Our nation's troops need your help, right now!
Submitted by Wes Clark on July 10, 2007 - 4:48pm.
Call to Action | Iraq | Veterans & Military
Our nation's troops need your help, right now!
This week, the Senate will consider an amendment offered by military veterans Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE) that puts on paper one of the greatest things we can do to support the troops and the military -- guaranteeing them proper time on the homefront, to improve our readiness.
Call your Senator at 202-224-3121 and tell them to support the Webb-Hagel Readiness Amendment.
Their amendment simply says that active duty troops should have as much time home as they had on deployment, and that National Guard and Reserve troops should have three years at home after their one-year deployment. Besides being a just and fair thing to do for those who are making tremendous sacrifices for all of us, it is just good military policy.
The war in Iraq is breaking our fine Army and Marine Corps. You've heard the stories about deployments being extended again and again, and troops coming home only to turn around and head right back. It has led to our troops being depleted and exhausted. Not only that, but it has seriously damaged our ability to defend this nation. Many units are simply not combat ready, and God forbid an attack by a rogue nation necessitates opening up a new war front, our forces would be unable to respond. Further, extended and frequent deployments of our National Guard has left us much more vulnerable at home.
As Major General Batiste, a former commanding general in Iraq said, "In addition to our country's lack of strategic focus and failure to mobilize the country, our military is at a breaking point. The Webb-Hagel Amendment is a step in the right direction to force our leadership to come to grips with the gross mismatch between capability and requirements."
Tomorrow, we're going to be on Capitol Hill, to speak out in strong support of this bill. But we need you to back up our efforts.
Call your Senator's office at 202-224-3121 and tell them to support the Webb-Hagel Readiness Amendment. If you served in OIF or OEF, be sure to note that to the staffer you speak with. Remember, be polite with the person answering the phone, but firm in saying you support the troops, General Clark's WesPAC, VoteVets.org, and Senators Webb and Hagel.
Let's make this happen, and really support the troops!
Sincerely,
Peter Granato
Iraq War Veteran
Veterans Outreach Coordinator, VoteVets.org
Senator Feinstein is a co-sponsor of Webb-Hagel.
Senator Boxer hasn't released a statement yet I'm told, but I'm not worried.
Boxer (202) 224-3553
Feinstein (202) 224-3841
irefusetobelievei'mnotvotingforageneral
But there was no answer at that
phone number, Peter.
I tried it twice.
and let it ring 10 times.
It may have been too late in the afternonn. Maybe a half hour to an
hour after the posting time of your
main message here.
I take it that's a phone number for all Senators. Is that correct?
When is the Webb-Hagel ammendment due to be voted upon? Tommorrow? (tho I realize you will be speaking on it tommorrow)
thanks, Peter,
Clearsky
Somebody mumbled something then hung up. You should be able to find their direct numbers by going to http://www.congress.org and typing in your zip code in the little form on the left. It says "write your officials" but it lists their phone numbers too.
and comment there. (There's a poll also.)
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/7/10/1704/80000
This may be the wrong time of day to make the recommended list, but maybe not. It's worth a try. Someone else should also diary this tomorrow morning, and give everyone a heads up beforehand.
Nick Kelly
Wes Clark will be the national security candidate.
I can't imagine he wouldn't support the Webb-Hagel Readiness Amendment. I'll keep calling.
Domenici... staffer just said he'd give him my message.
Thank you General Clark!
Arlen Specter's office staffer who answered my call around 3:30 didn't know what I was talking about or what Specter's position is. I asked him to take my contact info & get back to me plus I will call tomorrow to see if they know what I am talking about then- and I can get Mark to call also.
here in Texas, that it will do any good. They are Bush's most staunch supporters. It's very frustrating here.
I believe they are required to keep a tally- lots of marks in that great big black book against these guys! Tell their offices that this is about the troops, regardless of what happens in the future with Iraq, this is what Webb has said
Same here in Oklahoma. Senator Inhoffe no way. I wouldn't give him the time of day.(Wish I could give him a few other things though). Not sure about Coburn . So far he seems to vote right along with Bush on just about everything.
Now just to get rid of Inhoffe in 08.
Wyden is a co-sponsor. Gordon Smith is a toady.
Someone once asked me if I had learned anything from going to war so many times.
My reply:
Yes, I learned how to cry.
Joe Galloway
No need to be concerned about where Jim Webb stands. But, be sure to let Warner know how you feel! You may have trouble getting through to any of the DC offices, so try their field offices. For Warner, here are two numbers: 540-857-2676 and 804-739-0247. This amendment is for the troops first and foremost. There is no place for partisanship when it comes to looking out for the well-being of our troops and their families.
My senators are Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback, so don't hold your breath.
Brownback won't run again in 2010. I sure wish we had someone good to run against Robertson this time. I don't know anybody who likes that guy.
MOAA has lots of respect on Capitol Hill, so mention it along with VoteVets, Wes Clark, etc.
http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2007/7/10/1704/80000/34#c34
Nick Kelly
Wes Clark will be the national security candidate.
The Retired Officers Association.
There's a lot more info about it in the diary I linked, but you can check it out at http://www.moaa.org/
By the way, you may vote in a poll there concerning Iraq.
Nick Kelly
Wes Clark will be the national security candidate.
Larry Johnson (blog/bio)
The devil is in the details and the details look bad. Despite the sunny optimism of delusional Senators like John McCain and Joe Lieberman, the ground truth in Iraq gritty, grim, and trending toward disaster.
Do you know 9/11 official investigation cost only $14 million but Lewinsky affair cost more than $ 60 millions?
Conveniently, Sen. Pryor's email system is having "difficulties" so my email won't go through. Wonder if his phone system is out, too... :/
He'd better support this or I hope Sen Webb jerks a knot on his head (he sits next to Webb on the Armed Serv Commmittee).
Wes Clark: Soldier, Scholar, Statesman.
will be hearing from me today.
He actually met with representatives of our MFSO chapter in Columbus on Monday. We've been pretty relentless with him.
With the cloture motion the amendment?
Those of us in red states shall we demand that our Senators stand up for our troops instead of standing in the way and vote for cloture so it gets an up or down vote?
I called my Burr and Dole yesterday before I read about the roadblocks the usual suspect were putting up. I'm calling again this morning and I want to have all my detail ready for them. Any Senate wonks up yet this morning?
I made my first diary on BlueNC
Apparently Dole's office is noting they've been getting a number of calls about the matter.
will be at 10:30 am (per CSPAN) but I don't remember if that was ET or CT.
Update: My email to Sen. Pryor finally went through. Wonder what time their offices open...
Wes Clark: Soldier, Scholar, Statesman.
Cloture vote on the Webb-Hagel Amendment is at 11:30 am ET on CSPAN 2.
Wes Clark: Soldier, Scholar, Statesman.
when I called around 9:35 EDT, 8:35 CDT,
(202-224-3121 - as told here to call)
It turned out that at that number they connect you to your Senators' offices.
So, it's done.
I did say ask the person who then answered at Senator Landrieu(D)'s office to remind Senator Landrieu that I am a constituent of hers,and also, a supporter of hers, in Louisiana, and that my Dad and her Dad were longtime friends and associates prior to my Dad's passing.
I then asked her to ask Sentor Landrieu to support the Webb-Hagel Readiness Amendment, and asked that she tell Senator Landrieu that I had learned of this matter as a member of WesPAC, General Wesley Clark
s group, and as a supporter of VoteVets.org
both of which were encouraging us to contact our Senators on our support for this amendment.
I then called talked to my other Senator's office, Senator Vitter (R) and said I was a constituent of his as a registered voter in Louisiana.
And asked that she tell him I would like for him to support the Webb-Hagel amendment, as supported by VoteVets.org and WesPAC and She said she would.
So, that's my report for today.
Clearsky
On C-span2 now.
She's calling it "the Webb amendment".
She's really going after it, and praising Senator Webb and his service.
She says "it deals with troop fatigue, "it deals with troop exhaustion".
Speaking of the families of the troops and what they go through.
But most of all, of the troops who have to go back too soon.
We're lucky to have her on our side. And behind this amendment for our troops.
She even throws in the 12 million dollars a month. But mainly our troops, the terrible heat in Iraq, the dangers to them.
"While the Iraqi Parliament doesn't even show up , but stays home in their air-condition"
Senator Webb was just up at the podium and ready to start on the Webb-Hagel amendment, and he said we're waiting for XXXXX(I take it it's Hagel)to show up. He's been delayed."
So, Senator McCain is speaking in the meantime. He's against the amendment.
Says it should be up to the President as Commander-in-Chief
Clearsky
10:30 ET, 9:30 CT
while waiting for Republican Seantor Hagel.(?)
I had understood that Senator Webb Dem had
to see what is delaying Senator Hagel.
Senator Levin, Democrat of Michigan just spoke for it.
Senator Lindsey Graham, Repbulican of South Carolina speaking against it now.
'i urge a resounding No vote"
They all call it "the Webb amendment"
(not the Webb-Hagel amendment)
I wonder if Senator Hagel has changed his mind about sponsoring the amendment. (?)
It's strange that he hasn't showed up and that they are all calling it "the Webb amendment" now.
just spent 20 minutes trying to be civil with Doles military affairs staffer.
"the amendment is little more than political pandering and micromanaging the troops" he said. Sounds as if they've written the talking points.
I reminded him of Article one, Section 8 of the Constitution and asked if he disagreed with Vice Admiral Ryan of MOAA that opposing the amendment "will be putting the all volunteer force at unacceptable risk."
DOle of course is waiting for Gen. Petraeus' report and hoping for something to change the subject.
Can VoteVets please help ensure Libby becomes former Senator Dole. Please.
Senator Webb is speaking again - powerfully! I hope they all listen and heed his words. How annoying to hear all those who have never served trying to shoot down this amendment.
The Repubs are making me sick! They don't care about the troops. Disgusting!
Wake up America! See what your Repub Senators are doing to our Armed Forces. Throw the bums out! O-U-T, OUT!
Wes Clark: Soldier, Scholar, Statesman.
"...good morning, I live in XXX, ME. and I'm calling to ask if the senator intends to support the Webb-Hagel Readiness Amendment?
Staffer: blah, blah, blah
"...Senator Snowe/Collins says she supports the troops. The least we can do is to treat our troops and their families with human dignity. Well, you know what my part of Maine of like, We don't make our decisions based on the NYT; my neighbors get their news at church suppers and the general store.
Staffer: (sound of agreement)
"...I want the senator to know that I'm watching this vote very closely, and if she fails ln the basic act of supporting the troops, my entire town will know."
You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.--J. V. Marley
Disgusting.
"Some of them put on their cowboy boots and put their feet up on the desk." -Wes Clark
I understand that Collins and Snowe voted "yes" (thank Syb)
I just want to know who doesn't support the troops.
You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.--J. V. Marley
nay
barrasso
bunning
chambliss
crapo
roberts
sessions
chamblis
murkowski
allard
domenici
kyl
demint
bennett
graham
inhofe
alexander
craig
gregg
thune
dole
ensign
hatch
corker
specter
bond
lott
burr
grassley
cochran
martinez
enzi
coburn
voinovich
hutchinson
lieberman
mccain
mcconnell
I missed a couple
"Some of them put on their cowboy boots and put their feet up on the desk." -Wes Clark
Recent votes
S-amnd 2012 Webb/Hagel - not yet posted
http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/a_three_sections_with_teasers/votes.htm
check back in an hour
irefusetobelievei'mnotvotingforageneral
voted for Webb's amendment, too.
"Some of them put on their cowboy boots and put their feet up on the desk." -Wes Clark
This was the least the bastards could do...threating the troops like human beings should be a no-brainer.
Now CNN is reporting that half of Iraqi government is no longer bothering to show up. Of course our troops have no choice, and lead by a clique of demented pigs.
You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.--J. V. Marley
Johnson--but co-sponsored the amendment.
Brownback--campaigning somewhere no doubt.
Vitter--I suppose he had bigger things on his mind than worrying about our troops.
"Some of them put on their cowboy boots and put their feet up on the desk." -Wes Clark
I'd like to think it's because some of us who are his constituents who are registered voters and do vote and do swing vote, called him and asked him to vote for it, and mentioned VoteVets.org (and WesPAC) and were polite and since he's already in such trouble, he decided to not go against us. A
If only we'd had just a few more Republicans who didn't vote, that would have done it.
Senator Johnson, of course, is the one who had the stroke and is ill.
I don't know about Brownback. He's highly, highly conservative, fundamentalist Catholic, and running for Pres.
It may be that he thought the leadership in his state's Catholic constituents swing-vote groupings would not have liked him voting against the humanitarian suitable leave for returning vets.
That's sheer speculation tho. Cause I don't know why.
to my home state is out there campagining under the
delusion that he will be president!
From the American Midwest, the Gentleman Agitator, Agitates and Gets Agitated. http://nexus-station.typepad.com/gentleman_agitator
posting 2004 Salon article about him; he really is a piece of work;
Do you know 9/11 official investigation cost only $14 million but Lewinsky affair cost more than $ 60 millions?
wee hours that alternet.org has article;
$35.00 month for Congress critters health care
no co pay
no deductable
no limit on amount of doctor visits
they got the best deal in the country
Do you know 9/11 official investigation cost only $14 million but Lewinsky affair cost more than $ 60 millions?
The Best Health Care Is Reserved for CongressDon Sloan, Caveat PressHealth & Wellness: In an excerpt from his new book, Practicing Medicine Without a License, Don Sloan, M.D., shows that members of Congress enjoy health coverage with unlimited doctor visits, no deductibles and no co-pays -- all for $35 a month. So what about the rest of us?
Do you know 9/11 official investigation cost only $14 million but Lewinsky affair cost more than $ 60 millions?
I kinda doubt Vitter's non-vote had much to do with his constituents. The news he has been a frequent visitor to a New Orleans brothel over the years on top of the DC Madam scandal is more likely the reason. He may be on the front lawn picking up his belongings and looking for an apartment.
"Some of them put on their cowboy boots and put their feet up on the desk." -Wes Clark
Again, I think it is less to do with what anyone thinks he should do and more about himself.
Here is his schedule for today. All of which is much more important than the vote supporting our troops.
Wed Jul 11, 2007
10:30am
Brownback Live on Iowa Public Radio
12pm
Brownback to Address Greater Des Moines Partnership
4:20pm
Brownback in-studio live interview on the Steve Deace Radio show -- WHO 1040 AM
8pm
Brownback live on Hannity and Colmes
"Some of them put on their cowboy boots and put their feet up on the desk." -Wes Clark
right wing media pundit job apparently;
Do you know 9/11 official investigation cost only $14 million but Lewinsky affair cost more than $ 60 millions?
And my two Senators (Coburn and Inhoffe) voted just like I thought they would. Nay! This truly makes me sick!
Darn *^%$#^ Neocons! Argh!!! Doh!
is going after Iran in the Senate right now. Has an ammendment to deal with Iran....talking about how Iran is behind killing our troops in Iraq......yada, yada...
The Dems are behind the 8 ball on this. They never introduced the bill they promised regarding Iran and got out ahead on the matter. Will have to see who counters this amendment...
The Dem "candidates"...those "leaders" have probly scattered...hiding under their desks, no doubt. Heh...maybe they'll surprise us....not holding breath...
Yeah, he got to suspend the call to qorum. I stopped watching
the guy after a minute or two. I was glad CSPAN put his
true affliation up (I), instead of him hiding behind the
skirts of some phrase like "Independent Democrat." I
will say though that as an (I) myself, I am affronted
by his designation. He is a man without a country in
my opinion, with zero credibility and integrity.
From the American Midwest, the Gentleman Agitator, Agitates and Gets Agitated. http://nexus-station.typepad.com/gentleman_agitator
and then Carl Levin praised Lieberweenie for his amendment but....that they were working on changing some of the language. Are the Dems going along with this? I haven't had a chance to read the amendment and had to stop listening to the Senate right now, but this is terribly disconcerting cuz....
Whatever Lieberweenie is up to...it can't be good. If there is anything in that amendment which calls for any type of action this crew will easily interpret it as an OK to deal with Iran as they see fit (attack). If the Dems go along with any amendment by Lieberweenie they are going to get screwed...again.
Next thing we know....we'll be attacking Iran with the claim "they" had congressional (Dems) approval and the Dems will be saying..."Gee...we didn't know he'd do that???!!! We didn't authorize that when we voted for Lieberweenie's amendment...oh dear...oh well...now that we've done it...blah, blah."
But the Dems didn't take the lead on Iran as they should have. Now it seems they are hiding behind Lieberweenie's skirt on this...so they can continue to be little piggies in the AIPAC trough. Don't want to stop that dough from coming in.
I don't know...it's what I see going down, tho. Hope I'm wrong, but latching on to ANYTHING with Lieberweenie and Iran sounds like TROUBLE.
I regret any defense of Lieberman I may have ever offered. His appears to be worse then even the more rabid republicans. The word insane might apply. If the dem's get a cushion in Congress I hope they dump his ass over to the republicans as soon as possible.
n/t
Do you know 9/11 official investigation cost only $14 million but Lewinsky affair cost more than $ 60 millions?
who blocked the amendment -which is really what they did, they didn't even have the guts to vote against itself- it will be interesting to see if they will be returning home during the upcoming recess. I'm certain they won't ask more of the troop than they themselves are willing to sacrifice at least in spirit. For those of us represented by Senators who blocked the vote we ought to demand that they stay in Washington or visit our troops in Iraq during the recess. If they won't let the vote go forward to let our troops have adequate time of theater, they certainly wouldn't dare returning home would they?
Each and everyone of them.
NAYs ---41
Alexander (R-TN)
Allard (R-CO)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Bennett (R-UT)
Bond (R-MO)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Craig (R-ID)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Dole (R-NC)
Domenici (R-NM)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Grassley (R-IA)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hatch (R-UT)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Lieberman (ID-CT)
Lott (R-MS)
Lugar (R-IN)
Martinez (R-FL)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Specter (R-PA)
Stevens (R-AK)
Thune (R-SD)
Voinovich (R-OH)
Not Voting - 3
Brownback (R-KS)
(Still recovering, get a pass) Johnson (D-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Someone once asked me if I had learned anything from going to war so many times.
My reply:
Yes, I learned how to cry.
Joe Galloway
They have no shame. My R Senator is on the list, as I knew he'd be.
Once in a while you get shown the light, In the strangest of places if you look at it right.
This is the roster of the leper colony. At least Colorado's Wayne Allard, the veterinarian, isn't seeking re-election. Cong. Mark Udall has a very good chance of turning that seat over.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark -- Don't settle for less.
Make America All It Can Be!
the stuff they want to hide!!!!
Do you know 9/11 official investigation cost only $14 million but Lewinsky affair cost more than $ 60 millions?
(was busy with my mother all day). Unreal. Will have to figure out how to make sure Voinovich never sleeps at night.
I really think the man can be flipped. One would hope that he would flip because it's the right thing to do, but I think he'll flip from fear. Now is the time to call the creep. Get him Sista Susan!
You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.--J. V. Marley
at how the Iraq war came about; but who tell the CIC no; nobody!
Democrats in the Senate say one of their proposals, authored by Senator Jim Webb, aimed at shifting the president's strategy is finally close to winning enough Republican support for a real chance at being approved. It would require that troops spend as much time at home as on their most recent tours overseas before being redeployed. It has strong support from top Democrats, who say that the practical effect would be to add time between deployments and force General Petraeus to withdraw troops on a substantially swifter timeline than the one he laid out before Congress this week, and that it would protect troops from serving protracted and debilitating deployments
Must I remind everyone that there will be a Democratic Convention between Aug 25th and 28th of 2008 and a Republican Convention between Sept 1st and 4th of 2008? Think about that for a moment. What usually happens during either a Democratic Convention or just before November of an election year?
Please read the rest of my comments on this COMPROMISE of Senator Webb's. Go to Coonsey's View
Casey: (202) 224-6324
Specter: (202) 224-4254
Got right thru to Casey...