Ron Paul: Profile in Courage

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ACTION ALERT March 7, 2008

Contact: Joshua Walsh communications@wrmea.com

THANK REP. RON PAUL FOR HIS COURAGEOUS STAND

On March 5 the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 951, "Condemning the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations, and for other purposes," by a count of 404-1. The lone voice of dissent was Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), who not only cast the lone vote against the bill, but rose to speak on his opposition to wording of the legislation that "oversimplifies the Israel/Palestine conflict" and "is more likely to perpetuate violence in the Middle East than contribute to its abatement."

We commend Representative Paul for his understanding of the issue, his commitment to principle, and his determination to speak out. If more elected officials acted with the same clarity and even-handedness with regard to Israel and Palestine, we would be closer to a just and sustainable peace in the region.

To express your agreement and appreciation to Representative Paul, call his Washington, DC office at (202) 225-2831, send him an e-mail, or visit his congressional Web site. To engage officials from your state and district on the issue, visit the House of Representatives directory or the Senate directory. The full text of H. Res. 591 is available here on the House of Representatives Web site.

Ron Paul Statement on Gaza Bill
March 5, 2008

Madam Speaker: I rise in opposition to H. Res. 951. As one who is consistently against war and violence, I obviously do not support the firing of rockets indiscriminately into civilian populations. I believe it is appalling that Palestinians are firing rockets that harm innocent Israelis, just as I believe it is appalling that Israel fires missiles into Palestinian areas where children and other non-combatants are killed and injured.

Unfortunately, legislation such as this is more likely to perpetuate violence in the Middle East than contribute to its abatement. It is our continued involvement and intervention – particularly when it appears to be one-sided – that reduces the incentive for opposing sides to reach a lasting peace agreement.

Additionally, this bill will continue the march toward war with Iran and Syria, as it contains provocative language targeting these countries. The legislation oversimplifies the Israel/Palestine conflict and the larger unrest in the Middle East by simply pointing the finger at Iran and Syria. This is another piece in a steady series of legislation passed in the House that intensifies enmity between the United States and Iran and Syria. My colleagues will recall that we saw a similar steady stream of provocative legislation against Iraq in the years before the U.S. attack on that country.

 

I strongly believe that we must cease making proclamations involving conflicts that have nothing to do with the United States. We incur the wrath of those who feel slighted while doing very little to slow or stop the violence.

 

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