Robert Greenwald wrote:
Rethink Afghanistan While There’s Still Time
From: Robert Greenwald [info@bravenewfoundation.org]
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2009 9:20 AM
To: Tom
Subject: Rethink Afghanistan While There’s Still TimeDear Tom,
Many of you reading this e-mail worked diligently to support President Obama and his call for change. I’m sure you feel, as I do, an almost palpable air of excitement and pride right now in having a man of Obama’s intelligence and integrity in the White House. What I also find remarkable is Obama’s conviction that it is imperative for those who disagree with him to speak out, make their voices heard, and discuss ideas without attacking motivation or character.
Film maker Robert Greenwald
President Obama just committed 17,000 more soldiers to fight the war in Afghanistan.
For me and the Brave New Foundation team, this decision raises scores of questions that must be addressed about troops, costs, overall mission, and exit strategy. Historically, it has been Congress’ duty to ask these questions in the form of oversight hearings that challenge policymakers, examine military spending, and educate the public. I invite you to sign the petition urging Senator John Kerry and Representative Howard Berman to hold congressional oversight hearings at once.The President has demonstrated his commitment to plurality of opinion and open debate on issues that impact our country most profoundly. In that spirit, I’m proud that Brave New Foundation will bring you Rethink Afghanistan, a new feature-length documentary I am directing in the tradition of Uncovered: The War on Iraq and Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers. This documentary, which we will release in segments online, will foster the kind of discussion, debate and dissent Obama has called for, hopefully serving as a driving force to help make oversight hearings a reality
Just imagine! Congressional oversight hearings on Barrack Obama would be the delight of the century for Senator Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader, and Congressman John Boehner, the House Minority Leader. Republicans would jump at the chance of sitting on a committee to criticize a Democratic president. They would earn huge points back home in their districts.
But wait! There’s more!
This is a chance for the Republicans to, once again, parade General Petraeus in front of Congress. Parading Generals in front of the Senate in order to gain favor for the war budget is something politicians have been doing since the time of Julius Caesar. And this is a perfect time for John McCain to re-establish his maverickyness by favoring Obama’s plan in front of his colleagues and the cameras.
And even more! This plan would fit in perfectly with the Republicans’ refusal of, and obstinacy against, President Obama’s efforts at bipartisanship. The Republican leadership can use these hearings to prove that Obama is not listening to them and they can fill the news cycles with this stuff for weeks!
Critical oversight of President Obama! What a great idea!
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