OVER 200 ACTIVE DUTY TROOPS CALL FOR US WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ!!

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - More than 200 active duty U.S. armed service members, fed up with the war in Iraq, have joined an unusual protest calling for withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country, organizers said on Wednesday.

The campaign, called the Appeal for Redress from the War in Iraq, is the first of its kind in the Iraq war and takes advantage of Defense Department rules allowing active duty troops to express personal opinions to members of Congress without fear of retaliation, organizers said.

"As a patriotic American proud to serve the nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq," states the appeal posted on the campaign's Web site at www.appealforredress.org.

"Staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price. It is time for U.S. troops to come home," it adds.

The Web site allows service members to sign the appeal that will be presented to members of Congress. Organizers said the number of signatories has climbed from 65 to 219 since the appeal was posted a few days ago and Wednesday when it was publicly launched. There are 140,000 U.S. troops in Iraq.

Active duty service members are restricted in expressing personal views publicly. But rules governed by the Military Whistleblower Protection Act give them the right to speak to a member of Congress respectfully while off-duty and out of uniform, making clear they do not speak for the military.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061025/ts_nm/iraq_usa_campaign_dc

An Appeal for Redress from the War in Iraq

Many active duty, reserve, and guard service members are concerned about the war in Iraq and support the withdrawal of U.S. troops. The Appeal for Redress provides a way in which individual service members can appeal to their Congressional Representative and US Senators to urge an end to the U.S. military occupation. The Appeal messages will be delivered to members of Congress at the time of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in January 2007.

The wording of the Appeal for Redress is short and simple. It is patriotic and respectful in tone.

As a patriotic American proud to serve the nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq . Staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price. It is time for U.S. troops to come home.

Go Here:
http://www.appealforredress.org/index.php

read it correctly.

Edited to show this.

Look at RawStory. They're up to 350.

I wonder how the pukes are going to smear their good names........

being spread in freeperblogburgmanialand is that this is being pushed by MoveOn but no signs of MoveOn involvement at all.

I heard today that Senators from both parties have denounced this petition. Does anyone have any details on this? That's truly despicable - they are exercising their legal right petition Congress for a redress of grievences. There is no misconduct involved in making a simple request of Congress. They feel that our presence in Iraq is harmful to the country that they have sworn to protect. Such an action is not only acceptable, it is their duty. For members of Congress to denounce such an act is reprehensible. What are they doing - telling the troops to quit complaining? They don't 'Support the Troops;' that has been plain to see all along.

in dubco's America. For that matter anyone signing any petition could be haunted.
Go Troops!
They need to protect themselves being no one else in the admin. seems to care.
:dem:

I hope that more than a few in Congress will have their back...

Kucinich Announces Support For "Appeal For Redress"; States, "No One Speaks With More Moral Authority" On Need For Troops To Come Home
 
WASHINGTON - October 25 - Ranking Member of the House Government Reform Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations, issued the following statement today in support of "Appeal for Redress" a group of active duty military personal who are calling for the US to end the war in Iraq:

"No one speaks with more moral authority or understanding of the complexity of Iraq then the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and who have done tours of duty in Iraq. The men and women who have joined this effort have demonstrated courage and bravery and represent the very best of our nation.

"These soldiers cut through the political spin and false rhetoric to deliver a stark and important message: It is time to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home with the honor and dignity they deserve.

"I am proud to stand with the courageous men and women of Appeal for Redress and will continue my efforts to end the grave misadventure in Iraq and bring all our troops home."

http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/1025-06.htm

If Kerry doesn't get behind this maybe folks should remind him of his own words those years ago.

The number is now up to 346 sure to increase.

Military members ask Congress for 'relief'

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- At least 346 active or former military members had signed on by Wednesday to a Web site asking Congress to withdraw American troops from Iraq, organizers said.

"The Appeal for Redress" was started by active duty service members based in the Norfolk, Va., area and by Iraq Veterans Against the War, Veterans For Peace, and Military Families Speak Out. The Web site went live Monday.

Military servicemembers are prohibited from speaking out against their chain of command in uniform, but they are allowed to ask Congress to redress grievances against actions taken by their chain of command.

Military members are also protected by the Military Whistleblowers Act, which allows protected communications with Congress.

The servicemembers signed onto a request that states: "As a patriotic American proud to serve the nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to support the prompt withdrawal of all American military forces and bases from Iraq. Staying in Iraq will not work and is not worth the price. It is time for U.S. troops to come home."

http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20061025-043027-3864r

Good for them. Emailing congress...

But perhaps i am being optimistic. Besides Kucinich and the handful who we can expect to act decently.

I sure hope he gets in there and supports their effort. He should see himself in them.