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Civilized dialogue on big issue
These are different men from different backgrounds representing different political parties and holding different beliefs. Or so it would appear. They actually have a lot more in common that it first appears. Both are articulate and sincere in their desire to represent their districts, their state and their nation. They are honest with each other and with their constituents. Their basic beliefs aren't really that different. Their ideas on how those beliefs are to be implemented are the things that really separate them and they often aren't as great as first appearances would suggest. I don't want to be critical, but so many local folks see our U.S. representatives- congressmen and senators- as extended state legislators or even souped-up county commissioners. The questions and requests they get often are for the paving of county dirt roads or the four-laning of existing state highways. Someone always wants money for this or that local project.
They are in Washington to deal with issues of national importance and of world importance. I listened to the questions and responses on local issues last week and kept waiting for the big one- the issue that divides these otherwise congenial congressmen, their political parties and the nation but no one asked it until I did. What can be done to hasten a solution to the Iraqi war and the continued loss of U.S. soldiers' lives and the continued expenditure of billions of dollars? I deliberately tried to zig the Democratic and Republican parties in asking my question because I think both are to blame for the continuation of the fiasco. Republicans have blindly followed President Bush over a cliff into a war that should not have been fought. Democrats, now that they are in the legislative majority, are politicking with the issue, doing a lot of talking but not seeking real solutions. Artur and Jo, as I thought, differed greatly on the war. Congressman Davis called it a civil war and said he voted for a measure that would bring the troops home because he thought we have done all that can be done in Iraq. Congressman Bonner said he voted against it because the president is the commander-in-chief and should be making that kind of decision, not the Congress. They differed but their tone was different from that you usually hear coming from Washington. They were not shrill, demeaning or critical of the other's opinion. Davis said, "I absolutely respect the opinions of those who don't agree" with him on the issue. President Bush and Vice President Cheney, Republicans, are quick to equate Democrats and regular citizens who voice opposition to the war unpatriotic. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Democrats, just as selfrighteously condemn the administration and Republicans as warmongers not sensitive to the growing death and debt rates. You didn't hear any self-righteous chest-thumping from Artur Davis and Jo Bonner. Both said the war was a terrible thing and both agreed that it needs to be resolved in the best interest of the U.S., Iraq and the world. Davis said he'd like to see U.S. leaders on opposite sides of the issue sit down in a room to discuss the issue. "Let's see what we agree on. We know what we disagree on." Bonner agreed that real dialogue is needed to find a solution. I wish President Bush, VP Cheney, House Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Reid and all the Democrats, Republicans and others on both sides of this awful issue could have heard my two congressmen quietly and thoughtfully debating the question last week. It might have been an inspiration and encouragement for them to do likewise. We could sure use some calm and sensible discussions of the subject.
Jim Cox is editor and publisher of The Clarke County Democrat.
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