Both of my Senators refuse to go to Iraq

[cali]

They think that Congressional tours are a meaningless sham; a vehicle for potential showboating. They don't believe they can learn anything meaningful there, and that it's a waste of money.

[sendero]

1. I agree with them..

... senators who go to Iraq are going to say the same thing when they get back that they would have said before they went.

Nobody is going to get information, they are going to get credibility for the positions they already hold.

[cali]

2. That's exactly right

it's all pr.

[rpannier]

3. Sadly....they are correct

When they go to Iraq, they speak only to people who say what the administration wants them to hear.

Although LIEbermans and insanes trips spoke volumes, as did the last trip by 3 reps whose plane was fired upon.

[BOSSHOG]

4. There is also the cost and the safety factor to consider

Visiting dignitaries are a logistical nightmare and a generic pain in the ass for those on the ground. If poo-bahs want to see Iraq I suggest they join the Army.

[NNN0LHI]

5. They know how many Iraqis must be killed in the area to make it safe for them to visit

They have a conscience.

Don

[cali]

6. You know,

that's a good point.

[spanone]

7. intelligent senators

both of my stupid republican senators went and came back praising the surge and how well it's working. they are both full of shit.

[cali]

8. Yep, I'm happy

with Leahy and Sanders, and I loved how blunt they were about this.

[Jim__]

9. I understand their position.

Most senators aren't going to change their position due to a visit to Iraq.

However, I do think there is something to be said for understanding that can be obtained from a "boots on the ground" experience. If they actually get to speak to Iraqis; and if they return a few times over the years, they may get a better understanding than someone who hasn't been there.

That said, they will be shown what the military wants them to see, and that limits the value of the experience.

[cali]

11. What Iraqis would they get to speak to?

It's an expensive self-indulgent jaunt. I don't believe their boots ever will touch the real Iraqi ground.

[Forkboy]

10. I don't blame them.

[TwilightGardener]

12. Both of my Senators have gone, and I'm frankly glad they did--

but then, mine are Ben Nelson, who can never be counted on to buck Chimpy when we need him to, and Hagel, who is a "see it with his own eyes" kind of guy--I think going there really did enlighten them both.

[cali]

13. Perhaps you have a point.

I'm lucky that my Senators don't need enlightening, but really, I think most members of Congress who go, simply see what they want to see.