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REP. GRIMM WITHDRAWS SUPPORT FROM SYRIA AIR STRIKES
http://asbarez.com/113572/rep-grimm-withdraws-support-from-syria-air-strikes/
Thursday, September 5th, 2013
Rep. Michael Grimm
WASHINGTON-Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman, Rep. Michael
Grimm (R-NY) posted on his Web site Thursday that he is withdrawing
his support for the proposed US air strikes against Syria.
"I have heard from many constituents who strongly oppose unilateral
action at a time when we have so many needs here at home. Thus, after
much thought, deliberation and prayer, I am no longer convinced that
a U.S. strike on Syria will yield a benefit to the United States
that will not be greatly outweighed by the extreme cost of war,"
said Grimm on his site.
"When President Obama announced his plans to strike Syria in response
to the discovery that the Assad regime used chemical weapons to kill
thousands of men, women and children; my initial reaction, as a Marine
combat veteran, was to stand by the Commander in Chief and support
immediate, targeted strikes," explained Grimm. "I believed that the
reputation and credibility of the United States was on the line and
that we had to send a strong message that the use of chemical weapons
is reprehensible and will not be tolerated. Unfortunately, the time
to act was then and the moment to show our strength has passed."
The Armenian National Committee of America, citing the Armenian
American community's profound concern for the fate of Syria's Armenian
population and the welfare of all of Syria's citizens, circulated
letters Wednesday across Capitol Hill calling on Members of the U.S.
House and Senate to oppose legislation authorizing U.S. strikes
against Syria.
"As our nation's elected representatives gather this week to consider
potential U.S. actions against Syrian targets, we wish to add our
voice, as Americans of Armenian heritage, to those of our fellow
citizens who oppose American military strikes and are against any
escalation of violence. Such an escalation would very likely create
further challenges and lead to serious additional harm to Christian
communities, including Syria's Armenian minority," said ANCA Chairman
Ken Hachikian in letters to U.S. legislators. "We take this stand
mindful of the horrific human suffering that armed conflict has
already visited across Syria, including the death and destruction
being endured, to this day, by Armenians and other Christian
communities. There has already been too much bloodshed, too much
brutality, and too much suffering. An escalation in aggression can
neither save lives nor help bring about peace."
The ANCA also launched a Web campaign for Armenian-American to express
their message of opposition to the administration's planned attacks on
Syria. http://www.anca.org/action_alerts/action_disp.php?aaid=62908811
http://asbarez.com/113572/rep-grimm-withdraws-support-from-syria-air-strikes/
Thursday, September 5th, 2013
Rep. Michael Grimm
WASHINGTON-Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman, Rep. Michael
Grimm (R-NY) posted on his Web site Thursday that he is withdrawing
his support for the proposed US air strikes against Syria.
"I have heard from many constituents who strongly oppose unilateral
action at a time when we have so many needs here at home. Thus, after
much thought, deliberation and prayer, I am no longer convinced that
a U.S. strike on Syria will yield a benefit to the United States
that will not be greatly outweighed by the extreme cost of war,"
said Grimm on his site.
"When President Obama announced his plans to strike Syria in response
to the discovery that the Assad regime used chemical weapons to kill
thousands of men, women and children; my initial reaction, as a Marine
combat veteran, was to stand by the Commander in Chief and support
immediate, targeted strikes," explained Grimm. "I believed that the
reputation and credibility of the United States was on the line and
that we had to send a strong message that the use of chemical weapons
is reprehensible and will not be tolerated. Unfortunately, the time
to act was then and the moment to show our strength has passed."
The Armenian National Committee of America, citing the Armenian
American community's profound concern for the fate of Syria's Armenian
population and the welfare of all of Syria's citizens, circulated
letters Wednesday across Capitol Hill calling on Members of the U.S.
House and Senate to oppose legislation authorizing U.S. strikes
against Syria.
"As our nation's elected representatives gather this week to consider
potential U.S. actions against Syrian targets, we wish to add our
voice, as Americans of Armenian heritage, to those of our fellow
citizens who oppose American military strikes and are against any
escalation of violence. Such an escalation would very likely create
further challenges and lead to serious additional harm to Christian
communities, including Syria's Armenian minority," said ANCA Chairman
Ken Hachikian in letters to U.S. legislators. "We take this stand
mindful of the horrific human suffering that armed conflict has
already visited across Syria, including the death and destruction
being endured, to this day, by Armenians and other Christian
communities. There has already been too much bloodshed, too much
brutality, and too much suffering. An escalation in aggression can
neither save lives nor help bring about peace."
The ANCA also launched a Web campaign for Armenian-American to express
their message of opposition to the administration's planned attacks on
Syria. http://www.anca.org/action_alerts/action_disp.php?aaid=62908811