Open forum: Thank you, Congressman Wynn

Using existing funds already allocated, Polk shows how we can withdraw the troops and achieve stability, prosperity and security in Iraq, which astute commanders of special forces had achieved very early in Iraq and Afghanistan, but whose successes were disregarded and dismantled by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. This evidence is documented in a number of other books (by journalists Frank Rich and Tom Ricks and defense strategist Hy Rothstein, to name a few).

Wynn’s responses to questions reflected sound research and thoughtfulness. He acknowledged the problems with ethanol because it still depends on petroleum. He is excited about being a subcommittee chair and taking on the Environmental Protection Agency, including hazardous waste and the Superfund, and plans to hold hearings on problems and recycling opportunities with e-waste (such as computers), which the U.S. currently ships to less developed countries.

Wynn was honest about dissent not only with Republicans but among the Democrats. He supports Rep. John Conyers’ universal health care legislation, which displaces insurance companies — it is inefficient to give money designated for health care to insurance companies that deliver no health care. But he acknowledged the influence of the insurance industry in Congress.

Wynn was critical of his own party for inserting money for Katrina in the upcoming spending appropriations bill for Iraq rather than treating them separately, a tactic the Democrats had criticized the Republicans for, he pointed out.

Thank you, Congressman Wynn, for being so accessible and accountable.

Alyce Ortuzar, Ashton