START: Passage Virtually Assured as 11 Republicans Split Ranks

EVERY former SECSTATE, Repubs and Dems, has endorsed this treaty. Former Republican SECDEFS support this treaty.The first Pres. Bush (who signed the Moscow Treaty, which is the precursor of THIS treaty) supports this treaty. Colin Powell supports this treaty. HENRY freaking KISSINGER supports this treaty. Almost every (respected and reputable) former Republican official supports passing this treaty.

Kissinger, George Schultz, James Baker, Lawrence Eagleburger and Colin Powell ALL wrote a column called Why New START deserves Republican Support, here: http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/10514346/article-Why-New-START-deserves-Republican-support?instance=hs_guest_columnists

The first START treaty was signed by GW Bush. THIS is NEW START -- a continuation of the old START, seeking the same goals.

The ONLY reason Senate Republicans are opposing this VITAL treaty is because the Repub Leader, Mitch McConnell, wants to stop EVERY bill or action proposed by the President or Democratic legislators to deny them any legislative "victories", regardless of whether it compromises the safety of the country.

After reading all of the GOP banter regarding their 'Don't ask, don't tell' angst and how it spells doom for the United States, I can only imagine how much gloom, doom and portents of disaster will be spewed over Start. The 'I hope Obama fails' agenda has failed.....again. Republicans have made their intentions distinctly clear with their responses to these last two significant issues. This GOP is motivated first, foremost and always, not with 'Country First' but rather with politics first. Their shameful behavior has not gone unnoticed and retributions for their Anti-American comments will further establish their greatest fear......an Obama re-election in 2012. The GOP is anti-Latino, anti-gay, anti-unemployed, anti-public education and shamefully pro-banks, pro-mega corporations, pro-health care industry and it continues to look out for their precious 5% of wealthiest Americans above the needs of the American Middle Class. Republicans will do what they did best under W's reign of terror, serve themselves, take care of their own, continue with their divisive ways and forfeit their most positive attributes because of their inherent weakness of believing that they can do anything and get away with it. Republicans are themselves their own worst enemy. That's one thing that we can all count on entering into this New Year and the one thing that Obama will definitely use against them.

The nuclear wild cards are North Korea and Iran. Are they included?...

To point out the truth will get you censored by this author. The preamble restrict missle defense. America if nuked by a rogue nation cannot return the same and can only attack with a conventional war. I would recommend reading this bill to people before decising if it is a good deal for american security. As all truthfull comments that disagree with this author this will never be posted.

This treaty isn't worth the paper it's written on....

Much akin to the recent legislation on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," Senators McCain and Graham are in dire need of reality checks. Both served at one time or another in the Armed Forces and both are keenly aware of the need to ratify the SALT. I can excuse Senator McConnell because he's in a category of his own. As one of the leaders of his party, the first order of business should be about jobs, and securing our nation and allies as well, and not attempting to ensure President Obama serves only "one" term. The senator isn't serving his constituents or the country, but instead his own personal agenda, which is sad.

It's a great day for America !

Russia, our friends, the ones that just gave iran the fuel so their nuke plant could start up! Yes, our "friends"! And now, we just gave them the authority to tell the US when and when we can't use nukes or even defend ourselves against anyone launching a missle against us! Way to go Senators! But we all know that obama has done so much to ensure the US will be safe from terrorists! Remember our borders are more secure now then ever!

We reduce our arsenals while China ramps theirs up.... START is not SMART....
and we are suppose to believe Russia.... good grief!!!

The press has always quoted Lindsey Graham with his "reaching across" to the Democrats. And now....he is enraged with the Democrats over this and that. Funny that he is so upset just as the power is shifting back to the Republicans. Lindsey Graham and John McCain are not and have never been Republicans. Graham is against the START treaty? Please. His staff must have read about the redistricting coming and told him what it says. You want to see some transparently? You can look straight through Lindsey Graham.