Georgia’s congressional delegation unites on Iran
Americans have found themselves divided on health care, cap-and-trade, the bailouts and Afghanistan.
But we all seem to agree – even in Georgia – that Iran is something to worry about. The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press today released a weighty poll that shows exactly that:
The public approves of direct negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, although most Americans are not hopeful the talks will succeed. And a strong majority – 61% – says that it is more important to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even if it means taking military action. Far fewer (24%) say it is more important to avoid a military conflict with Iran, if it means that the country may develop nuclear weapons.
There is broad willingness across the political spectrum to use military force to prevent Iran from going nuclear. Seven-in-ten Republicans (71%) and two-thirds of independents (66%) say it is more important to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons even if it means taking military action.
Fewer Democrats (51%) express this view; still, only about three-in-ten Democrats (31%) say it is more important to avoid a military conflict with Iran, if it means Tehran may develop nuclear weapons.
In a rare demonstration of that solidarity, all 13 members of Georgia’s congressional delegation – from John Lewis to Paul Broun, seven Republicans and six Democrats – have signed on as co-sponsors of a resolution that U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Decatur) introduced last week, demanding that Iran disclose and give international inspectors unfettered access to its nuclear facilities.
“The bipartisan wave of support for this resolution shows America’s resolve,” Johnson said.
H.R.782, Johnson said, outlines the same demands made by President Barack Obama at last week’s G-20 Conference in Pittsburgh – after Iran disclosed a secret enrichment facility.
The resolution doesn’t address what should happen if Iran doesn’t comply. And that’s where delegation agreement is likely to end.
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8 comments Add your comment
jconservative
October 6th, 2009
6:45 pm
“And a strong majority – 61% – says that it is more important to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even if it means taking military action.”
Question: Would the percentage change if the military said we absolutely must reinstate the draft if we use military action re Iran?
I say those wanting to use military force would drop by 50% overnight.
Michael
October 6th, 2009
8:32 pm
When the Media always covers negative coverage of Iran, no matter what the channel, offcourse the majority in any Poll would want to go to war. This is what happened in regards to Afghanistan and more importantly, Iraq.
North Korea is a greater danger to the U.S. and U.S. Interests than Iran. We should be as much concerned about North Korea as much as we are about Iran.
Keith
October 6th, 2009
10:18 pm
And Democrats Hank Johnson, John Lewis, Sanford Bishop, and David Scott would among the first to dissent if it were determined that military action against Iran was the only course of action to stop Iran from acquiring nukes.
Bill McCoy
October 7th, 2009
9:47 am
Jim,
You cite poll stats which indicate American willingness to make war over Iran’s nuclear program and then call Johnson’s pro-diplomacy, pro-inspections resolution evidence of that.
You’ve got it wrong. The breadth of support for the Johnson Resolution shows that Obama has the support of Congress in pursuing a diplomatic track, using inspections and sanctions. Hank’s resolution is not about war, it’s about strong inspections and negotiations.
Jerry Yeats
October 7th, 2009
10:31 am
The real story here is that Republicans got onboard with a Democratic, pro-diplomacy resolution. Kudos to Mr. Johnson for this leadership.
Galloway, I agree with the above comment — by making this about war, you’re missing the story.
RetiredSoldier
October 7th, 2009
1:10 pm
jconservative-
What does the draft have to do with this? Do you not like the all volenteer military? Or is it you don’t like the military and wish to make it a political pawn.
If it is not broke we don’t need you to fix it.
David S
October 7th, 2009
8:41 pm
With GA as chronically dependent on the profits of the military industrial complex and on the disgusting influence of the military itself in this state, it is of little wonder that our congressional delegation would support the mass killing of millions of innocents over an empty case that is more full of holes than the lies and disinformation that was presented about Iraq.
If our own CIA does not consider Iran a threat, then you have to wonder who is pulling the strings of this administration and the worthless government media. It is the military industrial complex as always. We respect Eisenhower, but pay no attention to his warnings.
As the blood of Iranians and thousands of americans flows in the streets, the same players will be rolling in the dough as always.
You democrats who were so upset at Bush, have nobody but yourselves to blame when this horrible administration commits their own war crimes in your name. You republicans are beyond hope and have been since 9-11.
Jerry Yeats
October 8th, 2009
9:00 am
It is beyond me why David S characterizes this resolution, which calls for INSPECTIONS, as “support [for] the mass killing of millions.” Fact is, this was not a war-drum resolution. John Lewis is a pacifist, for goodness’ sake. Lynn Woolsey from California is a cosponsor — she’s one of the strongest voices for peace in Congress. Gimme a break. Sorry, no conspiracy here.