http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3634/Congress_Should_Stay_Awake_LongerCongress Should Stay Awake Longer
They Like to Talk, But Should Learn to Listen
By TRACEY CALDWELL Posted 3 hr. 38 min. ago
I stayed up listening to Senators speaking about Iraq all through the night. I realize this filibuster is designed to prevent a vote on what our soldiers should be doing in Iraq, and I do think the Senators shouldn't be afraid to have their position recorded on what course we should take. That is what they are there for---to vote on legislation.
Since the amendment is attached to a defense-spending bill, I sometimes worry about any possible delay in funding for our troops, but still appreciate the Senate devoting so much time to the issue. I heard a number of Senators last night asking: "What's next?" They rightfully worry about the consequences of American withdrawal.
That there will be consequences is of no doubt, but they want to know if we can manage the potential post-occupation crisis with a mission change. They worry Iraq will spiral into a humanitarian crisis, though it seems to me already to be one. They talk about American interests being jeopardized, and how we might protect those interests.
I heard the talk yesterday that they might "surge the surge," adding more troops to Iraq. For military families, that means our soldiers will probably find their deployment extended again, which makes the Senate debate all the more important for us. They are deciding in what role our soldiers will serve. Will they continue in combat roles, or will they move to training, terrorist hunting, and securing American interests?
Senators on both sides used soldiers to make their point--reading moving emails, or talking about funerals they've attended. It is nice to know someone is reading our emails and attending soldiers' funerals. Now if we could just get them to get together and decide something about Iraq.
Watching Senators standing at the podium debating the issue of Iraq, the seats behind them were usually empty. The Levin-Reed amendment was important enough to stop it from coming to a vote, but apparently the war is not important enough for them to stay in the Senate all night searching for common ground. No, they just come in when it is their turn to speak or they need to vote.
Our soldiers often have sleepless nights on the battlefield. They don't they the option of going back to an office. There are no showers, no comforts for their restlessness. Many mothers can't sleep for worrying about their soldiers, or mourning their soldiers. Would it be too much to ask that Congress stay awake, listen to each other, work together until they find a solution for the situation in Iraq?
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