Opponents of intervention in Libya, Pat Toomey & Ron Johnson, back Syria intervention

[compromise]

http://www.toomey.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1134

ALLENTOWN, PA. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement today regarding the situation in Syria.

"It appears to be an established fact that Assad has used chemical weapons repeatedly in an indiscriminate slaughter of his own civilians. These weapons and his behavior pose a national security risk to the U.S. This calls for an American response, being mindful to avoid a long-term military engagement in the Syrian civil war. The President must explain to Congress and the American people the objectives and risks of any action."

http://wnow.worldnow.com/story/23284...ks-about-syria

BEAVER DAM (WKOW) -- Wisconsin's Republican U.S. Senator says it is time to take a strong stand against the Syrian government.

Senator Ron Johnson spoke mostly about domestic issues to a group at the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, but quickly turned the discussion to Syria when interviewed by 27 News.

"The problem we have in Syria is we have not done anything for the last two and a half years while this slaughter's occurred," says Johnson.

With military action now seeming inevitable, he believes it has to be strong.

"I am concerned we do just some kind of pin-prick strike, that both Assad and Russia take a look at it and go, 'Oh that's it?' That would almost be worse than no action."

But Senator Johnson clarifies his stance, saying that bold action doesn't have to be taken immediately.

"We need a lot more information and that's, to me, that is the president's job. It is incumbent upon him to provide the American public, to provide members of Congress that information and then seek a Congressional vote, approval, of any action he's gonna take."

Ultimately, Senator Johnson believes toppling Bashar al-Assad's regime is likely the United States' best option.

"That would be my current thinking, but I want to hear the President explain it."

Republican Senators voting to oppose US intervention in Libya were:
Collins (R-ME), DeMint (R-SC), Ensign (R-NV), Johnson (R-WI), Lee (R-UT), Moran (R-KS), Paul (R-KY), Sessions (R-AL), Sowe (R-ME), Toomey (R-PA)

As with Flake, given their votes against Libya, clearly these two know better. So why are they supporting intervention in Syria?

[JCDenton0451]

Actually, it looks like these statements are at least a week old. That was before Obama turned to Congress for authorization.

[enhanced_deficit]

http://www.toomey.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1134


http://wnow.worldnow.com/story/23284...ks-about-syria




As with Flake, given their votes against Libya, clearly these two know better. So why are they supporting intervention in Syria?

To be devil's advocate, we don't have to have a long war with Syria, just go in, get the WMDs for national security and get out - a quicky war. What is wrong with quick war with Syria for national security of our closest allies Saudi Arabia/Israel and also of Americans like some moderate Republicans have called for?

“We know Assad has used these weapons, and there is good reason to suspect the al Qaida-affiliated rebels would use them as well if they could get their hands on them. This poses an intolerable threat not only to our friends in the region, but also to the United States. We need to be developing a clear, practical plan to go in, locate the weapons, secure or destroy them, and then get out. The United States should be firmly in the lead to make sure the job is done right.”- Rafael Cruz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...83YwkLAp0#t=39

CNN.com - 'Old Europe' hits back at Rumsfeld - Jan. 24, 2003
Jan 24, 2003 - The U.S. defence minister calls France and Germany 'old', the rest of Europe 'young' and wants a quick war with Iraq. ...

While in Syria for a quick war, we can also scope the terrain for next quick war with Iran for national security of CUFI Pastor John hagee, Saudi Arabia, Israel and all Americans.

[Brian4Liberty]

We will see when it comes time for the vote. It they vote yes, that would be the tipping point for calling for Primary challengers.

[kathy88]

Toomey has been a huge disappointment to Pennsylvanians.

[jllundqu]

The cognitive dissonance pisses me off.

[compromise]

Johnson seems to have changed his mind, voted against it in committee. But then again, so did Rubio.