General Wesley Clark on MSNBC

April 8, 2010

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Last fall, along with Henrietta Fore, former administrator of USAID, and Suzanne DiMaggio, Director of Policy Studies at the Asia Society, I co-chaired a new Asia Society Task Force. This task force was convened with the sole purpose of providing more effective strategies for the United States regarding our relationship with Burma, one of the world's most authoritarian governments.

In the past, the United States has focused on policies of isolation and sanction, but these policies and strategies alone have done little to bring about the necessary changes in Burma.

Engaging with the Burmese government will not be easy, but the stakes are too high not to try. As it stands, 2,100 political prisoners are detained, along with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. For the first time in 20 years, Burma's military leaders are preparing to hold elections. However, while this seems like a step in the right direction, past precedent is not on the side of fair and inclusive elections.

The task force's conclusion is that the United States needs to position itself for the effects of Burma's potential transitions, while also encouraging the Burmese leadership to move in positive directions.

In order for the United States to begin this process, the task force recommends the following strategies:

• Engage with both Burma's leaders and groups within the country to encourage dialogue.
• Remove some non-economic sanctions that were initially designed to restrict official interactions between the governments and pursue the relaxation of official and unofficial bilateral communications.
• Further develop and expand direct assistance programs, including non-military NGOs. Assistance should also be targeted toward small farmers and small and medium-sized businesses.
• Expand educational exchange programs, such as the Fulbright and Humphrey Scholar programs.
• Collaborate with Burma's neighbors and the international community.

If Burma does not reduce political restrictions, institute economic reforms, and advance human rights, then targeted financial sanctions should be tightened.

While the extreme situation in Burma is not likely to change immediately, the task force's report provides a comprehensive approach for the United States that will help move Burma into the world community.

You can read the complete report by clicking here (PDF).

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

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I know sometimes it's not obvious what's going on in Sarah Palin's mind.

Well, last week's passage of the historic health care reform bill provided her some clarity. Immediately after President Obama signed the bill, Palin asked her radical supporters to "target" 20 Democrats, complete with crosshairs taking aim at each of them.

Two of them our Clark community helped elect: Rep. Betsy Markey (CO-04) and Rep. Chris Carney (PA-10). When called upon, they stood up courageously and voted for reform. Now Sarah Palin and the right wing have targeted them for defeat.

Don't let Sarah Palin and the tea party extremists win. Contribute to Betsy and Chris' campaigns before tonight's end-of-quarter deadline!

Let me tell you something about Betsy Markey: She's tough.

In 2008, Betsy's district, Colorado's 4th, voted for John McCain over Barack Obama.

But she wasn't afraid to stand up to the special interests and vote for the energy bill last year. She wasn't afraid to vote for health care reform, even while the media and pundits said it would cost Betsy her seat in Congress.

This fall, Betsy's toughness will be tested. Her opponent has raised over $75,000 from those who want to repeal the health care bill. And, of course, Sarah Palin is going after Betsy too.

We can't let the extremists win. Join me and contribute $5 or more to Betsy Markey's campaign before the midnight fundraising deadline!

In 2006, the Clark community helped elect a new generation of veterans into Congress. Chris Carney was one of them.

Since joining Congress, Chris has been a strong advocate for veterans. He's worked to expand veterans' access to health care and to ensure more is done to treat returning soldiers with PTSD.

And just last week, Chris voted to pass the historic health care reform bill. Contrast this to his opponents, who want to repeal the bill if elected, and strip 32 million Americans of access to health care.

Pennsylvania's 10th district has a partisan voting index (PVI) of R+8 and was also carried by John McCain. Sarah Palin and the tea party extremists believe they can use his vote on health care reform to defeat Chris.

You and I can prove them wrong. Contribute $5 or more to Chris Carney's campaign before tonight's fundraising deadline!

This is a crucial fundraising report. The pundits, the media, and our opponents will look to see whether the passage of historic health care reform has strengthened or weakened Democrats.

You can be the difference by donating to Betsy and Chris today.

Thank you for everything.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

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By FOSTER KLUG | The Associated Press via The Washington Post | Wednesday, March 31, 2010

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration's new engagement strategy with Myanmar risks allowing the country's military leaders to use direct talks to justify already flawed elections expected this year, a bipartisan report warns.

The report Wednesday from the Asia Society, a leading think tank, supports U.S. efforts to press the generals who have ruled Myanmar for decades to hold credible elections and to give more rights to minorities and activists.

But the United States, the report said, must be wary of appearing to legitimize elections, Myanmar's first in two decades, that opponents say are meant to strengthen the military's power.

"The United States must tread carefully through this minefield," the report said. "It is quite possible that the leadership's primary objective in engaging with the United States is to demonstrate to its own population that the United States endorses" the junta's "road map to democracy" and a constitution that enshrines the military's leading role in politics.

The report was co-chaired by retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark, a 2004 Democratic presidential candidate, and by Henrietta Fore, former Republican President George W. Bush's head of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Its release comes about half a year into Obama's efforts to reverse the long-standing U.S. policy of isolation and instead engage Myanmar's top generals.

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Almost four years ago to the day, I threw my unwavering support behind a passionate, thoughtful veteran in the middle of a close, competitive primary.

His name was Jim Webb -- now Senator Jim Webb of Virginia.

Today, I'm compelled to enter the fray once more, and throw my full support behind Cal Cunningham for North Carolina's Senate seat.

This is another key pick-up opportunity in a southern "swing state," and Cal is beyond a doubt the best candidate to take on Richard Burr this November.

Contribute to Cal Cunningham's campaign -- before the May primary and before his crucial end-of-quarter fundraising deadline this Wednesday.

Cal would be the first veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to serve in the U.S. Senate. He would bring a veteran's unique perspective to policymaking in Washington.

Cal has seen war and understands it's time to "Conclude the Mission in Iraq. With Honor. Period."

Cal knows sexual orientation plays no role on the battlefield, and that it's time to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Cal knows first-hand why we must break our "destructive dependence on foreign oil from unfriendly regimes," and he recognizes that climate change poses a critical threat to our national security.

Cal will fight for veterans and honor their sacrifices.

On all these issues, and so many more, Richard Burr is at odds with Cal -- and at odds with his constituents.

Contribute to Cal Cunningham's campaign -- before the May primary and before his crucial end-of-quarter fundraising deadline this Wednesday.

Cal Cunningham has seen war with his own eyes. He's earned a Bronze Star cracking down on contractor crimes in Iraq, taking on some of the most powerful corporations on earth.

He's ready for this fight, too, and I'm confident he can beat Richard Burr this November -- with your support right now.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

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When it comes to clean energy and climate change, it is time for the United States to act.

We currently send $1 billion a day in oil money overseas. This dependence on foreign oil not only threatens our economy and the health of our planet, but also our national security.

The longer we maintain our foreign oil dependence, the more we continue to place our future in others' hands. That is why, today, we are joining with dozens of organizations, representing millions of Americans, calling on the U.S. Senate to pass legislation that will secure our nation and put us on a path towards energy independence.

Stand up for our security by contacting your senators TODAY and demand the Senate passes clean energy and climate legislation!

If we allow global warming to continue, we risk increased natural disasters, shifts in agricultural production, and drastic changes in climate patterns, all of which will require manpower and vast economic resources that could be better focused on other areas of concern.

Our future national security will be impacted by how much we develop our own clean energy and climate change legislation.

Global warming is not likely to reverse, but through the right policies, we can work towards slowing its pace.

Currently, there are limits on the resources available in America because of our reliance on fossil fuels, but we have other viable energy alternatives that must be explored and implemented. These alternatives are the future. Our present dependence and focus on foreign oil hampers efforts towards finding new energy solutions.

Tell the Senate to end our dependence on foreign oil -- the security of our nation depends on it.

Make the call. We need to make sure that the Senate hears from us this week.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

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It was a turning point.

Earlier this month, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen and Defense Secretary Robert Gates both unequivocally expressed their support to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT).

Now momentum is growing to repeal this discriminatory policy, but we still need allies in Congress. We must support candidates who will vote for the repeal.

I'm asking you today to help two veterans who would vote to repeal DADT, Congressman Eric Massa (NY-29) and Bryan Lentz (PA-07). Eric and Bryan served under me in Bosnia, and we need their leadership in the U.S. Congress.

We need allies like Eric and Bryan in Congress. Please contribute to their campaigns today.

I've written to you a number of times about Eric Massa. He's doing great work in his first term in Congress. He's been a strong advocate for health care reform and working tirelessly to get our economy going again.

I'm proud he's a co-sponsor of H.R. 1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the bill that would repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Eric knows that those who want to serve our country in uniform deserve to do so honestly, openly, and proudly. And frankly, with our military strained fighting two wars, we simply cannot afford to discharge soldiers due to this unfair policy.

The first re-election campaign for a Congressman is usually the toughest, and in this political environment, Eric is in for a close race. He needs our help.

Eric is an ally we can't afford to lose in Congress. Please contribute to his campaign today.

Bryan Lentz is a former Airborne Ranger, prosecutor, Iraq War veteran, and legislator. He is running to fill Joe Sestak's open seat in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. Bryan served under me performing NATO peacekeeping missions in Bosnia. As a prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney's office, he established an impeccable reputation for his wide-ranging prosecution of gang members, rapists, and other violent offenders. Currently as a State Representative, he is a leader on the issues of government reform, job creation, and clean energy innovation.

Bryan's skills and experience will make him a great member of Congress. He'll fight against the status quo to put government back on the side of everyday Americans -- including overturning the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

Bryan is an ally we need in Congress. Please contribute to his campaign today.

It's the tough votes that tell you who your allies are. There's no doubt in my mind that Eric Massa and Bryan Lentz will represent our voices in Congress. So please make a contribution, then forward this message to five friends today.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

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Former insurance lobbyist (Emerson) continues to raise hundreds of thousands from lobbyists and corporate PACs

Southeast Missourian | Jonathan Feifs | February 1, 2010

Rolla, MO -- During the 4th quarter of 2009, former Army Green Beret Tommy Sowers raised $179,127, 98% of which came as contributions from individuals. In stark contrast, incumbent and former insurance lobbyist Jo Ann Emerson once again relied on her special interest friends, raising nearly half her money from corporate PACs and special interest groups.

Sowers said, "Emerson does not represent Southeastern Missouri. She still represents the city where she was born and raised: Washington, DC. People here tell me they are tired of business as usual in Washington. The lobbyists and special interests behind Emerson are exactly what people here are sick of."

Small donors also played a much greater role in Sowers's fourth quarter, due in large part to his national endorsements from veterans groups like VoteVets and General Wesley Clark's Securing America organization. The percentage of Sowers's contributions comprised of small donations was nearly four times as large as Emerson's.

Said Sowers campaign manager, Jonathan Feifs, "While Tommy drives around the district witnessing first-hand the struggles of the people in his corner of Missouri, Emerson is riding up and down K Street to pick up her lobbyists' checks. The 1,000 new contributors this quarter, many of them small contributions from veterans, are helping Tommy get out and work hard to earn every vote. "

Conspicuously absent from this report were any expenses for "political gifts" from Tiffany & Co. Expenditures at the high-end jeweler were a fixture on her reports from 2002-2009, where Emerson racked up expenses totaling over $6,000, shopping there as recently as last August. Full listing of these can be found at www.sowersforcongress.com/joanntiffany

Sowers is currently on Day 13 of a 28-day initiative he calls "Boots on the Ground." Sowers and his dog, Chuck, are traveling the district in his truck to meet his neighbors, work alongside them and listen to their concerns, struggles, ideas and solutions. Sowers said, "This is not a tour -- tours are for tourists and politicians who come in, take a few pictures, then leave. 'Boots on the Ground' is about working, living, and listening to hardworking people in each and every county. It's an opportunity for me to do what many politicians don't - close my mouth and open my ears and eyes."

For more information on the campaign and "Boots on the Ground," visit www.sowersforcongress.com/boots.

Contribute to Tommy's campaign today via Wes's Act Blue page.

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General Wesley Clark on the O'Reilly Factor

December 29, 2009

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