Post-vote Kerry email just landed in my inbox

Dear XXXXX,

Just hours ago, the Senate voted on the Kerry-Feingold proposal to redeploy American combat troops out of Iraq by July 1, 2007. Thirteen Senators voted for it.

It was an important step towards ending the administration's aimless, open-ended course in Iraq and having Iraqis stand up for Iraq.

When Jack Murtha stepped up to the challenge of leadership in the House on Iraq, he was alone. Last week, 140 House members voted to support his leadership.

When we in the Senate began the fight to change course in Iraq, we too were almost alone. Today our numbers grew -- and that is progress you made happen.

First and foremost, Russ and I thank you for your support. Over the last few weeks, hundreds of thousands of you have joined our effort to bring our combat troops home. Once again, the johnkerry.com community has shown its deep commitment to fighting for a better course for America.

We ask you to join us now in honoring the strength and leadership of the Senators who stood with you:

Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI)
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), co-sponsor
Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI)
Sen. James Jeffords (I-VT)
Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), co-sponsor
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)

Please call, write, or email these Senators and acknowledge their leadership on Iraq.

Let me be absolutely clear. Russ Feingold and I would have forced this vote even if the outcome were going to be 98 to 2. Ending the Bush administration's disastrous approach to this war isn't about counting votes. It isn't about legislative strategy or electoral calculation. It's about applying constant pressure to change a broken course.

It's about utterly rejecting the desperate tactics of cowardly political operatives like Karl Rove who, as John Murtha pointed out, have no qualms about telling our soldiers to "stay the course" from the comfort of their air-conditioned offices at the White House.

It's about doing what's right.

Karl Rove may worry about losing votes. It's our job to worry about young Americans losing their lives. It's our job to provide a new vision that offers real security for America while giving the Iraqis their best chance for a stable Iraq.

I will keep doing what's right on Iraq, and I won't stop until our troops are home and the future of Iraq is in the hands of the Iraqi people.

I know you'll keep working right alongside me.

Sincerely,

John Kerry

I note that War profiteer Finestien was not on the list. What a bitch! She and Joepubiclan should both switch parties.

Today the Republican Senate rejected two plans proposed by Democrats that would begin to end our occupation of Iraq. Let’s keep in mind we have been in an occupation mode since the President announced that major combat operation were over while standing in front of a “Mission Accomplished” banner. The fact that Democrats offered two diverse plans is not an indication of a split or divide within the Democratic Party but rather highlights the inclusive and accepting nature of various viewpoints by Democrats. The Democrats showed Americans that they are the party of ideas. The Republicans “stay the course” viewpoint translates to “we don’t know what else to do”, “we have no plan or ideas”. “Stay the course” means we will “stay off-course”. We saw the diverse viewpoint of Democrats in the voting for these plans as well, some voted yea for Levine’s plan while voting no on Kerry’s. The Republicans once again voted inline as a party and not as individual representatives of their constituents. This is important to note for November. Do Americans want to send representatives to Washington who will vote on their behalf or send a Republican whose “line of loyalty” is:

1) Party and President
2) Corporatists and Lobbyists
3) And eventually “the mythical little guy” (a Republican quote) … the constituents

Throughout the debate on these plans, the Republicans continually labeled the Democrats with a “cut and run” slogan. They love to create little bumper sticker slogans like “flip / flop” and “cut and run”. To return the favor I would say that Republican policies can be defined as “Feed and Bleed”.

FEED – defense contractors, namely Halliburton, fat no-bid contracts with no meaningful oversight.

BLEED – America’s financial strength taking us from a 5 trillion surplus to a 3 plus trillion deficit.

FEED – the wealthiest Americans with tax breaks.

BLEED – the majority of Americans of essential benefits and services.

FEED – oils companies with rising gas prices and record profits.

BLEED – America of one of our most precious resources, a strong vibrant and well respected military.

America has one important question to ask itself this November, can we afford to BLEED anymore? It is time we get “back on course” in the “War on Terrorism”. That’s right, not a war on terror. Terror is a feeling, an emotion you can’t fight. Terrorism is a philosophy of warfare that will take more than guns and 500 pound bombs to defeat. The true battle is within the hearts and minds of those who will potentially grow to hate the “West”. The battle is within our own hearts and minds as well. We must begin to change hatred and mistrust into understanding and coexistence for humanity, as one, to face the challenges of this new millennium.