Posted on 06/10/2005 11:17:12 PM PDT by SmithL
Before taking the podium the Marriott in Knoxville on Friday, U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. made his presence known by making his way to every table at the Freedom Fund dinner.
After smiling for pictures with dozens of people at the event hosted by the Knoxville branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Ford put on a serious face to talk about the war in Iraq.
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Ford, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2006, spent his Memorial Day weekend in Iraq.
After that visit, Ford knows the NAACP theme, "The Struggle for Freedom Continues," is one of truth.
"Iraq could use a NAACP chapter," he said.
Ford said the NAACP's foundation of working together for a common goal is the missing link in putting an end to the war.
"Even with our military sacrificing their lives over there, they cannot solve this problem alone," he said.
He said President George Bush is "a good guy. I like him. He just doesn't always get it right."
In visiting Iraq, Ford said Bush has overstated the progress of the military forces. "Restoration of basic services, such as electricity and water, are slow moving," he said.
He said the influence of Iran and Syria sponsoring terrorism in Iraq is on the rise.
"The tensions between the Sunnis and Shiites have not lessened, which is critical in getting a drafted constitution and the credibility and stature of the U.S. still lag in the Middle East," he said.
All points, he said, must be examined, and then a "different strategy - a good idea" must be brought forth to see a change in Iraq.
He said some question why he is running for the U.S. Senate in such a troublesome time, but Ford said, "I believe the Senate will play a role in solving these problems."
It doesn't matter if you are Democratic or a Republican, we all know that "we are the most misunderstood, disliked and disrespected country now," he said.
"It is going to be hard," he continued. "But that is what Americans do - try to resolve hard things. We have to learn what works and discard what doesn't."
Ford said it is vital to re-establish the foundation "that this country was built on: if you work hard and play by the rules, then you can make it."
Well, I am from West Texas!!!
EL PASO for the next few months then it's either back to South America or who knows where.
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