The Virginian-Pilot
©
WASHINGTON
It's not every day that a conservative Republican congresswoman looks to Hollywood for expert testimony on the situation in Iraq.
But U.S. Rep Thelma Drake did just that on Friday. The Norfolk Republican suggested that actress Angelina Jolie be invited to address lawmakers on the plight of up to 4 million Iraqis who've fled their country since the U.S.-led 2003 invasion.
Jolie, recently returned from a trip to Iraq, "has a positive perspective on the current security situation" that "has gone largely unnoticed by the mainstream press," Drake wrote to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton, D-Mo.
Drake's suggestion apparently was prompted by an essay Jolie wrote for Friday's editions of The Washington Post. The actress, a United Nations goodwill ambassador, said U.N. staffers have told her that because of the decrease in violence after last year's American troop surge, "the time is right to scale up... programs" to aid Iraqis displaced by the war.
Lara Battles, a spokeswoman for Skelton, said her boss has not seen Drake's letter. "We certainly take member requests into consideration" when scheduling hearings, Battles added.
Dale Eisman, (703) 913-9872, dale.eisman@pilotonline.com
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post 28
take one down pass it around...
Smarts
Some earlier posters questioned Ms. Jolie's intellect. We all need to question our own. After all, we've got a D+ person as a 2 term president.
This is one of the ironies I was attempting to convey in an earlier post.
Irony not Venting
Some need to further their their reading comprehension skills. I have no problem with Ms. Drake asking MS. Jolie for her opinion. Anyone of average intelligence, possessing 3rd grade reading skills, should be able to realize that fact after reading my earlier post. One should not jump to conclusions on an other's political leanings, either. I have, throughout my lifetime, admired many political moderates and conservatives.
I have disdain for ultra right-wing persons who seem to think "if it's not in the constitution, then it shouldn't be allowed." If thinking of this sort had always been followed, women, would not be able to vote in this nation. I shouldn't even have to mention racial & ethnic minority rights.
Yes, I have disdain for ultra left-wingers also.
So, it' still ironic, that some don't mind following actors or failed businessmen or radio jocks as long as they're conservativ
Ms Jolie & the UN's agenda
To 'gina','don','contractor',and others--I am interested in knowing what your perspective, your 'take' is regarding what I think is an overriding issue--the notion (pernicious, I might add) that the UN is aggressively promoting a development plan designed to (eventually) put the U.S. under UN governance. I mentioned other, related issues as well--for example, The Global Poverty Act sponsored by Barack Obama. As I mentioned in my various blogs, Ms Jolie's insights don't bother me; she's entitled to them, and I welcome her perspectives. It's what's BEHIND her, the agenda promoting her, the organizational structure underwriting her efforts which concerns me. Before anyone writes about it, though, I think it would be wise to Google the subject areas I noted: i.e., Jeffrey Sachs, economist from Columbia Univ., Obama's Global Poverty Act Bill, and The Millennium Development Goa
Hollywood crowd
Twomiler2 titled their post Drake and Jolie then used the space to vent on obvious pent up frustration that had nothing to do with the subject!? What was the point of that? I hope they feel better getting that off their chest.
If Jolie is such an insignificant mindless force who couldn't possible contribute anything why are you so upset about the situation? Perhaps you are worred Drake is on to something here. If you were right, wouldn't it be great to see that play out and prove your point?
Oops, sorry, I forgot the Democratic Liberals are the only ones that have rights to anything "Hollywood". How dare Ms. Drake try to butt in on your territory!
Is that the smell of desperation?
Or, neo-con carcass?
Drake----"She just suggested"
That suggestion of Drakes is a slap in the face of every person and their family that has served in Iraq, every Military Office in Iraq, and the intelligence of everyone who has heard about this request. Jolie can only bring to the table what she is told by Bush/Cheney and Thelma Drake just INSULTED everyone in earshot. To think that Drake would bring in the Hollywood crowd is a sign of her desperation to become re-elected. Drake is as sneaky and conniving as the President she mimics.
Drake & Jolie
It never ceases to amaze me. Right wing conservatives too often disparage the intelligence of entertainers & athletes if they happen to be moderate or liberal politically. Yet, a B list actor, politically conservative, is held in the highest esteem, & served 2 terms as President of the USA. A college flunkout, who's never worked, outside of running his mouth, is held in high regard & his rantings are considered Gospel. This windbag has followers calling themselves "Ditto-Heads", who seem incapable of verbally conveying a legitimate difference of opinion with a liberal with out outrageous insults.
Conservatives need to remember one thing. We have a lifetime D+ student as our President. Please, don't mention his attendance at Yale & Harvard. He got in through the ultimate affirmative action program, legacy. Legacy allowed him to go on the merits of family members.
Note to Ms Rose...
Ma'am--yes, I DO know what I'm talking about. For reference, let me refer you to a bill recently sponsored by no less than Barack Obama, known as the Global Poverty Act (S-2433). It would COMMIT U.S. taxpayers to spend 0.7% of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) on foreign handouts. Look, we already commit over $16B a year in global anti-poverty aid. This bill would commit us to $30B MORE! His bill is also an endorsement of the Millennium Development Goal, adopted by the UN Millennium Assembly and Summit in 2000 (and blessed by Pres.Bill Clinton). By adopting this goal, the UN is granted authority to impose international taxes, which is another way of saying it now would have carte blanc to extort more money from U.S. taxpayers. In addition, the Goal outlines a comprehensive plan designed to put the U.S. under UN governance. I would urge everyone to think carefully before taking advice or elici
Wow, that's some reaction!
From what I read, she just suggested we invite the woman here to speak. The article didn't say get "her expertise", did it? Would it not be interesting to hear a citizen's thoughts on the subject if they had just returned from the area? Not to mention someone who travels the world regularly and would certinly have a better 'world view' than I would, which would make it interesting to me. What is it about that that bothers you so much? Your comments about someone who spends her time trying to help the world instead of nightclubbing or spending time at the poolside are brutal and unjustified. She can afford to sit home. She is not profiting from traveling third world countries. Honestly, I don't think some of you know what you are talking about and it comes across sounding ignorant.