With a stroke of a pen President Obama has protected our national security and human rights. By reversing Bush-Cheney counter-terrorism policies that failed and were disrespected, Obama, in his words,  placed the US on a course that demonstrates t…

In the heart of Washington, D.C. at Union Station near Capitol Hill, Council for a Livable World and the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation held their “Celebrate the Vote for Change: 2009 Inauguration Day Breakfast” on Tuesday, to honor now President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, and the many progressive candidates elected to Congress in November with the help of Council supporters. Over 200 supporters and friends of the organizations, along with board members and staff, gathered to celebrate what will be remembered as one of the most momentous days in American history.

Joining the guests were three new members of Congress whom the Council helped elect: Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, and Representatives Betsy Markey of Colorado’s 4th district and Jim Himes of Connecticut’s 4th district. Each new member spoke briefly and thanked the Council and Council friends for their early campaign support and expertise on national security issues.

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In his remarks, Sen. Merkley acknowledged that the Council’s early endorsement helped to provide a foundation of support that built the strong momentum needed to unseat incumbent Sen. Gordon Smith. He pointed out that he met Council supporters at events across the country who cited the organization’s early endorsement in a difficult primary, something also mentioned by Council Board President Gary Collins, who emceed the event with co-chair Robert K. Musil, when he introduced Merkley.

“The Council for a Livable World was one of the first organizations to endorse Senator Jeff Merkley,” said Collins. “We recognized early on his sensible positions on national security, particularly his strong support on arms control.”

Representative Jim Himes, who won the November 4 election over 21-year incumbent Chris Shays, elicited several rounds of applause from guests as he addressed the crowd. The Council and its supporters look forward to working with Himes in Congress, where they are confident he will be a new leader on national security issues.

“Growing up abroad, I was raised with an awareness of the unique position of the United States in the world – a leader in civil liberties, democratic self-government, and the rule of law, and a beacon of hope and economic opportunity for others around the world,” Himes told the Council when seeking its endorsement during his race.

Though some guests went to the swearing in ceremony following the Members’ remarks, many stayed at the event to watch the swearing in of President Obama and Vice President Biden on large screen televisions, watching history being made together with friends.

The event was made even more poignant for Council supporters, who supported both Obama and Biden in their first races for Senate. Vice President Joe Biden sent a letter to the Council, which was read at the event, thanking the organization for its support of his first Senate campaign in 1972 and affirming the new administration’s support for sensible arms control policies. Read the letter here.

“January 20, 2009, is a day to remember. It marks the beginning of a new era for our country,” said Council and Center Executive Director John Isaacs. “We look forward to working with President Obama, Vice President Biden and the 111th Congress to adopt sensible national security policies and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons. We look forward to working with our new leaders to create a more livable world.”

See remarks from Council and Center Chairmen former Senator Gary Hart and Lt. Gen. Robert Gard here.

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On January 13 and 14, Hillary Rodham Clinton testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the confirmation process for her nomination to be Secretary of State. She was approved by the committee 16 -1 and is sure to win confirmation in the Senate.

While the office has undergone many changes since it was established in 1789, for several generations the State Department has concentrated on diplomacy in all aspects of foreign-policy. However, in her testimony before the committee, Clinton said she would use “smart power” including “diplomatic, economic, military, political, legal and cultural.” To some, the inclusion of “military power” as though it were within her authority, was a surprise. Further, she went on to specify that “military force will sometimes be necessary, and we will rely on it to protect our people and our interests when and where needed as a last resort.”

Clinton’s “last resort” became clear when she discussed relations with Iran saying “We are not taking any option off the table at all.” That is breathtaking and frightening. For more than a year, the US has been openly threatening to bomb Iran and one of the options is the use of nuclear weapons. “All options are on the table”, said President George W. Bush, Vice President Richard Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and most of the candidates in the 2008 presidential race.

Such threats are irresponsible and dangerous. Eight other countries have nuclear weapons and they all have real or perceived potential enemies. The weapons are on hair trigger alert as the controlling military scan potential enemies for indications of a possible nuclear strike. Threats, direct or indirect, as in “all weapons are on the table”, set up unstable situations that might lead to their use through error or faulty intelligence. Take them off the table.

All nations should publicly pledge not to be the first to use nuclear weapons-or threaten to use them. United Nations Charter, Article 2, Section 4, states that “All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.” When the US Congress ratified the Charter and the President signed it, the Charter became United States law. Any threat violates American law.

President Obama: tell your appointees to stop saying “All options are on the table.” The world knows this threatens the use of nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction that would unleash a hell on earth that might destroy civilization. Please stop it now: Yes, you can.

This post originally appeared on Relentless Liberal on Sunday, January 18, 2009.

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