Apparently in no hurry (who would be at his age & position in life), Sen. Grassley explains (sorta) his opposition to former Nebraska Republican Senator Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense (confirmed anyway). Reasons he gives for opposing Hagel, as I read them, are reasons that I supported him: reluctance to go to war with Iran (we just shouldn't. Stop.) and his refusal to give a carte blanche to Israel (support for Israelis and the nation of Israel should not be confused with supporting Israeli government policies that conflict with U.S. interests and values--the same goes for the U.S. government policies for that matter). Well, enough from me. Now, here's Chuck!:
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CHARLES E. GRASSLEY
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1501
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Thank you for taking
the time to contact me. As your Senator, it is important for me to hear from
you.
I appreciate your
expressing your support for the nomination of Senator Chuck Hagel to the post
of Secretary of Defense. Please know that I take the Senate’s responsibility
of advice and consent regarding presidential nominations very seriously.
President Obama nominated Senator Chuck Hagel for the post of Secretary of
Defense in early January. He was subsequently confirmed by a vote of 58 to 41
on February 26, 2013. I opposed Senator Hagel’s nomination based on doubts
about Senator Hagel’s views on America’s relationship with Israel, his
position against U.S. sanctions against Iran, and his underestimation of the
security threat posed by the dangerous regime in Iran. In addition,
Senator Hagel wasn’t transparent and forthcoming, as he said he would be, in that
he didn’t allow access to speeches and other records that might have provided
a clearer picture of his positions on these major national security issues.
Again, thank you for
contacting me. I appreciate hearing your views and urge you to keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Chuck
