Subject: Harry Reid's Iraq Game Changer
From: "Ashwin Madia" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2011 12:22:14 -0400 (EDT)

Dear Hunter,
 
On Tuesday, Senator Harry Reid made waves, by coming out against a continued American presence in Iraq, which most observers believe President Obama is for. Senator Reid said, according to the Associated Press, "As Iraq becomes increasingly capable, it is time for our own troops to return home by the end of the year and for these precious resources to be directed elsewhere. There is no question that the United States must continue to provide support for the Iraqis as they progress, but now is the time for our military mission to come to a close."
*
CLICK HERE TO THANK HARRY REID FOR STANDING UP FOR OUR TROOPS [ http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6676/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7477 ]*
 
The effect of Senator Reid's statement on the debate cannot be understated, and that's why we're asking you to send a thank you to Senator Reid by clicking above. What had seemed to be a non-issue to many is now a debate with the leader of the president's own party in the Senate issuing the president a strong warning. Reid's words open the door for other Democrats to come out against our troops staying in Iraq past our Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) deadline.

What has become abundantly clear is that as long as Americans are in Iraq, they will be a target. Should we stay in Iraq past our deadline, there is no reason to believe that violent attacks won't further increase, leading to more American deaths. The United States will then be forced to either endure the attacks or send in more troops to protect our forces. There is simply no outcome from staying past the SOFA deadline that is acceptable or desirable.
 
*THANK HARRY REID HERE!* [ http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6676/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7477 ]
 
Senator Harry Reid has just done our nation and our troops a service by forcing a debate on the length of American presence in Iraq. Thus far, there has been little to no discussion regarding US policy in Iraq should Prime Minister Maliki request that American forces stay past the current deadline set by the Status of Forces Agreement. We must have this debate now so that we can strategically decide American policy based on our long term objectives and allow military leaders sufficient time to plan. Our troops and citizens deserve this debate. Please join us in thanking Harry Reid for forcing that debate.

Thanks for your support.

Sincerely,

Ashwin Madia
Iraq War Veteran
Interim Chairman, VoteVets.org 

Paid for by VoteVets.org 

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VoteVets.org 

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