A question for Kucinich supporters:

[ProSense]

Why did he vote for this:

Iraq Liberation Act 1998 -- Establishing a Program to Support a Transition to Democracy in Iraq

Then characterize it as this:

I rise in opposition to HR 282, the Iran Freedom and Support Act, which sounds a lot like the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998. Overall, this bill seriously inhibits the ability of the U.S. government to use diplomacy, the strongest and most rational tool we have to resolve the situation regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Instead, this bill sets our country on a path to war with Iran. You can be sure that the government of Iran will also view it that way.

link

[Demit]

1. Because he saw what the actual repercussions were?

I mean, I don't know, but I'm making a logical assumption. I'd bet that Ted Kennedy has a different view of NCLB now than he did when it was enacted. What are you suggesting? That Kucinich is a big fat hypocritical liar? :)

[ProSense]

2. Kick! n/t

[againes654]

3. Well I see no one has answered

So I will give my feeble attempt.

If you have to go back to 98, then that says alot IMHO. Kucinich is the ONLY person running for president that has voted against the war in Iraq (since 2001 that I know of) and every subsequent bill for funding of that war.

My question to you is, why did Clinton vote to go to war in '02?

Edited to add: no had answered when I started typing. :blush:

[truedelphi]

6. And I heard Kucinich missed a few days of kindergarten as well!!

So I'm doubting that if elected, he would even show up on Jan 20th 2009!

[againes654]

7. ROFL

:rofl: I don't even have anything remotely funny enough to come behind that.

[ProSense]

8. "this bill seriously inhibits the ability of the U.S. government to use diplomacy"

That's not so funny!

[againes654]

9. I don't know if you noticed

but things have changed a little bit in almost 10 years. Why have you not answered my questions?

[ProSense]

10. Yes, especially the characterization of the bill. n/t

[againes654]

11. How about this

It seems you support Kerry. Personally I have nothing against him, but since you asked why Kucinich voted for something in 98 take a look at Kerry's "flip-flops" Note, these are much more recent than the Kucinich vote.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/09/29/politics/main646435.shtml

[ProSense]

12. See the difference is that's spin

The OP is Kucinich's own words.

[RaleighNCDUer]

4. Two simple points.

* was not in charge in '98.
He has learned that * cannot be trusted with such legislation.

Do you really think that when he voted for the bill in '98 that he expected Clinton to invade Iraq?

[Roland99]

5. Perhaps he knows now how the neocons will find a way to enact their madness as US foreign policy.

In 1998, the US did not have a track record of pre-emptive invasions and occupations and sanctions on Saddam and Saddam himself were hurting and killing Iraqis by the thousands. Supporting an internal move to democracy in Iraq was not necessarily a bad thing to do.

But now after having invaded and occupied Iraq and fucking that up royally and making waves to attack Iran, Kucinich sees the utter madness that would be supporting anything that could remotely be seen as approval of attacking Iran.

[spindoctor]

13. Beats me, you would have to ask him. Looks like a booboo to me.

But nothing serious. 1998 Was a different world and spreading democracy (through gentle persuasion) was still popular. Since then we have learned how some people go about establishing democracy.

I think he was wrong voting in favor of the Iraq Liberation Act (although I'm too lazy to find the actual text). 1990's methods of dealing with Iraq were wrong too. Albright's words that a million dead Iraqi children (because of the Food For Oil Program) were an acceptable price to pay still ring in my ears. But hey, that was the Clinton Administration and it shall not be criticized.

He is definitely right voting against HR 282 which is part of the case building against Iran.

To use the Iraq Liberation Act as a motivation for his nay looks like a goof-up. It happens.