Monday, February 05, 2007

Kline Asked To Hold Town Meeting On Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2006 For more information, contact: Greg and Sue Skog 651-454-3850

Citizens of Congressional District 2 ask Congressman Kline for a dialog about Iraq occupation

A group of non-partisan citizens will visit Congressman John Kline's office at 9am on Tuesday February 6th, seeking to start a dialog about the US occupation of Iraq. A petition signed by CD2 constituents will be given to the Congressman asking that a town hall meeting be scheduled to answer many questions about the Iraq occupation.

This action is part of a nationwide campaign of Sustained Nonviolent Action to End the Iraq War, which has prompted many citizens across Minnesota to visit the offices of U.S. Senators and Representatives throughout the state of Minnesota.

Many of Kline's constituents who oppose the continued occupation of Iraq and the "surge" of more troops into Iraq want to know if Congressman Kline will stop funding of this occupation and bring the troops home or redeploy them as soon as can be safely arranged. It will also be asked that the Congressman vote against any commencement of military hostilities with Iran.
This is the petition that will be given to Congressman Kline:

We, the undersigned CD-2 residents, oppose the continued occupation of Iraq. We oppose President Bush's call for a "surge" of U.S. troops into Iraq. And we oppose the commencement of military hostilities with Iran. Inasmuch as a large majority of CD-2 constituents support the redeployment of military troops from Iraq as soon as can be safely arranged and no escalation of the war to encompass Iran, it is requested that Congressman Kline conduct a town hall meeting in the district at his earliest convenience to provide and discuss his positions on these issues.

To sign the petition: write "petition" in the subject line to: peacepetition@gmail.com

For more information: State Coordinator Marie Braun at 612-522-1861 or the specific team leader at the end of this email.

Occupation Project, a campaign to challenge our United States Representatives and Senators to vote against supplemental funding for the occupation on Iraq will begin Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 9 am. Constituents will be present in the offices of their elected representatives every Tuesday from 9:00 am -5:00 pm for eight weeks or until their representative publicly declares that he/she will vote against supplemental funding for the occupation of Iraq.Participants will maintain a presence in the offices of their elected officials each week to remind them that the people of Minnesota want an end to the occupation of Iraq, that they want their elected officials to vote against supplemental funding for the occupation, and that they want our government to begin an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.A statement issued by organizers says in part, "President Bush is now sending more troops to Iraq. We know that strategy will only mean more lives lost.

It is now up to Congress to use their legitimate "power of the purse" to cut off the funds that allow this war to continue. There is enough money already appropriated to bring the troops out quickly and safely."

Occupation Project is being organized nationally by Voices for Creative Nonviolence, Chicago IL.

The following are MN team leaders:
Senator Coleman's office - Sarah Standefer 612-437-0222 (cell)
Senator Amy Klobuchar - Marie and John Braun 612-522-1821; 612-275-2720 (cell)
Rep. Jim Ramstad - Roxanne Abbas 763-476-7643Rep.
Betty McCollum - Betty McKenzie 651-644-1337 and Kate Havelin-651-642-1242
Rep. John Kline- Sue and Greg Skog 651-454-3850
Rep. Michelle Bachman- Bill Oldfather 651-275-0247
Rep. Tim Walz - Joe and Elaine Mayer, 507-289-4154
Rep. Colin Peterson - Jim Hubley-507-532-6846 (Marshall) and Lucy Tokheim - 320-769-2142 (Willmar)
Rep. James Oberstar - Michelle Obed Naar-218-728-0629; 312-285-7061 (cell)
Rep. Keith Ellison- Congressman Ellison has said he will vote against funding.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Here's a laugh. From the Strib:

Kline wants toughness on House ethics panel

Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., won a seat Tuesday on the House Ethics Committee. "I have informed the Republican leadership that I will serve in a nonpartisan, even-handed way," Kline said. "I am looking forward to bringing a healthy dose of common- sense Minnesota values along with a touch of no-nonsense Marine Corps toughness to the Ethics Committee."

In making the announcement, House Minority Leader John Boehner said Republicans and Democrats "must work to restore trust between the American people and the government."

Former Democratic Rep. Martin Sabo was the last Minnesotan to serve on the House Ethics Committee, in 2000. Former Republican Sen. Dave Durenberger was the last Minnesotan to serve on the Senate ethics committee, in 1984.