Dear Condoleezza, Love Jim

By: Lowell
Published On: 1/30/2007 8:42:20 PM

Courtesy of TPM Muckraker, here's Jim Webb's letter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice on the issue of military action against Iran.  As Muckraker points out, Webb has been waiting two weeks (since January 11) for an answer to his original question on this issue.  Tick, tick, tick, tick...(cue Jeopardy music).

P.S. Bolding added by me for emphasis.

January 29, 2007

The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
Secretary of State
Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary Rice:

During your appearance before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on January 11, 2007, I asked you a question pertaining to the administration's policy regarding possible military action against Iran. I asked, "Is it the position of this administration that it possesses the authority to take unilateral action against Iran, in the absence of a direct threat, without congressional approval?"

At that time you were loath to discuss questions of presidential authority, but you committed to provide a written answer. Since I have not yet received a reply, the purpose of this letter is to reiterate my interest in your response.

This is, basically, a "yes" or "no" question regarding an urgent matter affecting our nation's foreign policy. Remarks made by members of this administration strongly suggest that the administration wrongly believes that the 2002 joint resolution authorizing use of force in Iraq can be applied in other instances, such as in the case of Iran. I, as well as the American people, would benefit by fully understanding the administration's unequivocal response.

I would appreciate your expeditious reply and look forward to discussing this issue with you in the near future.

Sincerely,

James Webb
United States Senator

In other words, give me an answer or big Jim's comin' to git you!

Comments



Iran away from the answer (Kindler - 1/30/2007 8:59:34 PM)
This reminds me of David Letterman's line that Bush has learned the lessons of Iraq -- and plans to apply them when he invades Iran...


Love, Jim (connie - 1/30/2007 9:38:11 PM)
Need we start a Condie Vigil?


Don't mess with Jim Webb! (DanG - 1/30/2007 9:39:37 PM)
Finally, a Democrat in the Senate with Bigger Balls than Condie.


Well at least (Chris Guy - 1/30/2007 11:34:19 PM)
she's still got the biggest balls at 1600 Pennsylvania.


True (DanG - 1/30/2007 11:36:20 PM)
Which says that in a Ball Count Contest, Jim Webb beats George W. Bush by 2.


She's at Foggy Bottom now... (cvllelaw - 1/31/2007 2:36:19 AM)
Now that she's Secretary of State, Condi is no longer working out of the White House.  Regardless, though, I don't think she has any particularly macho characteristics.  She has learned the W bluster, but when has she ever gone out on a limb for what was right?


WOW (Gordie - 1/31/2007 11:25:17 AM)
Do you and I have a completely different view on any cabinet member. Yes they can voice their opinions more freely, but they better be the President's policy or should I say Cheney's policies?


PS (Gordie - 1/31/2007 11:26:39 AM)
The reason she has not repsonded is Cheney has not approved, yet.


I'm sure Condi is very busy . . . (JPTERP - 1/30/2007 10:51:59 PM)
but it's great to see that Jim hasn't let this one drop. 

The Secretary of State said she would have a written response, so she should provide one (probably needs to consult with David Addington, Gonzo, and Cheney first).



Not only does it not include Iran... (SaveElmer - 1/30/2007 11:11:55 PM)
It doesn't even apply to Iraq anymore...

The IWR was specifically drawn to disarm Iraq...since as we now know the Bushies lied about  the need for that, seems to me the IWR is no longer a controlling legal authority for the mess over there.



Time to repeal that resolution? (Lowell - 1/31/2007 7:28:29 AM)
Saddam's gone, "mission accomplished," seems to me that the original authorization no longer is applicable.


Nice.. (drmontoya - 1/31/2007 1:11:39 AM)
Great job again, by Senator Webb