Glad to see him come out against this:
http://www.boston.com/...
Senator Edward J. Markey, who has faced criticism for wavering on how to respond to Syria, said Tuesday morning that he opposes the current Senate resolution to attack the country because “it is too broad, the effects of a strike are too unpredictable, and because I believe we must give diplomatic measures that could avoid military action a chance to work.”
Markey’s position has been the source of broad interest because he occupies Secretary of State John F. Kerry’s former Senate seat and because last week he was the only member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to vote “present” on a resolution to use force. The resolution passed on a 10-7 vote.
But the Massachusetts Democrat’s opposition to the current resolution may not matter now, as the Senate on Monday night postponed a vote to close debate on the authorization for force while the Obama administration pursues diplomatic options to removing alleged chemical weapons from the Syrian regime. Other lawmakers have been crafting alternative resolutions.
“The use of chemical weapons is a heinous and horrific act outside the bounds of civilized conduct,” Markey said in a statement. “However, I am concerned about the unintended consequences of the strikes and the potential for triggering an even greater conflagration that could be beyond our ability to predict or control.
“After weighing all the information, I do not dispute the evidence that the administration has presented about Assad’s use of chemical weapons,” he continued. “However, I do not believe that the resolution as currently written is the most effective way for our country to accomplish its objectives in Syria. Moreover, I believe that such a military strike could actually make it more difficult for our nation to achieve its goals in this volatile region of the world.” - Boston Globe, 9/10/13
Markey also had this to add:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
“I cannot support the resolution that passed the Foreign Relations Committee to use force in Syria because it is too broad, the effects of a strike are too unpredictable, and because I believe we must give diplomatic measures that could avoid military action a chance to work,” Markey said in a statement.
Markey’s decision comes as advocates of the resolution to authorize force are facing increasingly tough times in the upper chamber. According to The Fix’s whip count, Markey is the 36th “no” or “lean no” vote so far. - Washington Post, 9/10/13
Markey had been facing backlash from constituents over his resistance to take a stand on this issue:
http://www.usatoday.com/...
One of the first major votes of Democrat Ed Markey's Senate career has Twitter all excited — and not in a good way.
The Massachusetts lawmaker, sworn in to office in July after winning a special election, voted "present" on a resolution giving President Obama limited authority to use military force against Syria. Markey, a liberal who often votes with Obama, didn't vote "yes" as 10 of his Senate Foreign Relations Committee colleagues did.
He also didn't vote "no" with seven others, including two Democrats. The "present" vote means Markey was there, but didn't want to state which side he's on. It also makes it hard — at this point — to portray Markey as opposing Obama or siding with Republican hawks.
Boston Magazine summed up the reaction with this headline: "Ed Markey Annoys Literally Everyone by Voting 'Present' on Syrian Resolution." - USA Today, 9/4/13
Whatever the reason may be, I'm glad Markey is voicing his opposition, even if it means making his predecessor look bad:
I cannot support the resolution that passed the Foreign Relations Committee to use force in Syria because it is too broad, the effects of a strike are too unpredictable, and because I believe we must give diplomatic measures that could avoid military action a chance to work. I commend Secretary Kerry and President Obama for their steadfastness during this conflict, which has brought Syria and Russia back to the negotiating table. - Slate, 9/10/13
That's one more "Nay" vote and I'm glad Markey is one of them. Markey's up for re-election next year to run for a full term. If you want to say thanks, please consider donating to his campaign:
https://secure.edmarkey.com/...