Why would Obama give the secretary of defense to Rep. Chuck Hagel?

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   maxoxam41posted 11 years ago

   Didn't he embody the antithesis of the Democrats' ideals, unless they are not that far apart?

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      Quilligrapherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hello Max.
      
      In what way does Rep. Hagel embody the antithesis of the Democrats' ideals?
      

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         maxoxam41posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Firstly as a republican his ideals are radically opposed. I was wondering, aren't there any democrats to face the challenge? Secondly as a multi-millionaire, ex lobbyist, deputy director of the private sector council... in what way does he represent the American people? But as a man for the military industrial, he is perfect.

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            Quilligrapherposted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Hi Max. Thanks for a rapid reply. I appreciate your comments.
            
            You ask a few interesting questions and make an unusual claim. Together, they suggest there may be a few gaps in your knowledge about Rep. Chuck Hagel and his actual accomplishments.
            
            For example, you said, “As a republican his ideals are radically opposed” to President Obama's. Clearly, you are not fully aware of Rep. Hagel’s political ideals.
            
            Were you around in 2007, Max, when Rep. Hagel (R-NE) broke ranks with his party and joined Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) to pass the Iraq Accountability Act?
            
            “This $122 billion war spending bill calls for combat troops to begin withdrawing from Iraq this summer. The 51-47 vote fell mostly along party lines. Two Republicans -- Sens. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Gordon Smith of Oregon -- joined Democrats in support of the package, which would fund U.S. military activity in Iraq and Afghanistan. But Democrats also attached language that would start troop withdrawals within 120 days of passage, with a March 31, 2008, goal for completing the process.” {1} There is still more to learn about Sen. Chuck Hagel. Much of his political record demonstrates his connection to the American people.
            
            “In November of 2005, Senator Hagel made a much-publicized statement saying ‘To question your government is not unpatriotic -- to not question your government is unpatriotic.’” {2}
            
            Again in December of the same year this congressman took a public stand against George W. Bush, the Republican Party, and the attack on civil liberties imbedded in the Patriot Act. In a much-publicized statement, he said, "I took an oath of office to the Constitution, I didn't take an oath of office to my party or my president." {2}
            
            He also opposed the renewal of the Patriot Act by joining with Democrats in “arguing that more civil liberties safeguards need to be added to the proposed renewal of the Patriot Act.” {3}
            
            Nor did he sell his votes in the Senate to gain support for his own legislation. During his two terms, he sponsored 35 bills. None became law. {1} At times, Max, I wonder if we are talking about the same man. You may want to explain why you think he is perfect.  If you are implying he is a hawk or an advocate for the military-industrial complex, you will need to provide some supporting facts.
            
            On August 18, 2005, Hagel became the first Republican U.S. senator to publicly criticize the Iraq war and to call for withdrawal {2}
            
            Do you remember, Max, back in January 2007? Rep. Hagel stood up for his ideals by voting to pass Sen. Joe Biden’s resolution against the “surge” in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “All eleven committee Democrats supported the measure, along with Sen. Hagel. During the committee hearings, Hagel gave a passionate speech against the ‘surge.’" {2} Note that the measure would have passed without his support and his highly visible opposition to his party’s line. Max, some research you should do for yourself. You might be surprise by how much I learn by researching the accuracy of your posts.
            
            Thank you, Max. 
            
            {1} http://projects.washingtonpost.com/cong … s/h001028/
            {2} http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Chuck_Hagel
            {3} http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co … t/asection

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