Lee holds rally to end Afghanistan war [View All]

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Source: Oakland Tribune/Contra Costa Times

Lee holds rally to end Afghanistan war
By Josh Richman
Oakland Tribune
Posted: 11/23/2009 02:51:52 PM PST
Updated: 11/23/2009 03:18:40 PM PST

OAKLAND — It's time to ratchet up the rhetoric not only against a U.S. troop increase in Afghanistan, but in favor of withdrawing our troops and rescinding the authorization that sent them there eight years ago, Rep. Barbara Lee told a cheering crowd Monday.

Lee, D-Oakland, staged a rally outside the federal building on Clay Street in support of HR3699, a bill she introduced Oct. 1 that would forbid spending any money to expand the nation's military presence in Afghanistan. President Barack Obama is currently considering what to do in Afghanistan; military leaders want more troops, but the public and Congress are divided.

Lee drew applause from the crowd of about 150 as she thanked the President for thoughtfully reviewing U.S. strategy.

"There is nothing wrong with dithering," she said, using a term critics have employed against Obama. "When trying to make the best decision on behalf of our men and women in uniform and on behalf of our national security, he's right to take his time."

Read more: http://www.contracostatimes.com/bay-area-news/ci_13852135