IRAQ: Our nation was misled into war

I strongly oppose the War in Iraq but support operations in Afghanistan. Our nation was misled into war by the Bush Administration, with devastating consequences for our international standing; our economy; our ability to invest in domestic priorities like education, healthcare and the environment; the families of the soldiers who have died or been severely wounded and for the Iraqi people. We need to set a firm timetable for withdrawal within a one-year timeframe so that the Iraqi government will make the political steps needed for national reconciliation.

I support the troops and I am concerned about the repeated deployments and lack of equipment. We need to provide the best support and resources to our troops as long as they are there, and after they return home. I voted for an increase in pay for the troops and increases in funding for veterans healthcare benefits. We owe a great debt to all of our veterans; we must keep our promises to them and provide the healthcare and benefits they have earned.