| Simply stated, I am very, very excited by this announcement and what this plan stands for. I've been reading over the "Responsible Plan" and think it is exactly the sort of strong leadership we need to end the Iraq War and to Renew America's Promise. So much of the public discourse regarding Iraq and the rest of our foreign policy is buried in rhetoric that makes it virtually impossible to talk about real solutions to the very real problems we face.
This "Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq" cuts through the false narratives. It provides a fact-based view with fact-based solutions. The proposals address both immediate and long-term concerns in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as here at home. The emphasis included in this plan - specifically the shift from military to economic, humanitarian, and diplomatic efforts - is exactly what we need to end our military involvement in Iraq... rapidly, responsibly, and reasonably. Even though this is a war that should never have been waged in the first place, America's brave men and women in uniform have done all that has been asked of them and more. It is time to bring them home from Bush's war in Iraq. And when they come back to American soil we must also support our returning troops and their families in every way possible as they segue back into civilian life.
This plan also addresses my concerns regarding our need to be more aggressive about American energy independence - specifically getting us off our dangerous addiction to foreign oil. The plan addresses the need to put a stop to war profiteering, while reigning in military contract abuse and the use of private security forces. It also takes steps to directly address our need to renew and strengthen the checks and balances in our Constitutional form of government. And it strengthens the role of the media in providing the transparency and openness required for a properly informed citizenry to engage in the public debates that were so sorely lacking in the lead-up to the war.
I'm running for Congress to Renew America's Promise. And this plan takes concrete steps to do just that. Renewing America's Promise means restoring and strengthening our Constitution. Renewing America's Promise means restoring our military that has been stretched so thin and strengthening our commitment to our men and women in uniform. Renewing America's Promise is about restoring and strengthening our reputation abroad and rebuilding the international cooperation that has been a hallmark of American leadership up until these last few years under Bush-Cheney's stewardship.
For centuries, America has been the nation of freedom, opportunity and hope for a better, brighter tomorrow. Sadly, under the Bush administration we've become the nation of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. Of waterboarding and wiretapping. We must once again be a nation of laws - and not individuals. I believe that protecting our Constitution IS protecting our security. This plan will help make sure that we are safe and strong at home and respected abroad.
There is a lot of work that must be done to correct the errors of the Bush Administration. And I am ready to roll up my sleeves in partnership with such fine Americans to get the job done. This plan embodies the common-sense Democratic values the people of New York's 21st Congressional District believe in and that I want to bring to Congress. I am reaching out to the Burner, Massa, and Harrison campaigns as well as the others involved in this effort to add my voice to theirs in support of this plan.
Throughout the next several months and throughout this campaign, I'll be back here to post and comment. But, in the meantime if you ever want to contact me or my campaign - about this or any other issue - you can always reach me at darius@dariusforcongress.com. |
