Richard Todd, Independent Candidate for Washington’s 8th Congressional District, Releases Statement Calling for New Constitutional Convention in Iraq

Snoqualmie, WA (PRWEB) November 6, 2006

Richard Todd, independent candidate for Washington’s 8th Congressional District, has released the following statement calling for a new constitutional convention in Iraq.

“Nuri al-Maliki as Iraqi Prime Minister has the authority to appoint a Commission to propose changes to the Iraqi Constitution. In the present state of turmoil in Baghdad and the Sunni strongholds in Anbar Province as well as other areas which threaten to break away from the National Iraqi identity, the ability of the Maliki government to take decisive action is dwindling daily.

American diplomacy has the opportunity to help the Prime Minister the reshape the Iraqi Constitution if acted upon quickly. That is, initiate a Constitutional Convention now (yesterday) which can address the necessary protections for minorities within the Iraqi Nation. Americans by this time know about the turmoil and delaying tactics used by political parties who are squabbling with each other rather than serving the needs of the country.

A constitution, worthy of that name, must distinguish between the needs to protect minorities and the civil rights of individual citizens as opposed to the electoral process which gives inordinate power to political parties. As recent developments in Iraq have shown, political parties care not a hoot for minority rights.

The Administration of George W. Bush has a unique opportunity to council (and if necessary pressure) the Maliki government to convene such a convention. Even the start of such talks can have a sobering effect on the sectarian violence.

We can expect very little support from European governments which incorporate a political structure similar to that of Iraq. The protections for minorities under the US Constitution are effective primarily through the independent judiciary formed through lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court. Without dwelling in depth on issues such as Abu Graib, Guantanimo, CIA interrogations and practices, torture, enemy lists, and telephone surveillance without sanction by a Court, it is obvious that the US Constitutional standard of presumed innocence until proven guilty is presently in tatters and has badly tarnished our image as a Nation of Laws before a skeptical world.

Never the less, it is the strength of the US Constitution, interpreted by the Supreme Court, having equal power with the Executive and Legislative branches of government, that can not only stem the erosion but restore the integrity of minority rights.

We have dawdled too long and allowed the formation of a Parliamentary monstrosity in Iraq. The day is fast approaching when the US electorate will no longer tolerate the loss of American lives and the expenditure of billions of dollars to prop up a failed Iraqi government. Our military departure under these circumstances will most likely herald a new tyranny for the Iraqis and dishonor those who gave their lives or suffered terrible wounds for Iraqi freedom.

US diplomacy must now come to the fore and help the Maliki government, through a Constitutional convention, to fashion for Iraq a new document which provides for the Iraqi people what the US Constitution assures for each American citizen. That action, taken with appropriate diligence and effort, will provide this Administration with a successful completion of the chapter called Iraq which will stand the test of History.

For more information, please contact Richard Todd for Congress, telephone 425-888-3859 or visit the web at http://www.toddmarine.org.

Media inquires:

Belinda Young

Richard Todd For Congress

206-932-3145

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