Fwd: Fact Checking Sen. Kerry (D-MA)

Fact Checking Sen. Kerry (D-MA) Senator Kerry (D–MA) penned an op-ed in the Washington Post making the case that ratification of the New START Treaty is in the best interest of U.S. national security. His article is in response to former Governor Mitt Romney's (R–MA) recent op-ed calling the treaty Obama's biggest foreign policy mistake. Sen. Kerry refers to Mr. Romney's objections as "uninformed" and "political" as he engages in a "footrace to the right against Sarah Palin." Opposing this treaty is not political and there are several informed reasons to not support ratification. Missile Defense News Obama's Worst Foreign-Policy Mistake?   Iran Whines About Sanctions But Vows Defiance   Iran's Ticking Nuclear Time Bomb   Five Reasons to Hate New START   Recess Appointment for Philip Coyle 1. Missile Defense The Administration has stated from the beginning that this treaty in no way impedes upon missile defense. Then they backed off, admitting that Article V of the treaty prohibits conversion of ICBM launchers into missile defense launchers. Now, as the Senate continues to scrutinize the treaty it has become clear that the treaty as is limits ballistic missile defense test target missiles. As noted by Baker Spring, "Any missile defense target that includes the first stages of the specifically identified existing ICBMs and SLBMs or new ICBMs and SLBMs will be subject to restrictions—including the first stages of the Minuteman II and Peacekeeper ICBMs, despite the fact that they are retired." That the treaty will impede upon America's missile defense system is undeniable. 2. Less than Full Public Disclosure Senator Kerry said there is a clear public record from 10 committee hearings outlining support for treaty ratification. What has not been made available to the Senate, however, is the most important document of all, the negotiating record. The Senate has a constitutional duty to fully vet any treaty, yet this Administration has consistently denied the Senate an opportunity to do so. Releasing this document is not without precedent. It was provided to the Democratic-controlled Senate under President Reagan. Given all that is at stake, this case clearly warrants the release of the negotiating records. Click here to read the rest of the report Take Action! Support Missile Defense! A ballistic missile attack is one of the greatest threats facing our families and communities today.  Here are three ways you can take action and support missile defense in your hometown. Host your own 33 Minutes screening!  Invite members of your community, your neighbors and your friends to watch 33 Minutes and discuss the need for missile defense. We'll give you everything you need. Our 33 Minutes screening kit includes a DVD of the full-length documentary, a poster to advertise your screening, feedback cards for you and your guests to comment on the film and plenty of 33 Minutes brochures and pens!  Go to 33minutes.com for details.   forward message visit 33minutes.com Facebook Twitter YouTube The Heritage Foundation - 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC Call us at 202-546-4400 Add 33minutes@heritage.org to your address book to ensure that you receive emails from us.