Jim Spiri in Iraq

've asked the question to many, many of the ones here in Iraq that we, the American public sent over here to do a job, "who can fix this place/war in Iraq?" On every occassion that I've ventured into that area of thought, the answer is nearly always the same.
Paraphrased, the answer comes back something like this..."Whomever gets elected, they must see what it is we are doing over here."

Pondering that answer, over and over in my mind I came to realize that the boots on the ground got it exactly right. So, the deeper I thought about it, the more I became burdened to convey my experience to those who are not just listening or viewing or reading what I'm putting out there, but now, to those who are about to hear. Come and see for yourself.

Over the years I've seen them all come and go at various times. You know, those ones that get elected every two, four or six years. They fly in, they do the photo-op thing, they shake lots of hands, they find just the right person that will make them look good on some cover of a magazine, paper, or whatever, and then they do the same thing....leave in a hurry.
I've been there when they step off the planes. I've hurried them onto awaiting vehicles that take them to their particular bubble world of big media lights, cameras and no action. And I've been there too, assisting them back onto their planes for the quick getaway back to the comforts of their plush offices, that we all pay for. And I shook their hands and said "thanks for coming" and then said, "good bye."

It was always around October, when the pollsters were saying a "quickie trip to Iraq will move you up in the polls". For years I've been a witness to this on many occassions. But now, I've got an idea. Let's just see if anyone who is running for President in '08, and by golly, there appears to be quite a few of them, has the integrity to really come and feel the heartbeat of what "the mission" actually is.

If someone is running for President of the USA, and has lots and lots to say about Iraq at the moment, then I say to any and all of those potential contendors, come and walk just one mile in the shoes of those I've walked among. Come and stay on the racks I've slept on among those that have to sleep in much worse than I. Come and eat the food I've eaten among those that don't eat in a fancy, brand new, KBR built chow hall with all the fine amenities of any good resturant stateside. Come and use the hygine facilities that may or may not have toilet paper available, or water for that matter. Bring your own baby wipes, you'll need them. Come and go for a walk in 120-degree heat with 75-lbs of government issued equiptment on your back that the salesmen insist will save lives. And then listen, at the end of the day, to those who are fighting the fight, walking the walk, and not just talking the talk.

Who are you Mr. or Ms. Presidential contender? Where are you? Why have you not come to see those you've sent here to be in harms way? I'm not talking about going to camp Anaconda, the 16-square mile club med garrison. I'm not talking about the "green zone".
I'm talking about where 1/3 of the American casualties were taken up through 2006. I talking about Anbar province. One cannot see this place in a two-hour photo op. Whom among all the contenders currently vying for President of the USA could or would venture out to the streets of Fallujah, where something has been happening for long time now.

Without naming names, I know of some who could handle the challenge. One of them was a POW during the Viet Nam War. Another stood on the rubble where the twin towers fell. Another whose family has hundreds of millions of dollars might capture a view of where some of his tax sheltered investments, could have been utilized. Still another, might not fit it, for in certain zones, very, very few females have ever been seen. And there are others, who are "potential candidates" who as of late have been extremely vocal on Iraq, yet to my knowledge have not seen or experienced what I have been graced with on my journey.

All of them who are contending for the coveted office of President of the USA, have so much "opinion" about Iraq, whether it be from the left or from the right.
But I remember my current commander in chief stating on more than one occassion, "it depends on what the commanders on the ground are saying". So, there it is. I am now personally inviting anyone who is running for or considering running for President of the USA to come to where I've been the past two months. On the ground and in the air with those you've tasked to do a job.

The angle of view from this vantage point will surely be enlightening. Come to where I am before you speak one more word concerning Iraq. Sit and listen to those who have battled for the priveledge to speak, yet have not spoken up, yet. The country needs this.
The voters are screaming for this. And I am now announcing it to all those running for President. We will see who heeds the call. There are a lot of "boots" on the ground that are waiting to see who has the integrity to step up to such a call. My suggestion is make the first stop, Jubail precinct, in Fallujah, Iraq.

Then, and probably only then, will the "voters" really listen to what any potential candidate for President of the USA may have to offer.

Jim Spiri
Fallujah, Iraq