Skelton on the Surge

I don't have a link, but in my inbox is Rep. Ike Skelton's prepared statement for a House Armed Services Committee hearing at which David Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, is going to give testimony on the GAO's dismal report on the state of things in Iraq. It's nice to see an old bull like Skelton unintimidated by the surge of propaganda. He observes that "When the President announced the surge, it was intended to improve security to create space for political progress" and that hasn't happened. Under the circumstances, he says "It is not clear to me why we should continue to move ahead with this strategy at the cost of American lives and dollars if the Iraqis are not stepping forward."

Meanwhile, Skelton's not representing some kind of hippie district. If he can say it, so can everyone else.

Comments

"If he can say it, so can everyone else."

And they better, if they don't want to get the Brian Baird treatment.

Posted by Fred | September 6, 2007 9:17 AM

I was born in raised in Ike Skelton's district. We share the hometown of Lexington, Missouri, where he is genuinely beloved and admired. He and my grandfather were actually friends. His district is very conservative and overwhelmingly voted for Bush. I have been waiting and hoping for Ike to speak the truth about the Iraq War debacle. His statements should allow other politicians to follow suit.

Posted by anthonyj | September 6, 2007 2:48 PM