The Colorado Independent - Latest Comments in Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Truthteller — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 05:15:40 -0000

If you'll look, there were several hard questions asked during the required time that simply were not answered. That is very disappointing. Further, you would think that a serious candidate would take every possible opportunity to answer questions from his/her potential constituents.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Wendy Norris — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:25:57 -0000

the Q&A; was slated for one hour on one day The live Q&A; was advertised broadly in the media, on blogs and here beforehand that Mr. Polis would join us on Wednesday, Nov. 21 from 12-1pm MST.

If you were unable to participate at the appointed time, you missed your opportunity to have your questions asked and answered. To expect Mr. Polis to respond to your questions here -- several days after the fact -- is unreasonable.

I'd invite you to contact him directly or comment on his campaign blog.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Truthteller — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:11:21 -0000

It's been four days since Polis answered any questions here. What are we to conclude from that? Interesting how he disappeared when a few of us readers, and his potential constituents, started asking a few hard questions.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Jared Polis for Congress — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:43:59 -0000

today

From my activies today i can speak better to the issue of the conditions for our military. Over the next few days I will gain more firsthand experience on the the experience of Iraqis.

Our military is much more comfortable than they were at first. I visited a well stocked commisary with members of our military shopping from a broad selection of familiar products. The morale of our military is reasonably high. The morale of iraqi government officials appears lower, they seem overworked and tired.

From members of our military i have talked to who have been here a while, things are much more comfortable for them now. Keep in mind that comfort is a relative thing.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Jared Polis for Congress — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:40:44 -0000

my position as a member of congress i would want to see a plan and timeline for withdrawl before agreeing to a president's request to spend more money. The politics of this is brinksmanship on both sides.

We do need an extremly thoughtful approach to the constructive role we likely need to play for the forseeable future to help rebuild the country and promote regional stability

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Jared Polis for Congress — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:37:46 -0000

ok

I thank our servicemen and servicewomen everytime i see them (well, at least if we're not just passing by).

I am suprised that the role of contractors is even more than i thought. I look forward to discussing this with you when i return.\\

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Cara DeGette — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:35:15 -0000

Mr. Polis What have the members of the Iraqi government that you met with indicated is necessary to rebuild their country? Also, have they indicated whether the level of humanitarian aid is adequate to the problems there?

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Jared Polis for Congress — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:35:14 -0000

incorrect question

The only life I am putting (mildly) at risk is my own. I am here working with and helping to build bridges between the NGOs and the government as well as supporting the mission of the NGOs. my full posts will have more information on these matters.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

IraqWarVeteran — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:33:16 -0000

Shills Is there anyone on this blog today who isn't working for the Polis campaign?

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

CO20002 — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:32:57 -0000

Thanks Jared

I think it's vital for anyone in Congress to visit Iraq and see first hand the effects their decisions will have, both on the Iraqi people and our soldiers; so I wanted to say thanks for taking the initiative to make this trip.

Also I would like to say that reality won't allow a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops anytime soon, simply because of the slim majority in the Senate and the sheer size of our presence. Can you comment on how you'll address these problems once you're elected; especially since you'll be 1 of 435 members of the House?

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Wendy Norris — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:32:52 -0000

please read the comment policy You're getting dangerous close to having your comments deleted if you continue to spam the Q&A.;

You asked your question upthread. Jared is working his way down the list. Be patient.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Jared Polis for Congress — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:32:49 -0000

if If you are truly a veteran, then surely you appreciate that i am making the effort to learn what is going on here on the ground. I hope you agree with me that ALL members of congress must become experts on the most significant foreign policy issue facing our nation: iraq.

I am even more convinced now that we should encourage all our officeholders to see firsthand what is occuring hear and listen to a broad range of voices to help inform their opinions. There are no easy answers, I wish there were but if you served here you know first hand as well that there is no easy and perfect outcome

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

coldinboulder — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:32:45 -0000

Daily Causalities You hear of daily suicide bombs going off (USA reported one today with 6 dead), how do the citizens of Iraq deal with such daily occurrences of death? I would think it would be hard pressed finding an Iraqi that hasn't lost someone close in this conflict.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

neiljackson — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:31:17 -0000

Think harder about who really is endangering the service members. If more members of congress had first hand experience previous to this war, maybe we wouldn't be fighting there now. Or maybe there would be less private contractors raking in the dough, and more international NGO's mediating, resolving conflict, and providing aid.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Jared Polis for Congress — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:29:41 -0000

no No thankfully. Helicopters are the only loud noise i hear periodically.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Wendy Norris — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:29:34 -0000

media coverage Now that you've seen for yourself the conditions in the country and talked to those responsible for leading the nation through the transition, what are your impressions of the US media coverage on day-to-day life in Iraq?

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Coloradobaywatch — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:28:57 -0000

Chill I am sure Polis is not putting anyone in danger and bringing a first hand account can help talk to the voters about what it is really like. People who are voting on the issues need a first hand account. One that is not a FOX or CNN filtered. The war is a mistake but you cannot just form a plan with out seeing things for yourself.

I think it is silly people who have no first hand view are writing plans... like they have any idea.

Kudos for being so brave Mr Polis... Kudos!

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Jared Polis for Congress — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:27:56 -0000

reasons

Being a meaningful part of the efforts to bring Iraqi and Colorado NGOs together is a great opportunity, and I am also learning a lot about the situation here that will lead to more information I can share with people back home.

i have met a number of political leaders today. keep in mind that the political leaders here are mostly supportive of our continued presence because we are currently protecting them from harm and their lives will be more dangerous in the short-term when we leave.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

IraqWarVeteran — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:27:30 -0000

Cute and Light Glad to see you've accomplished nothing there whilst endangering the lives of my fellow soldiers. You clearly didn't need to visit Iraq to talk about anything you've posted today.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Joel Davidow — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:27:13 -0000

Thanks Please relay my thanks and best wishes to our men and women in uniform. When you return, I'll want to ask you what surprised you the most, what were the most important things you learned, and what differences your experiences have made.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

carol neiswonger — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:26:57 -0000

children and women, school and medical care I would also like to hear about the conditions for children, women, the schools and medical care. Are people able to get groceries and clothing? Please find out about our military? As a wife of a 33 year military man, now that they have been there several years, do they have daily access to hot meals, showers, etc. Thank you and take care of yourself. Carol

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Chuckyboy — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:25:57 -0000

Gunfire or bombs in the background Hear any of that from where you are now?

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Jared Polis for Congress — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:25:12 -0000

US

i do not have access to Iraqi military compounds. The Iraqis I am meeting with here are generally officials in the government or running NGOs.

In aMMAN i look forward to getting a more complete picture from refuges who can speak entirely freely

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

janetsalmons — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:23:54 -0000

Colorado soldiers? Will you have a chance to meet with soldiers from Colorado?

I hope you can reassure them that those of us who support redeployment still respect their contribution.

Re: Live Q&A with Jared Polis from Iraq

Jared Polis for Congress — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:23:01 -0000

not so good The power goes out regularly, about 10 mins every hour we are in complete darkness.

Thankfully a kindly member of Iraqi parliment is letting me use her networked computer. her body guard is watching me and i think she went to sleep.