In Thursday's debate, Randy Kuhl's answer to the question about Iraq referenced his trip to Baghdad this Summer. He said that he met with General Casey and learned more about the "very complex" reality over there.
Here's another perspective on VIP visits, from a soldier's letter home published in this week's Time:
Biggest Hassle — High-ranking visitors. More disruptive to work than a rocket attack. VIPs demand briefs and "battlefield" tours (we take them to quiet sections of Fallujah, which is plenty scary for them). Our briefs and commentary seem to have no affect on their preconceived notions of what's going on in Iraq. Their trips allow them to say that they've been to Fallujah, which gives them an unfortunate degree of credibility in perpetuating their fantasies about the insurgency here.
The whole letter is worth reading.
Comments
This is an amazing letter.