Iraq Survey Group Takes Washington, D.C. by Storm [FReeper Kristinn Leads the Charge!]

Move America Forward & Free Republic ^ | 11/17/2006 | Kristinn Taylor

[Impeach98]

Kristinn Taylor's Iraq Report - On the Homefront

Kristinn Taylor Meeting Iraqi Kurdistan President, Massoud Barzani

Four of the Gold Star parents who went on our trip to Iraq came to Washington, D.C. to report to Congress and the media what we all learned on the trip.

Debra Argel Bastian, John Holley, Joe and Jan Johnson, Move America Forward's John Ubaldi (veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom) and myself held a press conference yesterday morning where we were joined by John Holley's congressman, Rep. Duncan Hunter, the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

Congressman Duncan Hunter, Chairman, Armed Services Committee

Surprisingly, the press conference was well attended by the media. There was a good mix of domestic and foreign news outlets there. We spoke for almost an hour and then conducted individual interviews. If you see any reports on the press conference let us know, we've so far seen this report in the San Diego Union Tribune -- (John Holley's hometown paper.)

After the press conference we piled into a couple taxis and headed off to the studio of G. Gordon Liddy for an interview on his radio show.

G. Gordon Liddy

Debra Argel Bastian, John Holley and Joe Johnson sat around a table with the G-Man for a live interview that aired in the first half of the noon hour eastern time. Gordon Liddy and his staff made us feel right at home. We might be able to get the interview up online in an MP3 format. After that, it was off to Capitol Hill for meetings.

First up was a briefing with Sen. Harry Reid's national security aide.

We spent a good half hour with her telling her about our observations on the situation in Iraq and the families' concerns that their sons' sacrifices, and those of the Iraqis would be squandered by a premature withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. The aide to Sen. Reid gave us a respectful hearing and accepted a copy of the families' report. She sacrificed her lunch hour to accomodate our schedule, which we greatly appreciate.

Then we were off to the other side of the Hill to the House of Representatives where we met first with Rep. Phil Gingrey, the congressmen for the Johnson's Georgia district.

Congressman Phil Gingrey

Rep. Gingrey and the Johnsons know each other well. We spent about twenty minutes briefing him on our trip and findings.

Congressman Steve King

Our next meeting was with Rep. Steve King of Iowa. Rep. King has been a strong supporter of Operation Iraqi Freedom and his support has not wavered--he understands that victory is not an option, it's the only way to prevail in the Global War on Terror. Rep. King spent a good hour listening to the families and asking them questions about the trip and their thoughts on Iraq. He even put off a phone call from N.Y. Gov. Pataki to spend more time with us.

We then went to Rep. Duncan Hunter's office where he invited us to an early dinner at the Capitol Hill Club where we were joined by Rep. Billbray, also from California.

Congressman Brian Bilbray

It was a welcome respite as we had been on the go since morning and had to skip lunch to keep to our scheduled meetings on the Hill. The day was capped off with a trip to the Warner Theater to see a special one-night-only performance by Rush Limbaugh. Rush's affiliate in Washington, WMAL-AM 630, gave the four Gold Star parents complimentary orchestra seats for the show. It was a great way to finish the day. Rush spoke about his visit earlier in the day to Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Fisher House there.

Radio Talk Show Giant, Rush Limbaugh

He was deeply impressed by the high morale and dedication to the mission of the recuperating soldiers. The two hour show ended at 10 p.m. and the families went back to their hotel to rest up for today's business. Rep. Hunter invited them for breakfast and a private tour of the Capitol this morning.

Radio Talk Show Host, Jim Bohannon

Tonight, the Gold Star parents are scheduled to be live in studio on the Jim Bohannon radio show at 10 p.m. Eastern time. They should be on for the full hour. I'd like to once again thank all those who contributed to the Iraq trip. We're working hard to report back to the American people what we saw and learned over there.

More later.....

[jazusamo]

Thanks for posting this great article about the Gold Star parents, Kristinn and the groups trip to Iraq, Impeach. It is wonderful, freema and it shows who genuinely cares on Capitol Hill, Justa.

[W04Man]

BTTT!

[USMCPOP]

My thanks to Kristin and the GS families for making this happen.

[Just A Nobody]

Just a personal note....I am a little disappointed that this thread only has 59 posts.

Yes, quite pathetic isn't it?

[Marmolade]

Thanks, Kristinn, for arranging this trip and sharing the good news with all of us. Look forward to hearing/seeing more about it, in the news.

I know, Iknow, don't hold my breath. I really hope this gets out to everyone.

[Txsleuth]

I have been telling everyone I know about this trip...and the report in this article about the Congressional hearings, and talk shows...

I think it is a HUGH deal...I am so proud of kristinn for this trip..

BUT, I continue to be so proud of you and the others that go to Walter Reed every single week, bad weather or good weather....and I know I am remiss in not letting you all know more often.

Thank you Justa....and all of you that represent FR, you all deserve ALL of our thanks.

[Just A Nobody]

I had the privilege of meeting and discussing this trip with one of the GS parents last week. I was so impressed with him and what he had to say about the Iraqis and their gratefulness to America.

I spoke, via phone, to another yesterday. These parents are defenders of freedom and support the mission 100%, in spite of their loss. I want to see and hear from them 24/7 for the next 30 days, like we did the "other thing" that we are still forced to endure.

Thank you Sleuth for your steadfast support!

[Just A Nobody]

P.S. I SUPPORT YOUR TAGLINE!!!

[RedRover]

Big bump.

[Bob J]

The Washington DC FReepers didn't organize the March for Justice Rally in '98, nor the Judgement Day Rally or House Managers Rally in '99. Nor do they correct this mistaken information when it shows up in Free Republic threads.

This is not meant to take anything away from the good works they have achieved, but for those of us who put our blood, sweat, tears and money into those efforts, it would be nice if someone tried to keep the record straight.

Unless historical accuracy is only expected of people like Kerry and Murtha.

[stand watie]

HI, Bob, (long time, no see!)

did any of us from the DC area say that we did???

i think NOT!

also, a BIG WOO HOO for Kristinn.

free dixie,sw

[stand watie]

bump!

free dixie,sw

[stand watie]

bump!

free dixie,sw

[stand watie]

bump!

free dixie,sw

[kristinn]

Dear Bob,

Please accept my apologies for not immediately jumping on this thread to correct the record. However, I've been kinda busy working with the Gold Star families this week.

Speaking of the Gold Star families, it's rather telling that you would would seek credit for expending "blood" and "tears" for your efforts on a thread about people who have truly given their blood and shed tears of unimaginable anguish. So, by all means, let me give you the recognition you have so richly earned.

[kristinn]

Thank you all for the kind words and support on this historic trip. I was honored to be asked to participate and humbled to be in the presence of the Gold Star families. The strength and courage displayed by them on the trip to Iraq and the trip to D.C. is amazing.

In meetings with government officials, soldiers and everday people they conducted themselves with a dignity and seriousness of purpose that is sorely lacking from the most famous Gold Star mother. Perhaps that is the reason the national media imposed a near total blackout on reporting about them and their trip to Iraq.

This was not a one-off adventure, though. Move America Forward is planning more trips. I'll be visiting Capitol Hill for more meetings after the Thanksgiving break. I'm sure the families who went on the trip will be speaking out also.

We've got plenty of photos to go through. I'll try to get some posted this week. They really help explain why we felt so positive about our trip.

[Incorrigible]

Bob,

Didn't mean to imply that the March for Justice was a DC only event which it obviously wasn't. Watching it on CSPAN is what inspired me to register and not just lurk.

None-the-less, all the White House protests during the Clinton era, the White House correspondents dinners and more recently, the Friday night Code Pink counter protests have certainly put Kristinn, Angelwood, Doctor Raoul and a host of others into the honor roles for selfless activism.

So hats off to all you! I've only particiated in a few NY/NJ events during my tenure here but admire everyone here that has put a face on what would otherwise be a face-less FreeRepublic.

[Registered]

All I know is I've been told my graphics ruin any rallies held in DC.

[AGP]

"All I know is I've been told my graphics ruin any rallies held in DC. "

Now that is certainly not true. Most Freepers consider your graphics the best and have contributed much to the efforts of FR.

[kristinn]

Thank you.