Kucinich calls for end to Iraq war funding
Originally published by KPUA Hawaii News
Posted: Friday, September 14th, 2007 11:02 AM HST
Kucinich calls for end to Iraq war funding
By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News
Presidential hopeful says Democratic Congress has obligation to voters
Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich told an audience in Hilo Thursday that Congress can stop the war in Iraq anytime it wants by simply cutting off funding. The Ohio Congressman, appearing at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo said thus far Congress has offered excuses, which he dismissed as a red herring.
"Congress has the ability to tell the administration we're not going to give you any more money, and this isn't even a close question," Kucinich said. "What happens is Congress keeps telling the American people that we don't have the votes. But you don't need the votes to do this. We don't have to take another vote."
Kucinich said the war will continue unless Democrats take steps to end it. He said failing to do so would break faith with the voters who supported them last year at the polls.
"When people elected Democrats in 2006 and gave them control of the house and senate it was under the assumption that the war was going to end," Kucinich said. "If we would have told the American people vote Democrat and we'll keep the war going, would Democrats be in control? Not a chance. They voted us in because they expected we were going to end the war."
In remarks to reporters and later before a large crowd at the Campus Center pavilion, Kucinich advocated removing troops, mercenaries and contractors from Iraq under his "Strength through Peace" plan to bring peace to Iraq. He also accused President Bush of trying to turn control of Iraqi oil over to international oil companies and said the Iraqis should receive reparations for the deaths of innocent people.
On other issues, Kucinich called for universal health care, kindergarten instruction and college education, as well as rebuilding America's infrastructure and creating new energy systems. He continues his campaign swing through Hawai`i with appearances on Maui and O`ahu today and tomorrow.
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