Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference
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Posted on 11/10/2007 9:26:19 AM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
The United States is committed to the security of Israel and the safety of the Israeli people. The historical, familial and cultural ties of our peoples are the basis of this commitment. It is strengthened by the shared values and shared interests of our nations. Our mutual goal is an economically and militarily strong Israel at peace with its neighbors. We must exercise our traditional leadership role in the region and continue our longstanding support to Israel to achieve this vision.
Key Issues
Security Cooperation. Security assistance to Israel is a key pillar of U.S. foreign policy and provides a cost-effective way to ensure the security of one of America's closest allies. The new U.S.-Israel security agreement forms the basis of this relationship and will help both the United States and Israel counter common threats in the Middle East and advance mutual goals. Meanwhile, we must also continue comprehensive strategic dialogues, joint military training, and cooperation on development programs such as missile defense.
Iran. Iran remains the world's premier state sponsor of terrorism, has attempted to undermine regional stability, and has repeatedly threatened Israel. Iran is intent on developing nuclear weapons, longer-range missiles, and modern conventional forces. And it is led by a tyrant who has vowed to wipe Israel off the map. Iran also supports terrorist groups throughout the Middle East, such as Hamas and Hizballah, and is responsible for supplying weapons to extremists who are killing U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. A nuclear-armed Iran will not be tolerated. Its sponsorship of terrorism must end as well. We must work with the oppressed people of Iran to bring about regime change, while also working with other responsible democracies to isolate the regime and stop its illicit activities.
Syria. Syria is a state sponsor of terrorism and is determined to develop Weapons of Mass Destruction and advanced ballistic missiles as it builds up its military forces. Its active meddling in Lebanon's internal affairs, and its support of Hezbollah, are destabilizing and must also end. Belligerent public statements by Syrian officials toward Israel and the military build-up along the Golan Heights continue to undermine the possibility of peace talks between Syria and Israel. Serious and sustained international pressure is integral to bringing about change in Damascus.
Hizballah. As Iran's proxy against Israel and the West, Hizballah remains a terror network that poses a direct threat to Israel and U.S. interests in the region. Hizballah has continued to rearm in preparation for another fight with Israel despite its obligations under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. The group's stranglehold over Southern Lebanon has increased and continues undermine Lebanese sovereignty. Hizballah is a terror organization that must be disarmed and disbanded.
Hamas. Hamas is another terrorist organization that must also be disarmed and disbanded. The United States should not recognize any Palestinian government run by Hamas, nor provide it financial assistance until Hamas recognizes Israel's right to exist, renounces violence and terrorism, and adheres to all previous Palestinian agreements with Israel. The continued build-up of advanced weaponry by Hamas is a sign that the group does not desire peace and, though Israel should demonstrate restraint, it may be forced to take action against this growing threat.
Peace Process. Achieving the vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security is the surest way to bring about an end to the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. It is also essential to advancing the prosperity and security of both peoples. But to achieve this goal, Israel must have a reliable and credible partner in peace who will take serious steps to build trust and confidence, to include disbanding militias, ending terrorism, and cracking down on extremists. This will require the active support of other states in the region. Israel retains the right to take measures to defend itself, such as conducting counter-terrorist operations and completing its security barrier.
A Solid Record of Support Fred Thompson's statements and Senate record demonstrate strong and clear support for Israel and the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Speaking Out Against Iran and Syria. "The terror masters in Tehran and Damascus make only the most minor distinction between America and Israel. They say that America is the Great Satan, and Israel is the Little Satan, and both must be destroyed. The US must make it clear that we will not allow Iran to become a nuclear threat….In addition to pursuing sanctions and other traditional means, we need to take other steps to reach out to the Iranian people and help them get rid of their hated regime. Our goal is peace and freedom. The US must willingly accept its accustomed role of leadership in this effort." (Thompson Statement Before the Republican Jewish Coalition on 10/16/07)
Affirming U.S. Support of Israel. "During last night's debate in New Hampshire, I was appalled that none of the leading Democrats would stand up for Israel's right to defend itself against Iran--a country intent on acquiring nuclear weapons and whose leader has vowed to wipe Israel off the map. A Thompson Administration would stand by Israel and all of our friends in the region. We would not wait for U.N. permission to support an ally or defend our interests abroad. The U.N. has not shown sufficient resolve toward stopping Iran's nuclear ambitions." (Thompson Press Release, 9/27/07)
Defending Israel's Reaction To Missile Launches From Gaza. In defending Israel's military response to these attacks he stated, "Let me ask you a hypothetical question. What do you think America would do if Canadian soldiers were firing dozens of missiles every day into Buffalo, NY? I can tell you, our response would look nothing like Israel's restrained and pinpoint reactions to daily missile attacks from Gaza. We would use whatever means necessary to win the war." (Haaretz, 9/12/07)
Senate Record. Fred Thompson supports legislation that advances the United States' and Israel's security and interests. During his time in the U.S. Senate, Fred Thompson voted for a number of measures important to both countries, including-
* A Senate Resolution in 2002 Expressing Solidarity With Israel And Reaffirming Commitment To Israel's Right To Self-Defense
* The Iran and Libya Sanctions Act Extension of 2001
* A Senate Resolution in 2001 Expressing Solidarity With Israel In Common Struggle Against Terrorism
* The China Nonproliferation Act he authored, which imposed sanctions on proliferators of WMD.
* The Iran Nonproliferation Act Of 2000
* A Senate Resolution in 1999 Expressing Opposition To Unilateral Declaration Of Palestinian State
* The Iran Missile Proliferation Sanctions Act Of 1998
* The Jerusalem Embassy Act Of 1995
You bet!
You bet. DemocRATS cannot even define principles. I believe the truth will win out in the end.
George Allen is on the Fred Thompson team: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1908201/posts
FRed on the issues ping!
Well, I am not one in favor of war, when there are other viable options on the table.
BUT! I am a strong supporter of Israel. And I do, also, believe as goes Israel, so goes America.
I just wonder why we send them billions every year, and sell them weapons, and then put a choke hold on them using the weapons to do what, eventually, has to be done?
Fredipedia: The Definitive Fred Thompson Reference
WARNING: If you wish to join, be aware that this ping list is EXTREMELY active.
But so is Spencer Abraham, who won a La Raza immigration friendly award. :(
Fred is a good man. I hope he attracts good people because I will vote for him if he wins the nomination.
He isn’t in any position in which he will have input on illegal immigration. FRed has a strong detailed plan to deal with that issue.
I guess we should just toss out the knowledge and expertise of all people who aren’t perfect.
. to read later
Fred PING and BUMP. Good read!
Another “FRed Gets It” moment...to heck with what the MSM “reports”...I’m With Fred!!!!
I'm trying to understand the way others are looking at this race. Conservatives must unite behind Fred so that Romney and Huckabee are knocked off. Please people...read these important positions and be realistic as to who we need to unite behind. It certainly is not Romney or Huckabee. It can’t be McCain or Rudy. I pray that Iowa and New Hampshire open their eyes and realize what their decisions will mean for the rest of us out here that will not have an opportunity to even vote for our choice. I have never lived in an early voting state and have been disheartened by the fact that I will not be a part of this very important vote.
Choose wisely, we are all depending on you.
I am checking for info on attending my very first caucuses this time around.
Fred in ‘08.
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