and a few others, but this is Maine and he personally signs a lot of the letters (no kidding). What’s on his mind? Let’s let him say it:
“Knowing of your interest in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I wanted to let you know about a new report that provides a good deal of useful information. This report, entitled “The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan and Enhanced Base Security Since 9/11” gives detailed information on the true costs of the middle east military campaigns….
Like you, I have many concerns regarding the war in Iraq. I am concened about the rising number of casualities, the lack of adequate protection for our troops, the choices that have been made in how we went to war and how we waged it, and how the overall cost of the war will affect our economy. Along with many other members of Congress, I have urged President Bush to develop an exit strategy to bring our troops home as soon as possible. That would be the best way to protect them, to help the Iraqi people, and to keep America secure.
If you are interested in viewing this report go to www.house.gov/michaud.
The link appears on the left side under “Features.”…..
So what does this report say that my Congressman wants me to read? In essence, Iraq is a black hole into which the Administration has poured a massive amount of $$$, doesn’t know where a bunch of it went, is constantly adding supplemental funds and doesn’t have much to show for it.
IF these wars had been effective, IF they made us more ‘secure’, IF we were really freeing people…lots of IF’s. IF we took a fraction of this massive $$$ and spent it on medical teams to Pakistan (as shown last night on 60 Mins) if we really made the Peace Corps strong again, if we invested both at home and abroad we could spread truth and freedom the old fashioned way, we’d earn people’s trust instead of killing indiscriminately but hey, you don’t need my rant to know that.
If you go to Cong. Michaud’s site, take a look at his other letter on the budget: You can’t miss it, it’s entitled Budget Deception: Here’s my favorite part…
“The Congress is about to consider a proposal that is one of the worst I have ever seen in my years so far in Congress. This bill cuts a total of $50 billion for assistance to farmers, food assistance for the poor, student loan assistance, Medicaid, conservation funding, and help for people with disabilities. The Senate version of the bill even opens up ANWR to drilling.
The leadership of Congress says that these budget cuts will pay for the costs of rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. That is simply false. In fact, the bill has nothing to do with Katrina. These cuts to programs that are meant to help the poor are being pushed for one reason only: in order to allow $70 billion in new tax cuts, much of which goes to the wealthy. In other words, this bill robs the poor to feed the rich. And that is simply wrong.”
GO Mike GO…Accountability, Responsibility & Justice. Thank you for your efforts. And yes, there hasn’t been a budget vote has there? 🙂
