Slog - Comments on Friday on Slog: Jim McDermott Meets the Comments

Comment by erin

erin — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:28:22 -0800

I'm from the Seattle Occupation Project (nat'l website http://www.vcnv.org/). We delivered a pledge to your office last week that reads:

PLEDGE TO VOTE AGAINST 2007 SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING FOR THE IRAQ WAR

I, Jim McDermott, pledge to vote against the supplemental spending measure that President Bush will seek in 2007 from Congress to fund the war in and occupation of Iraq.

Darcy from your office called me on Tuesday and we had a conversation about the nuances that prevent you from signing this pledge. I assume those nuances have to do with the amendment you are planning to attach to that legislation.

My question is this: why attach an amendment onto this appropriation request at all? It is my understanding that appropriation requests are made in advance, and that once the money is appropriated, it takes time to be spent. I have read that there is enough money already to end the occupation and bring the troops home. Any money that is being requested is for the long term waging of more war and occupation.

So why attach an amendment which, as the original did, allows for a deadline for termination of military operations? Why not vote against the amendment so that NO more money can be used to kill more people and continue terrorizing another country?

Comment by Will in Seattle

Will in Seattle — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:49:03 -0800

My question is: will you get us federal funding for the rebuilt Viaduct or a Surface Plus Transit alternative?

Comment by doug

doug — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:10:39 -0800

Hello Jim,
I'm working with the Seattle Occupation Project too. In fact, I think we are scheduled to occupy your office next Wednesday. You probably wonder why we would occupy your office when you have been against the war from the start and have an (almost!) perfect record of voting against it. It's true, you are our Baghdad Jim, but we are wondering why you won't promise to vote against the Supplemental Spending bill. After the 4 year long slow train wreck (that you predicted) why would you even consider further funding?
We need your signature to help us pressure your fellow WA Dems Patty and Maria to back away from the Iraq war. Cut the funds, troops home now!

Comment by Whacky

Whacky — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 23:57:04 -0800

What does make you proud to be an American?

Comment by just a schlub

just a schlub — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 08:38:53 -0800

Congressman: In 2002 you signed the �Statement For� the Seattle Monorail Project�s ballot measure (the one in the Voters Guide). Thanks a lot. That fiasco cost Seattle taxpayers $225,000,000 in wasted tax collections (that number comes from a 12/26/06 editorial in the Seattle Times).

What lessons did you learn from how that tax-and-spend ballot measure played out? Proponents of neverending taxes for Sound Transit and RTID are drawing up plans for a massive ballot measure this November. Do you have any reason to believe that measure will feature appropriate safeguards, extremely high quality financing plans, and the most appropriate project lists? We�re just looking for some assurances here . . ..

Comment by DOUG.

DOUG. — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 10:48:52 -0800

I sat behind you at the Varsity last month and would like to know how you would rate Bob Barr's performance in "Borat" versus yours in "Fahrenheit 9/11"?