Maine Senate Approves Anti War Resolution 18-15 [Who asked Them?]

Maine Today ^ | February 4, 2003 | Staff Report

[ewing]

In a party line vote the Senate of the State of Maine voted Tuesday to pass a resolution supporting efforts to disarm Iraq through diplomatic efforts and weapons inspections before the United States goes to war.

The measure sponsored by Democratic Senator Ethan Strimling of Portland passed on an 18-15 vote. The House adjourned for the day before voting on it.

Addressed to President Bush, the non-binding resolution says a war in Iraq would cause American casulties, jeopardize the lives of innocent Iraqis and likely result in a long term military presence in Iraq.

During a half hour debate, Strimling said the expenses of war would detract from efforts to heal Maines struggling economy. The resolution says Maine's taxpayer share of a $267 billion dollar war would add up to $100 million dollars.

[ewing]

Waaa...Waaa..

[dts32041]

This from the state the gave us Hiriam Maxim.

I guess they don't want Saco industries or BIW to provide jobs any longer.

[American Soldier]

Add one star to the axis of evil/weasels...remove one star from the flag.

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

"We're here today because the economic situation in Maine needs our attention and needs it now," said Strimling.

Assistant Senate Republican Leader Chandler Woodcock of Farmington said he too opposes a war in Iraq until the president decides it is necessary in order to protect American interests.

Another GOP senator, Richard Bennett of Norway, said the resolution incorrectly implies that Bush has not sought a diplomatic solution and allied support in disarming Iraq.

After the resolution was announced last week, House Republican Leader Joe Bruno of Raymond said he is opposed because "this is not a matter upon which the Legislature can or should pretend to make an informed decision."

Maine's largest city has also gone on record in opposition to a war with Iraq.

Portland City Council voted 8-1 Monday to pass a resolution stating its opposition to pre-emptive military action without U.N. authorization. About 50 communities around the country have taken similar action.

Associated Press

[Morrigan]

Ugh, I am so embarassed I live here.......:(

[Morrigan]

Hey Shelion, maybe they did this to kiss up to our new Muslim neighbors, LOL

Goat meat, anti-war resolutions, what's next? Mandatory hijabs and genital mutilation??

[Rome2000]

Addressed to President Bush, the non-binding resolution

Do we really need to be told that it is non-binding, or is the author just upset that it will get thrown in the garbage before W even sees it?

[Rome2000]

The good news is that Maine apparently has so few problems that the State Legislature can pretend it is in Washington DC.

[TexasKamaAina]

I don't agree with the resolution, but I hardly think it is undermining the Constitution. In fact, before the amendment to elect Senators by popular vote, Senators - being selected by state legislatures - represented the voices of the several sovereign states of our then federal republic. From that perspective, for a state legislature to make its opinion known on a matter of national consequence is radically Constitutional.

[RightWingMama]

Thought you might like to read this.

[metesky]

I gotta tell ya, I've been up here for five years and politically speaking, these people are babes in the woods.

How else can you explain Snowe, Collins, ex-gov Agnes King, John Baldacci and the two ciphers that serve us in congress?

You'd think these weasels in Augusta would have a little humility over the fact that some of the 9/11 hijackers went through here.

Oh well, sheep need shearing...

[Barnacle]

Who do those Bozos think they are? Canada?

[Austin Willard Wright]

So anyone who dares disagree with this war is a "traitor" eh? I suppose you thought all those freepers who opposed the Haiti and Kosovo crusades were traitors too, right? Oh...that was different!

[Poohbah]

Congress needs to approve a resolution with respect to Maine:

"Thank you for your input, now STFU."

[Vigilanteman]

Maybe the rest of the state legislatures ought to propose trading Maine to Canada for Alberta, eh?

[Poohbah]

Yeah, it was different. Thank you for your input.

[ApesForEvolution]

The United Socialist States of America need to be invaded by the Free united States of America and the traitors tried then swiftly hanged...

[AmishDude]

LOL! Your response was better and more diplomatic than the one I was going to give.