My opposition to the war in Iraq
Many people in the Bay Area and across the country are frustrated and angry that Congress, under a Democratic Majority, has sent President Bush a bill to fund the war in Iraq for another four months. I understand how frustrated they are, and I share that same frustration. But the political reality is that with a slim majority in the Senate and small majority in the House, there still are not enough votes to override a Presidential veto of any bill, no matter how responsible and important for our country.
I voted against the funding bill yesterday and I will continue to oppose the war. We have not succeeded yet in our fight to end this war but ultimately we will, step by step. America's troops should be redeployed from Iraq and we should not be involved in Iraq's civil war. But without a plan to bring the troops home, they will need additional money to protect themselves.
The Republicans in the Senate are detemined to stop us from passing a responsible bill to end the war. Similarly, there are not enough Republicans in the House who will join with the vast majority of Democrats who have voted repeatedly to require the President to change course.
It is essential for the constituents of those lawmakers who continue to support the President's failed policy in Iraq to communicate with their Senators and House members until they too join with the Majority of Congress to oppose this war.