A recent e-mail from my Senator...

[two gun sid]

Dear two gun sid:

In light of your previous correspondence regarding the war in Iraq, I thought you might appreciate knowing of my opening remarks during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on June 23, 2005. The purpose of this hearing was to receive testimony from Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Richard Myers and other military leaders on the U.S. military strategy and operations in Iraq.

I believe the members of our Armed Services and the American people deserve an objective assessment of the situation in Iraq and a clear layout of our next steps. Unfortunately, they are not receiving either from the Bush administration. Since March 2003, more than 1,700 Americans lives have been lost in Iraq. Almost 13,000 Americans have been wounded, and untold numbers of Iraqis have met the same fate. The cost to the American people in dollars is $230 billion and rising. We need to change the current dynamic in Iraq. The status quo is neither static nor acceptable.

We should send a clear message to the Iraqi people that they must reach a political settlement and complete work on a constitution according to the previously established deadline. The United States needs to tell the Iraqis and the world that if that deadline is not met, we will review our position with all options open, including, but not limited to, setting a timetable for withdrawal.

We must demonstrate to the Iraqis that our willingness to bear the burden of providing security has limits. We have opened the door for the Iraqis, but only they can walk through it. We can not hold that door open indefinitely.

My complete remarks can be found on my website at: http://levin.senate.gov/newsroom/release.cfm?id=239380


I don't always agree with Senator Levin but, he has kept me informed of his actions regarding the war and how it is being fought. I can't ask for much more from an elected official.