Over the past weekend Hillary Clinton pledged to end the war in Iraq if she is elected. "If we in Congress don't end this war before January 2009, as president, I will," she told a large crowd at the Democratic National Committee's winter convention in Washington.
It was the first time since announcing her candidacy that Hillary acknowledged the growing movement against the war when discussing Iraq, which faced its bloodiest period since the invasion almost four years ago with over 1,000 reported deaths in the last seven days alone. Also in attendance at the DNC meeting were other presidential hopefuls, including John Edwards and Sen. Barack Obama, who both attempted to paint themselves as the best antiwar candidate in the hunt for the White House.
The top candidates' tepid words on Iraq were a sign of what's to come over the next year and a half as their rhetorical talents are turned on high. Despite Obama's reassurance that he did not support the war from the beginning, along with Edwards' claims that he's had a change of heart on his past pro-war votes -- neither candidate distinguished their position from the Bush administration when it came to the looming Iran confrontation.
In fact two weeks earlier, while visiting Israel, Edwards laid out his position on Iran quite succinctly:
"Let me be clear: Under no circumstances can Iran be allowed to have nuclear weapons ... The vast majority of people are concerned about what is going on in Iraq. This will make the American people reticent toward going for Iran. But I think the American people are smart if they are told the truth, and if they trust their president. So Americans can be educated to come along with what needs to be done with Iran."
Hillary Clinton pushed virtually the same bitter line while addressing the annual AIPAC convention held in New York City last week. "U.S. policy must be clear and unequivocal: We cannot, we should not, we must not permit Iran to build or acquire nuclear weapons,'' Clinton told the crowd of Israel supporters. "In dealing with this threat ... no option can be taken off the table.''
Barack Obama has also been upfront about how he would deal with Iran, arguing that he would not rule out the use of force and supports surgical strikes of alleged nuclear sites in the country if diplomacy (read: coercion) fails. To put it bluntly, none of the front running Democrats are opposed to Bush's dubious "war on terror" or his bullying of Iran. They support his aggression in principle but simply believe a Democratic presidency could handle the job more astutely. All put Israel first and none are going to fundamentally alter U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Times like these require bravery. They require a fight. A fight against immoral and illegal policies. A fight against tyranny. A fight for freedom. Freedom from hatred. Freedom from occupation. Americans and the people of the Middle East deserve better than Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama. They deserve to live their lives without the threat of warfare and bloodshed. They deserve to live without fear.
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Tim, and on Joshua's topic of this post, a strong alternative to all the Democratic candidates who support butcher Bush continuing in office until they 'get their turn' to replace him, is seen in the principled towering figure of Mike Gravel.
He told them to their face this weekend (Feb.3-4) that they are unworthy to be president. Which makes Gravel worthy of our support in his campaign. Read here.
--> WAYNE MADSEN Report . com
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If we don't stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, you can be CERTAIN these will fall into the hands of deranged Islamic suicide bombers, who will eaily smuggle these into the US, and blow up NYC, Washington, etc., killing tens of millions of our citizens. That's a certainty.
by
Al Feldzamen (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 9:21:27 AM
Why do you continually preach to the choir and display such vituperation towards your erstwhile allies?
You really should post this stuff over at freerepublic.com, they are your enemy, not us. Of course that might require some guts, and youde better get it all out in one shot as you will be banned immediately.
by
ardee D. (6 articles, 4 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 2377 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 5:24:44 PM
You are sadly unread in political facts of life, as the nazi rightwingers you are parrot in support of, not only are NOT trying to stop Iran from 'gaining nuclear weapons,' the nazi rightwingers you are the supporting parrot of are trying (while Iran rebuffs them) to GIVE Iran nuclear weapons in order that the materiel is planted in Iran to frame Iranians falsely when the nazi righwingers you parrot and support go on in mindset to mass murder millions of Americans by hoax-staging the detonation of a dirty bomb made with American nucuelar nazi insanity. Valerie Plame's counter proliferation group, Brewster Jennings & Associates, was tracking international illegal WMD sales right in the back door of the White House occupied by the nazi rightwingers you are parrot in support of. And that is why the Fright House outed Plame to shut down the Brewster Jennings posse on its nazi trail. Not for any reason or only incidentally that Plame had connection with Wilson.
Are you so easily led? Do you not read the credible intelligence that shows them a dozen years from even one such device, if that is their path at all?
Were you one who fell for the lies that got us into Iraq, and now again bend over for insertion of more lies and another war? Pakistan has both nuclear weapons and a resident named Osama bin Laden. Would it not be more likely that one of that nations nuclear devices would fall into the hands of a madman? Especially considering that Iran hasnt any to begin with...sheeeesh.
by
ardee D. (6 articles, 4 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 2377 comments)
on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at 5:18:06 PM
As soon as the question posted to the politician is ' what would you do with Iran?' the answer is predictable. An honest politician would just answer that such question is inappropriate, that a candidate to presidency in one country cannot say what he would do with another country. But the problem is that no one in the crowd would challenge the candidate on this ground if he or she rants nonsense. Thus they think they say what they are expected to say- werewolves all howling. They look like humans but they are not.
But are we human? If we like the werewolves, so we are the same. That's what the world sees.
by
Mark Sashine (51 articles, 19 quicklinks, 244 diaries, 3462 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 10:01:34 AM
Sir,
I enjoyed reading your article and greatly appreciate your writing it. Somehow that message needs to be gotten to every American so that they understand the views of all the candidates views on their middle east views. American voters in last Novembers election it was made clear that we, Americans, are against the Bush's agenda toward Iraq and Iran. If the candidates for president are already speaking out to continue with Bush and Cheney illegal invasion of Iraq and their attempts to attack Iran then they should be taken out of the running for president no matter what party they belong to. Politicians seem to believe now days that they control the country instead of serving the will of the people and we as Americans need to make them understand they serve because we allow them to serve by our voting to represent us.
Thank You
Ron Woolsey
by
bored65622 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 11:49:28 AM
Difficult for people who think America is 'their country'
Joshua has a problem because many people believe that America is still 'their country' --- and has not been taken over as a global corporate elite Empire.
Many people believe (or at least hope) like John Mellencamp ("Our Country", "The Americans" from his new album "Freedom's Road"), that we are 'Americans' and that this old nation-state is still 'our country'. Unfortunately, just as Mellencamp's song has been expropriated by GM ("What's good for General Motors is good for America"), 'our contry' has been expropriated by the global corporate elite Empire that far eclipses GM.
The global corporate elite Empire that rules, and abuses the military pwoer of the U.S. totally disabuses any such thoughts that good, honest, average, 'working class' Americans may still hold.
This new global corporate elite Empire is not like any empire in history. This Empire is ethereal, and not national. This Empire cares nothing of America except of leveraging or stripping its assets. This Empire's allegiance is only to itself, not to any country. This Empire's patriotic belief reflects ex-GE CEO John Walsh and more when he said, "the ideal factory would be on a barge that I can have towed to any country with the cheapest labor rate". This Empire is nothing but disembodied financial capitalism and greed that laughs at nationalism and patriotism ---- while they continue to interview and hire political whores whose most important quality is to talk about "American national interests" and not laugh while fooling enough rubes to be US 'president' for the hidden Empire.
Joshua has a serious problem because he is trying to speak truth to an audience that thinks he is crazy --- and that the nominal 'leaders', Congresspeople, presidential candidates, etc. are actually pledging to protect them, and be concerned about them, and protect their children's future, etc. --- while nothing could be further from reality for the global Empire and its 'paid help' of political whores.
For many Americans it may be a harsh lesson that Joshua is only slightly exposing here, but until (and unless) we take our country back from Empire, none of the normal and real aspects of what average citizens think of as "American national interests" and protecting America are really "options on the table" ----- only economic oil-war is the real "option on the table" that these imperial political whores are talking about.
by
Alan MacDonald (10 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 51 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 12:12:58 PM
Difficult for those who think 'America' is not Empire
Joshua has a problem because many people believe that America is still 'their country' --- and has not been taken over as a global corporate elite Empire.
Many people believe (or at least hope) like John Mellencamp ("Our Country", "The Americans" from his new album "Freedom's Road"), that we are 'Americans' and that this old nation-state is still 'our country'. Unfortunately, just as Mellencamp's song has been expropriated by GM ("What's good for General Motors is good for America"), 'our contry' has been expropriated by the global corporate elite Empire that far eclipses GM.
The global corporate elite Empire that rules, and abuses the military pwoer of the U.S. totally disabuses any such thoughts that good, honest, average, 'working class' Americans may still hold.
This new global corporate elite Empire is not like any empire in history. This Empire is ethereal, and not national. This Empire cares nothing of America except of leveraging or stripping its assets. This Empire's allegiance is only to itself, not to any country. This Empire's patriotic belief reflects ex-GE CEO John Walsh and more when he said, "the ideal factory would be on a barge that I can have towed to any country with the cheapest labor rate". This Empire is nothing but disembodied financial capitalism and greed that laughs at nationalism and patriotism ---- while they continue to interview and hire political whores whose most important quality is to talk about "American national interests" and not laugh while fooling enough rubes to be US 'president' for the hidden Empire.
Joshua has a serious problem because he is trying to speak truth to an audience that thinks he is crazy --- and that the nominal 'leaders', Congresspeople, presidential candidates, etc. are actually pledging to protect them, and be concerned about them, and protect their children's future, etc. --- while nothing could be further from reality for the global Empire and its 'paid help' of political whores.
For many Americans it may be a harsh lesson that Joshua is only slightly exposing here, but until (and unless) we take our country back from Empire, none of the normal and real aspects of what average citizens think of as "American national interests" and protecting America are really "options on the table" ----- only economic oil-war is the real "option on the table" that these imperial political whores are talking about.
by
Alan MacDonald (10 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 51 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 12:16:46 PM
Barack, Edwards, Hillary, Jeb, McCain, it does not matter. "[T]here's not a dime's worth of difference between" Republicans and Democrats. The Democrats willingly went along with the War in Iraq, opening mail, suspension of Habeas Corpus, detaining protestors, banning books like "America Deceived' from Amazon America Deceived (book), stealing private lands (Kelo decision), warrant-less wiretapping and refusing to investigate 9/11 properly. Neither party will stop the upcoming war on Iran. They are both guilty of treason.
by
Lorring II (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 86 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 2:13:59 PM
first, why didnt the US take this approach when north korea was openly saying it was researching developing and testing nuclear weapons? if they had oil fields would it have been different?
second, doesnt israel have illegal nukes? why dont they take this approach on israel and force them to dismantle their illegal weapons?
third, iran has nuclear know-how because of the cia, why doesnt the cia claim responsibility for this mess?
lastly, why does the united states stick to its policy of "we dont talk with evil" and instead go and see if iran has nukes themselves, and keep a diplomatic relationship with the country, because after all, diplomacy requires communication, and their all saying "well if diplomacy fails, well strike". they clearly arent giving it a chance, they are saying "were going to fuck you up" and if that doesnt work their going to go and fuck them up. sorry, thats not diplomacy, thats tyranny.
by
sensimilia (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 3:05:25 PM
Pakistan, which already has threatened use of nuclear weapons against India (another member of the nuclear club), is our ally. They are also a military dictatorship which is harboring Osama bin Laden.
This entire farce is simply more saber rattling and truth plays no part in any of it. Bush, the sock puppet, obeys Cheney and the Vulcan Group, and their avowed aim is for a permanent American military presence in th eMiddle East, all that nice oil just waiting to be stolen.
There is absolutely no proof that Iran is attempting to build a nuclear arsenal, not a single shred of evidence so they try really hard to provoke Iran into giving the excuse for invasion. We have seen a similar scenario in the build up to the invasion of Iraq, lies, lies, and more lies. Lies which we ate up with gusto.
I would think that these silly folks here still loyal to the Democratic Party might slowly begin to see that their party is a part and parcel of the problem, will they? While the Dems were a minority that was the excuse given, now theyare not a minority yet the GOP mnerely threatens filibuster and the cowards slink away from that anti surge resolution, pah a plague on both their houses.
by
ardee D. (6 articles, 4 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 2377 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 5:33:58 PM
The problem with the entire political process here in the land of the Fiend, is that it has been taken over by the Genocidal cannibals in the Bank of England.
The most predatory tribe among the cannibal cults is the tribe of,"Benjamin," and this is the tribe that controls the Bank of England. They have even built a monument to this successful tribe of cannibal specialists. The Tower of "BIG Ben," in London.
London is the roosting nest of the Royal cannibals, these Royals are comprised of the German Dukes of Hanover; "The Dukes of Hazard." This entire gang is Known collectively as the "Alliance." To some it is also known as "Queeny and her Sheenys."
This band of predators control the Republican and Democratic parties here in America. They have gotten control of America fair and square, by continuous political assassination and mass murder of any and all who have gotten in their way.
For the Republicans we have Condi Rice, who was converted by "Uncle Ben," and on the Democratic side of the aisle we have the stalwart and upright employees of "Mr. Benny."
Condi Rice has proven such an able contractor, that she may be declared to be in possession of a completely "White heart," and so faithful to Mr Benny that she may be declared to be an able cannibal, and and honorary member of the tribe of Benjamin.
Everything from Extortion and kidnapping to contract murder and prison camp building, to fly by bombings, its all for the love of MR Benny.
The whole gang of self serving political frauds in Washington, London and Tel Aviv are slaves used to serve the low cunning of Mr. Benny, both here and in lands far away.
As George Bush is a long serving, thouroughly deranged and depraved idiot, willing and pliable stooge for Mr Benny, when we think of all of the crimes against and suffering of the human race, as Mr Benny is a professional at disguising his cannibal activities, all we may recall at some future date, is that: "Rochester did it."
Let us always remember who the Rochester's of the political world take orders from: "Mr. Benny."
That's the way; "It's always Ben."
.
by
Patrick (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 401 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 3:48:34 PM
click here Re your column of the wimpiness of Clinton, Edwards, O'Bama:
Oh, what do you expect from speeches to Jewish organizations? Few know the difference between being anti-(the current)Israel government, just plain anti-Israel, anti-Zionist, anti any special interest group/power and anti-Semitism, and most will give the benefit of the doubt to the last on that little list. And no Democratic candidate will risk alienating the financial/cultural support of the Jewish community; trust me as a cranky progressive New York Jew (very pale-pink diaper) who hears all sides of the "Israel Question," and then gets this -----------------click here
So I listened to this and cried, then saw a Palestian grandma on the news, and cried again. I think Littwak is foreseeing the TRUE beginning of the end of this vile mess. I find myself unable to have an opinion (except to hate Richard Scaife et al).
And to admire your writings. Looking at your picture, I suppose you can never imagine yourself being Jewish with all its attendant advantages and dis's.
Best,
Danny Fields
by
Dan'l (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 7 comments)
on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at 4:03:59 PM
Now we know why the media are promoting Clinton and Obama
And we also know why they pretend Dennis Kucinich doesn't exist or at least isn't running. I'm one of those Americans who still think America is my country. One of my Iranian friends in Tehran, an engineer who studied in the US, said to me the other day that the Democrats and the Republicans are like the two blades of a scissors. They work together against the ordinary people of the world. We have to kick these warmongers out of the running.
by
Ruth Wangerin (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 10 comments)
on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at 4:00:45 AM
