Posted on 05/21/2006 10:13:18 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
Nevada Sen. John Ensign says Democratic leaders who criticize the Iraq war are aiding the terrorists and hampering the war effort.
"Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi and Ted Kennedy - let me tell you, I say this without reservation - they have hurt our military, they have emboldened the enemy," Ensign told Republicans gathered for the state party convention on Saturday.
"They're fighting for the freedom of speech, they're fighting for the right to protest, they're fighting for all those things. But when we are at war, especially the leaders in this country need to be very, very careful of what they say and what they do," Ensign said.
The first-term senator is up for re-election in November. His previous stump speeches have not attacked Democratic critics of the war so directly. When asked which comments from House Minority Leader Pelosi, D-Calif., or Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., he felt were inappropriate, Ensign said Pelosi had called evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq "lies."
"You don't think that doesn't embolden the enemy?" he said.
Ensign said he would not extend his criticism to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who once called President George Bush a "loser," because "Harry and I have an agreement not to criticize each other."
Ensign suggested war critics should lie about their opposition. In comments to reporters, the Las Vegas Republican quoted what he said was a line from comedian and talk show host Dennis Miller: "I happened to believe in what we're doing over there. But if I didn't, I'd lie."
Nevada Democratic Party spokeswoman Kirsten Searer said Ensign's remarks are an attempt to compensate for "a war that has had one failure after another."
"They would have fewer questions about the war if they were doing a better job of running it," she said.
At last reporting, Ensign had a war chest six times as large as his Democratic opponent, Las Vegas investment consultant Jack Carter, and he has a healthy lead in the polls.
Ensign said he recognized that some Americans were losing support for the war, which he attributed to "instant gratification culture."
He also used his speech to 135 Republican activists, about half of whom came from rural Nevada, to outline his position on immigration.
Ensign said he supported a sending National Guard troops to the border and a three-year guest worker program for immigrants willing to assimilate, learn English and pay taxes.
He said he didn't blame immigrants for wanting to cross the border to seek a better life in the U.S.
"I'd probably do the same thing," he told reporters.
Kennedy and Pelosi don't care. This is not the first person in Washington to accuse them of this.
Kennedys get away with murder.
And you trust him Senator?
I'm happy Ensign's my Senator!
Just wait until jan 2007 if the dems get their hands on the house. Murtha has pretty much said that they intend to investigate and ramp up charges as fast as they can (war intel, etc). Remember Murtha will be in charge of the house armed services committee.
have fun all of you guys who are going to sit home during the election. Your apathy will lead to americans dying and a surrender to al qeada. That is not a joke.
Ain't nobody going to be sitting around here unless they be FReepin.
LOL!...Even if he didn't extend it, I'm glad he said it.
That should serve as barometer for some R to run against Harry or not.
Any chance Murtha gets voted out of office? I have no clue what the PA-12th is like.
So this is the guy who is running against Jimmy Carter's son. I like him already.
Ensign suggested war critics should lie about their opposition.
Since we know what upstanding and completely honest people these lefties are (Insert appropriate eye rolling emoticon here), and their refusal to ever lie (insert next eye rolling emoticon here), instead they could just shut their big fat lying mouths in public.
Diana Irey is running against him in November. She supports our military and the WOT. She has a genuine chance to beat him but is way behind in fund raising. Anyone wishing to help her can contact her headquarters.
DIANA IREY FOR CONGRESS
600 PARK AVENUE
MONONGAHELA, PA 15063
724-258-2300
http://www.irey.com/
Perhaps Kennedy and Pelosi don't care, but it's critical that colleagues in the Congress stand up and clearly define a bright line between dissent and treason. Senator Ensign performs a vital service to the USA by very publicly condemning these offenders who have crossed the line.
In the absence of boundaries and vocal objections, Americans are lulled into believing that atrocious behavior which gives aid and comfort to the enemy is merely free speech or political dissent. Such a lowering of standards, when faced with a ruthless enemy, is extremely dangerous and will prove fatal for our troops in the field and citizens at home.
You know, I always considered Ensign an empty suit, being from Vegas (and he has ticked me off on occasion). But all and all he's done a reasonable job.
Too much to expect of our polititians to be honest........................... ha ha my bad
Promote that Ensign to at least a Lieutenant.
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