In a Sept. 1 story by Michael J. Mishak, Nevada Republican Rep. Jon Porter said he learned on his recent trip to Iraq that a U.S. withdrawal would cause genocide and $8 - a - gallon gas prices. It seems morally repugnant to equate massive loss of life with cheap gasoline.
In this statement, Rep. Porter confirms what many people who oppose the prolonged occupation of an Iraq torn by civil war have feared all along: American soldiers die at the rate of three per day to preserve access to Iraq's vast oil reserves for American companies. A look at Porter's campaign contributions explains why he chooses corporate special interests over the lives of American soldiers.
And the congressman has done nothing to help reduce American dependence on Middle East ern oil. He voted against bills that would reduce windfall subsidies to oil companies and increase use of alternative energy sources.
The occupation of Iraq is not worth one more life. In this article, the congressman expresses contempt for his constituents who are so anguished about this ongoing tragedy that they endure triple - digit heat outside his district office in an attempt to communicate with him.
During the entire summer recess, he could not find one hour for a town hall meeting to discuss Iraq. If he had attended an Aug. 28 town hall meeting, which I attended, he would have seen the sincere faces and loving hearts of the community he is supposed to represent: faith leaders, nurses, students, educators, seniors, business owners, working families, veterans and parents of soldiers on active duty.
Republicans, Democrats and independents alike shared common goals at the meeting: End this war. Bring the troops home. Properly care for the wounded and veterans.
Teresa Crawford,
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