Friday, February 16, 2007

One Small Step in the Right Direction

Those members of Congress who are against the non-binding resolution currently being debated, do not understand the magnitude of this vote. Every event in history, whether good or bad, starts with one small step. Here are two of my examples:

1. The American Revolution did not explode immediately into a full war against the King of England. Colonists showed their dissatisfaction with protests and small altercations.

2. The Civil Rights movement was not an overnight, massive movement. Rosa Parks and her refusal to sit in the back of the bus, was a simple act that began a bus boycott. The bus boycott also brought a young minister, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., into a leadership position and later to national prominence.

The non-binding resolution that states opposition to Bush's troop surge/escalation in Iraq, is a statement. However, it is a statement that registers an opinion that opposes Bush's war plans. The resolution is a small step in the right direction that could bring our troops home sooner.

Those members of Congress who vote against the resolution will be remembered. By voting against the resolution, Deborah Pryce and others, are stating that they (1.) like war, (2.) don't mind the casualties, (3.) support spending and losing billions of dollars in Iraq,
(4.) support the war based on lies, and (5.) support the failed policies of this administration.

The Miami Herald has an article about what is ahead for those in opposition to the resolution:

....
The nonbinding resolution could influence lawmakers' reelection prospects, their willingness to back stronger antiwar policies later and how other nations view the United States.

No one feels more pressure over the vote than the lawmakers -- mostly Republicans -- who won election in November by narrow margins....

....Republicans in swing districts who don't back the resolution can expect to be attacked in next year's elections. They include Reps. Deborah Pryce of Ohio, Thelma Drake of Virginia and Robin Hayes of North Carolina. Each barely won reelection in November. This vote could end their careers.

''There are a lot of seats in play,'' said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. ``I think this is going to be a big issue for voters in 2008.''

...President Bush says the resolution will not change his plans no matter how many Republicans support it. Once the vote clears, House Democrats intend to shift to binding legislation to limit troop deployments and funding.....

Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce, who voted time and time again against veterans benefits, is opposing the resolution. Those of us who live and vote in Ohio's 15th congressional district will remember Pryce's lack of support for the troops and her opposition to this resolution.