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Subscribe to RSSHouse Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) sent the following letter today to President Obama saying he was "alarmed" by his comment to Dmitry Medvedev regarding missile defense and the need for "flexibility" in an election year.
"It is troubling that you would suggest to Russian leaders that their reckless ambition would be rewarded with greater 'flexibility' on our missile defense program after the upcoming election," the letter reads.
This come after Boehner indirectly criticized Mitt Romney for hitting Obama on the subject, saying that he does not see it "appropriate" to criticize a president while he is overseas.
Now that Obama is back home, he's apparently fair game.
Here's the full letter:
Dear Mr. President:
I was alarmed to learn of the message you sent to incoming Russian President Vladimir Putin while in South Korea Monday.
America's missile defense program is critical to our homeland security and the collective security of our NATO partners, and it has clear implications for the security of our allies in the Middle East. I and other Members of the House have previously expressed concern about your administration's apparent willingness to make unilateral concessions to Russia that undermine our missile defense capabilities. Your comments reinforce those worries.
The Russian government has not lived up to its obligations to support the world community in reining in the rogue nations of Iran, Syria, and North Korea. On the contrary, Russia has at times offered support for these dangerous regimes. And it is increasingly evident that Russia is intent on expanding its boundaries and power through hostile acts - including invading a neighboring American ally. It is troubling that you would suggest to Russian leaders that their reckless ambition would be rewarded with greater "flexibility" on our missile defense program after the upcoming election. That has significant implications for the security of our homeland, sends a terrible signal to our allies around the world, and calls into question the effectiveness of your "reset" policy with the Russian government.
Your message also implies you understand such concessions would not be supported by the American people or the Congress. As you know, the House has passed legislation prohibiting the administration from making any agreements to diminish our missile defense capacity absent congressional authorization or treaty. This is an imperative upon which we continue to insist.
Your immediate clarification provided little clarity and instead sought to conflate the issue of missile defense - the focus of your words - with the separate matter of Russia's nuclear weapons program. I ask that you explain what greater "flexibility" on missile defense you were suggesting Mr. Putin could expect in a second term. With Congress' expressed interest in this matter and America's objective of preventing rogue states from launching missile strikes, it is important to know what changes you are contemplating or offering. Further, what actions does your administration believe the Russians have taken that warrant any change in our missile defense policy?
Given the specter you have raised of shifting positions, it would be appropriate that you state publicly and clearly that no unilateral concessions will be made to the Russians, before or after the election. Or, if your administration is planning any concessions to the Russians on missile defense, I request that you report on them and consult immediately with the congressional committees of jurisdiction. A misguided missile defense policy would have far-reaching consequences, and any concessions you may have under consideration require an open and thorough justification. A post-election surprise on this critical issue would not be welcomed by the American people, the Congress, or the world community.
I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
John A. Boehner
Leave a Comment:
Sounds to me like Boehner's been boozing it up again!
It was only a matter of time...
If the GNOP can't keep the fear flag flying high - they are not happy little campers!
Doubt he ever stops, maybe he just slows down!
OFF MESSAGE: Thank you Martin Bashir for your comparison of one white youth who engaged in underage drinking, theft, DUI (suspended driving license) to Trayvon Martin who is being villified on the right for wearing a hoodie, maybe residue of pot in his back pack, graffitti!
The white youth became the 43rd President!.....Amazing!
He's just trying to save his seat.
DCIA - here, let me tweak that just a tich!
LOL! You said it!
You don't get a do over Johnny boy! I am sure he was scolded by Cantor!
No doubt Eric Cantor and Mitch McConnell gave cry-baby Boehner a whippin' after Boehner dared to say ANYTHING even halfway-nice about the President of the United States.
It sure doesn't seem to me as though Boehner is in control of anything over there, much less "acting" Speaker of the House. Obviously, Eric Cantor and the Teabaggers are pushing Boehner around Big Time!
Obama / Biden 2012
Sounds to me like Boehner's been boozing it up again!
Boozing? It looks to me like Obama is following in Uncle Omar's footsteps. They have to be drunk off their azzes over at the White House to now try to blame Republicans for Obamacare.
Can you imagine? Let see...blame bush, blame teaparty, blame Europe, blame Tsunami, blame Earthquake, blame Wallstreet. And now blame the Republicans for Obamacare. You can't make this crap up.
"The Affordable Care Act is a bipartisan plan and one that we think is constitutional," Deputy White House press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
No Republican voted for the Affordable Care Act on final passage.
Rob - a little off message --- again!
Boehner never knows what to say until someone tells him. As usual!
Eric Cantor needs to get back in there in kick Boehner's a$$ again! Who the heck does Boehner think he is compared to Eric Cantor.
Boehner may be 3rd in line to the Presidency, but Eric Cantor is King of the Teabaggers!
Cantor is totally embarassing Boehner, and making Boehner look like a compete fool! I wonder exactly what Cantor told Boehner to get Boehner trucking back down to the Press Center and forcing Boehner to retract his own comments!
I can just see Cantor kicking Boehner's but all the way down the hall to the Press Center just to say "What I meant was...." Boehner -- What a maroon (bugs bunny)!
Boehner is not only a cry-baby, but he's beginning to look a whole lot like a "girly man" too!
Obama / Biden 2012
Rob - a little off message --- again!
MSNBC can come up with as many Bulls&%T stories they want in order to cover for this ROGUE administration. But today and for the rest of the summer there is only the putrid economy, high gas prices, and a loser President that signed off on an unconstitutional law that would have sealed this country's fate to talk about.
That's is all there is to it!
Rob in ma - you're still blathering about things that have nothing to do with this site I see. And, I see you're still putting out your nonsense and lies. We would expect nothing else from you.
TO: Dont_carry_it_all who wrote:
I think Eric Cantor has pretty much already decided to kick old Boehner to the curb, otherwise, why would he be embarassing Boehner this way and letting all the American People know who the REAL Speaker of the House, and it sure AIN'T cry-baby Boehner.
No amount of but kissing is going to save Boehner from Cantor. Cantor has already decided there's going to be a coop against Boehner.
Dear Speaker Boehner: Don't worry, after the November Election, Speaker Nancy Pelosi will deal with Eric Cantor for you. LOL!
Obama / Biden 2012
SS, Rob's though track is missing a few rails.
Nothing wrong with having a drink, provided you can hold more than too without a problem!
I see all of the unemployed Libs got here first. Anybody out there have a drink yet today ?
Okay, who got to Boehner, Rush Limbaugh, who?
sonar guy
what's your excuse?
Rob in ma-3189632
what do you say about the fact that Republicans supported individual mandate until Obama did. Mitt Romney backed the GOP's individual mandate in 1994. Gingrich supported the individual mandate in the '90's, again in 2005, then again in 2007, then again in 2009. A former Republican President (Bush1) supported an individual mandate. So they were for it before they were against it.
How are you going to spin that? Talk about gas prices again?
anything Obama does these days worries me!
"If I had a son, he would look just like Trayvon." What bull$hit is that?
I too heard that sound bite from our President on Wednesday! BO seems to be sticking his nose in matters that are really no concern of his.... ! Can we now agree he doesn't have a clue? Both Congress and now the Supreme Court seen to think so......! If we can just tighten up voter fraud, we can insure it's only a one term mistake for the country!
sonar guy - sorry to disappoint but his "lib" has two jobs. My guess is you can't hold down one.
Bill T and Rub of the Green - so the two of you clearly have an issue with the GOP candidates that said this is a travesty and that a thorough investigation needs to take place. Or is your problem just with Obama 'cause you don't like him. The only mistake for this country was Bush and we are all STILL paying for his debacle!
Obama/Biden 2012
Nicely done, SeekingSanity. Voted.
Much ado about nothing. What second term president does not feel like he has "greater flexibility" (on anything) knowing he will not be competing for election again? Developing a good relationship with post Soviet Russia is sound strategic policy. The GOP establishment is moronic for setting aside the long term interests of this country for perceived political gain. Guilty, essentially, of the very thing they accuse the President of.
The one thing that I'm waiting for in the next election, besides having the most intelligent president we have ever had, get re-elected, is for Nancy Pelosi to take back speaker of the house... By far, this woman surpasses Bohener in just plain common sense as well as intelligence...
We need more women in the positions of power in the halls of congress, than we have right now... That thought is really scaring the right-wing extremist, who have created a "War on Women"...
Sounds like the Speaker got spanked for going off the Romney talking points.
The immediacy of his position towards Obama definitely makes it seem that way!
Everyone in this country and those calling us allies should be alarmed by the wink and the nod from Obama to the Russians. What is Obama willing to give the Russians that has to wait until after the election? That would seem to indicate that Obama knows what he is willing to give the Russians will not be popular with the American people, and he does not want to take the heat for it prior to the election. How many other countries have gotten the same signal from Obama? Everyone should be alarmed.
Okay he's home back to calling him a socialist, muslim, liberal, terrorist...
Don't know how the Weeper can do that, Devie, since he got 98% of what he wanted last year. Guess he's angry about the missing 2%!
Americans do need to be concerned about what President Obama said to the Russian President. Set aside all the politics and try to grasp the real problems with what he said "flexibility" AFTER the election. Seems like Russia is NOT on our side or the United Nations as far as Iran, Syria are concerned. Why would we be willing to be flexible with them when they have not been flexible with us.
president obama is showing his weakness.
OBAMA has been busted. I can not believe that a politician would say something before an election and do something different after the election.
@ suet
The Russia's are upset by Romney's remarks.
DRUDGE REPORT 3-28-2012
President Obama did not say anything out of line, just the simple truth; he'll have more flexibility after the election. Not only that, Congress will have more flexibility after the election. There is no way the House GOP and the Senate republicans will approve any efforts to reduce nuclear arms during an election year. That's fact.
Really jody, more flexibility? More like he is hoping that that congress will be made up politically more to his liking. Rather telling on how he views his leadership abilities.
If he believes he will be re-elected then he should proceed like he will be and get the ball rolling with the russians. All he has done with this open mike comment and lame excuse after the fact is portray himself as a self serving individual thinking only of himself and not the American people.
TO: suet who wrote:
I'd say Republicans have been busted (again) staying stuck on their obsession with President Obama instead of doing the people's business.
How about those JOBS JOBS JOBS Republicans promised if they were voted into office during the last mid-terms.
I'm still waiting to see them create even ONE job. So far, nothing but more Republican obsessive behavior.
Obama / Biden 2012
american -205.... You really don't know how an election year works for all candidates, do you?
Does the writer of this article not understand what "overseas" means? Geez.
And, Obama revealed the truth about himself- he plans on ramming a lot more stuff the American people reject through if, heaven forfend, he gets another term.
Heck, he probably has big plans for the lame duck sessions.
no joe - you don't have a clue and every time you post you show it more and more. The American people have not rejected anything this President has accomplished - just the sick far right. And, he won't "fat" another term however he will be re-elected.
TO: no joe, no bo, nj who wrote:
There's a whole lot more Americans than just those in the Republican Party.
You may not realize this, but this country is run based on "majority rules"; NOT "Republicans rule".
Like it or not, nobody can crown "Republicans, Dictators for Life"!
And believe it or not, it is NOT "Your way or the highway"!
Obama / Biden 2012
Uh, you guys ever hear of HCR?
Check out the polling on it.
So, which polling are you talking about,
no brains. . . err, no joe? The polling that asks if people like the ACA (slight majority say no), or the polling where every aspect gets a significant positive reaction when asked about separately?In other words,
no brainsno joe, when asked about every single item in the ACA (HCR is the process, not the law, fool), people like it by a large majority. So, once again, you are wrong. But that doesn't surprise anyone here.American Girl-724855, your pic is fake, show your real pic
Rove: Obama's Open-Mic Russia Comment Could Sink
Re-election
Wednesday, 28 Mar 2012 11:17 AM
By Henry J. Reske
President
Barack Obama's wait-until-after-the-election comment to Russian President Dmitry
Medvedev that an open microphone caught could pose a serious problem for the
president's re-election bid, Karl Rove writes in an Op-Ed
on the Fox News website.
Obama didn't realize the mic would pick up
his comments when he told Medvedev that issues such as missile defense would be
best handled after the election when he would "have more
flexibility."
"By telling Mr. Medvedev and his patron, the
once-and-future Russian President Vladimir Putin, that he will have
'flexibility' after the American election on Russian demands opposing a U.S.
missile defense for Europe, Mr. Obama is in effect saying he is ready to do
something the Russians will like but that the American people won't," the former
top aide to President George W. Bush wrote.
"Mr. Obama has shown Russian
leaders, and now the entire world, weakness."
Rove added that Obama's
remarks in Seoul, South Korea, could confirm to voters that he's "not shooting
straight with the American people."
"Is Mr. Obama also concealing
unpopular domestic policies he'll spring on the country in a second term? What
the president calls 'flexibility' with Russian autocrats, American voters will
likely view as a lack of candor with them," Rove wrote on the Fox News website.
"If that's the case, it could seriously undermine the president's chances for
re-election.
Oh, with this incident Carl Rove is now against President Obama being reelected. *OMG* Mr. Rove was such a strong supporter of the President, how could he possibly change his mind ?
/s
The poutrage coming from the Republicans, particularly on Fox News is ridiculous.
Honestly, Speaker Boehner, the one time in three years you actually spoke the truth the other day and now you're back pedaling faster that Romney flip flops. Do these GOP fear mongers not think President Reagan said something similar back in the day?
No, Jody, they do not think. That is the crux of the problem.
This turd is going to sell out this country. Wake up America! Time to flush this turd out of the white house. The stink is getting to be horrible.
If this missle defense system were restricted then there would probably be greater assurity to Russians that they won't get "shock and awed" someday. At least if I were Russian that would relieve me a little.
It appears that boehner is calling obama out for not having any faith in the role of congress.
I see that the obama supporters have ignored the implications that obama's open mike comments portend. Mr obama has shown a propensity for wanting to kick tough issues down the road and that his only function as POTUS is to control the dialog in order to be re-elected. First with ignoring his own debt commission, then S&P's downgrade warning, then sending in the second string biden in for the debt ceiling debacle, his AJA act that must be passed "right away" to wanting to kick the XL pipeline down the road until after the 2012 elections as well.
Golly mr obama, we expect a potus to remain focused on getting America to move forward, not to pretend that the only job of a POTUS is to get re-elected.
Who in their right mind would have faith in that collection of do-nothings?
Mr Speaker, came out of his noonday stupor and realized, it is an election year and one must stick to the party line. It is my guess, that one of Mitt's fat cat donors, whispered a sweet little nothing in Mr. Boehner's ear......Mitt's not happy with you!!!
Jerry - the turd you are speaking about, Boehner? Romney? Santorum or which of the other GOP?
Welcome back Seeking. I might add it was an underserved time out, IMO.
Don't - thank you. I felt the same but - hey - what can I say?
I do believe Seeking Sanity has learned their lesson...
Ain't that right SS? ;o)
Good to see ya back kicking asses & taking numbers!
It is! Happy to be back!
Each and every time President Obama has tried to move the country forward the Republicans have promptly slammed it into reverse. They keep wanting to take the country back, back to the 1930's. To say otherwise only makes you look like a fool.
Yes, he is. It's the old political "gentlemen's rules" about all criticism stopping "at water's edge." You don't criticize the president when he is out of the country, and you don't criticize the country to non-Americans.
Dear Mr.
Tan ManSpeaker: Thank you for your recent letter expressing your opinion regarding the US Missile defense and the US relationship with the Russian Republic. I particularly enjoyed your reference to the partisan bill about defense currently languishing with several others in the bottom drawer of the Senate Majority leader's desk.Please be assured, as President of the United States, I intend to use the full powers of the office, including the full power to receive foreign ambassadors and to negotiate treaties; which, should a treaty on our missile defense come forth, I shall submit to the Senate for its advice and consent; and I shall also utilize the full inherant authority as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States granted to me by the Constitution of the United States to decide when and where to deploy the forces and weapons of the United States miliatary.
How's the budget coming along ? Have you decided to fully eliminate Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security and other social programs in this year's budget, or will you string the elderly, poor, disabled, veterans, women and so many others in the hope that they will continue to vote for your pathetic party ?
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
President of the United States of America.
That letter would bring tears to the Weepers eyes!....great letter.
Perry pissed off the Turks, and now Mittens pisses off the Russians. Imagine what they would do if they actually became CIC? Frightening!
dirp101: Fantastic letter!
You people need to get yourselves educated about what is really on the Republican agenda and what is not. Surprise!! No Republican is looking to kick out the old people or the poor... that is just just scare tactics that the left always pulls out of their .$$ when then can't come up with anything legitimite.
Obummer just got caught.... accept that he is a liar and a cheater and move on...
That is what community organizers do... at ACORN that is what the training manual says... lie, cheat...
So no negotiating allowed, once again it must be my way or the highway right boner. I am tired of the republican party acting like they are the only ones that have rights in this country and everyone must tote their water. As far as I know this is still a democracy and we the poeple have a say in our government. I think it is time to remind the GOP of this. We are not the rulers of this planet and to act as such only bring more problems. Time to remember how to share.
This rough draft found under a bottle of "Old Cannon Cocker" in Speaker Boehner's office:
Dear Mr. President,
As you know, we Republicans have been long standing supporters of pissing money down the Military/Industrial complex rat hole. That is why we are most concerned with your statements to Mr. Medvedev. As you may be aware, we are no closer to the relatively impossible dream of intercepting ICBM warheads or missiles in flight than we were 30 years ago. Not only that, but the Cold War has been over for twenty years. However, we cannot end our program of corporate welfare under the guise of "missile defense".
That is why I'm expressing concern today, your talk of "flexibility" and "space" may lead
SovietRussian leaders to become convinced that the foreign policy of the United States is both peaceful and reasonable. This is unacceptable. Today, America needs more enemies than ever. If peace starts breaking out everywhere; how will the rampant fear-mongers in our party generate the requisite hatred for the "other"? (Other than yourself, of course...wink wink.)I'm asking you today, in the name of all "right thinking" Americans, that you desist in your acts of reasonableness and tolerance of nations; whether they be former enemies or not. Furthermore, I would insist that you instruct Hot Pants Hillary to punch every leader she meets in the face or the groin (depending on the length of historical enmity) in the name of the American people.
By these actions, I believe that the United States can be returned to the status we enjoyed in the past decade, when we could tell all nations (allies included) to, "Suck it".
Tanned and Tanked,
John Boehner
Speaker of the House
Now I'm going to cry.
Nice! Voted!
Thank you for validating my awesomeness! (smiley emoticon?)
Do you really think that the military would be so stupid as to allow people like me and you to know exactly what they are capable of?
"Jane's Defence" might, "Aviation and Aerospace Weekly" might, scores of other technical/military industrial complex publications might; the military, not so much. Because, you know, they're not building that stuff for free. Sorry to rain on your one man parade.
Finally someone is questioning this remark. What an embarrasment for the US. How dare he tell them to hold off until the election. Does he get it at all? That alone makes us look so weak. So vunerable. Anyone that thinks that comment was ok is not using a clear head. I only pray that this has a happy ending when he is booted out of his one term? If you can consider it a term.
Sasha, how many years have you negotiated peace treadies with other world leaders, have you ever held a public office above city counsel. Your comment simply shows your ignorance of how things work in this world, we do not dictate to any other country or we risk being attacked. Please try to remember that Russia has nukes as well, and they have been reducing their stock pile as well so I assume they understand the risks as well, but you push anyone (bully) to much and you might get your nose broken.
Tis - Sasha is no more qualified to hold a city council seat as she is to clean the streets. Both are above her level of intelligence.
OOPS! my bad.
Little sasha...Why don't you give us the examples of your complete moral outrage when BushII made the comment that ending the Iraq war would be the next president's problem. I'm sure you were completely outraged that a sitting president would have such little regard for our American soldiers.
Let me guess your response....Bush who? What war? Socialism killed our American soldiers and it's all Obama's fault because he's black. Don't tread on me....phart.....scratch scratch....
Again -- Doesn't anybody remember Reagan and the hostages that were waiting to be released until after the election?????
"Tra1tor In Th1ef" has returned to his betrayed foster country (USA) and can now be justifiably ridiculed by Speaker John Boehner.
spar2cuss, one word for you MORON!
(sigh) just more politicking from both of them.
What Boehner the bonehead is really worried about is that he represents all his buddies that are in the weapons business and nothing else. If he cannot keep the defense contracts going for them that makes them rich he will lose his job. Majority of Americians would like to see the government invest some money in peoples programs and not expensive defense weapons or the space program. With all the mighty weapons we have we did not win a war against North Korea, got out butts kicked by Vietnam, the same old problems are recurring its ugly head in Iraq and as for Afganistan we all know the answer to that one except our leaders. I must give us credit we were able to win a war in Grenada.
The Tan man {Boehner} is still trying to get another bonus from the military indusrial complex for another round of saber rattling and munitions stockpling.
Then he can get back to screwing the 99% americans about health care and retirement just like the Russians screwed their 99% citizens.
Republicans and Russians are the SAME!!!!
Problem is that the current and prospective GOP leadership does not believe in the concept of diplomacy and negotiation. They are in the habit of making all or nothing demands, hoping to damage the President, no matter if it damages the country.
Boner's letter is out of place. The State Department negotiates bi-lateral agreements. The Senate confirms or denies approval. The House of Representatives is not involved. Tough luck Mr. Boner, you got no dog in this fight. You want to have a vote on treaties, run for the Senate.
So, for those of you keeping score at home...
Tuesday: "Clearly while the president is overseas, he's at a conference and while the president is overseas I think it's appropriate that people not be critical of him or our country."
Wednesday: "It is troubling that you would suggest to Russian leaders that their reckless ambition would be rewarded with greater 'flexibility' on our missile defense program after the upcoming election."
Really american-2051576? What about Reagan and the hostages in Iran? I love how the Repubs refuse to remeber history.
Oh, Pamela. I don't think it's a matter of refusing to remember history....I think it's a matter of them not being ABLE to remember history.
Let's not forget that Oliver North is a paid commentator on the FOX terrorist channel.
Speaker Boner is oh so barely hanging on by his nails as Cantor sharpens the knife.
TO: no joe, no bo, nj who wrote:
There's a whole lot more Americans than just those in the Republican Party.
You may not realize this, but this country is run based on "majority rules"; NOT "Republicans rule".
Like it or not, nobody can crown "Republicans, Dictators for Life"!
And believe it or not, it is NOT "Your way or the highway"!
Obama / Biden 2012
Doesn't anyone think it's about time someone questions anything that has been going on? When you have a president that swore to uphold the constitution shows so little regard for the consitution, someone needs to question and question and question. It certainly appears the only concern right now is getting another term. And really, why do you side track people with the Bush administration, as I recall there was a whole lot of complaining when he was in there and noone done anything about him either, so it's time to set him aside and concentrate on the current news, like the patriot act, the NDAA setting up health insurance that doesn't have an unconstitutional flare to it, you know restoring our freedoms. Or are the rabid Obama fans to star struck to look at things realistically? The Ron Paul followers are nowhere near as rabid as the Obama followers, I've never encountered such mean spirited people.
"Ron Paul followers are nowhere near as rabid as the Obama followers..."
That's because both of them are too old to put up much of a fight.
Supporters of the President of the United States of America are now being referred to as "rabid'? You really have a low opinion of faithful Americans, don't you.
The fact that you refer to supporters of Ron Paul's campaign as "followers" is quite telling...
We all know these messages are delivered to and from leaders in all countries. The difference is that Obama continues to show his lack of executive experience when he thinks he has to say these things himself. His people tell Putin's people, and the message is sent. But, Obama doesn't know to do this. His arrogance keeps coming through. Then, he weighs in on the Trayvon Martin matter, making prosecutors everywhere cringe. The President doesn't need to make public comments about local crime issues. He ended up looking stupid in the Harvard professor matter, and his behind is showing again now. Meanwhile, the prosecutor's worrying about she's going to get this case to a grand jury, and how she's going to seat a trial jury when Obie and Jeb have thrown in their two uneducated cents.
@Texass
I'm sure he will contact you the next time he needs to enter into negotiations with various world leaders since you are soooo knowledgeable regarding these issues. I would recommend you actually crack a book and try to learn something instead of just vomiting out this tea party crap. Since when do these clowns know anything about international relationships. I love it when people that know absolutely nothing criticize the Pre3sident about matters they have zero understanding of. I think we would all be surprised how often this goes on between world leaders. You see, they actually have a pretty good understanding of what is going on.
Much ado about nothing. Of course the weeper will try and make something of it but I'll bet he has delayed things for his advantage too. Heck, Ronald Reagan (angels singing, correct righties?) even consulted a fortune teller before making moves.