Hey Nancy Pelosi!

Defund the War! Defend our Communities!

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi voted against the initial authorization for the War in Iraq, rightfully proclaiming it a “war of choice.” Her initial words, however, do not match her record since that vote. Beginning in 2003, Pelosi refused to endorse a critical resolution which would have required a U.N. Security Council resolution specifically authorizing the invasion, and a resolution to investigate the intelligence the war was based on. This year Pelosi refused to join 82 co-sponsors of Barbara Lee’s resolution to investigate the Downing Street Memos, which revealed the war was being based on “fixed” intelligence and ultimately failed in committee. Further, Pelosi has not co-sponsored critical resolutions regarding the illegality of the doctrine of pre-emption and proposals to ensure the U.S. does not establish a permanent military presence or bases in Iraq. Pelosi even voted against a resolution to condemn the abuse of Iraqi prisoners -- the bill passed, 365-50. These fundamental issues are central to everything that is wrong with the Administration’s policy in Iraq. Nancy Pelosi continues to look the other way while the Administration operates beyond the rule of law.

Hey Pelosi! Bring our Troops Home Now!

In November 2004, 63% of San Francisco voters passed Proposition N, demanding an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and 60% of the American public believes the war was a mistake. Pelosi, however, voted against Lynn Woolsey’s withdrawal amendment, while 128 members of the House from both sides of the aisle voted for it. Similarly, Pelosi refuses to co-sponsor Homeward Bound, a bi-partisan resolution for withdrawal by 2006, which has gained 54 co-sponsors. Nancy Pelosi calls the war a “grotesque mistake,” yet she refuses to support any concrete measure to bring our troops home. Our Armed Forces are now stretched to the breaking point and 35-40% of our National Guard and Reserves are serving in Iraq, some in their second and third tours of duty. While the National Guard, our first responders in national crises, was fighting in Iraq, they could have saved thousands of lives in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This has put an intolerable strain on our communities, our families and the frontline of Homeland Security.

Hey Pelosi! Fund the Needs of our Communities!

Nancy Pelosi also calls the war an “unnecessary pre-emptive war that has come at great cost.” She’s right. The War in Iraq costs U.S. taxpayers $5 billion per month yet Pelosi continues to support the war. Significantly, Pelosi voted for the 2005 $82 billion Defense Appropriations Bill which included a provision for “permanent facilities” in Iraq, and an additional $130 billion for 6 months of war and occupation beginning October 1, 2005. By 2006 the war will have cost over $300 billion, money that could be spent on our overburdened and under-funded public services and programs at home. Year after year, the death count rises, with nearly 2,000 U.S. military and 100,000 Iraqi fatalities; 25,000 U.S. soldiers cannot return to duty. These numbers are a near mirror image of our third year in Vietnam. In the Vietnam War it was the total number of U.S. fatalities; in Iraq, due to better armor, these 25,000 soldiers are now the “walking” wounded. With each passing year the war escalates, fueled by a foreign military presence that shows no intention of leaving. Iraq is our new quagmire.

Hey Pelosi! Where Do You Stand?

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi has stated that the War in Iraq is a war of “choice,” a “mistake,” and “unnecessary”; but she refuses to support any measure that would end the war and bring our troops home. It is time for her words to match her deeds. It is time for Nancy Pelosi to not only represent San Francisco, but as the leader of the Democratic Party, to lead us out of the War in Iraq.

Demand Better. Demand Accountability. Demand Leadership.

Contact Nancy Pelosi’s office at 415.556.4862 or sf.nancy@mail.house.gov today.