Readers post their comments for Sen. Jack Reed

Tue Sep 12, 8:22 PM ET

This week readers offer comments and questions to Democratic Sen. Jack Reed (news, bio, voting record) of Rhode Island. Thanks to those who have already submitted questions and comments, and thanks to Sen. Reed in advance for taking the time to respond.

A graduate of West Point and a retired Army officer, Sen. Reed is member of the Armed Services committee. He will appear on Yahoo! later this week, responding to select questions and comments.

Sen. Jack Reed

Sen. Reed has faulted the Bush Administration over its conduct of the war in

Iraq, arguing that the U.S. should focus on rebuilding Iraq's economic and political infrastructure.  "We should be employing the developmental assistance equivalent of 'shock and awe,'" he said in a speech earlier this year. He has similarly called for increased focus on rebuilding infrastructure in
Afghanistan. In 2002, Sen. Reed was one of 23 senators to vote against giving
President Bush broad authority to use military force  in Iraq. 

Not surprisingly, comments and questions from Yahoo! readers focused on the war in Iraq, but many other topics were raised as well.  Some highlights follow.

ON IRAQ:

One reader writes: I hear many in the Democratic Party (my party) wondering [about getting out of Iraq] but to date I have not heard a single member of the party suggest any strategy at all. What do you think is a practical way to get out of Iraq?

Another reader asks a related question: On the other hand what solution do you propose for the consequences of pulling out?

And another wonders if a pullout would not echo the effects of the American pullout in Vietnam: If we were to begin withdrawing our troops from Iraq in the near future do you feel that it would be history repeating itself?

One asks:  Would you be in favor of a referendum in Iraq on whether we should stay?

One reader had this to say on the subject: I do not believe Iraq was an immediate threat and that the soul focus should have remained on Afghanistan, however, now that all of that has past, I believe it a huge mistake to leave Iraq right now. Now it does not matter who was right or wrong in this, but that the Iraqi people who are left behind and deserve a good life should be protected and kept from as much violence as possible.

Similarly, another writes: Do you really think that creating a vaccuum by removing our troops at this time will be a good idea at this time with the extremists in Iraq and the surrounding countries waiting eagerly for a chance to take power and control of one of the most valuable oil nations in the world?

Finally, one reader muses about an apparent disconnect between public opinion and action: To what do you attribute the lack of organized, public opposition to the war? ... I think it may be related to the fact that, unlike the Vietnam war, there is presently no military draft, so people don't have to worry about fighting in the war unless they voluntarily sign up with the military. I believe that this may create a sense of apathy such that the reaction is, "I don't agree with the war, but it really doesn't effect my life on a day-to-day basis."

ON THE MILITARY:

One reader writes: As an Army wife and the child of parents who served in the military durring Vietnam, I can say that much has changed and the military has really changed. My father talks about his "11 month cruise" with pride and while I have always been proud of my father's service, I feel it does not compare to the back to back 12-18 month tours our soldiers are deploying for now. I know we signed up for this, and I am not asking for pity, I am simply wondering how much longer the depletion of our armed forces can go on.

A question from another reader concerned about an overburdened military: What can the Democratic Party do to increase our Military strength?

ON FOREIGN POLICY, GENERALLY:

What needs to be done to successfully eliminate anti-Americanism all over the world?

ON IMMIGRATION:

One reader writes: I respect your right to challenge the war in Iraq; it is every American's right. My question, though, is on the domestic front. What are your opinions on the growing illegal Latin population in the US? Do you believe it to be a problem?

Another sums up activity on the boards this way: The feedback you are getting on this forum should make it clear that while there are many serious problems facing our country that need to be fixed, one of the most emotionally charged, that is right up near the top in terms of volatility and urgency, is the illegal immigration issue. By now, you should be getting the message that there are a great many U.S. citizens who are outraged that the present administration and Congress are not clamping down hard on this extremely destructive problem.

ON 9/11 AND TERRORISM

Do you believe that we can effectively address the threat of violence against America and its people without providing more ammunition to the fanatics who will seek to harm us no matter what?

ON RELIGION:

Senator Reed, I am a Democrat but also a conservative Catholic. What decisions have you made with religion being a primary factor?

ON EDUCATION:

What are your views on improving education in general and special education specifically (curriculum, facilities, teacher training, pay, etc.)? Are there any plans in the works to make NCLB easier for school districts and teacher to comply with?

ON THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY:

Why do you think it has been so hard for Democrats to get the majority of the public to listen to them - and why can't the Democratic party seem to come up with an effective response to Republican attacks?

*  *  *  *  * 

We appreciate all thoughtful comments that are submitted. Please feel free to ask more questions about the topics raised or about other things that haven't been discussed. And let us know a little bit about who you are and what is motivating you to raise your voice.

To share your thoughts, questions or ideas with the senator, you can "comment" below, or upload a video. (Learn more about video uploading.) Sen. Jack Reed will respond to questions raised later this week, so be sure to check back.

Remember, please, we value civility on the boards.  We remove objectionable and irrelevant posts, and may delete rapid-fire posts from the same person. (We don't much like all-cap posts, either!)

Next: Sen. Jack Reed responds to Yahoo! readers
Previous: McCain takes on more questions from Yahoo! readers

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Comments

Join the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

1
Hello Senator Reed, and thank you for hearing my comments. I'm from New England, and am concerned about the environment, however, but my main concern right now is the war in Iraq. I believe Donald Rumsfeld should step down. My question is this: who is the right person to lead the defense department? Democrats are calling for his resignation but who would replace him? What instructions would you give the new head of defense? Is there anyone, in your mind, who can bridge the divide between republicans and democrats to lead the effort?
Posted by beaglepundit on Sat, Sep 9, 2006 12:16 PM ET
2
how do we teach our children to settle differences without fighting when war is the solution presented by our leaders
Posted by puresexkitt on Sat, Sep 9, 2006 5:08 PM ET
3
Senator Reed, If the role of Congress, is truly to be a check and balance of ther branches of government, why hasn't Congress done anything to curb the Bush Administration's many violations of American Law, International Law, and human rights? It's truly sad when an entire body becomes indolent and allows an Administration to go uncheck, simply because the majority party happens to be the same as that of the president. What do you think, Senator
Posted by airmax36 on Sun, Sep 10, 2006 4:54 PM ET
4
Senator Reed, I would like to know why a West Point graduate and an Army officer belongs to a party that is so anti-military that the last two times America has had (unfortunately) Democratic Presidents military officers were often insulted, spat at, or refused recognition by White House staffers. This is a party that sent B-52s to Belgrade to kill Serbs who were NOT a threat to American interests, but time and time again refused to terminate Bin Laden when the Democratic President had the chance to do so. This party gave us a President, Carter, whose cowardice and lack of resolve in 1979 when "dealing" with the Ayatollahs is now coming back to haunt us with the spectre of a Nuke-armed Iran - led by a terror advocate. Yet Carter goes abroad and knocks America every chance he gets. This is a party whose last Democratic candidate made Benedict Arnold, hero of Saratoga, really look more like an TRUE American hero. He called people like you war criminals, and yet you nominated him. So tell me, Senator Reed, why do you belong to a party that has NO clear policy to aggressively deal with Islamonazism, except to CUT AND RUN, which I'm certain you also advocate. A Party that has time and time again been wrong on issues critical to the survival of our Republic. Yes, I'm sure you'll bring up a Wesley Clark who ran as a Dem even after initially supporting the President, or maybe a few other sad sacks like Rand Beers, Gray Davis, and Max Cleland, but that's a lame one at best, especially in the Democratic decision to oust Joe Lieberman in favor of gutless Ned. So Senator Reed, again, my question is - how can you justify your being a West Point Graduate in a party that lacks the balls and brains to deal with the greatest threat to America since Hitler and Stalin?
Posted by humblepie_70 on Sun, Sep 10, 2006 5:35 PM ET
5
Sen. Reed: Please try to reply to the topics mentioned by hunblepie_70 in a clear and direct manner. I've been around for seventy years, and I have witnessed you politicians regularly re-phrase questions, go off on tangents more comfortable to you, and present answers to questions which weren't even posed. This tactic is easily recognized by those of us who simply sigh and go back to shucking corn. How about proving me wrong and not squirming away from your responsibility to the public? We'll all be listening.
Posted by pwr4360 on Sun, Sep 10, 2006 5:54 PM ET