Tea Party Caucus members endorse Israeli attack on Iran

Foreign Policy ^ | 7-26-10 | Josh Rogin

[SJackson]

Now that the congressional supporters of the Tea Party movement have formed their own caucus, their policy positions are becoming easier to track. Expanding their foray into foreign policy, 21 members of the new caucus have now come out explicitly endorsing Israel's right to strike Iran's nuclear program.

Almost two dozen Tea Party-affiliated lawmakers cosponsored a new resolution late last week that expresses their support for Israel "to use all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the use of military force."

The lead sponsor of the resolution was Texas Republican Louie Gohmert, one of four congressmen to announce the formation of the 44-member Tea Party caucus at a press conference on July 21. The other three Tea Party Caucus leaders, Michele Bachmann, R-MN, Steve King, R-IA, and John Culberson, R-TX, are also sponsors of the resolution. In total, 21 Tea Party Caucus members have signed on, according to the latest list of caucus members put out by Bachmann's office.

The resolution cites threats by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to "annihilate" the state of Israel, endorses other means to persuade Iran to stop pursuing nuclear weapons, and states the lawmakers' support for an Israeli military strike "if no other peaceful solution can be found within reasonable time."

[SJackson]

111TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. RES. 1553

Expressing support for the State of Israel’s right to defend Israeli sovereignty,

to protect the lives and safety of the Israeli people, and to use all

means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by

the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the use of military force if

no other peaceful solution can be found within reasonable time to protect

against such an immediate and existential threat to the State of Israel.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

JULY 22, 2010

Mr. GOHMERT (for himself, Mr. AKIN, Mrs. BACHMANN, Mr. BARTLETT, Mr.

BISHOP of Utah, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. BONNER, Mr. BROUN of Georgia,

Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. CAMPBELL, Mr. CHAFFETZ, Mr.

CONAWAY, Mr. CULBERSON, Ms. FALLIN, Mr. FLEMING, Mr. FRANKS of

Arizona, Mr. GINGREY of Georgia, Ms. GRANGER, Mr. GRIFFITH, Mr.

HENSARLING, Mr. HERGER, Mr. KING of Iowa, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr.

LATTA, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mrs. LUMMIS, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr.

NEUGEBAUER, Mr. PENCE, Mr. PITTS, Mr. POSEY, Mr. PRICE of Georgia,

Mr. OLSON, Mr. ROONEY, Mrs. SCHMIDT, Mr. SHADEGG, Mr. SMITH

of Texas, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. MCCOTTER, Mr.

BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin, Mr. MCCLINTOCK,

Mr. JORDAN of Ohio, Mr. BARTON of Texas, Mr. KINGSTON, and Mr.

CARTER) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the

Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the State of Israel’s right to defend

Israeli sovereignty, to protect the lives and safety of

the Israeli people, and to use all means necessary to

confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by the Islamic

Republic of Iran, including the use of military

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2

•HRES 1553 IH

force if no other peaceful solution can be found within

reasonable time to protect against such an immediate

and existential threat to the State of Israel.

Whereas with the dawn of modern Zionism, the national liberation

movement of the Jewish people, some 150 years

ago, the Jewish people determined to return to their

homeland in the Land of Israel from the lands of their

dispersion;

Whereas in 1922, the League of Nations mandated that the

Jewish people were the legal sovereigns over the Land of

Israel and that legal mandate has never been superseded;

Whereas in the aftermath of the Nazi-led Holocaust from

1933 to 1945, in which the Germans and their collaborators

murdered 6,000,000 Jewish people in a premeditated

act of genocide, the international community recognized

that the Jewish state, built by Jewish pioneers

must gain its independence from Great Britain;

Whereas the United States was the first nation to recognize

Israel’s independence in 1948, and the State of Israel has

since proven herself to be a faithful ally of the United

States in the Middle East;

Whereas the United States and Israel have a special friendship

based on shared values, and together share the common

goal of peace and security in the Middle East;

Whereas, on October 20, 2009, President Barack Obama

rightly noted that the United States–Israel relationship is

a ‘‘bond that is much more than a strategic alliance.’’;

Whereas the national security of the United States, Israel,

and allies in the Middle East face a clear and present

danger from the Government of the Islamic Republic of

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•HRES 1553 IH

Iran seeking nuclear weapons and the ballistic missile capability

to deliver them;

Whereas Israel would face an existential threat from a nuclear

weapons-armed Iran;

Whereas President Barack Obama has been firm and clear

in declaring United States opposition to a nuclear-armed

Iran, stating on November 7, 2008, ‘‘Let me state—repeat

what I stated during the course of the campaign.

Iran’s development of a nuclear weapon I believe is unacceptable.’’;

Whereas, on October 26, 2005, at a conference in Tehran

called ‘‘World Without Zionism’’, Iranian President

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated, ‘‘God willing, with the

force of God behind it, we shall soon experience a world

without the United States and Zionism’’;

Whereas the New York Times reported that during his October

26, 2005, speech, President Ahmadinejad called for

‘‘this occupying regime [Israel] to be wiped off the map’’;

Whereas, on April 14, 2006, Iranian President Ahmadinejad

said, ‘‘Like it or not, the Zionist regime [Israel] is heading

toward annihilation’’;

Whereas, on June 2, 2008, Iranian President Ahmadinejad

said, ‘‘I must announce that the Zionist regime [Israel],

with a 60-year record of genocide, plunder, invasion, and

betrayal is about to die and will soon be erased from the

geographical scene’’;

Whereas, on June 2, 2008, Iranian President Ahmadinejad

said, ‘‘Today, the time for the fall of the satanic power

of the United States has come, and the countdown to the

annihilation of the emperor of power and wealth has

started’’;

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•HRES 1553 IH

Whereas, on May 20, 2009, Iran successfully tested a surface-

to-surface long range missile with an approximate

range of 1,200 miles;

Whereas Iran continues its pursuit of nuclear weapons;

Whereas Iran has been caught building three secret nuclear

facilities since 2002;

Whereas Iran continues its support of international terrorism,

has ordered its proxy Hizbullah to carry out catastrophic

acts of international terrorism such as the bombing

of the Jewish AMIA Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina,

in 1994, and could give a nuclear weapon to a terrorist

organization in the future;

Whereas Iran has refused to provide the International Atomic

Energy Agency with full transparency and access to its

nuclear program;

Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1803

states that according to the International Atomic Energy

Agency, ‘‘Iran has not established full and sustained suspension

of all enrichment related and reprocessing activities

and heavy-water-related projects as set out in resolution

1696 (2006), 1737 (2006) and 1747 (2007) nor resumed

its cooperation with the IAEA under the Additional

Protocol, nor taken the other steps required by the

IAEA Board of Governors, nor complied with the provisions

of Security Council resolution 1696 (2006), 1737

(2006) and 1747 (2007) . . .’’;

Whereas at July 2009’s G-8 Summit in Italy, Iran was given

a September 2009 deadline to start negotiations over its

nuclear programs and Iran offered a five-page document

lamenting the ‘‘ungodly ways of thinking prevailing in

global relations’’ and included various subjects, but left

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•HRES 1553 IH

out any mention of Iran’s own nuclear program which

was the true issue in question;

Whereas the United States has been fully committed to finding

a peaceful resolution to the Iranian nuclear threat,

and has made boundless efforts seeking such a resolution

and to determine if such a resolution is even possible;

and

Whereas the United States does not want or seek war with

Iran, but it will continue to keep all options open to prevent

Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons: Now, therefore,

be it

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

2 (1) condemns the Government of the Islamic

3 Republic of Iran for its threats of ‘‘annihilating’’ the

4 United States and the State of Israel, for its contin5

ued support of international terrorism, and for its

6 incitement of genocide of the Israeli people;

7 (2) supports using all means of persuading the

8 Government of Iran to stop building and acquiring

9 nuclear weapons;

10 (3) reaffirms the United States bond with

11 Israel and pledges to continue to work with the Gov12

ernment of Israel and the people of Israel to ensure

13 that their sovereign nation continues to receive crit14

ical economic and military assistance, including mis15

sile defense capabilities, needed to address the threat

16 of Iran; and

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•HRES 1553 IH

1 (4) expresses support for Israel’s right to use

2 all means necessary to confront and eliminate nu3

clear threats posed by Iran, defend Israeli sov4

ereignty, and protect the lives and safety of the

5 Israeli people, including the use of military force if

6 no other peaceful solution can be found within a rea7

sonable time.

Æ

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[SJackson]

Middle East and terrorism, occasional political and Jewish issues Ping List. High Volume

If you’d like to be on or off, please FR mail me.

..................

While I agree, I'm not sure this is the first issue the Tea Party Caucus should be addressing.

As an aside, it's not too smart politically, they'll be accused of being in the pocket of the you know who's, but obviously that wasn't a consideration. And the fact is, Iran is a major threat to the US, and if the US won't address it, someone should.

[I still care]

Leftist Jews are probably a little confused. After all, these tea party types are racist Christians, how could they be backing Israel?

They’ll work it out. It probably has something to do with these tea party types just like war and wiping people out.

[agere_contra]

I like the fact that the caucus has “come out swinging”. And of course, it’s extremely timely. No sense in waiting until October the 7th.

Kudos to the Caucus!

[SJackson]

It’s not about leftist Jews, but you’re close, it’s about leftists, and how to conduct a war. They prefer negotiation, things can be talked out. It has nothing to do with Israel or Jews, but a particular, defective in my view, world view.

[agere_contra]

October the 7th is the night of the New moon, with dense cold air to maximize lift under the wings of heavily laden strike-fighters. It is also mere weeks before the midterms, ensuring that Bambi can't interfere with the attack.

[SJackson]

I like the fact that the caucus has “come out swinging”. And of course, it’s extremely timely. No sense in waiting until October the 7th.

Yeah. Not sure it's the right issue, but can't disagree. And as elected officials I'll defer to them in choosing their fights. Perhaps they're getting ahead of something the US will be supporting in the not too distant future. Somethingn no one on the left will get in front of.

[Venturer]

If Israel ever attacks Iran to rid themselves of Irans Nuclear threat,they will be doing so to protect themselves, The Saudi’s , and the whole of the Middle East, plus the whole of the rest of the world except N Korea Cuba ,and Venezuela.

It is sad that the United States needs this protection because of the wimp in the White House.

[NativeNewYorker]

they'll be accused of being in the pocket of the you know who's

...believe me, the lefty Jews of NY would rather eat ham on Yom Kippur than praise the Tea Party folks.

[rmlew]

The Tea Party caucus isn’t doing this. Rather most members signed onto a resolution and it is being ascribed falsely by the leftists at Foreign Policy.

[rmlew]

...believe me, the lefty Jews of NY would rather eat ham on Yom Kippur than praise the Tea Party folks.
Except for the cholesterol, why should they care? They don'tkeep kosher or observe fasts.

[SunkenCiv]

21 members of the new caucus have now come out explicitly endorsing... Israel "to use all means necessary to confront and eliminate nuclear threats posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the use of military force." The lead sponsor of the resolution was Texas Republican Louie Gohmert, one of four congressmen to announce the formation of the 44-member Tea Party caucus at a press conference on July 21. The other three Tea Party Caucus leaders, Michele Bachmann, R-MN, Steve King, R-IA, and John Culberson, R-TX, are also sponsors of the resolution... The resolution cites threats by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to "annihilate" the state of Israel, endorses other means to persuade Iran to stop pursuing nuclear weapons, and states the lawmakers' support for an Israeli military strike "if no other peaceful solution can be found within reasonable time."

Thanks SJackson!

[NativeNewYorker]

They’re big on appearances and symbolism.

[SJackson]

Thanks, that doesn’t surprise me. Cancel my minor criticism.

[Uncle Miltie]

Excellent!

My Tea Party friends have all been strong Israel supporters.

[agere_contra]

Thanks for the clarification.

Whereas this declaration comes across as a clear, reasoned, principled resume-enhancer for the Caucus.

Therefore those twats at Foreign Policy have once again shot themselves right in their vestigial gonads.

[RachelFaith]

May the Lord of all Heaven and all Earth bless mightily and guide and protect these 44 great American patriots! In the name of Christ Jesus, we pray, AMEN!

[Dr. Thorne]

Leftist Jews are probably a little confused. After all, these tea party types are racist Christians, how could they be backing Israel?

I think you're missing the point. Real leftist Jews hate Israel as they hate all capitalist, free societies.

I have Jewish former friends who loudly proclaim that Jews stole the land from Palestinians and that Israel has no right to exist as a country with borders.

[ThePatriotsFlag]

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ... THE TEA PARTY CAUCUS SHOULD CHANGE ITS NAME!!! And as "the tea party leader" I demand this be done! With their very first "move" they have strayed from their mission.

At every Tea Party meeting, if you are doing it right, you get out the MISSION statement and the CORE VALUES. When a subject comes up that is NOT ON THOSE TWO POSTERS, then IT IS NOT DISCUSSED.

Tea Party Mission Statement

The impetus for the Tea Party movement is excessive government spending and taxation. Our mission is to attract, educate, organize, and mobilize our fellow citizens to secure public policy consistent with our three core values of Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government and Free Markets.

This caucus has violated the FIRST RULE of the Tea Party. They strayed from the Mission and the Core Values. There is nothing in the mission statement about Israel just like there is nothing in the Constitution about Abortion Rights! (I warned about this in a previous post, said I would support them if they stayed "true" ... they didn't) So the "TEA PARTY CAUCUS" is just a bunch of POLITICAL BS where people are trying to hijack the power of the Tea Party for their own personal gain. (Tea Party Group Dynamics - Hijacking).

Just another bunch of "politicians".

[Captain Kirk]

A backward and corrupt basketcase like Iran a major threat to the U.S? Cue laugh track.

[Captain Kirk]

Don’t use the name of the Lord in vain. Christ was not a warmonger.

[RachelFaith]

I’ve read your posts. You are an Islamic Applogist, Usefull Idiot of the left, and a 911 Truther. Now hear this, I did not take the Lords name in VAIN, I took it in prayer and I according to HIS word: Ezekiel 38.

And it’s Islamic apologists like you who will prevent us from dealing with these animals which will bring us into this disaster. Ezekiel 39:6

Your nic says it all. Fantasy Utopian Futurist. Star Trek is not the future of the world. War, Death and Damnation followed by total annihilation is the future of this world.

[CynicalBear]

So what exactly is He going to do in the end times?? I think you need to reread some of the history in the Bible. The battle of Jerico may be a start.

[BlackVeil]

I don’t think Captain Kirk has any of those ideological agendas you mention.

He just has an aversion to paying for a whole lot of military expeditions into far nations. It costs billions, and apparently he is a mean skinflint, who grudges Karzai’s goverment their villas in Dubai.

[Captain Kirk]

Thank you!

[RachelFaith]

His posting history says otherwise and why are YOU typing for him?

As for the unusual explanation for his postings, his post had nothing to do with COSTS or with Military Expeditions. It was a direct revelation that Christ was not a “warmonger”. Which is a point upon which we actually agree. It is his CONTEXT of the remark to which the pejorative is unsuited. In that while Christ is of certainty NO warmonger, he is nevertheless the “Captian” of the Lords Armies of Heaven. And is going to bring the most devastating and bloody and violent war to this earth and upon the inhabitants thereof, in all of history. He will do so of his own will and on a timescale of his choosing to bring an end to the usurper Satan’s dominion over the world and of men.

And THAT is exactly what a Christlike Nation should emulate, according to Romans 13:4.

Thus, your claims, not his claims, regarding his political wishes to “avoid military expeditions” are inconsistent with his post, his other posts on other topics, and the Biblical doctrine of Christ.

As for the non sequitur about “Military expeditions”, if I assume you to mean the more accurate term of military occupation sometime erroneously referred to as “policing”, then we would likely be in agreement. I do not support the indefinite occupation of nations following any military interventions either.

I support the Jeffersonian model, go there, do what needs to be done, kill whomsoever needs to be killed and depart quickly. Vowing boldly to return again and kill whoever dares to repeat the offenses of the previous parties and swearing peace with those who do not again so error.

In this context, Iran is about to gain nuclear weapons and has forsworn an oath to use them at once. With such an oath, it is imperative that swift, and total action be taken to prevent the untold deaths of innocent millions. Anyone opposed to such swift and preemptive actions is guilty of the deaths of said millions. And with such threats and the utter chaos which would result, it is equally irresponsible to ignore or dismiss that kind of threat.

And to dismiss it, with the disingenuous remark that “Christ is not a warmonger”, is deserving of the charges leveled.

[MinuteGal]

I agree wholeheartedly. The other day I posted that while I love Michele Bachmann, a "Tea Party Caucus" in the Congress would be the worst possible move. I warned against any political party co-opting the Tea Party Movement which is doing just fine, thank you, and I don't care if it's Republicans, Libertarians or Whigs.

BAD MOVE!

There was plenty of agreement on my position, but also the usual snide attacks from folks who just were loving to see professional politicians get their hooks into the movement....considering it "necessary to move forward", and a peachy idea because it had Cong. Bachmann's imprematur on it.

I was not a bit surprised a few minutes ago to see this first policy endorsement by the Caucus pols (the IDEA of which I agree with, BTW). It's exactly what I knew would happen.....political self-enhancement riding on the backs of the non-partisan Tea Party groups across the fruited plain.

Some of you may be loving this bald, bold usurpation, but maybe the Caucus's next policy proclamation you WON'T agree with....and therein lies the seeds of discontent and desertion in the Tea Party Movement.

The beauty and success of the TP was its un-organization, its independence, its appeal across party lines, its bi-partisanship, and its lack of centralized leadership which handicaps the media snipers.

This Caucus is insanity and typical of the GOP party leaders yet again moving clumsily in and screwing up a good thing. If you are in the movement, as I am, go to the mall and buy a tee shirt with a target printed on it. It won't be long now till the shooting starts both from inside and outside the TP movement.

In fact, it'll officially start today.

Leni

[MinuteGal]

Please don't hijack this thread and turn it into religious warfare.

The subject is the Tea Party Caucus and whether it's a good idea or not. Please stay on topic.

Bless you.

Leni

[MinuteGal]

bttt