Speaking truth to power

Today a relatively small group of us had an opportunity to meet with a visiting congressional delegation from back home: Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Max Baucas (D-MT) and our own homeboy Ken Salazar (D-CO). The meeting was held in a conference room near division HQ here on Camp Liberty, and was billed as an opportunity for the Senators to hear the points of view and concerns of the soldiers. there were four tables in the room, and seven soldiers from each state had the opportunity to have lunch and chat with their elected representative. Well... not exactly. Nebraska and Montana had empty seats. Colorado had too many people, so a Major was booted from the guest list, and our own Liz (who flew down from the IZ specifically for this event) was relegated to sitting with the Montana folks, which I think she found more than a little irritating.

Sen. Salazar was about as courteous and amiable as can be, and appeared to be genuinely interested in our perspectives and concerns. At the end, he was the last one to leave the room only after telling the escorting entourage to cool their heels so that he could hear more of what we had to say. Even then, however, time was short and far too much was left unsaid.

I found it a little disconcerting, after all the introductions were made, that the first thing he did was to remind us how unpopular the war was back home, and started quoting polls and percentages. An image flashed through my mind of trying to conduct a war like an American Idol talent contest. "If you support the Surge, call 1-800-(etc.) and press #4. If you support immediate withdrawal, press #5. I'm sorry, Gen. Patraeus, but you will not be joining us on stage next week!" ...what a way to run a war! We were then treated to a brief campaign spiel about all his votes in favor of benefits for military members and veterans. Yippee. Then we had our turn.

A Major from Division HQ spoke eloquently about the strategic importance of the region, the dangers or Iran, and the necessity to do "whatever it takes" to achieve a positive outcome. Senator Salazar leaned into the table. "What if it takes 5 years?" The Major looked him in the eye and repeated, "Whatever it takes."

I elaborated on the question of Iran, and that I felt that discussing the withdrawal of US forces as an end unto itself risks a long-term catastrophe in the region. I told him that, based on my experience, the American public underestimates the "corrosive" nature of Iranian influence. A Lt. Colonel across the table commented that he thought my use of the term "corrosive" was absolutely correct. We all agreed on the strategic need to secure the borders of Iraq; primarily the Iranian, but the Syrian as well.

The meeting wrapped up, and the Senators were swept off to waiting Black Hawks. Later in the evening was a USO sponsored appearance by the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. As I didn't think they would be quite as receptive to my geopolitical criticisms, I decided not to attend. I got a haircut instead.