Posted on 06/19/2009 10:24:56 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
WASHINGTON (AP) - In the strongest message yet from the U.S. government, the House voted 405-1 Friday to condemn Tehran's crackdown on demonstrators and the government's interference with Internet and cell phone communications.
The resolution was initiated by Republicans as a veiled criticism of President Barack Obama, who has been reluctant to criticize Tehran's handling of disputed elections that left hard-liner President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in power.
Rep. Mike Pence, who co-sponsored the resolution, said he disagrees with the administration that it must not meddle in Iran's affairs.
"When Ronald Reagan went before the Brandenburg Gate, he did not say Mr. (Mikhail) Gorbachev, that wall is none of our business," said Pence, R-Ind., of President Reagan's famous exhortation to the Soviet leader to "tear down that wall."
Democrats, who are quick to voice their support for Israel anytime the Jewish state is seen as under siege, easily agreed to push through the mildly worded resolution.
Rep. Howard Berman, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-sponsor of the resolution, said "it is not for us to decide who should run Iran, much less determine the real winner of the June 12 election.
"But we must reaffirm our strong belief that the Iranian people have a fundamental right to express their views about the future of their country freely and without intimidation," added Berman, D-Calif.
Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., have proposed a similar measure in the Senate, although a vote was not certain.
The policy statement expresses support for "all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties and rule of law" and affirms "the importance of democratic and fair elections."
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
Who was the 1?
So where is Obama’s statement?
It wouldn't be someone who favors letters of marque and reprisal, would it?
Ron Paul..
And the 29 who voted present or left town...
Wonder what President O’Present thinks of this.
The Mullah’s will cave for sure now.
Shelia Jackson Lee or Maxine Waters was the one?
I find this obvious slap-down of Obama, particularly by democrats, curious.
Ron Paul.
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), one of two Muslim members of Congress. He said Congress should “not allow ourselves to be used” against the people it is trying to protect.
No, it was Ron Paul.
Yep, I just bet myself a beer it was him.
Dang, now I have to pay it off...
Nope,...see #12.
These “votes” “condemnations” and “strongly worded letters” are doing a world of good. We are sooooo screwed.
From the linked article:
“Rep. Ron Paul, a Texas libertarian who often speaks out against what he regards as government meddling, cast the sole opposing vote.”
Whoops...it was Ron Paul...Ellison voted present.
My error,...I miss stuff when I speed read.
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