WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vt. Lawmakers: Bring The Troops Home

Vt. Lawmakers: Bring The Troops Home

Montpelier, Vermont - February 13, 2007

"Vermonters have paid enough for this war," said Rep. Michael Fisher, D-Lincoln.

Frustrated by inaction in Washington, Vermont lawmakers started debate on a resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

"Enough is enough, its time to bring our troops home," said Rep. Fisher.

Supporters say it is a local issue because 24 servicemen with Vermont ties have died in the Iraq war zone and money spent on the war is less money the federal government can spend on state programs.

"It's time for them to come home now and return to their families," said Rep. John Zenie, D-Colchester, "We will honor them and thank them for their service as they deserve no less. Please let this be the message from our state."

The non-binding resolution stirred up strong debate. Many have served in the military, know people serving, or have family battling in Iraq.

"Regardless of the good intentions of some who have signed on to this resolution, please think of the soldiers who will think that their sacrifice was not worth it," said Rep. Leo Valliere, R-Barre.

"My family has felt the effects of this war and I hate it," said Rep. Patty O'Donnell, R-Vernon, "I would give anything I could to have everybody come home tomorrow, but this discussion is taking place in the wrong building."

In the end Representatives voted to strongly pass the troop withdrawal resolution, on a vote of 95 to 52. Some Veterans listening in on the debate remain divided on the issue.

"You are going to lose morale," said Ron Tallman, "It's the same spiral that went in Vietnam in 1968, when we were over there doing our thing when we had the people anti-war, the morale from '68 on went downhill."

But Matt Howard, just back from Iraq, supports the troop withdrawal. And he hopes other states will take the same action as Vermont.

"It's easy to throw out oh - we are not supporting the troops and they will get a mixed message," said Howard, "But the fact is the troops have never felt any support on the ground. I went to war literally strapping scrap metal on my vehicle to armor it."

While members of the Vermont House debated the Iraq war resolution for hours, over in the Senate it passed quickly on a vote of 24-5. And supporters hope since Vermont is the first legislature in the country to pass such a measure, it will send a strong message to Washington.

Last year House democrats tried to pass a similar resolution, but it died in committee. This year they skipped the committee process and brought it directly to the floor for a full vote. Republicans charged that was playing politics and did not allow enough time for Vermonters to weigh in before a vote. Democrats say debating the issue on the house floor does keep the process open and fair.

Kristin Carlson - Channel 3 News