Greens blast Perata Iraq pullout resolution as a "self-serving" scheme to repair Democrats' image as party that calls for peace, but funds war

GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA NEWS RELEASE

SACRAMENTO, Ca. (April 5, 2007) - Legislation to put a measure on next year's presidential primary ballot calling for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq is nothing more than Democrats playing "self-serving" politics while Americans - including Californians - continue to die, said members of the Green Party of California today.

Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata said Thursday he would introduce a resolution to immediately begin the withdrawal of U.S. forces, and urge the president and Congress to provide the diplomatic and non-military assistance to promote peace in the region.

But Greens said it was way too little, and way too late.

"Last month, Democrats in Congress voted to fully fund the war through late 2008. Now Democrats here are calling for the return of the troops? This bill is nothing more than a self-serving attempt by the Democratic Party to repair its image as a party that says it wants peace but votes for war," said Jeff Kravitz, a 2006 Green Party congressional candidate (5th Congressional District).

He noted that Perata and other state Democrats would do better spending their time with the California Democrats in Congress - starting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - who voted for the $124 billion supplemental House funding bill.

"The death toll in Iraq, for U.S. and Iraqi civilians, continues to climb and all Democrats can do is claim to be opposed to the war, while funding it. This resolution would have been a good idea...four years ago. It's way too late and way too little," added Kravtiz, who pointed out that the Green Party has been opposed to the war in Iraq, unlike Democrats and Republicans, since it began.

The Democratic Party-controlled Legislature even failed to move legislation last year that called for a return of the California National Guard from Iraq. The measure died in committee after languishing for months because the Democratic Party leadership refused to put it up for a vote. Three Democrats refused to vote or voted against it in committee. It failed 3-3.

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Contacts:
Crescenzo Vellucci, State Press Office, 916.996.9170,
Sara Amir (Los Angeles), 310.270.7106,
Dr. Bob Vizzard (Sacramento), 916.206.8953,
Daniel Brezenoff (Southern California), 310.422.2211,
Susan King (San Francisco), 415.823.5524,

The Green Party of California
PO Box 2828
Sacramento, CA 95812
Phone: (916) 448-3437
Web: http://www.cagreens.org
EMail:

Last updated: 04/08/2007 (BH)