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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsKerry On Libya Attack: ‘Exactly The Wrong Time To Throw Political Punches’
Sen. John Kerry in a statement criticized Mitt Romney's response to an attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi that claimed the lives of four American diplomats. "This is one of those moments when Americans must unite as Americans. It is exactly the wrong time to throw political punches. It is a time to restore calm and proceed wisely," he said in a statement.
Read his full statement below:
The deaths of Ambassador Stevens and his team are heartbreaking. It's easy for a lot of people to forget that our diplomats are on the frontlines of the world's most dangerous places and they're there trying to make the world safer at great risk to themselves and their families. Chris Stevens was all that and more. He was a foreign service professional down to his toes, a guy who had served on the Foreign Relations Committee and embraced tough odds and tough assignments overseas. He had the guts and grit to serve as our envoy during the rebellion, and his presence there reminded Libyans that America stood with them for freedom in the face of violence. He was continuing that noble work as Ambassador with enormous skill. He was an important part of the work we are doing in Libya, and we will not let this deplorable violence turn back the progress he helped make possible.
The violence in Cairo and Benghazi is unacceptable and unjustifiable. The stupidity of one filmmaker, no matter how offensive, is not now, and never, a rationale for violence. A despicable act like this hurts us all Americans and peaceful people who aspire to build their own democracy.
This is one of those moments when Americans must unite as Americans. It is exactly the wrong time to throw political punches. It is a time to restore calm and proceed wisely.
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/kerry-on-libya-attack-exactly-wrong-time-to
ProSense
(116,464 posts)blm
(113,136 posts)of their efforts to attack and insult Muslims to bring them to the brink of war. The GOP and their RW voter base are traitors to this country and to humanity.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/12/sam-bacile-in-hiding_n_1876044.html
ProSense
(116,464 posts)flpoljunkie
(26,184 posts)nc4bo
(17,651 posts)This is the right thing to do.
ProSense
(116,464 posts)hifiguy
(33,688 posts)Willard = bag of hammers
malokvale77
(4,879 posts)bag of glass
karynnj
(59,511 posts)TPM actually somewhat politicizes Kerry's statement by emphasizing the last paragraph. However, Kerry's comment is political ONLY because of what Romney did. The fact is if Romney had made just this statement would have been a masterstroke.
Now I don't think Romney actually has anywhere near the emotional depth, compassion, or understanding of John Kerry, but this statement from Romney would have done so many things - make him look non partisan and statesmanlike, as well as distance himself from the far right extremists who made and promoted that film.
In fact, even if he gave Mitch McConnell's (!!) speech, he would have slightly helped himself -
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/videoLibrary/clip.php?appid=602260594
ProSense
(116,464 posts)I was reminded of that by the alleged war criminal's comment in support of Mittwit:
Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld offered up some support for Mitt Romney's Libya response on Twitter Wednesday:
Donald Rumsfeld✔
@RumsfeldOffice
The attacks on our embassies & diplomats are a result of perceived American weakness. Mitt Romney is right to point that out.
12 Sep 12
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/donald-rumsfeld-mitt-romney-was-right
treestar
(82,383 posts)By Kerry.