RPCV Congressman Shays talks about experience in Iraq
Congressman Shays talks about experience in Iraq
(New Haven-WTNH, Apr. 26, 2003 10:00 PM) _ The situation in Iraq is constantly changing.
There is still danger but the focus is on rebuilding.
One Connecticut congressman has some ideas on how that should happen.
Chris Shays was the first congressman to cross the border into Iraq and he did it against the military's wishes and with the help of Westport based Save the Children.
He spoke to us tonight about his journey.
Shays says,"This is as poor a country as I have ever seen."
Connecticut Congressman Christopher Shays is talking about his trip into Iraq, specifically Um Qasr, the only town open to relief agencies.
"Those organizations that get schools operating again, bring medicine in I just didn't see them."
That's because right now the US government is limiting just where aid agencies can go in Iraq, citing security concerns.
Shays says those wanting to help should be allowed to take risks -and go where they're needed.
"They want to talk those risks they should be allowed to take those risks."
In fact the state department advised the former peace corps volunteer turned republican congressman not to cross into Iraq.
Now that he's home, Shays is talking about his trip and how the US must commit to rebuilding Iraq and educating its people.
"I had one gentlemen say we don't know you and you don't know us."
Congressman Shays says he hopes to call for hearings at the capitol to explore ways to get the aid organizations involved sooner.
