Thought you all might want to hear about John Edwards' new petition to stop Congress from giving George Bush a blank check to spend in Iraq, with no clear plan in sight.
http://join.johnedwards2004.com/campaign/noblankcheckWhile Edwards supported the war - and is not reconsidering his vote - he has been saying all along that we need to turn over control of the civilian aspects in post-war Iraq to the international community. This will provide legitimacy to the process, in both the eyes of the Iraqis and the world. Our just cause was to free, not control, Iraq. Specifically, Edwards is calling for six things:
1. Secure the help of the United Nations, NATO and other allies to help shoulder the military and financial costs of reconstructing Iraq.
2. Create an independent panel to oversee reconstruction contracts to ensure they are awarded fairly and through a competitive process, not used for political payoffs.
3. Develop a credible long-term plan for the transition to Iraqi civilian authority including a timetable and a role for the United Nations.
4. Provide an explicit timetable for the transition of all security forces to Iraqi control.
5. Develop an outline for the transition to a self-sufficient Iraqi economy.
6. Provide a long-term budget for reconstruction spending in Iraq.
Speak out about it! Sign the petition and learn more. Some think the $87 billion is a foregone conclusion, but not if Senator Edwards and others can raise awareness about the need for major changes before Congress authorizes this new spending.
http://join.johnedwards2004.com/campaign/noblankcheck