Arizona lawmaker to serve in Iraq

[Barrett808]

Arizona lawmaker to serve in Iraq
By JACQUES BILLEAUD, Associated Press Writer

PHOENIX - An Arizona lawmaker who serves as an intelligence officer in the Army Reserves will begin a five- to six-month tour of duty in Iraq in late August.

Republican Rep. Jonathan Paton, a freshman legislator noted as the top advocate for a new state immigrant smuggling law, said the Army told him Saturday that he was going to Iraq to work in military intelligence.

The 35-year-old Tucson native said he volunteered for the duty last year because he needed to back up his support of the war with action. "You should kind of put your money where you mouth is," he said.

The first lieutenant said he also was inspired by a fellow officer from Arizona who returned home from Iraq to care for her husband after he was wounded by an improvised explosive device. He said he was moved by the drive of the young couple to eventually return to duty.


(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060730/ap_on_re_us/legislator_iraq

[niyad]

1. well, that's ONE. . . .

[Fridays Child]

2. College Republican take note: here is a principled party member.

I disagree with the war but I respect this man for acting in accordance with his beliefs. Unfortunately, our government has failed him just as it has failed every other soldier who believes he or she is doing the right thing in Iraq. Our first duty to the men and women who would lay down their lives for this country is to send them to war only for truly just causes. And more than any other failure, it is this one that makes me believe with all my heart that George Bush belongs in prison.

[OwnedByFerrets]

3. If he actually goes "anywhere" near the action

he will either come back as a Democrat or a b*sh-hater. At the least he will have a new respect for what a catastrophe this occupation is.

[demosincebirth]

6. Army intelligence? maybe rear echelon

[ShockediSay]

4. If they all served over there, they'd be no chickenhawks

Cheney, whaddyasay?

[wakeme2008]

5. this VN Vet can support this Repug...

he is willing to go where most repugs will not.

[Kailassa]

7. Only six months, and in safety in the rear.

He probably got paid $100 000 in advance to be used for propaganda purposes.

[SKKY]

8. Talked the talk, and now he's walking the walk...

...you can't say that about most Republicans. Gotta give this guy the credit he deserves.

[Roy]

9. YEP....

A six month PR tour tucked way out of danger.
I bow down to the brave republican.

Salamie.... Salamie.... BALONEY!!!!

[SKKY]

11. He's an intelligence officer, of course he'll be sitting deep...

...inside the "Green Zone", but that's not the point. He's going, and he's not complaining about it. To me, as a veteran,
that means something.

[Roy]

12. I respect your point...

Intelligence officer or not, it's just that I am not inpressed with anyone who will use a cause without intentions to contribute.
And no, I don't know his intentions, but I do have insight to the MO of those he support.

[keta11]

10. Watch out for him in ten years!! He would be running

for President of the United States based on his "strong foreign policy", "strong on defence" credentials. And all the pundits would be appluading him as a war hero. All based on a six month tour in a stupid war in Eye-raq.

I just love this country!!!

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

13. Shades of "Manchurian Candidate"

I wonder if his Mom is a politician too.

[Javaman]

14. I bet he comes back a Democrat. nt