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Mike Thompson Watch
Note: this is a press release from Madge Strong
A delegation from CodePink Willits held a phone
conference meeting with Congressman Mike Thompson (who called in from
Washington D.C.) at his Fort Bragg office on Monday morning, Mar.
12th. While focused on ending the war, the discussion also included
impeachment and other matters. The CodePink members were Melinda
Clarke, Jane Futcher, Marcia Pratt, and Madge Strong, all of
Willits. Thompson’s Ft. Bragg staff members, Heidi Dickerson and
Christine Anderson, were also present.
The main item on CodePink’s agenda was ending the war in
Iraq. Thompson immediately informed the delegation of his long-
standing position against the war (he was among those who voted
against the 2002 authorization for use of force) and his commitment
to getting the troops home “as soon as possible.” He felt we only
disagree about how to do that: he bases his strategy on what seems
realistic in Washington D.C. politics.
Democratic leaders are currently brokering a proposal
that, as a condition on further supplemental funds for the war, would
require troop redeployment out of Iraq over nearly two years, until
the end of 2008. (Thompson’s own bill sets a deadline of Mar. 31
2008, with certain exceptions possible.) The CodePink group pressed
Thompson about his position on alternative legislation or an
amendment that would restrict funds to be spent only on safe and
speedy troop withdrawal. Thompson said he was supportive in
principle, but his vote would depend on how such legislation was
drawn. He also was concerned that pushing that approach would be
awkward for many Democrats: a vote either way could alienate many
constituents, possibly threatening Democrats’ control of Congress in
the 2008 election.
The CodePink delegation also expressed doubts about
Thompson’s linking troop withdrawals to Iraqis’ meeting certain
benchmarks. Thompson said the Iraqi government needs to step up as
we stand down; it would be irresponsible to leave Iraq too quickly
and create a “free-for-all”. (His bill, however, would require U.S.
withdrawal by the end of March next year regardless.) Ms. Clarke
characterized that as an attempt at face-saving, instead of simply
admitting we had no business being there in the first place and our
military presence inflames rather than quells the violence. Any
delay in withdrawing our troops only means more U.S. and Iraqi
casualties, she argued.
Thompson suggested that local activists would be more
effective by building pressure in nearby congressional districts
whose representatives have not been strongly against the war, such as
Representatives Doolittle, Lundgren, and Herger.
On related matters, Thompson assured the delegation that
he will work hard to restore Habeus Corpus (the right not to be held
indefinitely without charges) and to stop torture and extraordinary
rendition of detainees. The chances for passing such legislation
have improved due to recent scandals, he said. The CodePink group
also asked Thompson to be vigilant regarding proposals for developing
new warheads at Livermore Labs, as well as deploying SDI missiles in
Eastern Europe. Such programs would certainly be hypocritical and
counter-productive as the U.S. criticizes proliferation by other
countries.
Thompson is also firmly in favor of requiring paper
ballots and other safeguards on election integrity.
A final agenda item was the potential for impeaching
President Bush and Vice President Cheney. Thompson indicated that he
is in favor of ongoing investigations of alleged wrong-doing by the
Administration, but is not ready to discuss impeachment. (He is on
the House Military Intelligence and Ways & Means Committees, but not
on investigative committees.) Ms. Strong noted that Bush and Cheney
have already admitted to several impeachable offenses (for one
example violating FISA with warrantless wiretaps) and that impeaching
would be the most effective way to restore our Constitution and our
credibility abroad.
Before their meeting inside, the CodePink delegation
joined a group of about a half-dozen coast residents who stand vigil
outside Thompson’s office every Monday morning. They also festooned
the hedge and fence with pink banners.
After the conference call, the CodePink group presented
a framed quote to pass on to Congressman Thompson. It says on a
bright pink background: “Our house will be a very, very fine house
when you bring the troops home.”