markbernstein's Journal

Today's most interesting story
As I was driving in to work today, listening to the CBC, I heard about this story. A petition calling for withdrawal from Iraq has been presented to Congress. Why is this noteworthy? Because the over 1000 people who signed it are all active duty or reserve members of the military. A significant majority of the signatories (CBC said 60%, another source I found on the web said 75%) have served at least one tour in Iraq. This type of petition is called an Appeal For Redress, and is allowed under military law.

Am I crazy, or is this a significant and nearly unprecedented act? Does anyone know of another instance in which active troops decided to speak up and formally request withdrawal?

The web site for the petition is here.

Of course, I expect this to have absolutely no effect on a President for whom "support the troops" has never been more than a useful catchphrase.

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