From Newsday...
by Janie Lorber
WASHINGTON - A flotilla of peace protesters in canoes and rafts attempted to blockade the houseboat of Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Jamaica Estates) early Wednesday morning in reaction to legislation he submitted that would impose sanctions on Iran.
The Queens Democrat emerged from his home on the Potomac River smiling and clapping after the demonstrators, known as Code Pink, had been chanting for nearly 30 minutes. They want Ackerman to withdraw the legislation because they believe it symbolizes the first step on a path to war. Instead of force, Code Pink is calling for direct talks with the Iranian government.
(Members of the anti-war Code Pink protested Rep. Gary Ackerman's house boat with a canoe blockade Wednesday morning. Photo by Michael Temchine.)
"This is not an embargo," Ackerman told the protesters. "We're not calling for a blockade. It is basically what the UN is doing. The UN has imposed sanctions on Iran."
Ackerman said he would be willing to meet with any Iranian government official without preconditions, including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, but would not retreat from his legislation.
Ackerman said he expected the bill, which already has 220 co-sponsors, to pass the House easily, though no date has been set for a vote.
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Comments
Yes, Code Pink does have a navy. And its flag contains a hammer and sickle.
Posted by: Jessica | July 9, 2008 5:52 PM
If Dem-Lib Gary Ackerman isn't left-wing enough for them, who other than Fidel Castro is?
Posted by: Bruce | July 9, 2008 6:46 PM
Gary Ackerman is as left as it is going to get for these throwbacks to the sixties Code Pink.
This just is to talk about direct talks with Iran and make Obama keep his word to these nutroots. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | July 10, 2008 9:18 AM
Rep. Ackerman's July 9th assurances to his Code Pink houseboat visitors are naive, silly and outrageous. Ackerman's stated willingness to meet with any Iranian government official without preconditions, including Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, could endanger national security, and is an usurpation of the President's executive powers under Article 2 of the Constitution. No one elected Mr. Ackerman President, however he may think of himself. Rep. Ackerman's proposed meeting would also violate the Logan Act. Moreover, the Iranian government is in such a disarray that it is difficult to even know who speaks for it at this time. Hopefully, in November, Mr. Ackerman will be replaced by someone with a clearer view of the law of the land and the practical aspects of negotiations.
Sincerely,
Liz Berney, Esq.
Republican candidate for the 5th Congressional District of New York (Rep. Ackerman's opponent)
Posted by: Liz Berney for Congress | July 10, 2008 6:11 PM