Rep. Eric Massa responds to President Obama's speech on Afghanistan

[elleng]

(video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3dH3F4HzyM

[tomm2thumbs]

1. thanks - after 3 attempts, finally

something or someone was blocking the original file so had to 'adjust' things :)

but thanks!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x409713

[elleng]

2. Yr welcome.

I did post about General Clark; they've been friends since then, General Clark encouraging Massa's various endeavors. Interesting story about how/why Massa left a job he had on the Hill. AND another interesting story about Massa leaving the Nato command.

edit: Massa's 'soft' version:

My career was cut short when I was diagnosed with terminal Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The good news is the Doctors got the prognosis wrong and with Faith, family and friends I was able to find the strength to overcome the odds, and I beat cancer. I stand before you today healthier than I was six years ago. I spent the last part of my military career working as a cancer outreach advocate. I traveled across the country, talking with other cancer patients who were in the same position I had been. It was meeting these people, and talking with them and their families that made me realize, for the first time, how important Healthcare for all Americans really is.

When my Naval career officially ended I retired and returned to Corning New York. I went to work in the Photonics division of Corning Inc. and eventually the automotive environmental division. I joined Corning the day the stock reached its highest point and I rode it all the way down until the company was forced to lay off almost half of its work force. When the tech bubble burst I, and many thousands of other tech workers got wet. My wife and I made the decision to stay in Corning. I was offered a position as a Professional Staff Member to the House Armed Services Committee for the United States Congress, in Washington, DC. I found a way to commute to Washington, and keep my family in our home in Corning, New York.

As a Professional Staff Member I expressed grave concerns to the Republican Party and wrote several dissenting documents about the plans to invade Iraq. When I saw what was happening to our returning Veterans, I again documented my concerns to the Republicans. When my former Commanding Officer and friend, Wes Clark joined the Presidential race, I refused to allow partisan politics to come between myself and my loyalty for my old Boss. I left my position on the House Armed Services Committee over the plans and strategies dealing with the Iraq war and its aftermath and have not looked back since. While I was not on the House Floor when the vote to invade Iraq took place, I voted with my feet by joining the Wesley Clark for President Campaign in New Hampshire.

http://www.homeofheroes.com/vets/bios/massa_eric.html