Ruach for Richardson
Bill Richardson may be hispanic, but his values are in line with basic tenants of the Jewish faith. Bill's expertise in diplomacy, renewable energy, and the environment is a testament to his commitment to Tikkun Olam, or the Jewish value of social justice. Bill's support of Israel serves the interests of not only this Israelis, but also Americans and all citizens of liberal democracies. President Bill Richardson is sure to be the best for both the Jewish people and the values contained within the Jewish ethos.
There are so many people who supported Biden, Richardson, Kucinich, and Edwards, now wondering what to do when their primaries come up. If our candidate is on the ballot, do we vote our hearts, or do we wait for our candidate to endorse? Do we bite the bullet and vote for one of the remaining two major candidates?
If the Democrats go into the convention with no clear front runner, what then?
What we can do is learn about the primary process, and make an informed decision. As I understand it, if a candidate gets 15%or more of the vote, they are counted towards delegates. If the total is under 15%, the votes get distributed to the candidates who get over 15%, so, a vote will go to Hillary or Obama unless the candidate gets 15% or more. Delegates translate to leverage while drafting party platform at the Democratic Convention.
If there is no clear winner after the first vote at the convention, the committed delegates are then freed from their obligations, and can vote for whatever candidate they choose.
if you are registered in New Mexico, or any other state where you are reasonably sure that Richardson could go over the 15%, I suggest that you do vote for Richardson, so that he can have the delegates, and the leverage that comes with it. If you are not in a super Tuesday state, and you think this is a good idea, you can join the group of a neighboring Super Tuesday State, and communicate this idea.
If the Democrats go into the convention with no clear front runner, what then?
What we can do is learn about the primary process, and make an informed decision. As I understand it, if a candidate gets 15%or more of the vote, they are counted towards delegates. If the total is under 15%, the votes get distributed to the candidates who get over 15%, so, a vote will go to Hillary or Obama unless the candidate gets 15% or more. Delegates translate to leverage while drafting party platform at the Democratic Convention.
If there is no clear winner after the first vote at the convention, the committed delegates are then freed from their obligations, and can vote for whatever candidate they choose.
if you are registered in New Mexico, or any other state where you are reasonably sure that Richardson could go over the 15%, I suggest that you do vote for Richardson, so that he can have the delegates, and the leverage that comes with it. If you are not in a super Tuesday state, and you think this is a good idea, you can join the group of a neighboring Super Tuesday State, and communicate this idea.
Ya''at'eeh,
Will be voting for Bill in the primary and writing him in on the General Election.
Sending message to the media that helped bury the only viable choice we had for president. Beyond Bill there is nothing, my vote still goes for him, who ever wants to join the protest , welcome on my canoe.
Dine'
Post Data,
our voting block membership of the rank and file of Si Se Puede, Native American voting block rank and file along with diehard loyal supporters from this website will join the protest WAR PARTY, I look forward to the blessing from the GREAT Spirit it will come to pass that the nation will recieve a major surprize on primary election and even more on the General Election in November.
There will be many brothers and sisters from among all of Native America that will support our effort in conjunction with support of our Lakota Brothers whom have declared themselves a separate FREE LAKOTA NATION.
There are many Native American brothers and sisters that openly will say I follow Party Line Directive as proposed by the Tribal Leadership, and the Native American Caucass, However when in the polls the vote is done in secret and they will let their heart decide at the last moment.
Native America is and has been for GBR from the GET GO, and our hearts as a Nation of first people weigh heavy with sadness, because the press that was bought and paid for by the agents of the treacherous money machines forced Bill out of the race, by burying him in the press and major media on National TV, even the Latino Mexican Media sold out, over their money hunger.
With Bill dropping from the race the people from our coalitions in the western states where we were going to give them a run for their money, were short changed of the opprtunity.
Regardless, We will all make a statement in unison, we will be drafting Bill for prsident in 2012. There will be no stopping Bill then. San Diego Grass Roots will not cease to exist. We are now the movement in this county to Draft Bill for President in 2012.
can be reched at sandiegogrc4billrichardson@hotmail.com, and also at Party bloggers.org, under Draft Bill Richardson for President in 2012.
I also invite you to join a group in party bloggers called Berk County for Bill Richardson. Leader of group is Carol Wents, from the pensylvania for Richardson Group. All whom want to keep supporting Bill can also contact Her.
May the Great Spirit Bless you all.
T'a'a' iiyisi ahe'hee'
Dine' warrior.
Will be voting for Bill in the primary and writing him in on the General Election.
Sending message to the media that helped bury the only viable choice we had for president. Beyond Bill there is nothing, my vote still goes for him, who ever wants to join the protest , welcome on my canoe.
Dine'
Post Data,
our voting block membership of the rank and file of Si Se Puede, Native American voting block rank and file along with diehard loyal supporters from this website will join the protest WAR PARTY, I look forward to the blessing from the GREAT Spirit it will come to pass that the nation will recieve a major surprize on primary election and even more on the General Election in November.
There will be many brothers and sisters from among all of Native America that will support our effort in conjunction with support of our Lakota Brothers whom have declared themselves a separate FREE LAKOTA NATION.
There are many Native American brothers and sisters that openly will say I follow Party Line Directive as proposed by the Tribal Leadership, and the Native American Caucass, However when in the polls the vote is done in secret and they will let their heart decide at the last moment.
Native America is and has been for GBR from the GET GO, and our hearts as a Nation of first people weigh heavy with sadness, because the press that was bought and paid for by the agents of the treacherous money machines forced Bill out of the race, by burying him in the press and major media on National TV, even the Latino Mexican Media sold out, over their money hunger.
With Bill dropping from the race the people from our coalitions in the western states where we were going to give them a run for their money, were short changed of the opprtunity.
Regardless, We will all make a statement in unison, we will be drafting Bill for prsident in 2012. There will be no stopping Bill then. San Diego Grass Roots will not cease to exist. We are now the movement in this county to Draft Bill for President in 2012.
can be reched at sandiegogrc4billrichardson@hotmail.com, and also at Party bloggers.org, under Draft Bill Richardson for President in 2012.
I also invite you to join a group in party bloggers called Berk County for Bill Richardson. Leader of group is Carol Wents, from the pensylvania for Richardson Group. All whom want to keep supporting Bill can also contact Her.
May the Great Spirit Bless you all.
T'a'a' iiyisi ahe'hee'
Dine' warrior.
Ya''at'eeh!,
I have returned from my unplanned journey, For which I thank the Great Spirit. While away I was graced by the company of my ancestors. Governor Bill Richardson is still being guided by the spirit of the Great Eagle. What I speak can only be understood by my Native American brothers and sisters. He will soar very High despite strong currents, and has all the capability to become victorious, his goal will be hampered from within due to trecherous serpents in his path.
Pray the Great Spirit protect him from the forked tongue of those that only seek to demean the and belittle him while claiming their support for him.
To all my Native American Brothers and sisters I send a special Ahoa', I also invite all new comers from Native America to join me at Dine' Nishli Naakaii group.
May all on this site have merry upcoming Holy Days.
May the Great Spirit Bless The Governor and his family.
May the Great Spirit Bless You all.
Your sincere friend.
Dine' Humble Warrior.
I have returned from my unplanned journey, For which I thank the Great Spirit. While away I was graced by the company of my ancestors. Governor Bill Richardson is still being guided by the spirit of the Great Eagle. What I speak can only be understood by my Native American brothers and sisters. He will soar very High despite strong currents, and has all the capability to become victorious, his goal will be hampered from within due to trecherous serpents in his path.
Pray the Great Spirit protect him from the forked tongue of those that only seek to demean the and belittle him while claiming their support for him.
To all my Native American Brothers and sisters I send a special Ahoa', I also invite all new comers from Native America to join me at Dine' Nishli Naakaii group.
May all on this site have merry upcoming Holy Days.
May the Great Spirit Bless The Governor and his family.
May the Great Spirit Bless You all.
Your sincere friend.
Dine' Humble Warrior.
Friends, greetings from snowy Iowa. Great news, Robert Becker, who serves as the Iowa State Director for our campaign, will be joining us on next week's call. I wanted to send everyone that signed up for the last call a short note asking each and every one of you to invite your family and friends to our next call which is scheduled for Wednesday December 12th at 9PM EST. It is extremely easy to do this. Simply pass along this link: http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/event/detail/wfz
Ya''at'teeh!
I from time to time read up on religious materials, concepts and precepts on contemporary religion in the United States, for the purpose of trying to understand other people through their religious belief and practice.
Recently there was a big hoopdelah about the endorsements of Tele evangelist Pat Robertson for a particular candidate.
I believe that it is not only inmoral but should be constituted as illegal for any one that is in the God business in the mega million dollar income Racket to try and influence the outcome on an election.
I have read the Christian Bible and it makes it quite clear that Jesus settled the matter of the question that was thrown at him by Emperor's emissary in relation to the Gold Coin with the Emperor's effigy on it.
Jesus said point blank, Give to Ceasar what is Ceasar's and to God what is God's.
That in my eyes clears up the question about goverment and religion.
Atleast that is what is expected.
Furthermore I was under the impression that non for profit tax free orgs are not supposed to promote politics or politicians.
Yet the protestant Tele evangelists have done this from the get go.
I have not seen any Catholic Hierarchy doing the same, nor hierarchy from any other major religion doing the same, as a matter of fact when they have done in the past they were surely and very quickly stopped. There are laws on the books in many countries that prohibit this type of action, and yet in America it is only prohibited when it is anyone other than protestant.
I am of Shamanic Beliefs. I read from time to time religious litterature handed to me. What is preached and what is done are far to distant. I have read the Christian Bible. There are many things that enlighten, but the actions of the new age self proclaimed prophets of Christianity only turn people away. I am happy and live in peace with the teachings from my elders, I feel sorry for all of those cought up in the religious contradictions about, God, Goverment and Christianity. There are millions of sincere Christians
which are being taken for fools by the many con men which use the God Buissiness for profit.
Prophets for profit.
Yes indeed, money exchanging hands from politicians to the so called moral majority religious prophets go hand in hand. The reality is they are still cought up in their own greedy needs.Paying homage to their real God. Money and power. When the europeans arrived to the America's they worshipped the same God then they worship now.
The God Business is good, living lifestyles of kings, and the best of all is they can elect governors presidents, and it is all tax free. They answer to no one. Only to God, THEIR GOD MONEY, AND POWER.
I am still a savage in their eyes. It does not matter, I am a proud Native American. I would rather be considered a heathen, than to be cought up and exploited by prophets for profit.
THE LATTER INDIVIDUALS GIVE THE TRUE SINCERE CHRISTIANS A BAD IMAGE.
I HOPE I HAVE OFFENDED NO ONE. IT IS NOT MY INTENTION. I ONLY BRING THIS TO LIGHT BECAUSE NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT IT AND MORE ATTENTION SHOULD BE BROUGHT UP ON THE MATTER.
T'A'A' IIYISI AHE'HEE
DINE' WARRIOR.
HA'GOO'NEE'
I from time to time read up on religious materials, concepts and precepts on contemporary religion in the United States, for the purpose of trying to understand other people through their religious belief and practice.
Recently there was a big hoopdelah about the endorsements of Tele evangelist Pat Robertson for a particular candidate.
I believe that it is not only inmoral but should be constituted as illegal for any one that is in the God business in the mega million dollar income Racket to try and influence the outcome on an election.
I have read the Christian Bible and it makes it quite clear that Jesus settled the matter of the question that was thrown at him by Emperor's emissary in relation to the Gold Coin with the Emperor's effigy on it.
Jesus said point blank, Give to Ceasar what is Ceasar's and to God what is God's.
That in my eyes clears up the question about goverment and religion.
Atleast that is what is expected.
Furthermore I was under the impression that non for profit tax free orgs are not supposed to promote politics or politicians.
Yet the protestant Tele evangelists have done this from the get go.
I have not seen any Catholic Hierarchy doing the same, nor hierarchy from any other major religion doing the same, as a matter of fact when they have done in the past they were surely and very quickly stopped. There are laws on the books in many countries that prohibit this type of action, and yet in America it is only prohibited when it is anyone other than protestant.
I am of Shamanic Beliefs. I read from time to time religious litterature handed to me. What is preached and what is done are far to distant. I have read the Christian Bible. There are many things that enlighten, but the actions of the new age self proclaimed prophets of Christianity only turn people away. I am happy and live in peace with the teachings from my elders, I feel sorry for all of those cought up in the religious contradictions about, God, Goverment and Christianity. There are millions of sincere Christians
which are being taken for fools by the many con men which use the God Buissiness for profit.
Prophets for profit.
Yes indeed, money exchanging hands from politicians to the so called moral majority religious prophets go hand in hand. The reality is they are still cought up in their own greedy needs.Paying homage to their real God. Money and power. When the europeans arrived to the America's they worshipped the same God then they worship now.
The God Business is good, living lifestyles of kings, and the best of all is they can elect governors presidents, and it is all tax free. They answer to no one. Only to God, THEIR GOD MONEY, AND POWER.
I am still a savage in their eyes. It does not matter, I am a proud Native American. I would rather be considered a heathen, than to be cought up and exploited by prophets for profit.
THE LATTER INDIVIDUALS GIVE THE TRUE SINCERE CHRISTIANS A BAD IMAGE.
I HOPE I HAVE OFFENDED NO ONE. IT IS NOT MY INTENTION. I ONLY BRING THIS TO LIGHT BECAUSE NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE ABOUT IT AND MORE ATTENTION SHOULD BE BROUGHT UP ON THE MATTER.
T'A'A' IIYISI AHE'HEE
DINE' WARRIOR.
HA'GOO'NEE'
The Governor will be on CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer tomorrow, Sunday the 26th of August at approximately 12:00pm EST. Check it out and tell anyone who might be interested!
The Governor is going to be on ABC Good Morning Weekend tomorrow morning (Saturday) at the top of the hour - approximately at 7:09 am ET. I hope you all can watch! Please tell anyone who might be interested and have a great weekend!
Yesterday Governor Richardson rolled out a new and exciting program called Mi Familia that is focused on grassroots mobilization among the Latino voting block. He is the first candidate to launch any program of its kind and we are very excited to share that the event was a huge success! You can read more about it in the press release below or on the website at: http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/communities/mi_familia_con_Bill_Richardson .
Also, yesterday was the Prez on the Rez forum, where the Governor unveiled his proposed Native American policy under a Richardson administration and discussed his outstanding record on Native American affairs. This fabulous event demonstrated yet again Governor Richardson's commitment to issues of equality, and emphasized his strong record as two-term Governor of New Mexico. Find out more in the press release below or at: http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/communities/native_americans
We would like to share these exciting events and programs with all of our volunteers, and follow up with letters to the editor, blog postings, and general discussion. Please read and forward out to anyone who might like to see it!
GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF GRASSROOTS LATINO OUTREACH PROGRAM "MI FAMILIA CON RICHARDSON"
LAS VEGAS, NV -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced the creation of Mi Familia con Richardson, a national grassroots Latino outreach program.
Mi Familia con Richardson will become an essential part of the Richardson for President Latino outreach efforts across the country. Families supporting Governor Richardson will find five additional supporters, and if this goal is met, a local chapter of Mi Familia con Richardson can be formed. Members will commit to aiding the Governor's campaign in a variety of ways leading up to the Democratic caucus or primary in their state.
"My campaign is about talking to people face-to-face," Governor Richardson said. "Grassroots programs like Mi Familia con Richardson are a great way to get my message out directly to voters. I am proud to be the first candidate to reach out to Latinos on a grassroots level. As a proud Latino myself, I am hopeful that the political clout of Latinos will increase in the coming years, and Mi Familia con Richardson is one way to help that happen."
At a press conference today in Las Vegas, Richardson presented the charter membership to the Nevada Mi Familia con Richardson organization. Richardson was joined at the announcement by Felipe Fuentes, Democratic National Committee Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Ramona Martínez, Reynaldo Martínez, Gilberto Ocanas, California State Senator Alex Padilla, Christine Trujillo, and Patsy Trujillo, along with Richardson for President senior adviser Rick Hernández.
"I am happy to have the Latino community involved in my campaign through Mi Familia con Richardson," Governor Richardson said. "Having a broad and diverse coalition of supporters illustrates my ability to bring our country together. I have worked to build consensus my entire career, from my time as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to two terms as Governor of New Mexico, and I will continue to do so as President."
In conjunction with Mi Familia con Richardson, Governor Richardson will continue to mobilize voters and spread his message of change and experience across the country.
Below are the names and biographies of some of the Mi Familia con Richardson supporters in attendance at the press conference:
Felipe Fuentes
Felipe Fuentes is a California State Assemblyman from the 39th District, taking office after winning a special election in May 2007. Fuentes started his career working for children's and immigrants' rights at the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law. After working as a field deputy in the 7th council district, he was appointed Deputy Mayor of the San Fernando Valley in 2001. In this role, he piloted the "Safe Routes to Schools" program and brought the first new police station to the San Fernando Valley in a quarter-century. He then went back to the 7th council district to serve as Council President Alex Padilla's Chief of Staff. Fuentes currently resides in Sylmar, California with his wife Lena and daughter Iliana.
Reynaldo Martínez
Reynaldo Martínez is the Nevada Campaign Chairman of the Richardson for President campaign. For 16 years, he served as now Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's Chief of Staff. A native of Chama, New Mexico, Martínez now resides in Incline Village, Nevada. He met Governor Richardson while working at the National Education Association as a former political and legislative consultant over a quarter-century ago. Martínez also has an elementary school in North Las Vegas named after him where Governor Richardson spoke in mid-June 2007.
Christine Trujillo
Christine Trujillo is a DNC Committeeperson-at-large residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A native of Taos, New Mexico, she is a teacher of 20 years and currently serves as the President of the New Mexico Federation of Labor- AFL-CIO, the first educator and first woman to hold that office. Trujillo is also President of the New Mexico Federation of Educational Employees/American Federation of Teachers, District 3 Commissioner of the Public Education Commission, and the Albuquerque member of the Education Commission of the States, a position to which she was appointed by Governor Richardson in 2003. For her accomplishments, Trujillo has received the "Sí Se Puede" (Yes, We Can), Albuquerque Human Rights, "Brindis a la Mujer Hispana" (Toast to the Hispanic Woman), and "Women on the Move" awards, among others.
GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON CALLS FOR PARTERNSHIP BETWEEN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND NATIVE AMERICANS AT PREZ ON THE REZ FORUM
Richardson Proposes Cabinet-level Department for Native American Affairs
CABAZON, CA -- At the first ever Prez on the Rez Forum yesterday, Governor Bill Richardson promoted his bold vision for the future of Native Americans.
"Together, we can do better in educating Native American students," Governor Richardson said. "I believe Native American issues do not get the attention they deserve in the Department of Interior. So, as President I will propose a cabinet-level department for Native American Affairs - like we did in New Mexico. Our work, together, will begin with respect and end with results."
Governor Richardson also put forward his extensive record on Native American affairs -- by far the best of any candidate running for President.
"I understand and respect tribal sovereignty," said Richardson. "I am very proud of the fact that when I was in Congress I had the opportunity to propose some of our most important commitments to Native Americans and tribal governments."
As Secretary of Energy, Richardson created the first Office of Indian Energy to institutionalize a policy of intergovernmental relations.
As Governor, he established the first Cabinet-level Indian Affairs Department. The first in New Mexico and the first in the country. Additionally, the Governor has appointed Native Americans throughout New Mexico state government.
Just a few months ago, Governor Richardson signed gaming compacts with eleven tribes in New Mexico to improve and extend our existing compacts for an additional thirty years -- an extension that enables tribes to plan for the future.
"The relationship between the federal government and tribes has increasingly come under assault," Governor Richardson said. "President Bush's administration has created an environment that undermines Tribal America's forward progress. As President I will stop the attack on tribal sovereignty."
At the Forum, Governor Richardson unveiled his proposed Native American policy under a Richardson administration. Also, the Governor announced a list of tribal leaders and Native American activists who have endorsed his bid for President.
Please find the Policy Statement, list of endorsers, and other background documents here:
http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/nativeamericans
Also, yesterday was the Prez on the Rez forum, where the Governor unveiled his proposed Native American policy under a Richardson administration and discussed his outstanding record on Native American affairs. This fabulous event demonstrated yet again Governor Richardson's commitment to issues of equality, and emphasized his strong record as two-term Governor of New Mexico. Find out more in the press release below or at: http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/communities/native_americans
We would like to share these exciting events and programs with all of our volunteers, and follow up with letters to the editor, blog postings, and general discussion. Please read and forward out to anyone who might like to see it!
GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF GRASSROOTS LATINO OUTREACH PROGRAM "MI FAMILIA CON RICHARDSON"
LAS VEGAS, NV -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced the creation of Mi Familia con Richardson, a national grassroots Latino outreach program.
Mi Familia con Richardson will become an essential part of the Richardson for President Latino outreach efforts across the country. Families supporting Governor Richardson will find five additional supporters, and if this goal is met, a local chapter of Mi Familia con Richardson can be formed. Members will commit to aiding the Governor's campaign in a variety of ways leading up to the Democratic caucus or primary in their state.
"My campaign is about talking to people face-to-face," Governor Richardson said. "Grassroots programs like Mi Familia con Richardson are a great way to get my message out directly to voters. I am proud to be the first candidate to reach out to Latinos on a grassroots level. As a proud Latino myself, I am hopeful that the political clout of Latinos will increase in the coming years, and Mi Familia con Richardson is one way to help that happen."
At a press conference today in Las Vegas, Richardson presented the charter membership to the Nevada Mi Familia con Richardson organization. Richardson was joined at the announcement by Felipe Fuentes, Democratic National Committee Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Ramona Martínez, Reynaldo Martínez, Gilberto Ocanas, California State Senator Alex Padilla, Christine Trujillo, and Patsy Trujillo, along with Richardson for President senior adviser Rick Hernández.
"I am happy to have the Latino community involved in my campaign through Mi Familia con Richardson," Governor Richardson said. "Having a broad and diverse coalition of supporters illustrates my ability to bring our country together. I have worked to build consensus my entire career, from my time as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to two terms as Governor of New Mexico, and I will continue to do so as President."
In conjunction with Mi Familia con Richardson, Governor Richardson will continue to mobilize voters and spread his message of change and experience across the country.
Below are the names and biographies of some of the Mi Familia con Richardson supporters in attendance at the press conference:
Felipe Fuentes
Felipe Fuentes is a California State Assemblyman from the 39th District, taking office after winning a special election in May 2007. Fuentes started his career working for children's and immigrants' rights at the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law. After working as a field deputy in the 7th council district, he was appointed Deputy Mayor of the San Fernando Valley in 2001. In this role, he piloted the "Safe Routes to Schools" program and brought the first new police station to the San Fernando Valley in a quarter-century. He then went back to the 7th council district to serve as Council President Alex Padilla's Chief of Staff. Fuentes currently resides in Sylmar, California with his wife Lena and daughter Iliana.
Reynaldo Martínez
Reynaldo Martínez is the Nevada Campaign Chairman of the Richardson for President campaign. For 16 years, he served as now Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's Chief of Staff. A native of Chama, New Mexico, Martínez now resides in Incline Village, Nevada. He met Governor Richardson while working at the National Education Association as a former political and legislative consultant over a quarter-century ago. Martínez also has an elementary school in North Las Vegas named after him where Governor Richardson spoke in mid-June 2007.
Christine Trujillo
Christine Trujillo is a DNC Committeeperson-at-large residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A native of Taos, New Mexico, she is a teacher of 20 years and currently serves as the President of the New Mexico Federation of Labor- AFL-CIO, the first educator and first woman to hold that office. Trujillo is also President of the New Mexico Federation of Educational Employees/American Federation of Teachers, District 3 Commissioner of the Public Education Commission, and the Albuquerque member of the Education Commission of the States, a position to which she was appointed by Governor Richardson in 2003. For her accomplishments, Trujillo has received the "Sí Se Puede" (Yes, We Can), Albuquerque Human Rights, "Brindis a la Mujer Hispana" (Toast to the Hispanic Woman), and "Women on the Move" awards, among others.
GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON CALLS FOR PARTERNSHIP BETWEEN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND NATIVE AMERICANS AT PREZ ON THE REZ FORUM
Richardson Proposes Cabinet-level Department for Native American Affairs
CABAZON, CA -- At the first ever Prez on the Rez Forum yesterday, Governor Bill Richardson promoted his bold vision for the future of Native Americans.
"Together, we can do better in educating Native American students," Governor Richardson said. "I believe Native American issues do not get the attention they deserve in the Department of Interior. So, as President I will propose a cabinet-level department for Native American Affairs - like we did in New Mexico. Our work, together, will begin with respect and end with results."
Governor Richardson also put forward his extensive record on Native American affairs -- by far the best of any candidate running for President.
"I understand and respect tribal sovereignty," said Richardson. "I am very proud of the fact that when I was in Congress I had the opportunity to propose some of our most important commitments to Native Americans and tribal governments."
As Secretary of Energy, Richardson created the first Office of Indian Energy to institutionalize a policy of intergovernmental relations.
As Governor, he established the first Cabinet-level Indian Affairs Department. The first in New Mexico and the first in the country. Additionally, the Governor has appointed Native Americans throughout New Mexico state government.
Just a few months ago, Governor Richardson signed gaming compacts with eleven tribes in New Mexico to improve and extend our existing compacts for an additional thirty years -- an extension that enables tribes to plan for the future.
"The relationship between the federal government and tribes has increasingly come under assault," Governor Richardson said. "President Bush's administration has created an environment that undermines Tribal America's forward progress. As President I will stop the attack on tribal sovereignty."
At the Forum, Governor Richardson unveiled his proposed Native American policy under a Richardson administration. Also, the Governor announced a list of tribal leaders and Native American activists who have endorsed his bid for President.
Please find the Policy Statement, list of endorsers, and other background documents here:
http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/nativeamericans
From Iowa Votes 2008
Richardson TV Ad
July 18, 2007 -- There's a new 30-second Richardson ad called "Stand Up" that began running today in Iowa on local affiliates and cable channels.
In a grassy New Mexico field with a mountain range backdrop, a calm Richardson -- donning a grey Southwestern-style button-down shirt, belt buckle and jeans -- calls for all troops to be pulled from Iraq and urges Congress to action.
Here's the transcript:
I'm Bill Richardson … and here in New Mexico, we've lost too many soldiers in Iraq … just like Iowa and every other state.
We have to end this war now.
The one thing the Iraqis agree on is they want us to leave.
Our troops have done everything we've asked and I don't want to see any more die.
I approved this message because Congress has to stand up to this president. We need to get all of our troops out of Iraq.
George Bush won't do that. But I will.
Richardson TV Ad
July 18, 2007 -- There's a new 30-second Richardson ad called "Stand Up" that began running today in Iowa on local affiliates and cable channels.
In a grassy New Mexico field with a mountain range backdrop, a calm Richardson -- donning a grey Southwestern-style button-down shirt, belt buckle and jeans -- calls for all troops to be pulled from Iraq and urges Congress to action.
Here's the transcript:
I'm Bill Richardson … and here in New Mexico, we've lost too many soldiers in Iraq … just like Iowa and every other state.
We have to end this war now.
The one thing the Iraqis agree on is they want us to leave.
Our troops have done everything we've asked and I don't want to see any more die.
I approved this message because Congress has to stand up to this president. We need to get all of our troops out of Iraq.
George Bush won't do that. But I will.
If you are not aware of this website, they have great deal of useful and current information on primary, caucus and convention phases for the 2008 Presidential election, broken down by state. Check it out.
Link
Link
From National Jewish Democratic Council, June 22, 2007
164 HYPOCRITICAL HOUSE REPUBLICANS OPPOSE $2.4 BILLION AID TO ISRAEL
June 22, 2007
NJDC Strongly Condemns House GOP Leadership for Urging Members to Oppose Foreign Aid Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2007
WASHINGTON - In a stunning act of political hypocrisy, 164 House Republicans - at the urging of their party leadership - voted against the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill early this morning, traditionally a top priority of the pro-Israel community. The legislation, which passed by a margin of 241-178, contained $2.4 billion in aid to Israel. Today, the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) strongly condemned the House Republican leadership for urging Republicans to oppose the bill.
In a letter sent by the Republican leadership to their Members, Republicans were told: "Please advise your boss that Leadership will be voting NO on final passage of the Democrats' State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, and strongly encourage Republican Members to do the same." [emphasis added]
"After all their rhetoric about supporting Israel, Republicans yesterday placed politics above the U.S.-Israel relationship. By claiming to support Israel from one corner of their mouths, while telling Members to vote against billions in aid from the other corner, the Republican leaders have engaged in a sad, cynical act of political hypocrisy," said NJDC Executive Director Ira N. Forman. "For years, support for the foreign aid bill has been a top priority of the pro-Israel community. This vote was a real blow to the bipartisan consensus that we've worked so hard to develop on Israel."
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) writes that "by approving the foreign aid bill annually, and earmarking the critical funds for Israel, Congress reaffirms the strength and vitality of the U.S.-Israel relationship, boosts the American economy and helps to fulfill our nation's foreign policy objectives in the Middle East." [AIPAC Issue Brief, "Aid to Israel," 1/19/07]
The GOP leadership's actions could signal a disturbing return to the days when Congressional Republicans demagogued the foreign aid issue with isolationist rhetoric that sometimes bordered on xenophobia. After September 11, isolationism gave way to internationalism and foreign aid began to enjoy bipartisan support. This latest move by the House GOP calls into question the new ideological direction the party has undertaken. While the GOP leaders continue to "claim" support for aid to Israel, their opposition to the entire foreign aid bill has clearly put Israel's funds in jeopardy.
"I sincerely hope the GOP leadership does not intend to return to the 'world-is-flat' days when Republicans routinely demogogued the foreign aid issue to score political points," continued Forman. "Make no mistake, if our entire foreign aid package becomes victim of partisan football, it will put funds for Israel in jeopardy. The State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill contains more funding for Israel than any other country. Aid to Israel accounts for nearly 50% of all military aid in the bill. [CQ House Action Report, 6/19/07]
The bill also contained strong language condemning the Arab League for its boycott of Israel, calling it an "impediment to peace in the region and to United States investment and trade in the Middle East and North Africa," demanding that "all Arab League states should normalize relations with their neighbor Israel" and calling on the Bush Administration to "report to Congress annually on specific steps being taken by the United States to encourage Arab League states to normalize their relations with Israel to bring about the termination of the Arab League boycott of Israel …" [HR 2764]
The vote was roll call #542 and is available at Link
"Aid to Israel has long been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. It is a cost-effective way of serving America's national security interests in the Middle East, bolstering a reliable U.S. ally in a volatile and critically important region," writes AIPAC. [AIPAC Memo, 3/11/07]
164 HYPOCRITICAL HOUSE REPUBLICANS OPPOSE $2.4 BILLION AID TO ISRAEL
June 22, 2007
NJDC Strongly Condemns House GOP Leadership for Urging Members to Oppose Foreign Aid Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2007
WASHINGTON - In a stunning act of political hypocrisy, 164 House Republicans - at the urging of their party leadership - voted against the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill early this morning, traditionally a top priority of the pro-Israel community. The legislation, which passed by a margin of 241-178, contained $2.4 billion in aid to Israel. Today, the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) strongly condemned the House Republican leadership for urging Republicans to oppose the bill.
In a letter sent by the Republican leadership to their Members, Republicans were told: "Please advise your boss that Leadership will be voting NO on final passage of the Democrats' State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, and strongly encourage Republican Members to do the same." [emphasis added]
"After all their rhetoric about supporting Israel, Republicans yesterday placed politics above the U.S.-Israel relationship. By claiming to support Israel from one corner of their mouths, while telling Members to vote against billions in aid from the other corner, the Republican leaders have engaged in a sad, cynical act of political hypocrisy," said NJDC Executive Director Ira N. Forman. "For years, support for the foreign aid bill has been a top priority of the pro-Israel community. This vote was a real blow to the bipartisan consensus that we've worked so hard to develop on Israel."
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) writes that "by approving the foreign aid bill annually, and earmarking the critical funds for Israel, Congress reaffirms the strength and vitality of the U.S.-Israel relationship, boosts the American economy and helps to fulfill our nation's foreign policy objectives in the Middle East." [AIPAC Issue Brief, "Aid to Israel," 1/19/07]
The GOP leadership's actions could signal a disturbing return to the days when Congressional Republicans demagogued the foreign aid issue with isolationist rhetoric that sometimes bordered on xenophobia. After September 11, isolationism gave way to internationalism and foreign aid began to enjoy bipartisan support. This latest move by the House GOP calls into question the new ideological direction the party has undertaken. While the GOP leaders continue to "claim" support for aid to Israel, their opposition to the entire foreign aid bill has clearly put Israel's funds in jeopardy.
"I sincerely hope the GOP leadership does not intend to return to the 'world-is-flat' days when Republicans routinely demogogued the foreign aid issue to score political points," continued Forman. "Make no mistake, if our entire foreign aid package becomes victim of partisan football, it will put funds for Israel in jeopardy. The State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill contains more funding for Israel than any other country. Aid to Israel accounts for nearly 50% of all military aid in the bill. [CQ House Action Report, 6/19/07]
The bill also contained strong language condemning the Arab League for its boycott of Israel, calling it an "impediment to peace in the region and to United States investment and trade in the Middle East and North Africa," demanding that "all Arab League states should normalize relations with their neighbor Israel" and calling on the Bush Administration to "report to Congress annually on specific steps being taken by the United States to encourage Arab League states to normalize their relations with Israel to bring about the termination of the Arab League boycott of Israel …" [HR 2764]
The vote was roll call #542 and is available at Link
"Aid to Israel has long been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. It is a cost-effective way of serving America's national security interests in the Middle East, bolstering a reliable U.S. ally in a volatile and critically important region," writes AIPAC. [AIPAC Memo, 3/11/07]
Talk show host and pundit Ed Schultz is railing that "the front runners" for the Democratic nomination for President are now "out of step" with the views of the American public who wants us out of Iraq now, without preconditions. We need to call-in 1-877-934-6833 to say that perhaps if he and other so-called pundits stop referring to Clinton, Obama and Edwards as front runners and give credit to Governor Richardson for his call to remove all troops from Iraq now, there could be a new front runner for the nomination.
Florida for Richardson volunteers would like to help our fellow volunteers in Iowa, Nevada and New Hampshire.
If you have call lists (names and telephone numbers) and a phone
script, we will be very happy to begin making calls to these three early states. We decided that personal cell phones - with unlimited night and weekend calling plans -- would be the best way for Florida to help in Governor Richardson's campaign to encourage folks to give a serious look at Gov. Richardson, attend a caucus or vote in the primary (depending on the state).
Would the state leaders in Iowa, Nevada and New Hampshire please get in touch with Jack Karako in Florida (jackpc1@yahoo.com) to give us the tools we need to get started?
If you have call lists (names and telephone numbers) and a phone
script, we will be very happy to begin making calls to these three early states. We decided that personal cell phones - with unlimited night and weekend calling plans -- would be the best way for Florida to help in Governor Richardson's campaign to encourage folks to give a serious look at Gov. Richardson, attend a caucus or vote in the primary (depending on the state).
Would the state leaders in Iowa, Nevada and New Hampshire please get in touch with Jack Karako in Florida (jackpc1@yahoo.com) to give us the tools we need to get started?
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We're broadcasting live video of all the presidential-hopefuls and other signature events at Take Back America.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 19th
Sen. Mike Gravel: 8:30-9:00 AM ET
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Sen. Hillary Clinton: 8:00-8:30 AM ET
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With Presidential-Hopefuls...
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Jerusalem Post, June 7, 2007
JPost.com » BlogCentral » The Presidential Blog » The Road to the White House » The Iranian threat (Part I)
June 07 2007; 09:06AM
The Road to the White House: The Iranian threat (Part I)
Posted by JPost.com staff | Comments: 83
About 'The Road to The White House'
Question #2
How would you grapple with Iran's nuclear drive?
Contributors:
Senator Barack Obama of Illinois (D)
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York (D)
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York (R)
Senator Joe Biden of Delaware (D)
Senator John McCain of Arizona (R)
Former Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts (R)
Former Senator John Edwards of North Carolina (D)
Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas (R)
Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico (D)
Barack Obama: When I traveled to Israel last year, I met with Israelis across the political spectrum and heard the diversity of views for which Israel is famous. But on one issue, there was consensus: a deep concern about the threat posed by an Iran armed with nuclear weapons.
Israelis are right to be concerned. A nuclear weapon in the hands of this radical theocracy could have dire consequences: a nuclear arms race drawing in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey; pressure on other nations to accommodate Iranian demands; emboldened terrorist groups acting under an Iranian nuclear umbrella; and, perhaps, the proliferation of nuclear technology to other states and terrorist groups.
For Israelis, the threat is even more pronounced in light of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's denial of the Holocaust and chilling call for Israel to be "wiped from the map." Israel does not have the luxury of treating these threats as mere rhetoric. Neither should the United States.
Unfortunately, recent findings by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggest that Iran has made considerable progress - more than had been realized - toward mastering the technology required to build nuclear weapons. So the need to address this threat is urgent.
In facing such a threat, no President of the United States should take any option, including the military option, off the table. But at this stage, our first line of offense must be a sustained, aggressive, coordinated diplomatic effort to make clear to Iran the costs of its current path.
The current strategy of ignoring Iran and issuing threats through intermediaries has not worked. I would engage Iran in direct, bilateral discussions - much as we negotiated with the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War. In these discussions, we should make clear to Iran that its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons will lead to greater isolation, and increased economic pressure. At the same time, we must communicate directly with the Iranian people, who are not as radical as their government, letting them know the opportunities for cooperation that exist if their government ends its current destructive policies.
Our diplomatic offensive must include stronger multilateral actions as well. The UN Security Council has sanctioned Iran twice in the past year, but it is time to ratchet up the pressure. We must push Iran's trading partners in Europe and energy suppliers in the Gulf states to use additional economic leverage against Iran, and we must demand that the Russians and Chinese focus on the serious threat to their interests posed by a nuclear Iran. We need to build this pressure over the coming weeks and months, not months and years.
And we can do more on our own. I am pushing Congress to pass my bill that makes it easier for state and local governments to divest their pension funds of companies that invest in Iran's energy sector, providing the revenue Iran uses to pursue nuclear weapons and sponsor terrorism. Divestment is a useful tool to bring additional economic pressure to bear on Iran.
Finally, showing Iran we are serious means maintaining close diplomatic and military relationships with our allies in the region. In Israel's case, that means providing our full military assistance package and continuing our cooperation with Israel in the development of the missile defense technology that Israel needs to defend itself.
Hillary Clinton: Iran poses a threat to our allies and our interests in the region and beyond, including the United States. The Iranian president has held a conference denying the Holocaust and has issued a series of bellicose statements calling for Israel to be wiped off the map. His statements are even more disturbing and urgent when viewed in the context of the regime's quest to acquire nuclear weapons.
The Iranian regime also uses its influence and resources in the region to support terrorist elements. Hizbullah's attack against Israel last summer, using Iranian weapons, clearly demonstrates Iran's malevolent influence even beyond its borders. In light of this threat to our security, US policy must be clear and unequivocal: We cannot permit Iran to build or acquire nuclear weapons; no option can be taken off the table.
We must continue to put pressure on Iran through economic sanctions. I recently joined Sen. Frank Lautenberg in sponsoring a measure to strengthen existing sanction provisions in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which prohibits American companies from conducting business with nations that sponsor terrorism. Some American companies have exploited a loophole in the law by creating foreign subsidiaries to do business with rogue nations like Iran. Our legislation would close the loophole.
Among other options that should be pursued is a process of direct engagement with Iran, as recommended by many, including the Iraq Study Group. During the Cold War, we spoke to the Soviet Union while thousands of missiles were pointed at our cities. That was a smart strategy used by Republican and Democratic Presidents, which worked to the benefit of our national security, even though it was often a difficult one.
I am encouraged that the Administration is now engaging in talks with Iran but hope that they will include the nuclear issue among the items that they raise with the Iranians. As we face the refusal of Iran to suspend their nuclear ambitions, we need to deliver a strong message that we will not stand by and tolerate this behavior. We should be able to deliver that message forcefully through direct talks.
Rudy Giuliani: (Editor's note: Remarks were said on Tuesday during a GOP debate in New Hampshire when asked about the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons to prevent Iran from going nuclear): Part of the premise of talking to Iran has to be that they have to know very clearly that it is unacceptable to the United States that they have nuclear power. I think it could be done with conventional weapons, but you can't rule out anything and you shouldn't take any option off the table.
And during the debate the other night, the Democrats seemed to be back in the 1990s. They don't seem to have gotten beyond the Cold War. Iran is a threat, a nuclear threat, not just because they can deliver a nuclear warhead with missiles. They're a nuclear threat because they are the biggest state sponsor of terrorism and they can hand nuclear materials to terrorists.
And we just saw it just last week in New York, an attempt by Islamic terrorists to attack JFK airport; three weeks ago, an attempt to attack Fort Dix. These are real problems. This war is not a bumper sticker. This war is a real war.
Joe Biden: Iran with the bomb could spark an arms race in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Syria joining in. Given the fault lines - between Sunni and Shia, Israelis and Palestinians, Persians and Arabs, Turks and Kurds, fundamentalists and moderates - that's the last thing we need. And it's the last thing Israel needs.
No President should take any option off the table, including force. But we have time: Iran is years away from having a bomb and a missile to deliver it. We need to use the time wisely.
We have to keep our eyes on the prize: preventing Iran from getting the bomb. This administration spent five years obsessed with the idea of getting rid of the Iranian regime.
None of us like the regime, but think about the logic: We want you to renounce the bomb - and by the way, when you do we're still going to try to take you down. The result: Iran accelerated its efforts to get the bomb and it is much closer now than it was when President Bush took office.
We need a policy that isolates Iran, not America and tips the balance in Iran against pursuing nuclear weapons. That means keeping our allies, Russia and China on the same page as we ratchet up economic and diplomatic pressure on the government to stop pursuing nuclear weapons. At the same time, there are growing fissures within the ruling elite - we need to exploit them.
Above all, we have to recognize that our biggest allies in this effort are the Iranian people. They're open to America. They don't like a regime that denies them basic political and social rights and that can't deal with corruption, unemployment and inflation. The Iranian people need to know it is their government, not the US that is choosing confrontation over cooperation. So we should tone down the rhetoric and talk. It's amazing how little faith this administration has in America's ideas and ideals.
Force must be the last option because it's a bad option. First, with our forces bogged down in Iraq, our threat to use force doesn't look very credible. Second, we can set back Iran's program but not stop it. Using force would lead to retaliation by Iran, including against our troops in Iraq. It would cause the Iranian people to rally behind Ahmadinejad and the extremists. Third, even a "limited" strike would be perceived as something much bigger by the Iranians and could spark a real war. The only thing worse than a poorly planned intentional war is an unplanned unintentional war.
John McCain: The world's chief state sponsor of international terrorism, Iran defines itself by hostility to Israel and the United States. It is simply tragic that millennia of proud Persian history have culminated in a government today that cannot be counted among those of the world's civilized nations.
When the president of Iran calls for Israel to be wiped off of the map, or asks for a world without Zionism, or suggests that Israel's Jewish population return to Europe, or calls the Holocaust a myth, it is clear that we are dealing with an evil man and a very dangerous regime.
Teheran's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons clearly poses an unacceptable risk. Protected by a nuclear arsenal, Iran would feel unconstrained to sponsor terrorist attacks against any perceived enemy. Its flouting of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty would render that agreement obsolete, and could induce Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and others to reassess their defense posture.
Moderate Gulf states would have to accommodate the new reality, and the world would live, indefinitely, with the possibility that Teheran might pass nuclear materials or weapons to one of its allied terrorist networks. Coupled with its ballistic missile arsenal, an Iranian nuclear capability would pose an immediate and existential threat to the State of Israel.
UN Security Council action is required to impose progressively tougher political and economic sanctions.
Should the Security Council continue to drag its feet, the US must lead a group of like-minded countries in imposing multilateral sanctions outside the UN framework. The opposition of Russia and China to effective sanctions on Iran - and on issues ranging from Myanmar to Darfur to North Korea - is why I proposed the creation of a league of Democracies in which Israel would be welcomed. When democracies are united in addressing threats like Iran, we cannot afford to allow autocracies to thwart action.
There are many ways to increase pressure on Iran. Financial sanctions have had an initial effect. Iran's need to import refined gasoline, to cite one example, suggests an important vulnerability. And countries such as China and Malaysia, which have signed deals to develop Iranian gas fields, and Russia, which provides weapons systems to Teheran, should know that Iran would be a critical element in American's bilateral relations with each nation. In the meantime, the US should immediately investigate whether any of these deals violate the terms of last year's Iran Freedom Support Act.
The US should also privatize the sanctions effort by launching a divestment campaign. By persuading individuals, pension funds, and financial institutions to divest from companies doing business with Iran, we can isolate and delegitimize a hostile government. We will also, as we did with the South Africa divestment campaign, increase the debate inside the country about whether the present course serves the interests of the Iranian people or merely those of a misguided elite.
Americans and all proponents of freedom need to reassure the millions of Iranians who aspire to self-determination that we support their longing for freedom and democracy. There is much more we can and should do to translate such support into concrete action.
Every option must remain on the table. Military action isn't our preference. It remains, as it always must, the last option. We have some way to go diplomatically before we need to contemplate other measures. But it is a simple observation of reality that there is only one thing worse than a military solution, and that is a nuclear-armed Iran. The regime must understand that it cannot win a showdown with the world.
Mitt Romney: Iran is an intolerant, repressive regime that is developing nuclear weapons, supports terrorism and is located right near much of the world's oil and natural gas. I believe that radical Islamic jihadists and the spread of weapons of mass destruction represent the greatest threat to the world since the fall of the Soviet Union and, before that, Nazi Germany. That threat would take on an entirely new dimension if Iran were allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
In January, I discussed the threat of Iran at the Herzliya Conference. Since then, Iran has done little to change its dangerous course. It has continued to operate its nuclear program in defiance of the United Nations Security Council. It has issued a new banknote that features a red nuclear symbol superimposed on the map of Iran.
On April 9th, Iran marked a new national holiday - "Nuclear Day." Recently the press reported Iranian President Ahmadinejad's statement that the countdown to Israel's destruction had begun. Clearly, this is a regime that is unrelenting in its pursuit of nuclear weapons and a threat to the world
To aggressively combat Iran's nuclear ambitions and exploit the regime's vulnerabilities, I have outlined a five-pronged strategy:
First, we should tighten economic sanctions. Denying Iran access to the international banking system is crucial. The US and Europe should ensure that Iran finds it very difficult to obtain credit and make purchases in foreign currencies. In addition, I have called for strategic divestment among state pension funds from companies that support the Iranian regime's dangerous actions.
Second, we should isolate Iran diplomatically. Of course, we keep communication channels open. Yet until there are indications that high level engagement would do anything other than reward bad behavior, America should not engage Iran in direct, bilateral negotiations over their nuclear weapons program that legitimize Iran's defiance of the world. As part of this effort, Iran's President Ahmadinejad should be indicted under the terms of the Genocide Convention for incitement to genocide.
Third, Arab states must join this effort to prevent a nuclear Iran. These states should support Iraq's government; turn down the temperature of the Arab-Israeli conflict; stop the financial and weapons flows to Hamas and Hizbullah; and tell the Palestinians to drop their terror campaign and recognize Israel's right to exist.
Fourth, we must make it clear to the Iranian people that while nuclear capabilities may be a source of pride, it can also be a source of peril. The military option must remain on the table. The regime should know that if nuclear material from their nation falls into the hands of terrorists and is used, it would provoke a devastating response from the civilized world.
Fifth, our strategy must be integrated into a broader approach to the Muslim world. We must work with moderate Muslim communities and leaders to build a lasting Partnership for Prosperity and Progress - a global effort which would support progressive Muslim communities and leaders in every nation where radical Islam is battling modernity and moderation. This Partnership for Prosperity should help provide the tools and funding necessary for moderates to win the debate in their own societies. In the final analysis, only Muslims will be able to permanently defeat radical Islam. But we can and should support this effort.
John Edwards: The situation in Iran has only gotten worse under this Administration's approach. Recently, Iran's hardliners rejected the UN's second resolution imposing new sanctions on Iran. Then, Ahmadinejad went ahead and announced his country had started enriching uranium on an industrial scale. Clearly, we need a new direction.
The situation is deadly serious, but there is a path forward. We need to continue to contain Iran through measures that will force the nation, over time, to finally understand the world community will not allow it to possess nuclear weapons.
You should never tie the hands of an American president or take any option off the table, but instead of focusing on military action, we should focus on the many steps in front of us that have not been used. Every major ally agrees a nuclear Iran is unacceptable, and both China and Russia recently voted with the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Iran. We should continue to work with all these parties to help us put a system of carrots and sticks in place.
We first need to be negotiating directly with Iran. Communication will give us more information and more control. At the height of the Soviet Union, we still talked with the Kremlin, and we talked with China at the height of tensions. It's good that the Administration has just begun to talk with Iran, but in many ways these short talks are too little, too late. We need a fundamental re-engagement of the country.
For carrots, we should make nuclear fuel available to Iran and control the cycle, but allow Iran to use the fuel for any civilian purpose. Second, we need to offer an economic package. The Iranian economy is already struggling, and this would be very attractive to the people.
And, for sticks, we need to threaten much more serious economic sanctions if Iran continues its nuclear operations. We also need to take steps to isolate Ahmadinejad, so that the moderates and those within the country who want to see Iran succeed economically, can take advantage of it.
Sam Brownback: Ahmadinejad and the mullahs match genocidal rhetoric with proud defiance of international objections to their nuclear program. Their acquisition of nuclear weapons would constitute a threat to the security of the United States and the free world. This dangerous situation requires that all options remain on the table, demonstrating a credible and unwavering commitment to an Iran free of nuclear weapons.
The regime should understand the consequences of intransigence. We should speak directly to Iran and make our objections to its behavior clear. We should not negotiate with the regime, however, until it stops enriching uranium and supporting terrorism.
Our strong words should support strong actions. I propose a three-pronged solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis: squeeze the regime economically, undermine it politically, and expose it morally.
First, economic sanctions: We can and must de-fund the regime's ability to build and sustain a nuclear program.
As president, I would enforce all sanctions authorized in the Iran Sanctions Act, including against Russian, European, and Chinese corporations and financial institutions that invest in the Iranian oil and gas sectors. I would also call for additional sanctions and penalties included in the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, of which I am a cosponsor. I also believe we should encourage individuals, corporations and other countries to divest from Iran.
Second, political pressure: We must overhaul our public diplomacy efforts in Iran and challenge the regime's cynical manipulation of the nuclear issue. The Iranian people should hear that we support their desire for progress and better technology and stand with them in opposing the regime's drive for nuclear weapons. This will require US broadcasts that beam fewer hours of Britney Spears music and spend more time reporting on the regime's corruption and ineffectiveness. The Iranian people want democracy and we should give them the tools they need to reform their country from within.
Third, human rights: Any regime that relies on secret police, censorship, imprisonment, and torture to maintain its grip on power ought not be trusted to maintain a "peaceful, civilian nuclear program." The Iran Human Rights Act of 2007 ( S.1534), which I introduced earlier this month, outlines ways to leverage human rights and undermine the regime's credibility inside Iran and among the community of free nations.
Bill Richardson: Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. But preventing Iran from going nuclear will require strong diplomacy backed by credible power and clarity of purpose. It also will take realism: above all, we must understand that no nation has ever been forced to renounce nukes, but that many have been persuaded to do so with a combination of carrots and sticks.
We need to approach the Iranian nuclear problem with both fierce determination and with open eyes. The key is to make them see that they will be better off and more secure without nukes than with them.
If we unite the world behind the right carrots and sticks, and provide the Iranians with face-saving ways to step back from the nuclear brink, we will prevail.
As we know from the Cold War, deterrence is above all a matter of clarity and credibility. We need to be absolutely clear that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable, and we need to be absolutely credible when we say what we will do about it if the Iranians continue to disregard the will of the international community.
The clear message must be this: develop nukes and you will face devastating global sanctions which will damage your economy and weaken you politically; desist from developing nukes and you will receive meaningful rewards, including robust security guarantees (above all from the United States), diplomatic recognition, better access to international credit and investment, guaranteed supplies of nuclear fuel from abroad, and an end to trade sanctions.
This sort of engagement, with a stick in one hand and a carrot in the other, is how we got Libya to renounce nukes, and this is how we must approach Iran.
For this message to be credible, the United States needs the solid support of the Europeans, China, and Russia in support of UN Security Council resolutions. If all these parties join us in sanctions, they will work. If they do not join us, they will not work. Russia is the key, because of its substantial economic interests in Iran, such as the Bushehr nuclear reactor.
Preventing Iran from going nuclear is inevitably linked to the power struggle between hardliners like President Amadenejad, on the one hand, and pragmatists and moderates in the Iranian leadership, on the other.
If we can keep Russia on board, the moderates and pragmatists will be strengthened. They will be further strengthened if we make sure that Iran can save face as it renounces nuclear enrichment. This is possible: Iran insists that it only wants nuclear energy, not weapons. Accordingly, a solution that guarantees them secure supplies of enriched uranium, to be monitored by the IAEA, may become politically palatable.
JPost.com » BlogCentral » The Presidential Blog » The Road to the White House » The Iranian threat (Part I)
June 07 2007; 09:06AM
The Road to the White House: The Iranian threat (Part I)
Posted by JPost.com staff | Comments: 83
About 'The Road to The White House'
Question #2
How would you grapple with Iran's nuclear drive?
Contributors:
Senator Barack Obama of Illinois (D)
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York (D)
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York (R)
Senator Joe Biden of Delaware (D)
Senator John McCain of Arizona (R)
Former Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts (R)
Former Senator John Edwards of North Carolina (D)
Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas (R)
Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico (D)
Barack Obama: When I traveled to Israel last year, I met with Israelis across the political spectrum and heard the diversity of views for which Israel is famous. But on one issue, there was consensus: a deep concern about the threat posed by an Iran armed with nuclear weapons.
Israelis are right to be concerned. A nuclear weapon in the hands of this radical theocracy could have dire consequences: a nuclear arms race drawing in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey; pressure on other nations to accommodate Iranian demands; emboldened terrorist groups acting under an Iranian nuclear umbrella; and, perhaps, the proliferation of nuclear technology to other states and terrorist groups.
For Israelis, the threat is even more pronounced in light of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's denial of the Holocaust and chilling call for Israel to be "wiped from the map." Israel does not have the luxury of treating these threats as mere rhetoric. Neither should the United States.
Unfortunately, recent findings by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggest that Iran has made considerable progress - more than had been realized - toward mastering the technology required to build nuclear weapons. So the need to address this threat is urgent.
In facing such a threat, no President of the United States should take any option, including the military option, off the table. But at this stage, our first line of offense must be a sustained, aggressive, coordinated diplomatic effort to make clear to Iran the costs of its current path.
The current strategy of ignoring Iran and issuing threats through intermediaries has not worked. I would engage Iran in direct, bilateral discussions - much as we negotiated with the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War. In these discussions, we should make clear to Iran that its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons will lead to greater isolation, and increased economic pressure. At the same time, we must communicate directly with the Iranian people, who are not as radical as their government, letting them know the opportunities for cooperation that exist if their government ends its current destructive policies.
Our diplomatic offensive must include stronger multilateral actions as well. The UN Security Council has sanctioned Iran twice in the past year, but it is time to ratchet up the pressure. We must push Iran's trading partners in Europe and energy suppliers in the Gulf states to use additional economic leverage against Iran, and we must demand that the Russians and Chinese focus on the serious threat to their interests posed by a nuclear Iran. We need to build this pressure over the coming weeks and months, not months and years.
And we can do more on our own. I am pushing Congress to pass my bill that makes it easier for state and local governments to divest their pension funds of companies that invest in Iran's energy sector, providing the revenue Iran uses to pursue nuclear weapons and sponsor terrorism. Divestment is a useful tool to bring additional economic pressure to bear on Iran.
Finally, showing Iran we are serious means maintaining close diplomatic and military relationships with our allies in the region. In Israel's case, that means providing our full military assistance package and continuing our cooperation with Israel in the development of the missile defense technology that Israel needs to defend itself.
Hillary Clinton: Iran poses a threat to our allies and our interests in the region and beyond, including the United States. The Iranian president has held a conference denying the Holocaust and has issued a series of bellicose statements calling for Israel to be wiped off the map. His statements are even more disturbing and urgent when viewed in the context of the regime's quest to acquire nuclear weapons.
The Iranian regime also uses its influence and resources in the region to support terrorist elements. Hizbullah's attack against Israel last summer, using Iranian weapons, clearly demonstrates Iran's malevolent influence even beyond its borders. In light of this threat to our security, US policy must be clear and unequivocal: We cannot permit Iran to build or acquire nuclear weapons; no option can be taken off the table.
We must continue to put pressure on Iran through economic sanctions. I recently joined Sen. Frank Lautenberg in sponsoring a measure to strengthen existing sanction provisions in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which prohibits American companies from conducting business with nations that sponsor terrorism. Some American companies have exploited a loophole in the law by creating foreign subsidiaries to do business with rogue nations like Iran. Our legislation would close the loophole.
Among other options that should be pursued is a process of direct engagement with Iran, as recommended by many, including the Iraq Study Group. During the Cold War, we spoke to the Soviet Union while thousands of missiles were pointed at our cities. That was a smart strategy used by Republican and Democratic Presidents, which worked to the benefit of our national security, even though it was often a difficult one.
I am encouraged that the Administration is now engaging in talks with Iran but hope that they will include the nuclear issue among the items that they raise with the Iranians. As we face the refusal of Iran to suspend their nuclear ambitions, we need to deliver a strong message that we will not stand by and tolerate this behavior. We should be able to deliver that message forcefully through direct talks.
Rudy Giuliani: (Editor's note: Remarks were said on Tuesday during a GOP debate in New Hampshire when asked about the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons to prevent Iran from going nuclear): Part of the premise of talking to Iran has to be that they have to know very clearly that it is unacceptable to the United States that they have nuclear power. I think it could be done with conventional weapons, but you can't rule out anything and you shouldn't take any option off the table.
And during the debate the other night, the Democrats seemed to be back in the 1990s. They don't seem to have gotten beyond the Cold War. Iran is a threat, a nuclear threat, not just because they can deliver a nuclear warhead with missiles. They're a nuclear threat because they are the biggest state sponsor of terrorism and they can hand nuclear materials to terrorists.
And we just saw it just last week in New York, an attempt by Islamic terrorists to attack JFK airport; three weeks ago, an attempt to attack Fort Dix. These are real problems. This war is not a bumper sticker. This war is a real war.
Joe Biden: Iran with the bomb could spark an arms race in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Syria joining in. Given the fault lines - between Sunni and Shia, Israelis and Palestinians, Persians and Arabs, Turks and Kurds, fundamentalists and moderates - that's the last thing we need. And it's the last thing Israel needs.
No President should take any option off the table, including force. But we have time: Iran is years away from having a bomb and a missile to deliver it. We need to use the time wisely.
We have to keep our eyes on the prize: preventing Iran from getting the bomb. This administration spent five years obsessed with the idea of getting rid of the Iranian regime.
None of us like the regime, but think about the logic: We want you to renounce the bomb - and by the way, when you do we're still going to try to take you down. The result: Iran accelerated its efforts to get the bomb and it is much closer now than it was when President Bush took office.
We need a policy that isolates Iran, not America and tips the balance in Iran against pursuing nuclear weapons. That means keeping our allies, Russia and China on the same page as we ratchet up economic and diplomatic pressure on the government to stop pursuing nuclear weapons. At the same time, there are growing fissures within the ruling elite - we need to exploit them.
Above all, we have to recognize that our biggest allies in this effort are the Iranian people. They're open to America. They don't like a regime that denies them basic political and social rights and that can't deal with corruption, unemployment and inflation. The Iranian people need to know it is their government, not the US that is choosing confrontation over cooperation. So we should tone down the rhetoric and talk. It's amazing how little faith this administration has in America's ideas and ideals.
Force must be the last option because it's a bad option. First, with our forces bogged down in Iraq, our threat to use force doesn't look very credible. Second, we can set back Iran's program but not stop it. Using force would lead to retaliation by Iran, including against our troops in Iraq. It would cause the Iranian people to rally behind Ahmadinejad and the extremists. Third, even a "limited" strike would be perceived as something much bigger by the Iranians and could spark a real war. The only thing worse than a poorly planned intentional war is an unplanned unintentional war.
John McCain: The world's chief state sponsor of international terrorism, Iran defines itself by hostility to Israel and the United States. It is simply tragic that millennia of proud Persian history have culminated in a government today that cannot be counted among those of the world's civilized nations.
When the president of Iran calls for Israel to be wiped off of the map, or asks for a world without Zionism, or suggests that Israel's Jewish population return to Europe, or calls the Holocaust a myth, it is clear that we are dealing with an evil man and a very dangerous regime.
Teheran's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons clearly poses an unacceptable risk. Protected by a nuclear arsenal, Iran would feel unconstrained to sponsor terrorist attacks against any perceived enemy. Its flouting of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty would render that agreement obsolete, and could induce Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and others to reassess their defense posture.
Moderate Gulf states would have to accommodate the new reality, and the world would live, indefinitely, with the possibility that Teheran might pass nuclear materials or weapons to one of its allied terrorist networks. Coupled with its ballistic missile arsenal, an Iranian nuclear capability would pose an immediate and existential threat to the State of Israel.
UN Security Council action is required to impose progressively tougher political and economic sanctions.
Should the Security Council continue to drag its feet, the US must lead a group of like-minded countries in imposing multilateral sanctions outside the UN framework. The opposition of Russia and China to effective sanctions on Iran - and on issues ranging from Myanmar to Darfur to North Korea - is why I proposed the creation of a league of Democracies in which Israel would be welcomed. When democracies are united in addressing threats like Iran, we cannot afford to allow autocracies to thwart action.
There are many ways to increase pressure on Iran. Financial sanctions have had an initial effect. Iran's need to import refined gasoline, to cite one example, suggests an important vulnerability. And countries such as China and Malaysia, which have signed deals to develop Iranian gas fields, and Russia, which provides weapons systems to Teheran, should know that Iran would be a critical element in American's bilateral relations with each nation. In the meantime, the US should immediately investigate whether any of these deals violate the terms of last year's Iran Freedom Support Act.
The US should also privatize the sanctions effort by launching a divestment campaign. By persuading individuals, pension funds, and financial institutions to divest from companies doing business with Iran, we can isolate and delegitimize a hostile government. We will also, as we did with the South Africa divestment campaign, increase the debate inside the country about whether the present course serves the interests of the Iranian people or merely those of a misguided elite.
Americans and all proponents of freedom need to reassure the millions of Iranians who aspire to self-determination that we support their longing for freedom and democracy. There is much more we can and should do to translate such support into concrete action.
Every option must remain on the table. Military action isn't our preference. It remains, as it always must, the last option. We have some way to go diplomatically before we need to contemplate other measures. But it is a simple observation of reality that there is only one thing worse than a military solution, and that is a nuclear-armed Iran. The regime must understand that it cannot win a showdown with the world.
Mitt Romney: Iran is an intolerant, repressive regime that is developing nuclear weapons, supports terrorism and is located right near much of the world's oil and natural gas. I believe that radical Islamic jihadists and the spread of weapons of mass destruction represent the greatest threat to the world since the fall of the Soviet Union and, before that, Nazi Germany. That threat would take on an entirely new dimension if Iran were allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
In January, I discussed the threat of Iran at the Herzliya Conference. Since then, Iran has done little to change its dangerous course. It has continued to operate its nuclear program in defiance of the United Nations Security Council. It has issued a new banknote that features a red nuclear symbol superimposed on the map of Iran.
On April 9th, Iran marked a new national holiday - "Nuclear Day." Recently the press reported Iranian President Ahmadinejad's statement that the countdown to Israel's destruction had begun. Clearly, this is a regime that is unrelenting in its pursuit of nuclear weapons and a threat to the world
To aggressively combat Iran's nuclear ambitions and exploit the regime's vulnerabilities, I have outlined a five-pronged strategy:
First, we should tighten economic sanctions. Denying Iran access to the international banking system is crucial. The US and Europe should ensure that Iran finds it very difficult to obtain credit and make purchases in foreign currencies. In addition, I have called for strategic divestment among state pension funds from companies that support the Iranian regime's dangerous actions.
Second, we should isolate Iran diplomatically. Of course, we keep communication channels open. Yet until there are indications that high level engagement would do anything other than reward bad behavior, America should not engage Iran in direct, bilateral negotiations over their nuclear weapons program that legitimize Iran's defiance of the world. As part of this effort, Iran's President Ahmadinejad should be indicted under the terms of the Genocide Convention for incitement to genocide.
Third, Arab states must join this effort to prevent a nuclear Iran. These states should support Iraq's government; turn down the temperature of the Arab-Israeli conflict; stop the financial and weapons flows to Hamas and Hizbullah; and tell the Palestinians to drop their terror campaign and recognize Israel's right to exist.
Fourth, we must make it clear to the Iranian people that while nuclear capabilities may be a source of pride, it can also be a source of peril. The military option must remain on the table. The regime should know that if nuclear material from their nation falls into the hands of terrorists and is used, it would provoke a devastating response from the civilized world.
Fifth, our strategy must be integrated into a broader approach to the Muslim world. We must work with moderate Muslim communities and leaders to build a lasting Partnership for Prosperity and Progress - a global effort which would support progressive Muslim communities and leaders in every nation where radical Islam is battling modernity and moderation. This Partnership for Prosperity should help provide the tools and funding necessary for moderates to win the debate in their own societies. In the final analysis, only Muslims will be able to permanently defeat radical Islam. But we can and should support this effort.
John Edwards: The situation in Iran has only gotten worse under this Administration's approach. Recently, Iran's hardliners rejected the UN's second resolution imposing new sanctions on Iran. Then, Ahmadinejad went ahead and announced his country had started enriching uranium on an industrial scale. Clearly, we need a new direction.
The situation is deadly serious, but there is a path forward. We need to continue to contain Iran through measures that will force the nation, over time, to finally understand the world community will not allow it to possess nuclear weapons.
You should never tie the hands of an American president or take any option off the table, but instead of focusing on military action, we should focus on the many steps in front of us that have not been used. Every major ally agrees a nuclear Iran is unacceptable, and both China and Russia recently voted with the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Iran. We should continue to work with all these parties to help us put a system of carrots and sticks in place.
We first need to be negotiating directly with Iran. Communication will give us more information and more control. At the height of the Soviet Union, we still talked with the Kremlin, and we talked with China at the height of tensions. It's good that the Administration has just begun to talk with Iran, but in many ways these short talks are too little, too late. We need a fundamental re-engagement of the country.
For carrots, we should make nuclear fuel available to Iran and control the cycle, but allow Iran to use the fuel for any civilian purpose. Second, we need to offer an economic package. The Iranian economy is already struggling, and this would be very attractive to the people.
And, for sticks, we need to threaten much more serious economic sanctions if Iran continues its nuclear operations. We also need to take steps to isolate Ahmadinejad, so that the moderates and those within the country who want to see Iran succeed economically, can take advantage of it.
Sam Brownback: Ahmadinejad and the mullahs match genocidal rhetoric with proud defiance of international objections to their nuclear program. Their acquisition of nuclear weapons would constitute a threat to the security of the United States and the free world. This dangerous situation requires that all options remain on the table, demonstrating a credible and unwavering commitment to an Iran free of nuclear weapons.
The regime should understand the consequences of intransigence. We should speak directly to Iran and make our objections to its behavior clear. We should not negotiate with the regime, however, until it stops enriching uranium and supporting terrorism.
Our strong words should support strong actions. I propose a three-pronged solution to the Iranian nuclear crisis: squeeze the regime economically, undermine it politically, and expose it morally.
First, economic sanctions: We can and must de-fund the regime's ability to build and sustain a nuclear program.
As president, I would enforce all sanctions authorized in the Iran Sanctions Act, including against Russian, European, and Chinese corporations and financial institutions that invest in the Iranian oil and gas sectors. I would also call for additional sanctions and penalties included in the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, of which I am a cosponsor. I also believe we should encourage individuals, corporations and other countries to divest from Iran.
Second, political pressure: We must overhaul our public diplomacy efforts in Iran and challenge the regime's cynical manipulation of the nuclear issue. The Iranian people should hear that we support their desire for progress and better technology and stand with them in opposing the regime's drive for nuclear weapons. This will require US broadcasts that beam fewer hours of Britney Spears music and spend more time reporting on the regime's corruption and ineffectiveness. The Iranian people want democracy and we should give them the tools they need to reform their country from within.
Third, human rights: Any regime that relies on secret police, censorship, imprisonment, and torture to maintain its grip on power ought not be trusted to maintain a "peaceful, civilian nuclear program." The Iran Human Rights Act of 2007 ( S.1534), which I introduced earlier this month, outlines ways to leverage human rights and undermine the regime's credibility inside Iran and among the community of free nations.
Bill Richardson: Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. But preventing Iran from going nuclear will require strong diplomacy backed by credible power and clarity of purpose. It also will take realism: above all, we must understand that no nation has ever been forced to renounce nukes, but that many have been persuaded to do so with a combination of carrots and sticks.
We need to approach the Iranian nuclear problem with both fierce determination and with open eyes. The key is to make them see that they will be better off and more secure without nukes than with them.
If we unite the world behind the right carrots and sticks, and provide the Iranians with face-saving ways to step back from the nuclear brink, we will prevail.
As we know from the Cold War, deterrence is above all a matter of clarity and credibility. We need to be absolutely clear that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable, and we need to be absolutely credible when we say what we will do about it if the Iranians continue to disregard the will of the international community.
The clear message must be this: develop nukes and you will face devastating global sanctions which will damage your economy and weaken you politically; desist from developing nukes and you will receive meaningful rewards, including robust security guarantees (above all from the United States), diplomatic recognition, better access to international credit and investment, guaranteed supplies of nuclear fuel from abroad, and an end to trade sanctions.
This sort of engagement, with a stick in one hand and a carrot in the other, is how we got Libya to renounce nukes, and this is how we must approach Iran.
For this message to be credible, the United States needs the solid support of the Europeans, China, and Russia in support of UN Security Council resolutions. If all these parties join us in sanctions, they will work. If they do not join us, they will not work. Russia is the key, because of its substantial economic interests in Iran, such as the Bushehr nuclear reactor.
Preventing Iran from going nuclear is inevitably linked to the power struggle between hardliners like President Amadenejad, on the one hand, and pragmatists and moderates in the Iranian leadership, on the other.
If we can keep Russia on board, the moderates and pragmatists will be strengthened. They will be further strengthened if we make sure that Iran can save face as it renounces nuclear enrichment. This is possible: Iran insists that it only wants nuclear energy, not weapons. Accordingly, a solution that guarantees them secure supplies of enriched uranium, to be monitored by the IAEA, may become politically palatable.
It's Employee Free Choice Act National Call-In Week, and we need you to join with working families from across the country in calling U.S. senators today.
There are only a few weeks left until they will vote on the bill.
Please take a few minutes to call now:
1-800-718-1008
Senators already are hearing from opponents of the Employee Free Choice Act. They need to hear from you--tell them working men and women appreciate their support for the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 1041).
Our goal is to have thousands of workers call the Senate as the vote approaches.
Together, we can help get this important legislation through Congress.
Call your Senators toll-free now:
1-800-718-1008
It's time to level the playing field for workers and help rebuild America's middle class.
Thank you for continuing the fight for the Employee Free Choice Act.
There are only a few weeks left until they will vote on the bill.
Please take a few minutes to call now:
1-800-718-1008
Senators already are hearing from opponents of the Employee Free Choice Act. They need to hear from you--tell them working men and women appreciate their support for the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 1041).
Our goal is to have thousands of workers call the Senate as the vote approaches.
Together, we can help get this important legislation through Congress.
Call your Senators toll-free now:
1-800-718-1008
It's time to level the playing field for workers and help rebuild America's middle class.
Thank you for continuing the fight for the Employee Free Choice Act.
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