nothing for his own agenda and political gain? What shame what a defile to this great nation of ours. Then this is democracy and we must fight for his freedoms and rights like we do for ours. I wonder if he would do the same for us.

Actually, no, I don't think Kennedy would fight for our freedom. I'm not even sure he would try to save us if we were drowning. OK, that was a cheap shot. Sort of. But there is no possible excuse for Kennedy's behavior. He is a disgrace to the office he holds.
------

yup. the democrat lion and standard-bearer. It's obvious where the kennedy "dynasty stopped. I really couldn't belong to a political party with this type of person as one of my leaders. shameful.

[reeds]

"It seems that your decision about our country's leadership is based on what the terrorists do, just like the Spainards are accused of doing after the attack in Madrid.
Interesting. "

Great Point mavdog. It really doesnt matter what Bush does- its ALL about the terrorists.

[Murphy3]

Does anyone honestly care what Kennedy has to say? He's an embarrassment to the Democratic party and to the United States in general.

[dude1394]

The democrats do, they keep holding him up as their standard bearer and one of the pillars of their party.

You can't just discount what kennedy says as some sort of lunatic fringe. There is a huge constiuency in the democrat party that thinks he is right on. You cannot seperate the party from their leaders.

Although some would like to, just like refusing to accept a liberal tag.

[capitalcity]

Originally posted by: reeds
"It seems that your decision about our country's leadership is based on what the terrorists do, just like the Spainards are accused of doing after the attack in Madrid.
Interesting. "

Great Point mavdog. It really doesnt matter what Bush does- its ALL about the terrorists.

Mavdog - How did you conclude that stance from my one simple question?

The simple fact is we have not been attacked since 9/11.

Go ahead tell me how aviation is just as suseptible now as then, argue that our borders are porous, and whine about the monies diverted from homeland security to fight oversees.

1235 days and counting - Is it mere coincidence or the result of a proactive/preemtive Bush policy?

[dude1394]

Doesn't jive with the playbook.

[Mavdog]

Originally posted by: capitalcity

Mavdog - How did you conclude that stance from my one simple question?

you ask and then answer your own question.

The simple fact is we have not been attacked since 9/11.

Go ahead tell me how aviation is just as suseptible now as then, argue that our borders are porous, and whine about the monies diverted from homeland security to fight oversees.

1235 days and counting - Is it mere coincidence or the result of a proactive/preemtive Bush policy?

Is America safer post 9-11? certainly. more diligent. everybody is more aware.
Is America immune from another attack? no. we never will be.

the idea of giving bush the credit for not having an attack since 9-11 would be contradicted by the fact that it was during his term when we were attacked on 9-11.
remember, afganistan was neither preemptive nor proactive, it was deserved retaliation.

[Usually Lurkin]

Iowahawk is brilliant (got this from lgf)

Iowahawk Guest Commentary by Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Like all Americans, I had high hopes for the future of the Oldsmobile and its passengers, as we struggle against the onrushing water and its poorly-designed shoulder belts. But as claustrophobia sets in we must begin to sober up and face the truth: hope is no longer an option.
It is time for us to recognize that our continued presence in this volatile region is a hinderance to the Oldsmobile and its people. Rather than helping the situation we are further weighing down the Oldsmobile, causing it to sink faster and faster into the quagmire of Chappaquidick Bay, creating a dangerous situation for both ourselves as well as its passengers who are desperately seeking an air pocket in which to start a better life.
That is why I believe we have reached the point where we must take a deep breath and immediately depart the Oldsmobile. We must seek through the watery darkness and release the belt latch of madness that has kept us here, and reach out for a sane and honorable window crank.
Obviously there will be passengers in the Oldsmobile who do not want us to leave, and will likely try to grasp and grab at our feet as we depart. While we wish them success, it is critical that these passengers quickly learn independence and self-determination. The most effective way to teach them is through example, and with a vigorous kick-off. Let us hope they will cherish our shoes as a lasting legacy of our commitment to liberty.
And, after we return to the safety of the American shore and phone our lawyer, we must begin to ask the hard questions. How did we get here? The sad answer is that we were sold a lie by Gene Quinlan of Hyannisport Oldsmobile-Buick-GMC. We were told that this Oldsmobile had the Delta 88 Royale option package with 6-way electric seats. We were told that they were sold out of the new ‘69 Toronado. We were given a choice of a burgundy vinyl roof, but never given an exit strategy. We were told, repeatedly, that the Oldsmobile was waterproof and had an automatic pilot system. In short, Gene Quinlan sold us a lie.

There will be ample time for us to reflect on the mistakes and lies of the Oldsmobile misadventure, and hold those who were responsible to account. But that is for another day. Now we must focus our energy on getting out before it is too late.

Come home, America. Come home.

[mavsman55]

Originally posted by: reeds
"It seems that your decision about our country's leadership is based on what the terrorists do, just like the Spainards are accused of doing after the attack in Madrid.
Interesting. "

Great Point mavdog. It really doesnt matter what Bush does- its ALL about the terrorists.

Reeds, are all your posts the same? You're either spouting your inane nonsense or just agreeing with a point that somebody else made. And you still haven't answered the question that was asked of you.

Now let me ask you a question or two:
Who was in office while the majority of the 9/11 attack was planned? Hmmm....
Has our country been safe for the past 4 years? Hmmm...
Are 2 entire countries full of oppressed people now free because of our occupation of other areas of the world?

Hmmmm..

[dude1394]

Too bad Massachusetts doesn't have a politician with this much common sense.

He acknowledged that the U.S.-led invasion and the collapse of Saddam Hussein's dictatorship had caused problems in the country.

"Yes, the foreign forces are part of the problem and right now we are trying to have them as part of the solution," al-Yawer said. "Well, getting rid of Saddam is one of the best achievements that the foreign troops had done because we needed this solution.

"But then there were a few mistakes during the war. If you do not work, you don't make mistakes. But if you work, you make mistakes. ... I think all in all it was positive, the contribution of the foreign forces in Iraq," al-Yawer said. "It was worth it."

[dude1394]

Of course this iraqi has more common sense than most of our us leftists..

"We carried our father three hours to get him to the polls," said Muthana Jaffar al-Tamimi, 30, a grocery store clerk and art school graduate in Baghdad's middle-class Shi'ite neighborhood of Karada. The Sunni Arabs "could have made the process successful themselves," he said. "They could have gotten involved, but they didn't. We decided our destiny. They decided theirs." He added, "It's their problem."