FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“I am proud to throw my support behind this new effort to build a progressive consensus on ending the war in Iraq in a way that will help that nation rebuild, while reversing the damage the war has done here at home,” said Novick. “Many of the ideas contained in the plan are not new and, indeed, I and others have been advocating for them over the past months. But with this clear set of objectives, I believe that Darcy Burner, Major General Eaton and others are laying the foundation for a coalition that I believe can bring our troops home with honor.”
The Plan, announced yesterday, identifies two key strategic concerns raised by the conflict in Iraq – how to bring the American military engagement in Iraq to a responsible end and how to prevent a repeat of the mistakes made in the lead up to the war and its execution. In particular, the Plan emphasizes that there are no military solutions to address the underlying diplomatic, political and economic challenges faced in Iraq. Rather, the problem must be addressed through a host of non-military and diplomatic steps to engage the region in the reconstruction effort and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis taking place in Iraq and on its borders.
Included in the Plan are several key objectives to be implemented through proposed legislation and the recommendations of the Baker-Hamilton Commission’s Iraq Study Group Report. Since declaring his candidacy in April 2007, Novick has been an outspoken advocate for most of the identified objectives.
- Ending Military Action in Iraq. The U.S. must use its diplomatic, political and economic power to responsibly end the war and remove all troops from Iraq. Steve Novick has pledged that he will only support a full withdrawal of U.S. troops.
- Using U.S. Diplomatic Power. Engage Iraq’s neighbors and powers in the region in a real diplomatic effort to stop instability and collaborate on reconstruction. Steve Novick has consistently underscored this recommendation of the Iraq Study Group in his campaign.
- Addressing Humanitarian Concerns. The U.S. must take responsibility for assisting Iraqis endangered by their assistance to our nation and work with powers in the region to address the challenges of displaced Iraqis.
- Restoring Our Constitution. To prevent a repeat of the President’s rush to war, the nation must rebuild a system of checks and balances to ensure the executive is held accountable by the legislative and judicial branches. Novick has been outspoken in his campaign in calling for greater oversight of the Administration’s actions in Iraq and emphasizing the failures of many in Congress to ask the right questions or demand real answers in the lead up to the Iraq war. In addition, he has vowed that he will not sacrifice American’s civil liberties and constitutional protections in the name of fighting terrorists or protecting security.
- Restoring Our Military. The nation must take steps to rebuild the damage done to the military by the war in Iraq and other policies adopted by the Bush administration. Novick has vowed to restore real assistance for service members and their families, end the outsourcing of U.S. military responsibilities to private contractors and crack down on loose military contracting processes that are diverting defense spending to unneeded weapons systems and private graft.
- Restoring An Independent Media. The failure of the media to offer an independent assessment of the Administration’s case for war greatly contributed to initiating the conflict on what later were proven to be lies. Novick strongly opposes media consolidation or any attempts to undermine net neutrality – steps that would further erode the ability of the public to gain full and fair information about potential future military conflict and other pressing issues.
- Creating A New, U.S.-Centered Energy Policy. The U.S. must end its dependence on foreign oil by developing new, domestic sources of clean energy to meet our future demands. Novick has called for a dramatic investment in mass transit and renewable energy development, as well as improved urban planning, to end America’s dependence on fossil fuels.
(A copy of the Plan can be found at http://www.responsibleplan.com/)
“All of the ideas included in this plan are eminently feasible. It is simply a matter of the political will to chart a new direction on Iraq and for this nation. I am proud to stand with these progressive candidates and leaders from across the nation to offer voters a clear choice in this election on Iraq and on the future of this country,” said Novick. “Here in Oregon, the contrast couldn’t be clearer with Gordon Smith supporting John McCain and his plan to stay in Iraq through the end of this century. Voters know that the path we are on cannot bring success and that it is time for change. This Plan will only help to underscore that contrast.”
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