Cross posted from SquareState.net

"You are doing WHAT?"

That was my mother's response when I told her my Thanksgiving plans for this year. Our Thanksgiving tradition has always been the coming-together of our whole extended family, including my 89-year old grandmother and my cousins from out of state.

A few weeks ago, I called my mother to tell her my plans this year would be different and that I would not be able to share the holidays with family. Instead, I would be going to Iraq for Thanksgiving. Yes, Iraq. For security reasons, I didn't publicly pre-announce this visit prior to yesterday but I am currently en route to Amman, Jordan and tomorrow will continue on to Bagdhad. As a candidate for US Congress, I can think of no more important way to spend this week than on the ground in Iraq and Jordan.

In addition to providing me with a first-hand perspective on the war, I hope to provide a window on the occupation for my constituents, family, friends, and readers nationally. It's too easy to conveniently "forget" that we are currently occupying a major nation and have lost over 3,000 American lives and many more Iraqi lives.

Since President Bush's poorly planned and even more poorly-executed invasion of Iraq, the Iraq war and occupation has cost us over $456 billion dollars and the lives of over 3,700 of our sons and daughters. It has resulted in a federal budget deficit and has distracted America from our efforts to fight Al-Qaeda and catch Osama Bin Laden.

I will be meeting with Iraqi officials, relief workers, and others as I prepare myself for the responsibility of representing you in the next United States Congress. How we end this war is one of the most critical issues we face for our future, and all members of Congress should take the time and make the effort to learn about the situation firsthand.

I was shocked with how one of my Democratic opponents responded to the announcement of my trip. She actually said that the "trip isn't necessary."
I can't think of anything MORE necessary for someone who aspires to serve our nation that learning first hand what is going on in Iraq. Yes I've read the mainstream press coverage, follow various mil-bloggers and Iraqi bloggers, and have read several books on the subject but nothing compares with firsthand experience and the powerful stories I look forward to hearing and sharing.

My schedule includes three days in Iraq and three days in Jordan where I will meet with Iraqi refugees. I will be able to share the specifics of my schedule after the trip and look forward to posting blog entries from Bagdhad and Amman this next week.

I will be doing a live blogging session from the middle

Wednesday, November 21st, 12:00 noon MST
Log on to www.coloradoconfidential.com

I also will be doing a live call from the middle east and invite you to call in:
Friday, November 23rd, 12:00 noon MST
1-866-447-5149, code 13364, dial 3 to ask a question

I will also post my blogs on my campaign website www.polisforcongress.com as well as other progressive blogs.