Kucinich Announces Support For "Appeal For Redress"; States, "No One Speaks With More Moral Authority" On Need For Troops To Come Home
WASHINGTON - October 25 - Ranking Member of the House Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, issued the following statement today in support of "Appeal for Redress" a group of active duty military personal who are calling for the US to end the war in Iraq:
"No one speaks with more moral authority or understanding of the complexity of Iraq then the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and who have done tours of duty in Iraq. The men and women who have joined this effort have demonstrated courage and bravery and represent the very best of our nation.
"These soldiers cut through the political spin and false rhetoric to deliver a stark and important message: It is time to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home with the honor and dignity they deserve.
"I am proud to stand with the courageous men and women of Appeal for Redress and will continue my efforts to end the grave misadventure in Iraq and bring all our troops home."
http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/1025-06.htmIf Kerry doesn't get behind this maybe folks should remind him of his own words those years ago.
The number is now up to 346 sure to increase.
Military members ask Congress for 'relief'
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- At least 346 active or former military members had signed on by Wednesday to a Web site asking Congress to withdraw American troops from Iraq, organizers said.
"The Appeal for Redress" was started by active duty service members based in the Norfolk, Va., area and by Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans For Peace, and Military Families Speak Out. The Web site went live Monday.
Military servicemembers are prohibited from speaking out against their chain of command in uniform, but they are allowed to ask Congress to redress grievances against actions taken by their chain of command.
Military members are also protected by the Military Whistleblowers Act, which allows protected communications with Congress.
The servicemembers signed onto a request that states: "As a patriotic American proud to serve the nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq. Staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price. It is time for U.S. troops to come home."
http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20061025-043027-3864r