Dingell Calls for a Change of Course in Iraq

Dingell Calls for a Change of Course in Iraq
Veteran Congressman Calls for a Renewed Emphasis on a Diplomatic Outcome, Rejects Timeline for Withdrawal

Dearborn, MI -Congressman John D. Dingell (MI-15) released the following statement today to members of Moveon.org who delivered petitions to the Congressman's Dearborn District office calling for a timeline for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq by the end of 2006:

"Thank you for coming here today, and I regret that I cannot accept this petition in person. I agree with all of you here that launching this war was an incredible mistake. That is why I voted against it. I agree with you that the Administration has offered no real plan for success in Iraq. That is why I voted against the $87 billion supplemental funding request for the war. I also agree with all of you that this war, this Administration, and this President have squandered American prestige, American good will, and American diplomatic power on a war that is disdained by our allies, a rallying point for enemies, and has divided our nation. We have spent more than $200 billion that could have paid for all manner of social investment. On these points, I echo your sentiments, and I do all I can in Congress to make you heard to a Republican leadership that hides from the truth.

"I also agree with you that we need to bring an end to the military action in Iraq as quickly as possible. This war will not turn to peace by military means alone. Diplomacy, democracy, and dialogue are the only true ways that Iraq can be a success. All of our military effort needs to be exceeded by the diplomatic effort to come.

"While I am sure that we agree on all of these points, I can not, as of yet, call for an immediate withdrawal of American soldiers from Iraq. I know many of you do not like that I have arrived at this position, but I ask that you trust that I arrived at it honestly and after much thought. I respect and honor your beliefs and convictions, as I ask you to honor mine.

"This belief of mine does not mean I want to stay the course in Iraq. To the contrary, we must change the course, we must do more to find a diplomatic outcome, bring more nations in to solve the problem, support Iraqi democracy in all its forms, and force our own President to deal honestly with his citizens, and with the world. That is why I sponsored a resolution offered by my colleague Ike Skelton, which would hasten the shift of control to the Iraqis and move us away from military conflict.

"We have lost more than two-thousand brave men and women in Iraq. In excess of one-hundred thousand active and reserve soldiers continue to serve in Iraq. We must honor the sacrifices and achievements of our troops, the pain borne by their families, and we must celebrate what they have been able to accomplish in spite of the incompetence and arrogance of this Administration. Let us hope that tomorrow's elections offer more stability and more hope. Thank you for your activism, your idealism, and your commitment."

http://www.house.gov/dingell/documents/press_releases/109th_Congress/12-14-05.htm