Reply #24: Here's part of reply that I just got from my Congressman(D) re: Iraq

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

I had written him about a month ago to state my feelings about his recent support for the "surge".



"I reached a conclusion that progress is being made in Iraq, that it would be a mistake to withdraw forces in large numbers immediately, and that we will bear a profound moral burden and strategic threat if our withdrawal resulted in genocide and destabilization of the region. Accordingly, I also believe it would be irresponsible to withhold funding at this time while we have so many troops on the ground in the area."

"Before closing, I want to emphasize two things. First, I have said often that I believe this invasion has been a terrible tragedy and I voted against authorizing it. But the task before us now is the task before us now, and we have to deal with that reality as realistically and responsibly as we can. Political posturing on either side or simplistic slogans will not serve us well in this difficult circumstance.

Second, I want to stress that, in opposing an immediate withdrawal, I am in no way suggesting we should have a large presence for the indefinite future in Iraq . I have voted in Congress against permanent bases, I have helped lead efforts to stop corruption, I have publicly stated that I believe the current Embassy plans, set now to be the largest in the entire world, are a mistake, and I have said repeatedly that we should work vigorously to address diplomatic and political solutions and to seek greater involvement from other nations and multinational institutions such as the United Nations. I also fully recognize that this mission is terribly expensive and, as a member of the House Budget Committee, I have argued since before this war began that we must pay for it now rather than passing the resulting debt on to our children.

To summarize, what I have stated is that given the current positive signs in parts of Iraq, aware that we must begin a gradual withdrawal sometime next year, and recognizing that there is a need for political progress, I believe it makes sense to maintain current levels of forces in Iraq through early next year, with perhaps some withdrawals beginning soon as security conditions permit. This should be followed by larger, gradual reductions in troop strength next year as Iraqi and, hopefully, multinational forces can fill in to sustain the security gains that have been made."

Brian Baird

His response is not going to change what I told him in my letter - that he can kiss my prior support and votes goodbye.