With all the diaries being posted today on the 2,500 deaths in the occupation of Iraq I wanted to take a look back and thank some of those that did stand up and attempted to save lives and avoid unneeded bloodshed.
At 12:50 pm on October 11, 2002, Joint Resolution 114 passed the United States Senate. The joint resolution says it is: "To authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq." This resolution has authorized everything that has happened in Iraq since that time, including the 2,500 deaths of American soldiers.
I have been trying to think where I was on October 11th. I can't remember. But I think that every Senator that voted that day remembers where they were. I wish that 28 more Senators had been there that day to vote against this resolution.
Since the vote was 77 to 23 to go to war I thought it would be appropriate to acknowledge the 23 leaders that had the foresight and gumption to stand up and make the correct choice, even in the face of tremendous pressure from all quarters. This was a very difficult issue for many Senators to vote against. Does everyone remember the fear of that time? Does everyone remember the lies at that time? Many people fell for these lies and fear, but not these 23 Senators.
Please join me in calling their office and thanking them for this important vote they cast.
Some of these Senators are no longer in the Senate. I have left them on the list in memory of their stand. If one or two of your Senators are on this list I recommend that you take a moment to thank them. They will truly appreciate it.
Akaka (D-HI), Nay, (202) 224-6361
Bingaman (D-NM), Nay, (202) 224-5521
Boxer (D-CA), Nay, (202) 224-3553
Byrd (D-WV), Nay, (202) 224-3954
Chafee (R-RI), Nay, (202) 224-2921
Conrad (D-ND), Nay, (202) 224-2043
Corzine (D-NJ), Nay (No Longer In Senate)
Dayton (D-MN), Nay, (202) 224-3244
Durbin (D-IL), Nay, (202) 224-2152
Feingold (D-WI), Nay, (202) 224-5323
Graham (D-FL), Nay, (No Longer In Senate)
Inouye (D-HI), Nay, (202) 224-3934
Jeffords (I-VT), Nay, (202) 224-5141
Kennedy (D-MA), Nay, (202) 224-4543
Leahy (D-VT), Nay, (202) 224-4242
Levin (D-MI), Nay, (202) 224-6221
Mikulski (D-MD), Nay, (202) 224-4654
Murray (D-WA), Nay, (202) 224-2621
Reed (D-RI), Nay, (202) 224-4642
Sarbanes (D-MD), Nay, (202) 224-4524
Stabenow (D-MI), Nay, (202) 224-4822
Wellstone (D-MN), Nay, (May He Rest In Peace)
Wyden (D-OR), Nay, (202) 224-5244
You might want to take another moment or two to contemplate who is on this list and who is not. You can see the entire vote at this link.