| Cross-posted at Raising Kaine
On his way to campaign in Fauquier Co. Saturday morning, (Yes, the 1st district stretches from Hampton Roads to Fauquier. It’s ridiculous.) Phil Forgit stopped in Stafford to talk to some local Democrats as we get focused on the upcoming special election on Dec. 11. He answered a lot of questions about where he stands on various issues, (For those who haven’t read Lowell Feld’s exclusive interview with Phil) and told us a little about himself as well. For those of you who haven’t gotten a chance to meet Phil or talk with him, I highly recommend it. I was especially fascinated to hear about his recent experiences in Iraq as a Navy Reservist. He has a first-hand account of what’s going on in that part of the world, and why. pictured above: Phil waits as he is introduced by Ted Hontz before speaking to Democrats from Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Prince William |
Because of his education background, the military sent him to Iraq to train members of the Iraqi Army. When he arrived the place he was assigned to was under American control. By the time he left, it was run entirely by Iraqis. Unfortunately, due to the turnover, he heard that a few months after he left, it was under American control once again. Phil said he was amazed by how ignorant many Americans were of cultural differences between us and them. He says it wasn’t uncommon to see an officer cross his legs and show the underside of his feet to an Iraqi, which is incredibly insulting to them.When Phil Forgit was awarded the NEA Foundation Award in 2005, it included a cash prize. He used that prize to start a company called ForgitFilms LLC. His plan is to one day go back to Iraq, even as a Congressman, and make a documentary about the Iraqi people. The film isn’t intended to be pro-war or anti-war, just to show people a side to the country that hasn’t been seen up until now.
Phil expressed the same sort of disappointment that many have felt about the Democratic Leaders in Congress and their ineffictiveness at changing the course in Iraq. He believes that the Bush administration just wants to wait it out until 2009, and make it someone else’s problem.It goes without saying that sending Phil Forgit to the House of Representatives would send a powerful message to the rest of the country about the state of things here in Virginia. But it would also send a message that, even in the more conservative areas of the country, we want a new direction in the Middle East. We may not have the votes in Congress (yet) to end the war, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t bother to stand up for our convictions and do what’s right. |
Filed under: Local Politics
Forgit for Congress Campaign Manager Dan Kelly is setting up campaign offices at 30 Town and Country Drive, Suite 101, Falmouth, VA 22405. If the address looks familiar, it is: The Forgit campaign has taken over the former Del Toro/Stafford Democratic Committee campaign office.
DIRECTIONS: From the Falmouth light, travel EAST approximately 2.5 miles on Butler Road which turns into White Oak Road. On White Oak, turn right onto Town and Country Drive.
Last night Phil Forgit spoke to the Spotsylvania Democrats. He is a very articulate and well spoken young man on the Iraq War due to his experience there. He also represents educators having most of his experience in the elementary classroom where we need, and it seems he does, engage kids. His stances on abortion (personally Pro-Life) and “illegal aliens” as he calls undocumented workers from Mexico and Central America, do not agree with mine. It sounds as though he is a moderate and his opponent is also. His opponent has the experience having served in the House of Delegates. The election is three weeks from now. The race will be won by the Party who gets their base out to vote. Knock on doors, make unobtrusive phone calls, and/or write the Free Lance-Star and other media outlets.
Do whatever small measure you can do to ensure your Democratic neighbors and friends get to the polls on Tuesday, December 11th. Next November, Phil can run having been a Congressman already from the First Congressional District.