Feingold: I'm not a pacifist on Iraq war

[Barrett808]

Feingold: I'm not a pacifist on Iraq war
By FREDERIC J. FROMMER, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Sen. Russ Feingold (news, bio, voting record), one of the first lawmakers to call for a timetable to withdraw troops from Iraq, argued on Thursday that it would be wrong to categorize him as an anti-war Democrat.

"I've never been anywhere near one-dimensional on these issues," Feingold said in an interview. "I think that I've become — I hope — a credible spokesman for a muscular view of anti-terrorist activity by the Democrats as well as the country. The fact is, I've never been just an anti-war guy."

Last year, Feingold urged the Bush administration to set a timetable to bring troops back from Iraq. This year, he teamed with Sen. John Kerry, the party's 2004 presidential nominee, on a proposal that would have required troops to leave Iraq by July of next year.

"It is time to tell the Iraqis that we have done what we can do militarily," the Wisconsin senator said during debate over that proposal, which failed on an 83-13 vote.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060928/ap_on_el_pr/feingold_war

[niyad]

1. what in the HELL is "muscular view" of the war? looks like russ

has turned politician.

[OKNancy]

3. this has always been his position

He called Iran a threat as well.
You can read his position papers on his website

[Anakin Skywalker]

6. The Arnold Version?

:)

[BlueStater]

2. I think Feingold should have said he isn't anti-DEFENSE

I'm against war and proud of it. It should ALWAYS be a last resort.

[bigbrother05]

4. He is falling right back into the trap

you should not have to explain your point.
Take a stand and stick to it.
Don't be swift boated.
Hell * doesn't explain anything.

[leesa]

8. Yup. NEVER let them define your position. He should be shouting that

the war is illegal and there is no way he supports it. Bad mistake.

[AX10]

5. Being against the war in Iraq does not make one weak on defense.

[leesa]

7. How pathetic to have to make a statement like that to satisfy bloodthristy

Americans. We are simply the world's brutes. Gotta LOVE warrin and killin or ya ain't a good Murkin.

[IndianaGreen]

9. Our choice is between empire or republic

Empire has only gotten us cemeteries full of corpses of those that could have lived long fruitful lives had they stayed home with their loved ones. Empire is what George Washington warned us about when he advised against foreign entanglements. Republic is what our Founding Fathers envisioned, and is what George Bush has subverted since he assumed power in 2001.

We must leave Iraq, and the Middle East, and we must forever put away our childish dreams that the world is our Manifest Destiny.