in response to these columns in my paper(on the same day!)
http://waxahachiedaily.blogspot.com/2007/09/hutchison-winning-in-iraq.htmlhttp://waxahachiedaily.blogspot.com/2007/09/moving-toward-more-stable-iraq.htmlI appreciate Senator Hutchison and Congressman Barton taking time to update their constituents on the progress we are making in Iraq.As a mother of two boys between 18 and 24(one of whom has been to Iraq 3 times),I have a particular interest in this war.Since both of your columns fell along the same lines,I do have a few questions for both of you..
1.You both insist that Al-Qa eda in Iraq will follow us to the U.S. unless we defeat them over "there".According to the 9/11 Commission and the Pentagon,Al-Qa eda was never a threat in Iraq until we became involved,and that claims against them were false or overblown.The majority of the assassins from the 9/11 attacks were from Saudi Arabia,yet no sanctions have even been placed against their government.Most of our enemies are "insurgents"..Iraqi citizens from both the Sunni and Shiite factions fighting each other,within themselves,and US.
2.The issue regarding the Iraqi government gaining autonomy is laughable.When the Prime Minister tried to cancel Blackwater contracts,there was an immediate response from the State Department to the contrary.Blackwater remains in Iraq.Iraqi citizens have no autonomy over their mineral rights.Billions of dollars worth of construction is being done by private contractors instead of Iraqi citizens,with much of that money squandered by poor oversight and corruption.
3.Finally,the shell game regarding the surge and our troop "withdrawal".The truth is,there has to be a troop withdrawal of that magnitude because it is time for their natural rotation,and,without activating more reserves,there aren't the troops to replace them.Perhaps this is why the 1AD Army Band has been deployed to Iraq in a support role.
I am searching for ways that the two of you support our troops.I sincerely believe you both support them in your hearts.However,when it comes to funding issues for veterans' care,funding for military equipment,or setting timelines for withdrawal,you both vote against your constituency.Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America have given you both low grades when it comes to soldier advocacy.Perhaps,you are doing a disservice to these brave men and women by cherry-picking the evidence to contradict what these troops are experiencing on the ground.Try really talking to them,without the photo-op.You may be surprised.
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