Urgent Action Alert! Oppose Hagel Confirmation!

Visit our News page *** TIME-SENSITIVE LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT *** PLEASE CALL YOUR U.S. SENATORS: REGISTER YOUR OPPOSITION TO CHUCK HAGEL AS OUR NEXT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE! Tomorrow, Thursday, January 31st, the Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to consider the nomination of former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel as our next Secretary of Defense. If the Committee approves the nomination, the full Senate will then cast a vote on this matter. ACT! for America opposes the nomination of Mr. Hagel to this highly important position within the U.S. Government. We feel there are a host of reasons why his appointment would be dangerous to the security of our nation. Our level of concern led us recently to express our opposition directly to the leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee via a formal letter. Now, we need the voice of the American people—the Senate’s constituency—to be heard on this issue. Every U.S. Senator needs to understand the level of opposition that exists to Mr. Hagel’s nomination—and some compelling reasons for that opposition. We offer below only some of Mr. Hagel’s actions and statements over the years that deeply concern us. Soft on Iran – Mr. Hagel consistently has been soft on the Iranian regime, repeatedly voting against Iran sanctions, and in 2005 even proposing that Iran play a role in the shaping of the new Iraqi government. At a time when the Iranian regime is blatantly flaunting its efforts to bolster its nuclear weapon capabilities, this approach by our nation’s Secretary of Defense is not only short-sighted, but also extremely dangerous. Favors Dialogue with Terrorist Regimes and Groups – In 2009, Mr. Hagel stated his belief that the U.S. should negotiate with the regime of Bashir Al Assad of Syria. He has said the same about our nation’s approach to Hezbollah and Hamas. Further, in 2009, Mr. Hagel sent a letter to the President stating that Israel must begin open negotiations with Hamas. Hostile Toward Israel – There are numerous examples of Mr. Hagel’s hostility toward Israel and the Jewish-American community. He has stated that the “Jewish Lobby” is a problem on Middle East issues, and in 1999 he was the only member of the U.S. Senate not to sign a letter condemning growing anti-Semitism in Russia. As yet another example of his views on Israel, in 2006, when Hezbollah entered Israel, killed two Israeli soldiers, and fired thousands of rockets on Northern Israel, only one Senator—Chuck Hagel—publicly admonished Israel for defending itself. Supports Abolishment of Nuclear Weapons – At a globally dangerous period, Mr. Hagel endorses Global Zero, a movement that seeks the abolition of nuclear weapons. In fact, according to a recent AP article by Robert Burns, Chuck Hagel “would be the first to enter the Pentagon as a public advocate for sharply reducing the number of U.S. nuclear weapons—possibly without equivalent cuts by Russia.” These are but a few examples of his disconcerting approach to national security and defense-related issues, but even with these few examples—need we say more? Our nation simply cannot afford an administration official who has this nonsensical approach to our efforts around some of the most dangerous parts of the world. The only way to have any chance of stopping it is to speak out. ** Important and Time-Sensitive Action Item ** Please take a moment today and tomorrow to call your two U.S. Senators. Politely, but firmly, let them know that you are a constituent and that you are very much opposed to the nomination of Chuck Hagel as our next Secretary of Defense. NOTE: If you need help locating your legislators, visit our Contact Congress page by clicking HERE. Type in your zip code where indicated to locate your U.S. Senators. Once located, click on your Senator and you can then see his/her contact information, including the phone number of the Washington, DC office. If you know the name of your U.S. Senators, you also can call the Congressional Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be patched through to those particular offices. Again, please make your calls NOW and forward this action request to everyone you know who shares your concern. As a constituent, your voice and opinion is tremendously powerful. You CAN make a difference. Thank you for all that you do. REMEMBER, YOUR VOICE COUNTS! IF EACH OF US DOES JUST A LITTLE, TOGETHER WE CAN ACCOMPLISH A LOT! ACT for America P.O. Box 12765 Pensacola, FL 32591 www.actforamerica.org ACT for America is an issues advocacy organization dedicated to effectively organizing and mobilizing the most powerful grassroots citizen action network in America, a grassroots network committed to informed and coordinated civic action that will lead to public policies that promote America’s national security and the defense of American democratic values against the assault of radical Islam. We are only as strong as our supporters, and your volunteer and financial support is essential to our success. Thank you for helping us make America safer and more secure. The news items, blogs, educational materials and other information in our emails and on our website are only intended to provide information, news and commentary on events and issues related to the threat of radical Islam. 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