Patriot [UPDATE] Senate Condemns Moveon.org Ad
September 22nd, 2007 by Patriot
UPDATE - Sen Obama is trying to skirt the issue of why he abstained from the vote on this topic. Obama thinks that the military constitutes "empty politics". Mr. Obama said, “By not casting a vote, I registered my protest against these empty politics.†Yet, he able to vote on a DEMOCRATIC resolution with eerily similar wording, though failing to include "moveon.org" specifically. Not only that, but Mrs. Boxer's amendment sought to bring in John Kerry's military record and sit it next to General Petraeus for a vote. The bill, once approved, would have effectively stated that the criticism of Kerry's actions after Vietnam as "dishonoring his country" were wrong.
I have never once seen General Petraeus throw medals in protest and call troops murderers. I have never seen the general do anything to hurt or harm the military as was done by Kerry during Vietnam. To place these individuals side by side for political reasons if reprehensible. I found it interesting that during the debate, Sen Tester (D-MT) said "There is too much venom and too much poison in the political arena today. I do not like it any more than my colleagues on the other side." No kidding!! But, what is Mr. Tester doing about people like Reid who serve ONLY to spew poison and venom at the President and this military? Nothing.
The text of the resolution that Obama thought was worthy to vote on stated "To reaffirm strong support for all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to strongly condemn attacks on the honor, integrity, and patriotism of any individual who is serving or has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, by any person or organization." It mentioned an anonymous "advertisement in the New York Times."
Resolution Obama thought was "empty politics" stated "To express the sense of the Senate that General David H. Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq, deserves the full support of the Senate and strongly condemn personal attacks on the honor and integrity of General Petraeus and all members of the United States Armed Forces." This resolution specifically mentioned Obama's large donor and more specifically condemned the "full-page advertisement in the New York Times by the liberal activist group, Moveon.org".
So, where are the "empty politics" again? Speaking of New York Times ads, check out the new one by Freedom's Watch (who most likely didn't get the moveon.org discount).
To reaffirm strong support for all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and to strongly condemn attacks on the honor, integrity, and patriotism of any individual who is serving or has served honorably in the United States Armed Forces, by any person or organization.
General Petraeus should be feeling a lot better knowing that the majority of the Senate think that Moveon.org's recent attack ad, titled "General Betray Us", went too far. The vote was 72-25 in favor of expressing "the sense of the Senate that General David H. Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq, deserves the full support of the Senate and strongly condemn personal attacks on the honor and integrity of General Petraeus and all members of the United States Armed Forces."
Conveniently, Senators Biden (D-DE), Cantwell (D-WA), and Obama (D-IL) couldn't take the heat and bowed out of the vote instead of becoming hypocrites. The following individuals think it is okay to personally attack the honor and integrity of all members of the United States Armed Forces, among them Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Chris Dodd (D-CT): Senators Akaka (D-HI), Bingaman (D-NM), Boxer (D-CA), Brown (D-OH), Byrd (D-WV), Durbin (D-IL), Feingold (D-WI), Harkin (D-IA), Inouye (D-HI), Kennedy (D-MA)(no surprise here), Kerry (D-MA)(no surprise here either), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Levin (D-MI), Menendez (D-NJ), Murray (D-WA), Reed (D-RI), Reid (D-NV)(another no-brainer), Rockefeller (D-WV), Sanders (I-VT), Schumer (D-NY), Stabenow (D-MI), Whitehouse (D-RI), and Wyden (D-OR).
So possible FUTURE Commanders in Chief think it's okay to attack our military. I did not omit anyone, so do not think that I left out the Republicans that voted against the bill. THERE WERE NOT ANY!! The only non-Democrat that also thinks it is okay to attack our troops is the independent Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont! And yet, on his own website he claims to "support the troops" and "honor veterans". What a complete and utter disgrace all these individuals are!! I hope Moveon.org is paying good money for these votes.
I also love the Senate "findings" in this bill:
(a) Findings.–The Senate makes the following findings:
(1) The Senate unanimously confirmed General David H. Petraeus as Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq, by a vote of 81-0 on January 26, 2007.
(2) General Petraeus graduated first in his class at the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
(3) General Petraeus earned Masters of Public Administration and Doctoral degrees in international relations from Princeton University.
(4) General Petraeus has served multiple combat tours in Iraq, including command of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during combat operations throughout the first year of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which tours included both major combat operations and subsequent stability and support operations.
(5) General Petraeus supervised the development and crafting of the United States Army and Marine Corps counterinsurgency manual based in large measure on his combat experience in Iraq, scholarly study, and other professional experiences.
(6) General Petraeus has taken a solemn oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.
(7) During his 35-year career, General Petraeus has amassed a distinguished and unvarnished record of military service to the United States as recognized by his receipt of a Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Distinguished Service Medals, two Defense Superior Service Medals, four Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal for valor, the State Department Superior Honor Award, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, and other awards and medals.
(8) A recent attack through a full-page advertisement in the New York Times by the liberal activist group, Moveon.org, impugns the honor and integrity of General Petraeus and all the members of the United States Armed Forces.
(b) Sense of Senate.–It is the sense of the Senate–
(1) to reaffirm its support for all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, including General David H. Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq;
(2) to strongly condemn any effort to attack the honor and integrity of General Petraeus and all the members of the United States Armed Forces; and
(3) to specifically repudiate the unwarranted personal attack on General Petraeus by the liberal activist group Moveon.org.
Senator Cornyn introduced this amendment on the Senate floor to express "the sense of the Senate that GEN David Petraeus and all the members of our Armed Forces are to be supported and honored and that any effort to attack their honor and their integrity should be condemned; particularly before the general was able to even deliver his testimony, where MoveOn.Org and these critics could not have known what he was going to say, and that clearly the goal of this ad and MoveOn.Org was to undermine public confidence in the messenger before the messenger even had a chance to deliver that message. My amendment expresses a sense of the Senate that General Petraeus and all the members of our Armed Forces should be protected and defended against an attack on their honor and integrity."
I'm glad that the Senate publically condemed Moveon.org . However, the ones who voted against the bill, especially those who are Presidential candidates have nothing but my deepest disdain and disgust. Their actions just solidifies the neasons why I'll never vote for them. Thanks for sharing this.
Terri,
Well said. Those 24 democrates who claim to support the troops and yet support MoveOnDotSmear have shown their true colors. Funny how the dems say that everyone else are hateful name calling people and yet, seems that it is okay for MoveOnDotSmear to do that.
A list of the "usual suspects", in my opinion…
"Axis of Idiots" is a perfect name for them.
Although, I am not surprised that people such as MoveOn have acted this way given that all of their predictions regarding this fight did not come true which suggested that Petraeus was going to deliver a message different from the one they wanted to hear. I am glad that Cornyn introduced this amendment. It's just one measure of many that should be taken to challenge the assertions made by the anti-military people that live in this country.
There is one thing about the senate findings that I want to question, though. I wonder why the senate thinks that our servicemen should be honored and respected for their integrity, but they don't is listen to the soldiers that disagree with them? This makes me think that their words are cheap and worthless. To think about this question after reading the senate findings, makes me feel that believing the senators would require(as Hillary puts it) "a suspension of the will of disbelief".
Well now, I'm so glad that I can take personal pride in the fact that the two morons from the great state of New Jersey, home of everything that is corrupt and negative have not disappointed me. I haven't gotten the stats on who voted to defund the war yet but I'm guessing that their names will be prominently on the list there too!!
I have on many occasions, again just this morning in fact, against the defunding bill, contacted these two jerks and have received form letters telling me how much the troops mean to them and how they are doing their best to honor the military! Wow is that a laugh!! Ahhhhh I love the smell of corruption and stupidity in the morning!!!!
By the way, these are the Senators who voted to immediately cut off the funding for the war today. I'm sensing a pattern here!!
Akaka (D-HI)
Boxer (D-CA)
Brown (D-OH)
Byrd (D-WV)
Cardin (D-MD)
Clinton (D-NY)
Dodd (D-CT)
Durbin (D-IL)
Feingold (D-WI)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Harkin (D-IA)
Inouye (D-HI)
Kennedy (D-MA)
Kerry (D-MA)
Klobuchar (D-MN)
Kohl (D-WI)
Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Leahy (D-VT)
Menendez (D-NJ)
Murray (D-WA)
Obama (D-IL)
Reid (D-NV)
Rockefeller (D-WV)
Sanders (I-VT)
Schumer (D-NY)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Whitehouse (D-RI)
Wyden (D-OR
That's sad because that money goes to supplying the soldiers with gear and equipment. It gives food to those soldiers and medical equipment too. Too bad it's impossible to cut the funding to the Congress, they keep wasting our money by continuing to pass themselves raises. That's the real BS right there!
Amen to that Ryan, Amen to that! I'd like to see any one of them live on the wages our Troops do.
Shame on all those senators who voted against our military and General Petraeus! They are disgraceful and in the pockets of Moveon.org! What money does to people sometimes and votes!
Ms. Cantwell abstained because she knows as soon as we can get an ACTUAL Republican to run for Senate against her, she's out of a job. Ms. Murray apparently doesn't care about her job as long as she can scratch her friends backs at MoveOn, etc. No news there either.
You have no idea how thrilled I am to see one of my Senators (and we only have 2!) on both of those lists. *rollseyes* Never did like him anyway. It is totally pathetic for them to attack our armed forces and for them to think that we need to cut off funding.
I think the resolution was stupid and ridiculous. To begin with, the ad had nothing to say with respect to "all the members of the armed forces". The sainted Gen. Petraeus choose to put himself into the political debate when he decided to become a shill for the war-mongering Bush Administration and war profiteers. If those hypocrites who voted for this resolution REALLY supported the troops, they'd try a little harder to get them out of this disaster of a civil war and bring them home. Apparently many of you are more worried about protecting the tender sensibilities of Gen. Petraeus than you are about protecting freedom of speech.
Actually, the general was put in there because he was qualified to lead our military and the Congress supported adding another star to his shoulders. Funny, Michael talks about free speech and rights when it seems as though he could care less about the rights of those who disagree with him. Apparently, the commanding officer of MNF-Iraq is one of those people who disagree with him so I guess this means his opposition is in good company, right Michael? First off, I would like to point out that it is a damn good idea to challenge the ideals of the anti-war crowd. They can't always have what they want, since nobody can. Obviously, we all hoped for a more peaceful Iraq each and every year that this war drags on, but that has not been realized, yet.
Sadly, the people most quick to pick at this fact to score One Upsmanship are the anti-war Americans. May I remind you all that they are tragically violating their opposition's rights by trying help make Iraq more chaotic since they're giving money to the insurgents who put bombs in schools, markets, shoot propelled explosive material at cars, use people as shields to protect themelves, and what not. This causes actions that validate their respective stance that would more than likely have not happened if it weren't for them participating in such a nefarious deed. Of course the people of MoveOn have a right to question the generals findings but they do not have such a right to tarnish his record when it is well earned.
Also, there are other ways you can support the troops other than trying to et them out of the difficult situation they face. There is also refusing to listen to people like Murtha, there is also defending them when people falsely claim that they are making Iraq worse or there just to commit atrocities at the expense of the Indigenous personnel of the country. There is also pushing to show the good things that they do and helping them accomplish their missions. The "pro-military", and "peace keeping missions in Iraq" supporting crowd has done all of these things. The anti-war crowd just tries to bring them home by declaring loss as quickly as they can and shutting down the rights of their opposition to speak against them.
Also, as far as "profiteering"(it should be PROFITING but whatever) off of Iraq is concerned. I think Michael ought to realize that the Chinese and Russians are the ones profiting in Iraq right now. They have the oil contracts to Iraq's fields (they own them), they also control the rebuildng of the oil pumps and maintaining the oil fields. Plus, they moderate the interest rates of the companies that refine the Middle East's oil.
Sadly, I think the anti-war crowds' selective hearing issue is getting the best of them on this topic since they're ignoring this fact along with the fact that we are keeping Iraq safe and pulling out prematurely would be detrimental to the region's stability. Leaving Iraq would make Iraq more deadly and violent that it already is. This increase in violence will cause oil prices to sky rocket, so leaving Iraq would in fact be the most profitable solutions for the oil companies.
Overall, before Michael hijacked the thread and bastardized the discussion by trying to take cheap shots at his ideological enemies. He was on the right topic. However, I couldn't disagree with him more. Fighting back against the anti-war crowds' allegations on Petraeus' loyalty to his country is not close to violating their rights. It is in fact a great way to counter the treatment that Petraeus received by simply showing your support for him and that you respectfully take the results he had presented into some consideration. It is respectful, honest, and clean. As for the other troops, there are in fact plenty of soldiers who are disgusted with the treatment he received and they do deserve an apology as well.
I must also stress this fact to all readers. Petraeus' mistreatment from MoveOn was planned before he gave his assessment. Obvioulsy, the anti-war crowd had done their research and learned that the ground situation in Iraq is opposite of the predictions they gave before U.S. troops and their allies even set foot in Iraq, and after the fall of Hussein along with the start of the rebuilding campaign. So they knew that their stance was incorrect and that the general would have findings that contradict the notions they had subscribed to along with other partisans like them. They were wrong and they couldn't suck it up, so they chose to take the path of dirty politics. Apparently, they didn't succeed because most people thought that their behavior was horse crap, along with the fact that support for the war is slowly coming back up again.
Michael, Thank you for your thoughtful, kind and warm remarks.
Just for your info, I don't think there are any war-mongers on this site. Most of these people on this site, hate war as much as I do. You apparently have no idea what is actually going on in Iraq. Even the MSM is starting to report sucess. Did you see today's USA Today? Guess the successes in Al Anbar Province are now starting to happen in other provinces.
The attempts to undermine the chain of command in the US Military during a hostil action, is tantamont to Treason. If the General actually lied to congress, then rest assured that Harry Reid would charged the General with Perjury in a heartbeat. The liars in this case are MoveOnDotSmear.
My freedom of speech ends when it interfers with your right to life. We can't yell fire in a crowded movie theatre. We can't tell the Japanese where we are going to attack during WWII. You can't slander another human being. And Michael, you can't attempt to undermine the chain of command in a legal operation. In case you haven't hear, the UN Security Council has re-authorized (MADE IT LEGAL) the presences of the Coalition forces in Iraq every year since shortly after the war began.
What could possibly make you think that those of us who have seen combat deaths personally and have our own children in harms way could ever put politics first? God help you.
Sue,
Thanks for the listing of senators. One of mine is on the list and I have already 'thanked' him for his support of the troops.
SSG, I wish that I could say it was a pleasure to post that list but it really made me ill. I too "thanked" BOTH my morons, oh excuse me, Senators, for their "patriotic support" of our troops.
As for Michael, your disrespect and disdain of the General, and our Military is obvious. I know it will please you to no end to know that they will fight to protect your sorry butt as well as mine if and when the time comes. They don't discriminate between "war mongers" and dolts. As the SSG said, you would be hard pressed on this site to come up with the name of even one person who is in favor of war as a practice in general. NOT ONE.
The General, though, as you have eluded to, would technically be considered a public figure in the public domain and therefore becomes a target for people like you. But that does not give you or any one else the right to ridicule a man who has done nothing but devote his life to service in betterment of our Great Country. Let us all thank God that YOUR Freedom of Speech that allowed you to say such disgusting trash, is being protected by the troops that serve VOLUNTARILY and PROUDLY under General Petraeus. People have died so you can publicly proclaim your ignorance. Thanks for sharing!
Michael, this is just for you.
~People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf—George Orwell~
-Amen to that Sue.
Michael, those war mongering Americans are the ones doing the most work to try and end this war in Iraq that the insurgents there have waged. Moreover, us leaving will not result in lesser violence since their war is against both us and their religious opponents. That includes the people of their same religion but with a different sect.
If we were to leave, that'll buy them the right amount of time to collect their weapons and plan an attack on us here in this country as well as increase crime and terror in the neighborhoods of innocent Iraqis. Making for more violence and wider sectarian rifts. The world and especially the Middle East can not afford such a tragedy.
I don't like war every bit as much as you don't, but I am willing to be rough and stand in front of the face of violence on the behalf of your freedom and safety. As are most pro-mission in Iraq citizens of this country, they do things like donate food, medicine, and equipment to these troops and Iraqis. That is how you end wars, help and do what you can to help the people in distress. So why don't you pitch in and do your part rather than playing Politics for One Upsmanship?
SealPatriot,
Well said, as usual. And I like your use of the term 'pro-mission'. It is so fitting. They tell me that the things we are sending to the troops in Al Anbar Province are being distributed to the Sunni along with the information that this stuff came from normal human beings here in the USA. Apparently, this is helping the cause quite a bit. I join you in calling for more donations of goods to be sent to the Iraqi people via our own military. If they want to get the troops home, then help the troops show the Iraqi people what we are really made of. Thanks SP, you are the best.
Do the Democrates know that it was a Democratic President that sent us to WWI? It was the Democratic President FDR that sent us to WWII? It was the Democratic Senator LBJ who told the President Ike to NOT save the French in Vietnam (good reason for them to hate us)? It was the Democratic Presidents JFK and LBJ who sent hundreds of thousands of Americans to fight in Vietnam? It was the Democratic Senator John Kerry who testified on Capital Hill that he knew of war crimes in Vietnam, but preferred to condem all veterans instead of naming the actual perpetrators? It was the Democratic President Jimmy C who turned the Panama Canal over to the Chinese. It was this same Democratic President who pissed Iran off so much in the first place and used his great gift of negotiations to get the hostages released … oh wait, that was Ronald Reagon that got the hostages back. It was the Democratic Senators and Presidential Candidates who have been taking money from known felons? Did you notice that Republicans who are accused of corruption and crimes are sent to Jail, while Democrates are given standing ovations in Congress? And these Dems think that the Republicans are more corrupt than the Democrates.
Sorry, just had to vent. Listened to that great Hillary Clinton tell how she was bi-partisan and all it is just the right wing that polticizes things. We will get things done together once she gets in the White House. Guess all of the 965,000 Veterans who were treated for PTSD in 2006 will forgive her for making their life a living hell.
I was just cleaning out my inbox before I had problems again, and came across the email response to one of my emails to Senator Lautenberg in regards to his abysmal record of voting on behalf of our troops. Now, I want to put this here, because I feel that it is appropriate, and adds an interesting dimension to my post above. And by the way, the other emails that I sent him, I got the same form email back. Menendez at least does his form writing through the mail, though it says the same thing. I hope you can feel the warmth and sincerity that I felt when reading it.
Dear Ms. T:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). I appreciate your input on this important matter.
I share your desire for a stable and democratic Iraq and I believe the U.S. has a responsibility to support and supply our troops while they are fighting there. However, I do not believe our troops should remain there indefinitely to police a civil war. It is clear that a comprehensive political agreement among all the parties in Iraq is needed to truly stabilize the country.
Please be assured that I will take your views into consideration as Congress continues to debate the course of the war in Iraq . T hank you again for contacting me.
frank_lautenberg@lautenberg.senate.gov
Sue,
They must be getting their form letters directly from Senator Dirty Lying Harry MoveOnDotSmear himself. I swear that is almost the same thing I got from my sweet piece of crap Senator. Oops, Did I say that? Sorry, can't seem to help myself anymore.
I think its standard issue!! You know, I have a Congressman who is just the most amazing man. I emailed him about the war and he sent me back the nicest letter. It didn't sound like a form letter because it directly addressed the specific points that I emailed him about. I sooo wish this guy would run for higher office but then maybe we wouldn't get done what he gets done!!
My personal favorite though SSG, is when you try to send an email to Nancy Pelosi. She is the speaker of the house and she should be EVERYONES representative as such. But she when you email her you get an auto response saying that she doesn't accept that form of correspondence and they suggested going somewhere else to email her and when I did that, they referred me back to the office that told me they don't accept emails!! Great racket huh?? She doesn't have to listen to any one that way. Imagine, the Speaker of the House, if you will, standing there with her fingers in her ears singing la la la la la. She is happy because no one is complaining. There are no negative emails so there for everyone must be happy!! She's only two heartbeats away from the Presidency. Pretty scary don't you think???