Friday, March 16, 2007

Imperato to Speak at National Libertarian Conference in Orlando

Orlando, Fl – March 15, 2007 – Today, Daniel Imperato announced that he will be attending and speaking at the National Libertarian State Leadership Alliance (LSLA) Conference in Orlando this Friday and Saturday March 16-17 at the Orlando International Airport Conference Center.

"First of all, I want to thank the leadership of the Libertarian Party for inviting me to this conference. I believe that it is important that we open the dialogue amongst all third parties. The Libertarians have a very strong national organization and can be very influential in a national third party push," stated Imperato.

The Libertarian Party, one of America's largest third parties, currently has ballot access in 26 states throughout the United States of America.

The Libertarian National Committee (LNC) will also be meeting during this weekend to discuss key issues for the Libertarian Party, such as national platforms, ballot access, and their upcoming LP 2008 National Nominating Convention.

Imperato has previously reached out for the Reform Party as well, and is calling out for all third parties to unite for the upcoming 2008 election.

"America needs a third option. For too long, the Democrats and Republicans have held a monopoly on our political system. Now, the third parties of America must stand up, unite, and make their way into a system that is trying to keep them out. We, the people, are the government, not the Democrats and Republicans. It's time that the people of America realize that, and its time that we put our collective forces together to make for a Better America."

For more information on the Libertarian Party please visit www.lp.org/ .

For more of Daniel Imperato's recent press releases please visit www.imperato2008.com .

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Insurgency and Weakness in Kabul Hamper Drug Efforts

New York – March 13, 2007 – According to a recent report from the United States State Department, Afghanistan's growing insurgency, and the weakness of the central government are hampering efforts to cut opium cultivation and heroin production.

This has been no secret to anyone, from the United Nations, to 2008 Independent Presidential Candidate, Daniel Imperato, who has been calling for the elimination of poppy cultivation for the past several years.

"You can see in my previous press releases, the root of the problem in Afghanistan goes to the poppy. We did not destroy the poppy fields when we had a chance to and now the Taliban is stronger than ever and Afghanistan is cultivating opium faster than ever," stated Imperato.

In a 2006 press release, Imperato came out with the following statement, "Mark my words once again, that the greatest threat is for al-Qaeda to regain its financial strength which is directly related to Uncle Poppy. I have addressed this situation in the past, and I stand up for the United States and its people, to demand immediate action pertaining to the war chest of Osama Bin Laden's poppy fields."

Recently Bin Laden celebrated his 50th birthday.

Imperato felt that the US should try and build the economy of Afghanistan, in addition to eradicating the poppy fields.

"The people of Afghanistan have few options to make a successful living for their families. There needs to be job programs in place, and the rest of the world needs to chip in with foreign investment to help start new businesses, increase manufacturing, stimulate technology transfer, and grow commerce."

More than 12 percent of Afghans are involved in opium cultivation. Its export value was estimated at $3.1bn, equal to almost half of the non-drug economy.

Imperato concluded his statements with the following, "We must show the poor people of Afghanistan that the United States, and the rest of the world, is here to help, not take away your living. So in addition to eradicating the poppy fields we must provide jobs for hard working Afghan families. In addition, we must place a new focus on cutting the money supply of the Taliban and al-Qaeda, the poppy. Poppy production is higher than ever, and the Taliban and al-Qaeda have used the money to grow faster than ever. America needs someone that will take a hard stance against drugs and terrorism. America needs to cut terrorism's legs, which in this case is the drug money.'

CFIUS Reform Finally Recognizes Telecommunications Security

New York – March 13, 2007 - Today, 2008 Presidential Candidate, Daniel Imperato commented on the recent CFIUS (Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States) Reform that was passed by the United States House of Representatives.

"First of all, I am happy to see the United States Congress stopped the political infighting for a moment in order to address a serious concern. The committee on Foreign Investment has now become very important to the national security and business viability of the United States of America. In determining the best course of action, we must safeguard our national security, while encouraging foreign investment to help boost our economy," stated Imperato.

CFIUS came under fire recently, after the Dubai Ports deal, that was approved and then reversed, and the recent French-owned Alacatel's merger with Lucent Technologies, a major US telecommunications equipment company.

The new House legislation calls for more 'mitigation agreements' or national security guarantees from foreign investors, and insisting on fines for any breach of national security.

For instance if French-owned Alcatel fails to live up to their national security obligations, CFIUS could reverse the deal with Lucent Technologies.

"America must protect its telecommunications infrastructure as part of its national security requirements. With domestic wiretapping, and personal privacy such a major concern for this country, it is important that there are safeguards to protect Americans. The United States needs to do whatever it can to secure our telecommunications system in the US, a system that is not secure, and the US needs to advance its own investment into telecommunications equipment and technology so that US can once again become the dominant leader in the field," stated Imperato.

In addition, Imperato was quick to point out that CFIUS must also use strict criteria to determine which mergers and business transactions pose a major threat to national security.

"Our telecommunications infrastructure, and knowledge of the internal US communications backbone, is highly sensitive information that definitely has national security concerns. Approving a ports contract from a British company to a Dubai company may not have the same concerns. With US oversight, US workers, and US government provisions, an agreement, in my opinion, could have been reached. "

Imperato suggested that by setting clear criteria as to what constitutes national security interests, the United States can help attract foreign investment rather than scare foreign investors away.

"The reality is that we live in a global society. US investors invest around the world, and global investors invest in the United States. Global Investment money is very important to our economy, and we must do all that we can as nation to scrutinize foreign investment, not scare it away. The international community can play a very important role in our economy, and it would be beneficial to the United States if we can improve our balance of trade."

Imperato concluded his statements with the following, "As a nation, we depend on our leaders to protect our interests. Our leaders are supposed to understand these complex issues and make educated judgments. Many times this is not the case. That is why I feel that I must offer myself to the American people. I have hands-on experience in the Foreign Investment arena, as well as in telecommunications and other national security industries. I understand the technology and the strategic issues at play. America deserves someone that can help protect America and help it grow economically. I stand up to tell America that I am that person, and I would be humbled to have the opportunity to serve you as your next president in 2008."

Presidential Candidate and Newly Ordained LACA Chaplain Imperato Calls on Bloomberg for Support

New York – March 13, 2007 – Today 2008 Presidential Candidate and newly ordained LACA (Latin/African American Chaplain’s Association) Chaplain, Daniel Imperato called on media mogul and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for support.

The Latin/African American Chaplain’s Association, recently announced that they are in need of $65k and has appealed for 6500 people around the world to donate $10 to keep their doors open.

The Organization, which is headed up by Bishop Fernando Rodriguez, held a service last night with clergy and pastors from all over New York City to pray for the survival of the organization.
Also present at that service was 2008 Presidential Candidate who was the only Presidential Candidate that traveled to the South Bronx to support the group and recognize all of the good work that they have done in the community.

In response to Imperato’s support for LACA and passion for the cause, the organization ordained him as a Chaplain in the spirit of goodwill and community support.

Now Imperato is calling on members of the New York community, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg to help this local community group.

“I call out to Mayor Michael Bloomberg to step up to the plate, and support this great group of people. Here is a group that performed a great service not only to New York City, but to our country. They helped the victims cope with the traumatic effects of 9/11, and now help the local New York community with youth education, job placement, as well as counseling for policemen and firemen. New York needs to support this organization, and that support should start with New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg,” stated Imperato.

Currently, L.A.C.A. has 3000 chaplains in their worldwide network, over with over 1200 in the New York City area. They work with the Police Department and Fire Departments, as well as with correctional and rehabilitation programs, to provide personal and spiritual support concerning, stress, anxiety, grief, depression and other life issues. Their newest programs address job placement, and GED education.

For those wishing to donate to LACA please send all checks to LACA, 1112 Garrison Avenue, Bronx, NY 10474. LACA is also available by telephone, 718-842-8555, and via the world wide web at, www.lacastateofny.org.

US and Iran Meet at Iraqi Summit: Presidential Candidate Speaks Out

New York – March 13, 2007 – For the first time in over two years, the United States and Iran met at the recent Iraq summit, where diplomats from the US State Department and Iran disagreed over who was to blame for the growing violence in Iraq.

Commenting on this recent meeting was the leading independent Presidential Candidate for 2008, Daniel Imperato.

"I am very pleased that both the United States and Iran were able to come together for the recent Iraqi summit. Combined with the support of the Arab league, I believe that Iraq can stabilize and can be part of a peaceful Middle East. However, to get there, we must stop the finger pointing and accusations and come to the negotiating table with open minds," stated Imperato.

The United States has long accused both Iran and Syria of harboring terrorists, and aiding those organizations, while Iran and Syria say the problem lies with the US presence in the Middle East .Great Britain, which also attended the Iraq Summit, believed the meeting brought constructive engagement by all sides.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, who hosted the meeting, said the US, Iran and Syria had construction criticism, but that each party displayed respect in their debate.
Zalmay Khalilzad, US Ambassador to Iraq, thought the meeting held a positive and businesslike atmosphere.

British Ambassador Dominic Asquith, the UK spokesman at the meeting, said, All those who were round the table were clear in their emphasis of support for the government of Iraq, and for the Iraqi people, in their efforts to confront terrorism and sectarian violence."

The meeting discussed several issues including timed US troop withdrawals, an issue that the United States has yet to embrace.

However, although many countries were at the negotiating table, they did not discuss what seems to be the simplest solution towards peace; cease-fire.

"Cease-fire. If we support the Iraqi people and the Iraqi government then we must stop patrolling their streets with automatic weapons and return back to our Iraqi bases, in case we are needed. In exchange, all sides, including the Shiia, Sunnis, and Kurds, must pledge to stop the unnecessary sectarian violence that is taking place in Iraq. Then and only then, can the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people start to deal with the issues that are stunting their growth," stated Imperato.

The participants at the talks included all of Iraq's neighbors - Iran, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Kuwait - as well as the US, Russia, France, Britain, China, Bahrain, Egypt , the UN, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Arab League.

Imperato concluded his statements on the subject with the following, "Finally we are getting some international cooperation. The United States cannot help Iraq alone and must involve the international community in solving, what is essentially, an international situation. Now, the next thing that we must learn is how to understand and respect everyone at the negotiating table. If we are to bring accusations and old scores to the table nothing will get done, as we saw in this meeting. That is why I believe that I can best serve America by putting my 30 years of international business experience to good use. I have knowledge of many of the world's cultures, religions, and customs and can utilize that knowledge to help get things done not just for a Better Iraq but for a Better America and a Better World."

Monday, March 12, 2007

Imperato on the U.S. and Brazil Biofuels Cooperation Accord

New York – March 12, 2007 - After one and a half years of publicly lobbying for increased cooperation with Brazil, specifically in the area of biodiesel, 2008 Presidential Candidate Daniel Imperato commented on the new Biofuels Cooperation Accord.

"It's about time," stated Imperato. "We have been ignoring and pushing away our South American neighbors for too long. I have publicly stated the United States' need, not only to improve relations with our Latin American brothers and sisters, but to help foster bilateral trade and economic development, as well. I am glad that we now have an agreement with Brazil and hope to see that the administration can use this agreement to open the doors to the other Latin American nations."

The agreement, signed in Sao Paulo today, paves the way for increased research and common standards for biofuels to be commercialized in international markets. Together, the United States and Brazil account for 72 percent of global ethanol production.

During Imperato's visit to Brazil in November of 2006, Imperato commented, "Brazil has shown leadership with ethanol and biofuels as viable and available alternatives. Brazil has led the way for these products to compete in the world's marketplace, in order to curb the oil dependency of the automobile industry in the US, and the rest of the world."

President Lula of Brazil said that the new spirit of cooperation between the US and Brazil "may well mean a strategic alliance that will allow us to convince the world that everyone can change the energy blend."

In Brazil, ethanol fuel is produced from sugar cane residue known as bagasse. In the United States corn has been the main feedstock for ethanol production.
Most cars in Brazil run either on alcohol or on gasohol. Recently, flex fuel engines that run on both have become available. Gas stations sell both fuels.

Imperato concluded his statements with the following, "Brazil and biofuels is only the first step. We still need to work with our neighbors to increase trade in many other arenas. The United States must work with our Latin American partners to help control crime, build the manufacturing industry, improve labor conditions, increase diplomatic relations, and build the Western Hemisphere into a powerful economic and diplomatic community."

North and South Korea Strengthen Economic Links: Step 2 of 'The Squeeze Play'

West Palm Beach, FL – March 12, 2007 - As part of the February 13th North Korea Disarmament Agreement, North Korea and South Korea have resumed economic relations.

Some experts have predicted that Kim Jong Il, North Korea's leader, is simply going through the motions in order to utilize his newfound global political capital.

Back in October 2006, one of those experts, 2008 Presidential Candidate Daniel Imperato, predicted that Kim Jong Il was positioning himself for huge amounts of foreign aid in exchange for cooperation with its neighbors.

"Kim Jong Il's nuclear threats turn the world's attention on his every move. He is positioning himself to milk the UN for billions of dollars through future peace negotiations between his neighbors, South Korea and China, who have a greater interest in a peaceful region and now hold far more weight in the UN," stated Imperato in his October 2006 release.

In a subsequent February 2007 release, Imperato commented that the disarmament agreement was only the beginning to Kim Jong Il's money ploy.

"Here we are giving plenty of aid once again to North Korea. Just like the last deal, the nuke talks will stall and North Korea will continue to position itself to milk international funds helped with the cooperation of [ South Korea's] Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon."

Thus, Imperato suggested that this most recent development between North and South Korea is just part of Kim Jong Il's ploy to receive money for North Korea.

"It was Kim Jong Il's plan all along; this is merely step two. He used his threats of nuclear power to make South Korea and China more powerful nations due to their proximity to North Korea. Now, he is trying to capitalize on South Korea's newfound political importance to cash in," stated Imperato.

Imperato concluded his statements with the following, "I cannot sit around and watch this happen. If you look in my previous releases, you can see that I understand the forces at play here in this situation. North Korea will give the appearance of cooperation but will provide no real cooperation, as they stretch out their international aid program as long as possible. Let's see if North Korea really complies. Let's see if they allow all of the UN weapons inspectors total access to all nuclear facilities. Even then, I wouldn't trust the North Korean government to have secret nuclear facilities that are underground and away from UN oversight."

"Now with North Korea's 'cooperation', the United States has to open up the checkbook for every single half-attempt at diplomacy by North Korea. It's not fair to the American taxpayer. Our government has already wasted billions of dollars, and as an American,, I cannot stand by and watch it waste billions more."

Leading Independent Presidential Candidate on $50 Billion & the Top American Donors

West Palm Beach, FL – March 12, 2007 – Recently, The Slate 60, a list of the 60 top donors in the United States, was released, announcing that the top 60 US Charitable contributions came in at over $50.5 billion.

The figure was up almost $45 million from 2005. To put it in perspective, $50 billion is roughly the GDP of Slovakia and the market capitalization of McDonalds.

Today, the leading independent presidential candidate for 2008, Daniel Imperato, voiced his opinions regarding the recent trend.

"In times where the United States Government could use some support, the wealthiest donors of the United States of America have decided to take advantage of tax-deductible contributions to private charities that are not required to operate on general accounting principals or have government oversight. The people who have made their money in America should look to give back to their country, not just feed their own pocketbooks."

Imperato has been commenting on this issue for many months, including his statement in a December 2006 article where he sated, "Referring to the London Financial Times, December 22, 2006, page 4, "Greenberg charitable fund could top $20bn", the article announced that their fund will provide medical care to impoverished communities in Africa and Asia. First of all, I say that Africa has plenty of funds pertaining to their oil reserves and that the continent of Africa needs to band together to create a fund to support their own impoverished communities. After all, Africa, as a continent, has more natural resources reserves than most. The problem with Africa is that the majority of the leadership and governance is in appropriate and the billions of dollars being stolen from the natural resource sector is the majority cause of the poverty. Their governance needs to be in order."

The London Times article announced Warren Buffet's gift to the Greenberg Charitable Fund in addition to his other tax-deductible contributions which totaled over $43 billion to unregulated 501(c)3 charities which spread the money all over the world, including Asia.

Imperato previously commented in December, "In the Asia-Pacific there is China with $900 billion in cash, natural resources as much as most, a huge growing economy with plenty of cash, should take the responsibility to invest in the Asia-Pacific countries to collectively organize a group of the Asia-Pacific countries to address the impoverished communities." "I, Daniel Imperato, on December 22, 2006 stand up to the American people to say I've had enough. The tax deductible funds are a diversion from the billionaires and the United States of America's income tax payments, allowing tax deductible contributions to go to private foundations under their control without any government scrutiny watching the distribution of funds or guaranteeing that the tax deductible contributions are being spent properly."

Imperato supports a new policy that will put a contribution cap on unregulated 501(c)3 charities. The only charity that will not have such a cap is the Social Security Fund.

"No uncapped contributions should go anywhere else but the Social Security Fund, for the people. Some of these billionaires, who have profited off the backs of the American people, are unjustly taking their money and utilizing it for tax benefits and foreign aid. The United States of America is the world leader in foreign aid, donating billions more than our nearest competitor. It's time that the billionaires of America come to the aid of America, and give back to create a Better America."

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Knight of Bonaria, Humanitarian, and Presidential Candidate Says "Cease-Fire" for a Better World

West Palm Beach, Fl - March 5, 2007 - After President Bush's lack of response for Daniel Imperato's cease-fire request, the 2008 Presidential Candidate rose up today to call on the Sunnis, Shiia, and Kurds to implement a voluntary cease-fire.

"Today I call on the people of Iraq, specifically the Sunnis, Shiia, and Kurds to stand up for what's right. Many lives are being lost and its time that we do something about it," stated Imperato.

When asked why he has been so adamant about his cease-fire request, Imperato pointed to human nature.

"I am a human being. To see other human beings being killed everyday pains me. Sometimes sacrifices are necessary but Iraq is militarily under control. We must cease-fire, return to the bases, and replenish our resources. America has to show that we can be leaders and most importantly, humanitarians."

Imperato is also a Knight for the Orden Bonaria, one of the world's oldest humanitarian organizations, going back to the 13th Century.

Imperato concluded his statements with the following, "For the past year I have been calling for cease-fire. Our administration has ignored the people's call for cease-fire and now its time to take cease-fire directly to the people of Iraq. I am the people's president and I feel that it is my duty to stand up for all of the people, including our soldiers."

Imperato Calls It Again: Democrat Senator Hillary Clinton 501(c)3 Charity Scheme Exposed

West Palm Beach, FL – March 2, 2007 – After calling for reform to the charitable trust industry in America, the Washington Post reported that Hillary Clinton failed to disclose a family charity she operates , with former president Bill Clinton, that has enabled the couple to write off more than US $5 million in taxable income since 2001.

Daniel Imperato, leading Independent Presidential Candidate, called for a reform of the charitable system as early as August of 2006, during a C-SPAN 2 Broadcasted press conference.

He subsequently called for further reform in a December 2006 press release where he said, "I, Daniel Imperato, on December 22, 2006 stand up to the American people to say I've had enough. The tax deductible funds are a diversion from the billionaires and the United States of America's income tax payments, allowing tax deductible contributions to go to private foundations under their control , without any government scrutiny, watching the distribution of funds , or guaranteeing that the tax deductible contributions are being spent properly."

This statement came on the heels of the formation of the Greenberg Charitable Fund where three billionaires (Greenberg, Gates, and Buffet) contributed an estimated $75 billion, for tax-free charitable purposes.

"Whether its Bill Gates, or Hillary Clinton, everyone needs to support the system and support America. The financially wealthy in this country are putting their money into tax write offs with no oversight. While the wealthy are supporting their own charitable trusts to get extra tax write offs they are taking away from the real charity that America should be supporting, Social Security."

Imperato supports putting capped contributions on unregulated charitable trusts and designating the only uncapped charity as the Social Security Fund.

Upon an Internal Revenue Service review, the Clinton Family Foundation gave grants to the following entities: Yale University, where both Hillary and Bill attended law school; groups named for d eceased heads of state in Israel and Jordan; and a charity connected to the Arkansas businessman who helped Hillary Clinton make $100,000 on a commodities trade a decade ago.

Several high-profile US politicians have come under scrutiny for omitting family foundations from their financial disclosure reports, including former Senate majority leader Bill Frist, a Republican, and house Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat.

"The evidence is clear. There are so many people who should be placing their money back into the Social Security System for the people of America. While our elected leaders and billionaires have their retirement, Americans across the country have to deal with an inadequate Social Security system that forces them to work in their old age."

Imperato concluded his statements with the following, "Once again, I have brought to light a problem that has been brewing in the shadows for a long time. I want the American people to know that I have the ability to not only see the problems of this country , but I have the ability to solve the problems. I am a man of facts and solutions. I stand up to the American people to say that when you look at your next president, vote for someone who is about facts and solutions, Vote for Daniel Imperato." (Excerpts from this article were taken from the Melbourne Herald Sun "Hillary Clinton caught on charity tax scheme" February 28, 2007.)

Daniel Imperato, The Next President, Remarks on Pelosi, Larry King, One Trillion in Debt and Calls for Peace Activist Support for Cease Fire

(openPR) - West Palm Beach, FL – March 2, 2007 – After a recent Nancy Pelosi interview on CNN's Larry King Live, 2008 Presidential Candidate , Daniel Imperato, spoke out on the Iraq war, its $400 billion price tag, and his call for cease fire.

"I call on the American people, once again , to accept my potential inaccuracy about the $400 billion price tag for the war in Iraq, that has been paid by our taxpayers. In accordance with the interview that I heard with Nancy Pelosi on Larry King Live, Pelosi stated if America were to stop this war today it would have cost us $1 trillion," said Imperato.

Previous estimates for the cost of the Iraqi war were in the $400 billion range. With the cost of the war rising, Imperato felt the only solution was to call for a cease fire."I believe that the American people must realize that the only quick solution to the problem is to cease fire , and to stop the bloodshed. All of the politicians are talking about withdrawal, but none of them are heeding my call of cease fire."

In addition, Imperato reiterated his position on US taxpayer repayment for the Iraq war. "Please look to my previous press releases about the repayment of money to the US through the Iraqi parliament's considering to divide Iraqi oil revenues by three, when it should be four."

On February 27, after the announcement of Iraq's National Oil Revenue Sharing program, Imperato commented, as before, that America should also be part of a revenue sharing, or oil discount program, to repay the $400 billion debt.

"It is outrageous to think that the American taxpayers are losing money, and soldier's lives. Now the radicals can finance their weapons to kill American soldiers through the utilization of stolen oil , which now is being considered to be split up between three groups, (Sunnis, Shiia, and Kurds) but it has been forgotten that $1 trillion of that belongs, in my opinion, to the USA."

Lastly, Imperato felt the peace activists can help spread the call for a cease fire for the Iraqi Conflict.

"This is an outrage, please America call for a cease fire. Peace activists, support my call for cease fire. I call on all the peace activists worldwide to demonstrate and protest the war in Iraq and to demand a cease fire immediately. We have a duty as Americans to be leaders, and now we must show the world we can be leaders of peace. However to have peace , we need someone to lead the way. I, Daniel Imperato, am here to be the people's president, to lead the way for our country, our peace, and our children."

Following Imperato's Call for Action in the Middle East, King Abdullah Urges US Peace Push

Following Imperato's Call for Action in the Middle East, King Abdullah Urges US Peace Push

New York - March 8, 2007 – Yesterday, during his address, King Abdullah of Jordan told the US Congress that America must throw its weight behind an urgent drive to make peace in the Middle East.

King Abdullah stated, "Nothing can assert America's moral vision more clearly, nothing can reach the world's youth more directly than your leadership in a peace process that delivers results, not next year, not in five years, but this year," he said.

This comes after 2008 Presidential Candidate, Daniel Imperato, urged the people of the Middle East to call for peace and cease fire.

"I want to thank King Abdullah of Jordan, because he told the US Congress, what I know, what you know, and what the rest of the world knows: America must stand up for peace. Our politicians have been too busy bickering with each other to see that there is a real problem in the Middle East and we don't need a solution in five years; we need a solution today."

Imperato felt that by having the King of Jordan stand up for peace, other Middle Eastern leaders will follow.

"The media has portrayed the Middle East as a state of violence and terror. The people of the Middle East are, for the most part peaceful people, and I'm glad that King Abdullah has stood up before the Congress to state that. Now I hope that more leaders from the Middle East step up to the table, to prove that they are for peace."

Imperato concluded his statement with an outline of his strategy, "The outline for peace is clear: cease-fire. We must stick with our cease-fire in Israel and we must institute a cease-fire in Iraq. America needs to stand down, go back to the bases, rebuild and supply our troops, and show strength. The people of the Middle East need to be left to make their peace, with US support, not US infringement. I know that working with the Arab League and the international community, America can once again lead the peace process and help implement a long-term solution in the region."