Ed Markey

" We're delighted to welcome congressman Markey some of view well listen this from yesterday -- recalled there was a planned occupation a demonstration. Our congressman -- is mid -- district office an office that I visited the congressman had before. And Ed being ever gallant have a gracious accommodated the -- group and was delighted he's accommodating WR KO. Ed thanks thanks for joining us on the show."

" It -- beyond congratulations on -- show."

" The half thanks -- thanks very much had been -- it's been addressed exiting on this side of the microphone everybody says GG treat those political peoples so. So softly is so kind you -- courteous to them as they were very very had have tests tough decisions to make that most people. Would run away from to be perfectly honest so I appreciate the work you've done any -- for all of us for many many years. Quick question right out of the box Iran Iraq the whole Middle East situation to on Wendy's mind it's on my mind the listeners and -- been gone crazy about this for weeks and I would say all the way up going back to the congressional elections. John McCain said the other day in South Carolina if we should retreat. The chaos will be unimaginable we will action probably be forced back into the situation becomes such a cauldron of violence and death oh that's that's a very very strong -- to take -- and it seems to be in conflict with the resolution that you and the Democrats put through the house last week."

" Well he already is a cauldron it already is -- wide open religious. Civil laws that has broken out. In Iraq it's. Right now very very chaotic or are all of our troops that are over there unfortunately more than a majority of all the people in -- think that it's okay to kill. Americans older is that he's the one thing that both sides agree upon so this. Resolution that we voted on last week was the sense that we shouldn't be escalating the war in rock that we should be trying to find a way. To -- escalate the war. The bush administration continued to believe that. By adding more troops that it will some all the other resolve this conflict were seeing on the news night as the night wore more. American men and women killed I had a young man -- killed two weeks ago we are young woman from Moscow last week her picture. But the picture of her family in the paper though. The Democrats saying in a political process in Iraq that brings the Shiites in the -- together to resolve this conflict."

" You have the Iraqi Eddie do you think the Iraqis are prepared to provide the sense of order and structure. That apparently is not has not yet been achieved in particular the streets of Baghdad."

" I think that right now we don't know -- units of that but they don't really have a stake yet in doing. The work the political work that have to be done until the Americans move that bill that day the principal protectors of the peace in this country only. In my opinion will political process begin to work ought to have a chance to work. So I think as long as we're in the middle as refereed that they -- going to continue on both sides."

" We get punched both sides now get current national congressman Wendy Murphy your command says -- quick question. I'm last week listening to. A lot of the press conferences in the aftermath of the votes on the resolution there was a lot of vague that talked about the notion that it's leadership. Certain members of leadership had ideas new proposals because it's one thing to condemn the war to say we want we want to start to retreat. But nothing to say we have a plan to prevent worst disaster do you have an opinion about who's proposal is likely to become the most popular for example I heard one person who was suggesting that that we put a lot of effort into literally trying to credence to have a democracy in Iraq across the country but to to literally try to create separate states that the Shiites Sunnis. Everybody gets their own space is is that planned that you think is likely to gain some traction do you think that you know York allies or do you even have a position has been your allies thinking that's the way to go to different strategy altogether and I'm not an expert -- but I'm really curious to know where you think that the next best ideas going to come from."

" Well you know the great book it's called Paris 1919 vote. Peace conference first and and it's just a wonderful book and and all of these various ethnic groups lobbying put their own country on the Armenians Greeks. All of the people -- Felt that the Ottoman empire that that had occupied their country of 500 years should. Now that they were finally going to be entitled to the -- it. Well at the end of the day it was this area left over that they really couldn't figure out what to do so they slapped together. Shiite Sunni and Kurds and call -- Iraq. And what's happening now. With the removal of this authoritarian government that Saddam Hussein and others before it is we're now seeing all of the complex all of the tensions that had existed. Prior to the country ever being established in the first place. And so that's why looking at the history of the region people pocketbook perhaps the fighting. Into those three regions. Using oil revenues as the guarantees to either read a confederation ought to allow for separate entities to be established but reading history which you can see how difficult it will be and you can see how arbitrary laws when Winston Churchill. Made this decision that partitioned active 19 flexible 1941. Oh I don't know what the direction that the political resolution of this will go but I do know that only the -- rocky people can decide the best solution. The the United States and Great Britain try in 19. Point 11 at 22 obviously we get -- they have with the political ramifications were."

" Just -- to quickly as -- when I'm also asking you is who is the democratic leader who you think is going to take. The -- I'm coming up with a proposal that you can latch on to keep hearing is. Not sick from the Democrats about what they're planning to do if I hear that they don't like the war they want to act out. And then when we select which who's who's coming up but what's next best proposal to deal responsibly with what Everett is that we do it away we got a few people think about some plans. What do you know what can you tell us about whose idea is is is rising about the rest is can you tell us anything about which persons proposal -- involved in any of the."

" It yet again at the end of the day it has to be the Iraqi people and the position of the Democrats taking generally is that. Well we have to step back that the Iraqis won't stand up until we stand down it's unfair to our American troops to have them open their second third or fourth or duty we don't have the military to do. And it will ultimately have to be. Courageous leaders inside -- rock who make the decision as to how to resolve this conflict that's what happened in Vietnam that's what will happen happen in --"

" 80 within the halls of congress an an in the aftermath of the visit from the war group of protesters had a -- issues that it. -- I get a little confused it seems to me that might be two options that present themselves to you and your colleagues when he is. A vote on additional funding there's a hundred billion dollar supplemental budget. Proposal that apparently will be filed -- might even be pending. Two -- semi democratic colleagues possibly talking about revisiting the 2002 authorization the legislative authorization that congress gave to. President Bush do you have a preference between those two either attack and deny the president the funding is that a real option for us to consider resignation. Or revisit an amend and constrict are constrained. The president's ability to. More as unilaterally as he has these past three years."

" Well I agreed with the people who came to my -- very peacefully yesterday I agree with them. That he would be absolutely wrong to. -- another. 10000 billion dollar blank check. To President Bush two continue to conduct the war reluctantly. So was on that I completely agree with those people visit me yet many of them obviously have families that have served in the rock. But I do think that congressman Jack -- From Pennsylvania is on them which is that. There should be a one year gap that is created between tours of duty of these men and women -- whether serving. It's not their fault that there is not of sufficient military to give them the break it's not their fault that they haven't been given a proper equipment that that's now be some conditions on the use of these people on the types of equipment and training that they're entitled to if we're going to put the same people over and over again into harm's way."

" So I don't know you know attach some restrictions to the vote on the Senate the supplemental budget in and what is that happening anyway do we know is when that's coming out of the vote."

" There has been no date as yet that has been announced but. It seems that that's the position that Democrats is coalescing around I I support the approach which your congressman Murtha is proposing now visit visit yet a third approach that -- mentioned which is to go back and revisit the -- the original resolutions that authorize the president to send troops into Iraq."

" In this is the one way the press for example Hillary Clinton -- getting up and coming under some pressure to read two -- vote with John Edwards is already articulate he thinks it was a mistake -- I assume that's the one with talking about any."

" That they -- that he regional wrestling as a last -- in October of 2002 and measures saying that that's the the debate over what mrs. Clinton should state that it was a mistake should vote -- the first place. So some people contend that what we should do -- go back and revisit that resolution and reexamine the premises and it and then amended. Amended so that the mission. Is that redefined in other words that mission which really ago in. Two put pressure upon Saddam Hussein. He is the allies access to the places where the allied believe there -- methods such."

" And so what's the new mention what's the redefinition I really want to notice I. Bored with hearing you say you know people are not in the mood for the war anymore I understand that. But I want to hear from the Democrats what their clay and that is. I want to know what the plan is not what they don't like what are they going to do."

" Oh against the does this at the end of the day it has to be to give the Iraqi people. The ability to make. Decisions for themselves and two and to move the American troops out of harm's way."

" Well that was president's political operatives to."

" Well the president the president believes that he's by escalating -- troops is going to bring -- political it -- political stability of the country."

" Take account we want to technical but I got a question before we get to the -- congressman I apologize for colony had idiots are also April oh. -- Eddie other gul -- whereas there's you know. At -- I started off the conversation by pointing out that John McCain had predicted. All hell is gonna break loose over the if we reach if we retreat prematurely withdraw and the like I'm I'm thinking of this both -- from a foreign policy strategically the most something of a politically. That the Democrats prepare to a rod do the Democrats run a serious political risk between now in the elections in 2008. If John McCain's prophecy actually materializes that. The Democrats retreat either by way of the resolution by way of funding or any other policies that you and your colleagues might embrace and then. What we see now is a very difficult an unacceptable level of violence aimed at American people explodes into a full scale. I'm bridled civil war with a whole nation is engulf all of Iraq is engulf it in. Horrible horrible situation almost like a -- offer at times times ten tops our country to greater risk of harm of course so I'm just curious about the thinking within the democratic caucus on that risk."

" That we we believe that the president by adding more troops is increasing the likelihood of violence in that country increasing the likelihood that a political resolution is going to boot the grasp of the all right --"

" He didn't answer the question he asked specifically whether the Democrats have considered the opposite resolved right we know which are feeling is about the escalation. By Tom asked you specifically about the likelihood that McCain is right and what the Democrats thinking about what."

" Always go -- India and that I guess I guess they didn't say it as directly but could we believe that John McCain is about is wrong if you can be John McCain in people who think like him. Are in violation of the first law of holes which is when you're in one -- ticket -- to do what they're doing is dictating this whole. Deeper and deeper and deeper and -- get your right. When we pull out became critical -- will probably be greater because they won't admit that they made a mistake."

" I still want to with the plan as when that happens and I still haven't heard but let's take a caucus we get we get a lot of people want to talk congressman immigrated -- just take one call olazabal and we'll let you go on let's go let's go to Joe in bridgewater Joe welcome defender intro with Wendy Murphy congressman Markey."

" Thanks guys one thing that really gets me is -- yet if a Democrat be able to your Kosovo falling question would be yes sir no. And that means every Democrat yes or no do you want to ask to win in Iraq. Can you answer that I gave you would be yes or no."

" I'm a Democrat I'm saying yes but the question I supposes and at the congressman I'm a Democrat how have a -- I would love to see the United States and the allies that would put together this process that may be I would like to see them have an unmistakable victory. That's Tom Finneran congressman."

" If if by victory you mean that the -- in. Military brought peace to this country than. I would like to have a victory I would like to if your definition is if that's what winning means but. You cannot win -- kind of war in Iraq with Benton and now before you hear that victory is not going to come. To our country we now have to decide. Having already. We lost the capacity to do that because of -- that that began before the war even began. And now decide how we want the managed he and -- a military Campbell what is. What steps we expect because we have already lost the opportunity to win on beyond that."

" Casey and that's sort of act I I think your answer arguably is now the collar specifically asked for -- now cancer used in all not a noun that is now Chattanooga."

" He just did I want to win I've wanted to -- it -- an American troops were going over Iraq we all want to -- it is clear in retrospect. That we insensitive. That they were active in the proper equipment that we didn't align our allies to -- the additional help which we want to that we with that we mistakenly deep -- by the entire government that the president of Egypt Mubarak only that he's -- what he went over there he said he said. I call president. Do not disband the Iraqi fire the general via the colonel. Buying oil people within the army and keep them intact to keep peace with in the country. The president disbanded the army that the president now call these people what fighting insurgents. We in the Arab world we called them the Iraqi army it was said the president will bar to a state class. Terrible historic mistake congressman to congressman to question did what it do we want. Do Democrats want to we have yet we want to to win back in 200220032004 -- now in 2007. So many mistakes have been -- So many Americans have already lost bill alive though wounded. The chaos is increasing. By the day we you're definitely being -- and broken -- yet -- historic opportunity has already been -- now we have to decide how do we handle."

" I want think congressman I think I heard you say we've already lost I overstate your position did you base -- We --"

" Walk the capacity to quote unquote wind the way that gentleman from bridgewater define winning that is no longer possible. That -- possible but bush and rumsfeld and Cheney and also the rest of them bungled this war so."

" let me make a point to Dallas -- that wearable that's a good point that the congressman makes that was part of John McCain's judgment the other day in his speech down at South Carolina when he warned of the risks in the dangers of chaos ensuing from a which -- he also did say as congressman just said. The most ineptly executed. The -- the most bungled war in terms of decisions in including right from the beginning how many troops -- go in with if the decision as to invade. Why don't you listened to Colin Powell who's been there done that have done it successfully and you go in with such a massive footprint that you can not only. Break the -- military resistance you can step right from the beginning with a sense of order as opposed to a cents a how."

" define winning whatever winning might be it for today if we could redefine what it means to win or lose less badly what. Does that look like --"

" Is a he he is a political resolution by the people or. All of -- they've wants it into relate. You've got to understand that two thirds of this country is Shiite they have been released after a thousand years -- oppression by the soon. This is -- very difficult. A problem in the bottom like Protestants and the Catholics in northern Ireland it is not something that can be resolved just militarily it requires political will. Between the leaders of either side of that conflict congressmen the United States policy state visit Nike could pay him believing that a -- can bring. Is -- that this -- the barrel of the gun will be able to bring the --"

" The only thing we're doing but let's let's take a cup and we do a couple more calls I was -- that's quite okay bill New Hampshire on welcome"

" I I just like they ask Ed Markey got me this little war that we're fighting over here and it'll does he think that be the president has a crystal ball and -- gently what's going to happen before it happens. And and you know like that what you get into a situation we we -- war and -- always all the aren't what you what you play and then when they don't who have stepped back in -- credit judgment -- for the get and and -- the winning of this war. Will be democratic -- public what country. And I and I Iraq and also it is essential that -- but he because of the it'll the babies that you got -- the next book. And you have. Most Korea. Within the within the had a."

" Look let's let's give the congressman a chance to respond to work to -- points."

" general George Casey and use a graduate of Boston College as. Who was the man in charge on the ground in Iraq. Has made it clear he thinks that this escalation is a mistake that general George Casey that the general on the ground that's. A guy from Boston. General John war another graduate -- the -- I go see as well as saying that this is a classic mistake. That is being made that it is not going to lead to a reduction but rather an escalation of conflict."

" Apparently -- yet."

" whose opinion is based upon their own experience in combat on the ground now the government says well let's keep giving it is George bush the ability to. Make decisions all riding the decision of the general on the ground and I just think you reach a point -- you realize that bush and Cheney during -- In ideological and perhaps well intentioned effort. But one that is front contrary to the facts on the ground in the opinion of the experts who was there trying to manage this bubbling boiling cauldron of chaos which has been created in this country."

" We've been talking a congressman Ed Markey about the situation in Iraq in the different competitive proposals as we try to react to a changing circumstances on the ground very very difficult central part of last fall's congressional election certainly it -- proud of the presidential campaign and the congressman's been great. About taking calls let's go to -- Braintree -- you're on the -- and -- for a."

" Yeah height that Tom and and my -- a couple of things one is Ed. Q do you do not have a planned -- and I don't want to oversimplify this because I'm not happy with the way President Bush has managed the war read. But all as we get out of a view and your your road to peer group. Is says this Monday morning quarterbacking now a planned his -- you go win and win not. With overwhelming power imports abuse would be what the speaker just said. And kicked their ass. Or are you decide not to go to war at all. By you guys still -- take possession you you guys basically Ghali -- now. I've -- this beta you know you picked up. On some hyperbolic park who -- people were talking about politicians lying and stealing etcetera well I want to pick you up on what I would presume is was hyperbolic part. Everybody would not run away from being in a politician. If you take a look at what even Massachusetts legislature do they were about 40 minutes a week -- senate has the same thing."

" The act and I -- and I are going to stop you right the -- first because we have the congressman on second ball because the topic is -- third of all because you and I can revisit. This topic any time in a -- unhappy to engage on that. This is characteristic nonsense about the workload in the legislature -- tell you about my private sector experience over the last couple years. How what the workload was about the compensation was the."

" Issue that the congressman has been discussing with us is. The United States the appropriate strategy and policy the United States today knowing what we know now. Than the either the mishandling by bush -- the whatever the the that that the who the democratic posture resident is evolved it's a serious question the congressman is giving a serious response and -- a lottery bottle that he's getting but he's good enough to come on. And I'm delighted to let's total let's go to Barry and stowed."

" Hello mr. speaker how are you sir mister Eddie how are you today. Can you insert new -- when are you going to intercourse at some point without bashing the bush administration. Again that the bush submitted no not the bush administration sir can you interrupt straight while the question with our."

" Let's push Barry let's go to the question without the preliminaries just want to we frame the question for the congressman -- the congressman give it to the just stepped right into the box knew that the ball."

" Okay idea you know I have an epic idiocy I happen I think that the Democratic Party -- embolden the enemy okay now without instead. Can you answer question do you want to win this war are not without bashing the bush administration."

" Well let me let me is that question by answering that question also the gentleman -- ultimate before you. This seems to be a misunderstanding on the part of your callers. That somehow or other we don't win because Democrats willing to use all overwhelming power. To win this war the problem is that the president was unwilling to deploy overwhelming power. In the first year of the war that was the recommendation all all of these animals which he overrode that was our opportunity. News throw the decisive knockout punch that was accompanied by the military recommendation not to disband the Iraqi army but to --"

" So now we're -- you expect yet so in each case the opposition is that bush. Contradictory and reached a came to a different -- a conclusion. Then the generals the military had recommended one for his recommendation go in full force huge footprint in -- Be robust be aggressive and break the back of the military opposition to do not. T do not just the end the -- And bush went the other direction so I want to say this on behalf of the current when he's been very adept on his own but with regard to the Collison who continue to Seiji uniting answering a question that the congressman's -- is pretty clear to me and I have indicated that if I had a vote in congress tomorrow on the -- I probably would have voted. For the surge about a hearing things that tell me that. The management an execution in this war have been troubling from the beginning and that a decision made by President Bush. To do it try to do it on that cheap. On the cheap with three got to 2 a footprint of military presence on the ground his lead us to win now I promised he retrievable result."

" I wouldn't think it's I was in meeting at the meeting with the world so. Back in and -- factory 2004 when member of congress -- the member of congress got up this in private this is in. He's got plenty you can repeat a word that you -- meeting and said to him. That the -- so you don't have enough troops. And rumsfeld that over and over again we have enough troops. We have enough troops we don't have to add anymore troops. Now this is as we're being told in private by the general that they don't have enough troops. And so to come back now. And to say that the Democrats. Did not want to win the war is how immune tell me against Democrats -- say that -- and want to open our enemy. When we were saying that the enemy will be emboldened by the lack of troops that are being sent -- that this being intimate of the Iraqi army. -- again absolutely the most un American to listen to your callers talked about this as those Democrats. Didn't want to win Democrats did want to what we -- now faced with an update now with funerals of these of troops in Malvern -- I don't I look at this and Democrats look at it. And we realize the general have been right all along general understand that ultimately. Military might is only route to a political resolution. And that. They're recommending that they not escalate but escalate so that the political system in Iraq to begin to work congress and add that to me. Seems to be what the definition of victory must be -- some but some people well only a continued military conflict. Is the resolution they're written back on the -- of people who wish. That the IRA. Never got into a peaceful resolution in the a couple of the northern Ireland discontinued it indefinitely but as we know that would ultimately have led. Two -- for the people of northern Ireland the same thing it's true for rocked the only way to resolve this as he used the political."

" With one glascoff we can't congressman let's go to ray Wakefield were all grateful for the time that the congressman's given as ray -- insurance -- with Wendy Murphy congressman Markey and Tom Finneran."

" Yes thank you question they have -- in actually that one it is probably provinces there in Iraq presently. -- about what 181819 something like that. Yet it was a great piece on 60 minutes is -- Sunday about Kurds opened that the north. In a peaceful that province says most of the trouble is happening in Baghdad as well -- the other Shiite stronghold in that territory. The problem what I'm really worried about is if congress is going to have the ability. To restrict the president from having to do what he has to do so in other words it's going to create a situation Democrat Republican. President from the having the ability to do woody have to do without worrying about him in my going to be censured by congress stopped to get. Which -- is something you guys calling for the impeachment of president bush."

" Oh no aptly nodded in speaker Pelosi said under no conditions should go to allow any impeachment resolution be brought before congress so that is. Completely wrong. The point that the gentleman is making is accurate the does that occurred in the north of the country are. Living together peacefully now because they have they hope will change yes population up there the current by the way I'm not a -- And the Kurds it in a lot of ways beat then dip toward the association with the Arab populations that happened back -- Of the treaty your -- and so this kind of cordoned themselves -- out there they're living -- oil revenues from the oil up here in the north but when they ran out. And that 16 minute piece made it quite clear when they're whether or not -- Consider themselves -- park oval rock they say they consider themselves part of artists. And so. There's something that's politically have to be dealt with -- and to bring them into a confederation with. The Shiites and the Sudanese who by the way in many ways see themselves as independent nation as well definite he. Can only be resolved peacefully you can't -- of this that the -- With that the point of a gun sought by the president and the Vice President has. All historical context. Into which we have placed a 140000 young men and."

" Congressman Markey though that the one thing I keep hearing you say is that you you believe the political stability and the political resolution as the way to go but I have yet to hear this isn't just a criticism of view I've yet to hear from any leadership any democratic leadership. How we get there and I think a lot of callers are frustrated that they -- hearing lots of criticism. We all know what the results should be an IV and none of us have heard what the plan is the."

" Land is in the -- that the American troops in to -- to the Iraqi leaders. You have responsibility for -- of York street. You have respect you have the responsibility for identifying the leader. Inside of your country was willing to take the political and physical --"

" Unit or spatter is due respect that's not a plan that's a statement that's not a plan -- it is -- I don't know do you save of the leaders that they need to take responsibility that's sent -- commercial."

" If that it be if this obstruction this governance structure in Iraq. Is ordered to direct result of the treaty of Versailles long long time ago which it is because nobody knew what to do with the ethnic and sectarian violence that existed then and it existed for a 102 years before them. So they kind of crayons on the map in Winston church was apartment and in many many others. In it was only held under control by the brutal bullying deadly tactics a guy like Saddam and his predecessors we have now gone in and removed that -- kind of the -- from the bottle if you will and now we see how with -- and steaming boiling -- guys at night and our folks -- in -- right now. There is a policy an alternative policy the president has proposed. Increase the footprint on the ground congressman saint. I had that chance it's gone it's gone it's gone it's bad in the it is the plan if you say -- plan is to strategically intelligent retreat and guess what folks you will doom yourselves if you are not willing to all have found ways to if not everything -- I was -- let's back -- his let's hope they go back to the waiting -- to see how what is. How they've never been able the do it yet congressman Ed thank you very very much for -- under a -- has taken all the calls the RKO audiences attentive they've got a lot of feelings. The event that a lot today and you've been -- great to be a part of this whole show."

" Thanks everybody got a bit. That the oppression from which you come wholly totally prepared you call -- every day it's probably think it's fake it congressman wacky things very very much for being with us here and it's from"