Dear Congressman Miller,
We were so impressed with your vote in the House on May 14 to oppose the $100 billion supplemental war funding bill to continue our endless military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of course you and the sixty others who voted against it knew it would easily pass anyway, but it was an important principled stand.
Since then, the Senate passed their version of the bill, tacking on an additional 100 billion in the form of a loan to the IMF (to bail out European banks!), and now the House Republicans are saying they won't vote for the revised House/Senate version of the bill! This means the bill could actually fail!! And the wars could end!!
Unless of course the "House leadership" can convince at least forty of those Democrats who voted no on the first version of the war funding bill to flip their vote and vote yes on the revised bill.
And sadly we watched as you were one of the first of those Democrats to step forward and announce to reporters that you would vote yes on the revised bill. I guess this shouldn't surprise us, since you are actually Chair of the "Congressional Democratic Policy Committee".
But this certainly makes your original vote on May 14 look like an empty gesture, a safe vote for the purpose of political posturing.
NOTE TO READERS: If you don't like American policy of endless war, and George Miller's support for it, call him and tell him!
George Miller's contact form: http://georgemiller.house.gov/contactus/
Phone: 202-225-2095
Showing posts with label Iraq war. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iraq war. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Miller spins a response to our question about war funding
Congressman Miller responds to our key question about "why doesn't the Congressional Democratic leadership (Pelosi) simply cut off the purse strings by just not offering any more Supplemental Iraq funding bill at all." (Ending the war now was after all the clear mandate of the American voters when the elected a Democratic majority to Congress in 2006.) Cutting the purse stings by not offering a supplemental funding bill would end the war without the game of trying to round up Republican votes on a bill. With the clear message that there would be no supplemental funding extension, the military would have no choice but to begin an orderly withdrawal of troops, using the plentiful funding they still have in the pipeline from previous funding authorizations. Instead, the Democrats keep offering supplemental funding extensions with "strings attached," knowing full well that the strings will be stripped away in negotiations with the Republicans, or vetoed by the President.
Listen to Miller's response and see whether he actually answered our key question (about not offering a supplemental funding bill to vote on at all) or whether he evaded it (quote from Miller: "as you know, we cannot end the war without Republican votes"), while he throws in the false spectre that the decision to not offer another supplemental funding extension would leave our troops with no funding at all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4iFlmIJZNU
Listen to Miller's response and see whether he actually answered our key question (about not offering a supplemental funding bill to vote on at all) or whether he evaded it (quote from Miller: "as you know, we cannot end the war without Republican votes"), while he throws in the false spectre that the decision to not offer another supplemental funding extension would leave our troops with no funding at all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4iFlmIJZNU
Friday, July 20, 2007
Impeach to end Iraq war AND prevent IRAN WAR
Dear Representative Miller,
The danger of an expanded war into Iran is imminent. The only way to prevent it is through impeachment of Cheney and Bush. Legislative restraints won't work because they think they are above the law. And in any case, we don't have TIME for your legislative strategy to play out. They have already made all the preparations for an attack on Iran and they are looking for any excuse to launch it.
You know that both Cheney and Bush have committed many impeachable offenses with regard to the war in Iraq. Through the tool of impeachment you have the power not only to end the Iraq war but also to prevent a horrendous expansion of the war into Iran -- will you use that power? Will you cosign H.Res.333 (Articles to Impeach Cheney) and urge Speaker Pelosi to allow the impeachment process back on the table?
The American people will never forgive the Democrats if they allow Bush-Cheney to expand the war into Iran when they could have prevented it through their power (and responsibility) of impeachment. In the context of their intentions for imminent war with Iran, how can you say that impeachment would be a "distraction" from more important business?
Please read this article from Paul Craig Roberts, a former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury in the Reagan administration and former Associate Editor of the Wall Street Journal editorial page. Think hard about his urgent warning about Iran. The fate of so many lives, and our democracy, rests on you decision. This is no time for safe political strategy.
http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts07162007.html
"Impeach Now, Or Face the End of Constitutional Democracy"
Counter Punch, July 16, 2007
Sincerely,
A formerly loyal Democrat,
Benicia, CA
The danger of an expanded war into Iran is imminent. The only way to prevent it is through impeachment of Cheney and Bush. Legislative restraints won't work because they think they are above the law. And in any case, we don't have TIME for your legislative strategy to play out. They have already made all the preparations for an attack on Iran and they are looking for any excuse to launch it.
You know that both Cheney and Bush have committed many impeachable offenses with regard to the war in Iraq. Through the tool of impeachment you have the power not only to end the Iraq war but also to prevent a horrendous expansion of the war into Iran -- will you use that power? Will you cosign H.Res.333 (Articles to Impeach Cheney) and urge Speaker Pelosi to allow the impeachment process back on the table?
The American people will never forgive the Democrats if they allow Bush-Cheney to expand the war into Iran when they could have prevented it through their power (and responsibility) of impeachment. In the context of their intentions for imminent war with Iran, how can you say that impeachment would be a "distraction" from more important business?
Please read this article from Paul Craig Roberts, a former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury in the Reagan administration and former Associate Editor of the Wall Street Journal editorial page. Think hard about his urgent warning about Iran. The fate of so many lives, and our democracy, rests on you decision. This is no time for safe political strategy.
http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts07162007.html
"Impeach Now, Or Face the End of Constitutional Democracy"
Counter Punch, July 16, 2007
Sincerely,
A formerly loyal Democrat,
Benicia, CA
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
I just don't buy it
Honorable George Miller:
I just don't buy your reasoning....the Dems have GOT to take the lead in first, beginning going down the road of starting to remove the troops NOW. We need to force the Republicans to vote yea or nay every day...public pressure is building at an amazing rate...were you surprised at the number of strong feelings at our Benicia Toen Meeting? (ok, we'll ignore the rude loudmouth). But, although I at first could undertand your reasoning (needing to negotiate, get the number of votes needed form the Republicans), I now sincerely believe that we need to force the R's by making unwavering stands that they must vote no on and then have to face their constituents and explain why they want to continue this war. The people across the street from our peace vigil every Thursday here in Benicia have no signs because they cannot say, in all good consciousness, that war is good. As we used to say during the Viet Nam war, "war is not good for children and other living beings". I believe we owe it to the people of Irag to help rebuild, but lets stop destroying their country NOW.
Thank you for the town meeting....you are aptient and wonderful man. Why don't you run for President?
Sincerely,
Susan Street
Benicia
I just don't buy your reasoning....the Dems have GOT to take the lead in first, beginning going down the road of starting to remove the troops NOW. We need to force the Republicans to vote yea or nay every day...public pressure is building at an amazing rate...were you surprised at the number of strong feelings at our Benicia Toen Meeting? (ok, we'll ignore the rude loudmouth). But, although I at first could undertand your reasoning (needing to negotiate, get the number of votes needed form the Republicans), I now sincerely believe that we need to force the R's by making unwavering stands that they must vote no on and then have to face their constituents and explain why they want to continue this war. The people across the street from our peace vigil every Thursday here in Benicia have no signs because they cannot say, in all good consciousness, that war is good. As we used to say during the Viet Nam war, "war is not good for children and other living beings". I believe we owe it to the people of Irag to help rebuild, but lets stop destroying their country NOW.
Thank you for the town meeting....you are aptient and wonderful man. Why don't you run for President?
Sincerely,
Susan Street
Benicia
Monday, July 16, 2007
Impeach!! Why do you believe Bush will honor any of this Iraq legislation you are trying to pass??
Dear Congressman Miller,
1) Why should I have any faith in the Congressional strategy of passing incremental pieces of Iraq legislation as a means to gradually force Bush to end our occupation of Iraq? Hasn't Bush shown us repeatedly that he feels he is above the law and above Congress in his role as Commander in Chief and can just disregard any legislation that you pass? Isn't Congress just agreeing to play the enabling partner in a rigged game by following that strategy?
Both Cheney and Bush have repeatedly violated our laws and the Constitution. They are attempting to vastly expand the power of the Executive, and weaken and destabilize the coequal checks and balances and separation of powers. The Framers of the Constitution established impeachment as a necessary process to be used by Congress in cases of serious Executive overreach such as this. In the context of their contempt for the rule of law and our Constitution, I have come to believe that the only way we will ever end this war, and prevent an expansion of it into Iran, is through the process of impeachment of both Cheney and Bush.
At your recent Town Hall meeting here in Benicia, you stated you would not support calls for impeachment because it "wouldn't succeed, and would be an 18 month distraction from other important business that needs to be addressed, such as ending the Iraq war."
2) Your claim that there wouldn't be enough votes for impeachment is just speculation, isn't it? That is only true if you don't try. If a Congressional leader, such as yourself, with your immense political stature and influence, would cosign H.Res.333 (Articles of Impeachment of Dick Cheney), don't you think it would open the flood gates and suddenly many other legislators would jump on board?
3) And why should we believe your claim that impeachment would be dragged out for 18 months by appeals. Other impeachment campaigns haven't taken that long have they? Furthermore, seeing the handwriting on the wall, the accused might resign (as Nixon did).
Your claim that impeachment would just be a "distraction" from other more important business that needs to be addressed is very disturbing.
4) Why do you consider it a useless "distraction" for Congress to take action to defend the Constitution against this imperial administration's erosion of our Constitutional separation of powers and rule of law? What could be more important?! Even if Congress doesn't "succeed" in impeaching Bush-Cheney, don't you think it's imperative for them to send an all important message to future administrations who might otherwise contemplate a similar overreaching of their Constitutional powers?
I encourage you to view the recent PBS program on Bill Moyer's Journal (particularly the comments by Constitutional scholar Bruce Fein about the need for Statesmen to stand up in this dangerous hour)
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07132007/profile.html
5) I would like you to explain what you think of their arguments for impeachment, and if you disagree with them, why?
I sincerely hope, Congressman Miller, that you will rethink your position on impeachment and resolve to take the courageous stand of the Statesman that I know you are.
1) Why should I have any faith in the Congressional strategy of passing incremental pieces of Iraq legislation as a means to gradually force Bush to end our occupation of Iraq? Hasn't Bush shown us repeatedly that he feels he is above the law and above Congress in his role as Commander in Chief and can just disregard any legislation that you pass? Isn't Congress just agreeing to play the enabling partner in a rigged game by following that strategy?
Both Cheney and Bush have repeatedly violated our laws and the Constitution. They are attempting to vastly expand the power of the Executive, and weaken and destabilize the coequal checks and balances and separation of powers. The Framers of the Constitution established impeachment as a necessary process to be used by Congress in cases of serious Executive overreach such as this. In the context of their contempt for the rule of law and our Constitution, I have come to believe that the only way we will ever end this war, and prevent an expansion of it into Iran, is through the process of impeachment of both Cheney and Bush.
At your recent Town Hall meeting here in Benicia, you stated you would not support calls for impeachment because it "wouldn't succeed, and would be an 18 month distraction from other important business that needs to be addressed, such as ending the Iraq war."
2) Your claim that there wouldn't be enough votes for impeachment is just speculation, isn't it? That is only true if you don't try. If a Congressional leader, such as yourself, with your immense political stature and influence, would cosign H.Res.333 (Articles of Impeachment of Dick Cheney), don't you think it would open the flood gates and suddenly many other legislators would jump on board?
3) And why should we believe your claim that impeachment would be dragged out for 18 months by appeals. Other impeachment campaigns haven't taken that long have they? Furthermore, seeing the handwriting on the wall, the accused might resign (as Nixon did).
Your claim that impeachment would just be a "distraction" from other more important business that needs to be addressed is very disturbing.
4) Why do you consider it a useless "distraction" for Congress to take action to defend the Constitution against this imperial administration's erosion of our Constitutional separation of powers and rule of law? What could be more important?! Even if Congress doesn't "succeed" in impeaching Bush-Cheney, don't you think it's imperative for them to send an all important message to future administrations who might otherwise contemplate a similar overreaching of their Constitutional powers?
I encourage you to view the recent PBS program on Bill Moyer's Journal (particularly the comments by Constitutional scholar Bruce Fein about the need for Statesmen to stand up in this dangerous hour)
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07132007/profile.html
5) I would like you to explain what you think of their arguments for impeachment, and if you disagree with them, why?
I sincerely hope, Congressman Miller, that you will rethink your position on impeachment and resolve to take the courageous stand of the Statesman that I know you are.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Why can't Dems announce NOW, while there is still plenty of money for troops, that they will not be offering ANY funding bill in Sept?
Please watch this short Kucinich video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDtWCJF7xgY
Kucinich says Congress is not obligated to offer ANY Iraq Supplemental funding bill at all when Bush comes asking for more money in September. (No need to round up votes; no veto.) Congress can put Bush and the Petagon on notice NOW, while there is still PLENTY of money in the pipeline, that there will be NO supplemental war funding bill offered in September, period.
WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT THIS STRATEGY, CONGRESSMAN MILLER??
By putting them on notice NOW, Congress would not be accused of putting the troops in harms way without funding. This would give the Bush administration plenty of warning and time to start preparing and implementing a phased troop withdrawal plan. If Bush fails to take these steps, Congress can begin Impeachment against him for recklessly endangering our country and our troops.
Yes this is showdown brinkmanship, but it puts Congress on the high ground and Bush on the defensive, and it renews the public's respect and trust in Congress. And it's the only way we'll get these maniacs to end the Iraq occupation. The incremental legislation strategy is just playing into their game! You can't use parlamentary rules and procedures with people who have shown they have no respect for the law or the Constitution.
askgeorge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDtWCJF7xgY
Kucinich says Congress is not obligated to offer ANY Iraq Supplemental funding bill at all when Bush comes asking for more money in September. (No need to round up votes; no veto.) Congress can put Bush and the Petagon on notice NOW, while there is still PLENTY of money in the pipeline, that there will be NO supplemental war funding bill offered in September, period.
WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT THIS STRATEGY, CONGRESSMAN MILLER??
By putting them on notice NOW, Congress would not be accused of putting the troops in harms way without funding. This would give the Bush administration plenty of warning and time to start preparing and implementing a phased troop withdrawal plan. If Bush fails to take these steps, Congress can begin Impeachment against him for recklessly endangering our country and our troops.
Yes this is showdown brinkmanship, but it puts Congress on the high ground and Bush on the defensive, and it renews the public's respect and trust in Congress. And it's the only way we'll get these maniacs to end the Iraq occupation. The incremental legislation strategy is just playing into their game! You can't use parlamentary rules and procedures with people who have shown they have no respect for the law or the Constitution.
askgeorge
Dear George: What part of this 9-point Peace Plan do you not support and WHY?
Many of your constituents in Benicia/Vallejo have signed a pledge to the following 9-point Comprehensive Peace Plan, and we would appreciate a direct answer from you (on each of the nine points), do you support each one, or not, and why not?
Please reply on your facebook "Ask George" page, and on your "Ask George" MILLER TV. Thankyou.
WE THE PEOPLE DECLARE PEACE!
We call on You to Defund the War & Establish a Comprehensive Peace Plan
1. An end to ALL funding for U.S. military operations in Iraq.
2. Safe and rapid withdrawal of ALL U.S. troops and coalition forces from Iraq, with NO future redeployments.
3. No permanent U.S. military bases or installations in Iraq.
4. Support for an Iraqi-led peace process, including a peace conference to shape a post-occupation transition.
5. Return control of Iraqi oil to the people of Iraq, as well as complete sovereignty in their
economic and political affairs.
6. Support for reparations and reconstruction to address the destruction caused by the U.S. invasion, military occupation, and 13 years of economic sanctions.
7. Establish a U.S. peace dividend for job creation, health care, education, housing, and other vital social needs at home.
8. Increased support for U.S. veterans of the Iraq war.
9. No war against Iran or any other nation.
(More info at: http://www.declarationofpeace.org/ )
(P.S. Congressman Miller, please take a moment to meet us and hear our concerns at this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teFFepakrjk )
askgeorge
Please reply on your facebook "Ask George" page, and on your "Ask George" MILLER TV. Thankyou.
WE THE PEOPLE DECLARE PEACE!
We call on You to Defund the War & Establish a Comprehensive Peace Plan
1. An end to ALL funding for U.S. military operations in Iraq.
2. Safe and rapid withdrawal of ALL U.S. troops and coalition forces from Iraq, with NO future redeployments.
3. No permanent U.S. military bases or installations in Iraq.
4. Support for an Iraqi-led peace process, including a peace conference to shape a post-occupation transition.
5. Return control of Iraqi oil to the people of Iraq, as well as complete sovereignty in their
economic and political affairs.
6. Support for reparations and reconstruction to address the destruction caused by the U.S. invasion, military occupation, and 13 years of economic sanctions.
7. Establish a U.S. peace dividend for job creation, health care, education, housing, and other vital social needs at home.
8. Increased support for U.S. veterans of the Iraq war.
9. No war against Iran or any other nation.
(More info at: http://www.declarationofpeace.org/ )
(P.S. Congressman Miller, please take a moment to meet us and hear our concerns at this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teFFepakrjk )
askgeorge
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