Rep. Josh Mandel headed back to Iraq

David Lay · Post by **David Lay** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 2:34 pm

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2007/07 ... _iraq.html

Lynn Farris · Post by **Lynn Farris** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:39 pm

I may not agree with him on many issues.

But I do admire him for putting his body where is mouth is. How many other politicians that have instigated and prolonged this war have either themselves or seen their children serve. He appears to be a man of his convictions and that is impressive.

Stephen Eisel · Post by **Stephen Eisel** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:55 pm

Lynn Farris wrote:I may not agree with him on many issues.

But I do admire him for putting his body where is mouth is. How many other politicians that have instigated and prolonged this war have either themselves or seen their children serve. He appears to be a man of his convictions and that is impressive.

That is not how it works... We live in a Republic..

Frank Murtaugh · Post by **Frank Murtaugh** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:27 pm

Stephen Eisel wrote:
Lynn Farris wrote:I may not agree with him on many issues.

But I do admire him for putting his body where is mouth is. How many other politicians that have instigated and prolonged this war have either themselves or seen their children serve. He appears to be a man of his convictions and that is impressive.
That is not how it works... We live in a Republic..

Senator Baucus lost his nephew in Iraq. Senator Webb's son carries on the family "Born to Fight" tradition as a Marine in Iraq. Senator McCain's son is an enlisted Marine. Senator Brownback's niece and nephew are Marines. Senator Bond's son is a Marine probably now back in Iraq on his second tour.

Rep. Ros-Lehtinen's step-son and his wife are Marine fighter pilots who have served in Iraq and one may be back there now. Rep. Akin's son is a Marine who survived the Falluja battle. Rep. Hulshof's brother-in-law is an Army Major back from the war. Rep. Joe Wilson's son served in Iraq for one year in the Army. He has two other sons serving. Rep. Duncan Hunter's son fought as a Marine in Fallujah. (USA Today 1-22-07

Lt. General Ray Adierno's son was severely wounded in Iraq. Commanding General Patraeus's son is in ROTC at MIT and likely has a service obligation looming. Many general officers have sons, daughters, and other family members serving - as did family members of Zumwalt, Puller, Pershing, Westmoreland, Krulak, Abrams, and LBJ during the Vietnam era. (I wonder how many media stars have a family stake now. I'm thinking of Howard K. Smith and Jimmy Stewart.)

The Senate may have a higher percentage of family serving than the general population. Some members of Congress are not prone to mention family members in uniform for security reasons and because their family members do not want the appearance of special treatment to arise.

James Webb refers to Vietnam veterans as the "best and brightest" of their generation and notes they have surpassed their non-serving counterparts in every endeavor. Those serving now are not only the best and brightest of their generation, but also are the best trained and equipped ever.

Senator Webb is a highly decorated veteran and author of the classic "Fields of Fire". He is a war critic. Webb said members of Congress should weigh their decisions very carefully whether it is family or constituent flesh and blood on the line. This man bears listening to.

Mike Deneen · Post by **Mike Deneen** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 4:38 pm

Jim Webb is an extremely, extremely impressive man. I wish he were running for president.

Also, a tip of the hat to Rep. Mandel.

Stephen Eisel · Post by **Stephen Eisel** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:36 pm

Michael Moore also brought this same subject up in his movie "Fahrenheit 9-11" . You will note that he did not ask the same question of the Bush Cabinet / admin. I wonder why???? Hint: It did not fit his agenda....

Lynn Farris · Post by **Lynn Farris** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:09 pm

Thank you Frank, that was very enlightening.

I was aware of Senator McCain and Webb's sons. But not of most of the others. I am curious do you know how many of the Senator's whose relatives are in the war want a deadline for withdrawl? The above two are on opposites side and Brownback has said he is for a pre-emptive nuclear strike against Iran in some conditions - as he stated during a debate.

While I am sure that all of the senators who have relatives in the service want to see that they have what they need financial to be safe (as most American's do) but do they want us out?

Thanks

Frank Murtaugh · Post by **Frank Murtaugh** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:39 pm

Sorry Lynn. I don't know where they all stand.

Stephen Eisel · Post by **Stephen Eisel** » Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:46 pm

John Ashcroft also had a son serving in the Middle East... I think that he was in the Navy.